Turbo Optima mid SE

[coxbros1]

Old-----New


optima16.JPGoptima15.JPG

Chuck

An alloy counter gear?! Where do I get one?
Already installed Thorp top gears on mine, way nicer than the kit's.

Pargu has a really nice gear....u can score those wheels while your at it

[XLR8]

I'm pretty sure that my Mid runner has a steel idler gear; an ebay purchase that came with that gear. Are those still available anywhere?

[radioactivity]

In my search I couldn't find a steel idler gear.
I think Thorp may have offered a steel idler.
My guess is because the output gear I bought is a Thorp 5021 Hardened Steel Top Counter Gear / OT-86 Upgrade.
The Thorpe is a better gear than the Kyosho in my opinion.
Others may well have offered upgraded gears as well.
From what I have read the idler was a weak point.

And just a quick FYI the aluminum idler(OT85) with the Thorp (OT86) in my gear case is a fairly loose mesh.
Far looser than I would set a pinion/spur combination.

Chuck

[slazzaro]

FWIW, I've owned 3 or 4 Mids and all of them were missing part OPM-9. You can see it here on page 13 of the manual.


OPM-9.JPG



I've never actually seen one but I think it's rubber. It's meant to seal the underside of the belt cover where the belt exits the rear gearbox - directly above the motor. This part never comes up on ebay so I think it's rare.
I've made a rather poor substitute by forming a piece of lexan but it really doesn't work very well.
I'd reckon this part would be a perfect candidate for 3d printing if anyone has access to one they could replicate.

So, I have found the perfect replacement for this little grommet.
Look for P-Clips, those with the steel strip 15mm wide, and use the rubber bit

Then you trim it to suit the dust cover shape and the job is done! It fits perfectly!

[Coelacanth]

Nice little fix there.

[coxbros1]

Totally custom! that experience comes from his stereo install days!

[TheDiamondOne]

Totally custom! that experience comes from his stereo install days!

Derek, that was slazarro, not Charles.

[coxbros1]

yup...my bad...forgot to look at the name☹

[slazzaro]

I actually did install car stereos for a few years.. and was wondering "how does he know??"

[radioactivity]

Going to try and step up my game.
Ordered some anodizing supplies.
Nickle acetate, Caswell dyes, titanium wire, lead and variable power supply.
Only received the nickle acetate so far.

Before I was using a battery charger and Rit dye with varying results.
Going for more consistent results.
Power supply on it's way.

Chuck (Not Charles)

[XLR8]

This should be interesting. I hope you'll keep us updated Chuck.

I have one of the Caswell electroplating kits. I got it 15 or 20 years ago when I started to get serious about restoring vintage motorcycles.
I've used it many times to zinc plate a variety of special fasteners and brackets, etc. - parts that have been discontinued and are too costly to purchase as NOS. It works pretty well but some parts needed to be polished after plating to make them look new again. The right solution temp, current and time can provide great results but it can be tricky to get everything just right. My power supply looks very similar to the one in your photo.

[radioactivity]

Doug

More than willing to take any help.
Just starting my journey.

Chuck

[radioactivity]

Decided to do a little more polishing on the aluminum bits and bobs.
Mostly the edges, they were by far the worst.

Still not quite there yet
Chuck

[coxbros1]

I deleted this cause i thought i was replying to Chuck, lol

[TheDiamondOne]

Chuck is definitely going to win a BOTM if not BOTY...assuming he goes boxart and Le Mans motor

I actually did install car stereos for a few years.. and was wondering "how does he know??"

You installed a stereo in our 98' Chevy dually with Fosgate Punch amps....cant believe u dont remember...we even mowed your yard in C'dale that has a fence in the back yard

Derek, again, slazarro, not Chuck. Damn, cant u read!