Kyosho Slingshot fiber glass project

[j0pp3]

Got a delivery from the US yesterday containing a Kyosho Slingshot. I know it was made for dirt oval racing and doesn't seem to be a very common model and parts aren't that easy to find. At least not compared to Optima Mid parts. Found a scan of the manual in this forum which will help a lot.

Note that I'm not planning for a traditional restore. Instead I'll craft my own parts like chassis, top deck, shock towers etc. I have not seen this model in white fiber glass so I think I'll try that out. Might look kind of unique. May also give it some accent colors.

It came with a locked rear diff and a one-way in front which I think is the stock setup. Short gold shocks (both front and rear) in shape like new (thanks to the protecting body I suppose). Of course it will get a complete tear down and clean up.

Here are a few images showing how it arrived and even some disassembly. The bumper and front mounting posts are not stock parts. I think they are home made. Belts are old and dried out so they might be replaced. Or does anyone know if they can somehow be softened?

[mr. ed]

for the belts: put them in a jar and spray plenty WD40 on them. Keep the jar closed for a couple days.

It's an old trick I think I've heard long ago.
Worth a try, but don't shoot me if it fails: never tried it myself.