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Next build is a Mid Optima with the JG (John Gudvangen) LWB conversion kit. The kit was available in both Fibreglass and Graphite. In 1989 the Fibreglass kit was $65 USD, the graphite kit was $129. The chassis is 25.4mm (1 inch) longer than the SWB chassis, with the regular Kyosho LWB chassis being 18mm longer then the SWB.

With the top plate being wider for mounting electrics, JG offered a "Midi" shell with a wider cab. I bought the kit used. The belt that was included was a 254XL, which is for the 18mm longer chassis. I sourced a 260XL belt which I had to cut down to 3mm width. This belt seems to have the correct tension. Longer belt covers were also needed.

I'm trying to keep this build as close to period correct as possible like a club racer would have used it in 1988-1990.

Mocked up gearboxes, belt and modified MK11 Stinger alloy bellcranks.

I've ordered some 5x10x4mm flanged bearings for the bellcranks.

Midi body. Ordered a TBG replacement.

Awesome project! Thanks much for including the RCCA article on it. It's a great time warp to read back when all this was new.

I'm starting into a bit of Frankenbuild that will also need some XL belts cut down in width (10mm to the Kyosho 3mm) You find any great trick to cutting the belt to width?

Look forward to your follow-ups on the build. Cheers, Jer

bajajeremy wrote: ↑Sat Feb 26, 2022 8:29 am You find any great trick to cutting the belt to width?

Just used some calipers and a X-acto knife. I ran the calipers along the belt and scored a slight groove for the knife to follow.

Update on progress. Still waiting on some parts.
Fitted the Stinger MKII alloy bellcranks. Went on with some minor modifications - trimmed the servo arm, flanged bearings, and an inner bearing spacer on top of the bellcrank posts.
I managed to get both front and rear JG shock towers NIP. The turnbuckles are Q-World, they aren't vintage but they look okay, rears in transit. A vintage spur adaptor has been used to fit a RR 48dp spur. I'll need to make some battery hold down straps for the alloy posts. The belt covers are from the JG kit, which are longer than anything made today.

Don't know about wheels and tires, I have a selection to choose from. I have some adaptors to mount Yokomo rims and some new TR31 tires. However, these tires may be too late for this build era (for a club racer) and I think there's something wrong with using Yokomo parts on a Kyosho?
In terms of electrics, I just need the servo which is also in transit. It's a Futaba S9101 which I believe was first produced in late 89'? The wiring on both the T-1X and NER-2X may need replacing, I'll look into this. Rick Hohwart used a similar PP motor at the 89' World's. The motor needs a new endbell and I'll replace the armature with a new 13X2.

All done.

Didn't get the JG rear shock tower, got ripped off on Ebay.

Wow that turned out great!

Awesome!...u need to enter that in June BOTM

Super Rad Homz. U have a BOTY contender i expect it to be entered before december. no exceptions!

What an awesome build! Was the chassis new old stock or something that you rebuilt to original specs?

Also how did you go about cutting the belt width down?