I Salute You.

[Coelacanth]

Beautiful, so far! That's about the only color of Optima I haven't done yet.

[RCveteran]

I have not worked on one of these in 30 years and that was a Turbo Optima Mid Se. These sure are not easy service. Goes together like an erector set and to do one thing involves taking practically all apart. Very cool though in a retro way. Interestingly the red ano kit did not come with the bottom chassis plate. I may just polish it up for contrast.

You mentioned some Schumacher tires might fit the original wheels? I was thinking these from CRP? Anyone confirm before I buy? Or any others that fit original wheels, the original wheels are growing on me. Might even paint them, it won't get much run time.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schumacher-Cat-Others-1-9-2-0-Low-Profiled-Rear-Tires-by-CRP-4232-VINTAGE-/361913784827?hash=item5443be19fb:g:yrkAAOSw32lYsatG

[Coelacanth]

I haven't used those Schumacher tires, but they look like they'd fit. 1.9" - 2" inside diameter, all good. As long as they're between about 35mm to 39mm or so wide, they should fit.

[RCveteran]

Just noticed the original tires 340-30-20 markings on side, same exact as these CRP one. So I ordered them up.

[RCveteran]

Jazrider steering.

[Coelacanth]

20170811_095158.jpg Jazrider steering.

I've seen Jazrider's parts, have a bunch of them in my eBay watch list...they look pretty nice, and the price is right...is that steering crank a drop-in replacement, needing no mods?

Something about the Optima series, with all that aluminum...lends itself so well to a color-anodized resto project! They look as good naked as clothed with a body.

[RCveteran]

I did have to drill out one of the arms as it was just too tight on the steering post. Basically I found a drill bit that was just slightly larger than hole and honed it out. Not a huge feat. So I can't say it was perfect but maybe i was just unlucky. Beyond that for the price it is beautiful and works very nice. It is a drop in and comes assembled.

[RCveteran]

The CRP tires fit wheels perfectly.

[Coelacanth]

If you're looking for some road tires, CustomWorks Street-Trac rear tires also perfectly fit the Turbo Optima 1.9" wheels...use foam inserts, of course--not the stock Turbo Optima plastic inner rings. The outside diameter is less than stock T.O. tires, so you may need to gear up a tooth or two to compensate.

https://www.customworksrc.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=6214

[RCveteran]

Those look great, do they fit the 2.0 American wheels like early Associated/Losi too?

[Coelacanth]

As long as they're about the same width as the Turbo Optima wheels, I think they'd fit 2" wheels too. I'll have to try them on some vintage 2" alloy wheels tonight if I have time, to confirm.

[RCveteran]

Almost there.

[lin6499]

Those red aluminum parts look so cool.

My favourite color.

[RCveteran]

Almost there, waiting on red shock collars from Korea. Last time it ran was 86 or 87 maybe 1991 at latest per my buddy.

[Coelacanth]

It's looking great. If you need a source for red aluminum tie rods or links, 3mm lock nuts (for attaching the shock tops), let me know. I'm interested to see what color scheme you have planned for the paint job...something with red, gold & black, maybe? Got a funky name for your project yet?