Just another non boxart Optima

[Nobby]

This is my restored chain driven Optima. I built it from a damaged 1. gen.Optima and a damaged Optima Pro. Everything stock except for ball bearings and aluminum shock collars. The body and decals are repros by Marwan since I couldn’t remove the old paint even with brake fluid. I like the box art paintwork a lot but I decided to do a replica of my 1986 Optima. I modified the livery a bit because I thought I couldn’t do it as bad as back then. I was very impatient and had no good masking tape at that time. Now it turned out better. I fitted a vintage AYK 360 motor in the back. The tires are genuine Sand Supers. I managed to clean both tires and rims from the black paint the previous owner has applied. Can someone tell why people don’t remove tires before they paint rims? By the way: I finished cleaning the tires on the day Marwan introduced his repros . My restored Optima will stay on the shelf for now but someday we will hit the sand together again!!

Before the restauration

My 1986 Optima

[Mr. ED]

Very nicely improved paint / decal scheme.
I hope you can build something nice out of the leftovers aswell.

[Hcp22]

I like that black and yellow paint job!

[Coelacanth]

Nice! Non-box-art gets my vote every time. Once you've seen one, you've seen 'em all.

[shirochanwrx]

Paint scheme is hot. I like the BITD ride inspiration.

Great looking car. Nice work.

[Nobby]

Thanks for your comments guys!

@Mr. ED:I would really like to build another Optima from the left over spares but the Optima Pro was completely worn and the only parts I took off it were the chain guides and -covers . I guess I rather pick up another Optima to start the next build (if my better half allows )

[RedScampi]

Way to goy Nob! Very nice car you've manged to build..er...rebuild. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first Optima tomorrow! Let the wallet open and the fun begin!

[CNA75]

Great paint job! And one very cool looking Optima!

How did you go about doing that painting?

Unfortunately, Eau Rouge is not going to be able to do mine now so I have to start thinking about how I'm going to do it myself....not easy when it comes to the Optima! Any tips most welcome...

[trkneller]

Looks great! I wanted an Optima so bad back in the day. I still think they look fantastic!

[Nobby]

@CNA75
Painting bodyshells in an old school livery with mostly straight lines isn’t a big deal. I drew the basic pattern on the outside of the shell with a Sharpie, masked the windows first followed by the white and yellow areas. I used Tamiya masking tape only. The few curved masking elements are carefully cut directly on the shell with a sharp blade. I firmly pressed down the tape’s edges with the backside of an old paint brush to avoid bleeding of the paint. I used Tamiya spray paints in a rattle can, I’m just too lazy to clean spray guns . I applied a very thin coat of paint at a time and immediately dried it with an old hair dryer ( don’t use the missus’ good one or you will have to sleep on the couch for a looong time ) First I did black, followed by yellow and white. I took about half an hour only. (without the masking work of course) Just give it a try, it’s all about good masking tape and patience.