Turbo Optima build/restore

[j0pp3]

Built this car in February this year but realized I haven't shared it with you guys... Until NOW!



This picture shows how how it looked when it arrived from teh evil bay. A bit dusty but in really great condition.



Nostalgic scan...


Then the build began...

[j0pp3]

[j0pp3]

[j0pp3]

That is all for now folks! I have a new repro body and decals from Marwan but haven't started the painting yet. In the first picture you may have noticed the painted wheels. I replaced them with some Option House chrome wheels. Tires are original OT-66 and does not seem to be used. If you look at the build step where I show the bumpers underneath you can see that this car can't have been run much.

This Optima model was my first real R/C but I sold it back in the days. Lots of memories when building this sample!

[Coelacanth]

I hate to break the bad news to you now after the car's built, but you made a mistake that I myself made the first time I built an Optima--you got the chain direction reversed. The open ends of the links should be pointing outwards relative to the gear-teeth, not inwards. The curved parts should be the leading edges of the links, not the ends...

Won't matter much if this is a shelf-queen, but if I was planning to run it, I'd want to do it right. The English version of the manual specifically mentions to pay attention to the chain link orientation...something that can easily be missed if you're just following diagrams...

[j0pp3]

Wow, you've got eagle eyes mate

Thanks for pointing that out. I actually used an English manual when building it but missed that info anyway. That will be taken care of some day but as you said, no panic as it's a shelf queen

Cheers

[Coelacanth]

LOL I only noticed it because I made that same mistake. Nice job on the restoration.

[RichieRich]

Absolutely beautiful.

[Winger]

Awesome job! Love the Optimas! Need to tear my mid down now, but first the plane and....and...and

[Bormac]

Another incredible build. I actualy like that original shell that came with the car and those wheels painted like that really look cool.

Thanks for inspiring many others with your build threads. Awesome work mate.

[cooltoys]

Great Resto on the turbo optima... I should the one i have going soon....Hopefully it turns out half that nice....