First Optima, the build begins

[Seabass]

Hey guys I just got the Optima I have been looking for. I got it for a decent price. Little more than I wanted to spend but was not totally unreasonable, Much less than what they have be going for on eBay lately. This is the first one I have owned and I remember drooling over these in the Tower catalogues.

The car has the belt drive conversion and came with a few spare parts. Overall I think the car is in decent condition and should be a fine start to what I am looking to do.

I need to get the car tore apart to really access the inners. I have some pretty big plans for the car so stay tuned. Once I get the car apart, I will be cleaning up the aluminum and smoothing out some of the gouges.

It looks like I will be needing the front aluminum peice because I think this one is bent. I am sure some of you guys should be able to tell me any other issues that I am not noticing. Anyway, enjoy the pics. I hope to make some progress very soon.

[RichieRich]

Not bad. Show some pics when you're done. I haven't seen a front end that squished in a while.

[Seabass]

Not bad. Show some pics when you're done. I haven't seen a front end that squished in a while.

I guess the buggy has a bit of character then,

I should be able to find a new nose fairly easily on eBay. I have seen them from time to time.

No problem on the pics.

[Mr. ED]

Pargu has an alloy replacement for that cracked plastic part. It should help keep that skidplate straight too when you get a new one.

[Coelacanth]

I have that plastic part that's broken on yours, and maybe even the aluminum piece that's bent, too. I have the original Optima suspension arms too, in better shape than yours. And it looks like you might need other stuff too. PM me with your needs once you've had a closer look at your Optima.

[Seabass]

Thanks for the sugestions. I am going to machine some stuff for this car including the part that is cracked up front.

Once I figure out what I need I will send you a PM.

Thanks for the help so far on this build.

Jake

[Jay Dub]

Well, I Just finished one optima project and during the project, I was inspired to do another (as a racer) wtih a few mods. One of those mods is to cut off the front end of the aluminum front lower cover (the one that is bent in your pics) and do away with that upper brace all together The one that is broken). The front would then be very similar to an optima mid. You would need to come up with a new bumper sollution, but I think a small bumper similar to a mid would work fine. It would also allow you increased nose clearance for jumps. -Jeff

[Seabass]

Jeff, I have already been running some ideas through my head on this one. I also had the same idea you just mentioned. My initial plan is to mill a new aluminum brace for the bottom to cover the front diff. After that is done, I am going to make a mini bumper out of Kydex that will protect the front. It should turn out really nice.

I saw your blue Optima pics. You did a great job on the buggy.

I will be sending all my aluminum bits off to an anodizer as well, but I plan on using the squar tubing for the build. The radio plate, motor plate, and all other bracing will be another type of material other than aluminum.

That rear motor gaurd is total trash as well on this buggy. I Hope I can make a decent one from Kydex as well. If it doesn't work out, I will be on the hunt for one.

I really hope I can get going on this one very soon.