Help with my first Optima

[bigred86]

Hi guys....I am pretty new to this forum and Kyosho cars. I got this old Optima buggy from a good friend of mine. It had been collecting dust in his fathers basement since the early 90's. I thought it would be a fun car to restore. Unfortunatly I dont know too much about it or what all I need. The car is pretty rough but I want a car I wont feel bad using, Im not looking to build a show piece. I have found a few manuals on the internet but I cant seem to find one in English. Any help with my new project will be greatly appreciated!!! I will try to get some pictures up tonight. Thanks!!

[Coelacanth]

This should help, but you may have to save and/or print each page you need separately:

http://www.retromodelisme.com/manuel_page/42/optima-kyosho.html

[bigred86]

Thank you!! I have been trying to load some pictures on here but I cant seem to figure out how to load them with my iPhone.

[kaiser]

ooo, thanks for that link. printed for future projects....

[bigred86]

I think I finally sorted out how to resize and attach photos. I'm hoping some of you Optima guys can chime in and help me out!! I am really looking forward to doing this little baby back up! Again I am looking for help on main parts I will be needing and where to find them, and ESC and motor options. I would also like to know where I can find a RC screw/fastener kit for the Optima! Thanks guys!!

[Coelacanth]

It's good to see the shock towers both look straight, but the front chin skidplate and bumper U-brace are bent/broken as usual for used Optimas. If any of those red shock spring adjuster collars are intact, that's a bonus...be careful with those. They'll crack if you even fart in their general direction. Other than that, it looks like a pretty decent Optima begging for some TLC, and should restore nicely.

For screw sets, I've used the stainless steel sets from RCScrewz.com and love them, except for the 4 button-head hex screws they use for the front skidplate, which protrude too much. I'd use the original screws for those 4 holes as they have a nice, flat head.

http://www.rcscrewz.com/product_info.php/p/kyo006-kyosho-optima-series-vintage-stainless-steel-screw-kit/products_id/482

I'd say to break that dirty bugger down and get most of the way to rebuilding it before considering electronics.

Good luck with the restoration!

[notarex]

I've found the Duratrax screw sets from Tower Hobbies to be helpful. A 3mm machine, 3mm tapping and 2.6mm machine screw set would get you started. There are also parts from other vehicles that work from TH, specifically the dogbones and ball ends from the ST-15 and outdrives from the Maximum ST. EBay will be your best bet for the gear cover, pinion and other misc parts although it can get pricey if you don't shop smart.

[bigred86]

Thanks Coelacanth! I will look into that screw set! Unfortunately the one shock collar is missing! So they will need to be replaced. I did notice the chain guide was busted and I'm pretty sure I will need to replace the upper plate. It's broken near the front of the chassis. My hunt for parts is on!!

[caesar]

Howdy,

Looking forward to seeing this all cleaned up, as for the shock collars, I replaced a set from pargustore, quality is pretty good.

http://www.pargustore.com/kyosho-red-shock-clamp.html

Cheers
Rob

[klavy69]

there is/was a bunch of part on ebay that you have mentioned. I see them when I search for javelin anyway. Nice shape for what it is and will make for a good restoration but then again...more of a shelf piece than something you are going to wanna run too hard. I see the parts on ebay and find them elsewhere but can by kinda pricey. I'm sure these guys and doing some searching on here you can find the weak points and address them if you are gonna run it too hard

Todd

[Coelacanth]

EBay will be your best bet for the gear cover, pinion and other misc parts although it can get pricey if you don't shop smart.

Indeed, buying individual parts separately from different sellers will nickel-and-dime you to death. When you have access to the B/S/T (Buy/Sell/Trade) section here, and have a clear idea of all the parts you need (make a list), it would probably be more economical to buy groups of parts from the many Kyosho enthusiasts here.

[RichieRich]

Indeed, buying individual parts separately from different sellers will nickel-and-dime you to death. When you have access to the B/S/T (Buy/Sell/Trade) section here, and have a clear idea of all the parts you need (make a list), it would probably be more economical to buy groups of parts from the many Kyosho enthusiasts here.

Excellent point! Make sure you use lube if you deal with Fireboy on ebay.

[bigred86]

Thanks very much guys!! I do have other cars so I will not be running the snot out of this one!! I would just like to use it a bit on nice dry summer days, if we ever get it up here. And ya I will make up a good list once I get it stripped down and post a list on the buy and sell thread, as I do live in Canada so shipping parts from the lower 48 usually ends up costing me twice as much as the item I am buying!!