Kyosho Optima Build
- markbt73
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Re: Kyosho Optima Build
Looking good! I keep forgetting to look for one of those Sharpies when I'm at a place that might have them. (You know, when you stand up and go in the other room to grab something and then forget what it is you went in there to get?) Thanks for reminding me again.
- keithrc
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Re: Kyosho Optima Build
Haha, I know what you mean about getting the shakes, I'm the same with things like that.
Do you find it any easier with they tyre on or off the wheel? I've ordered some of those pens myself, looks like they work pretty well despite your shaking.
Keith


Keith

NIB Optima! 
NIB Turbo Optima
My threads:
Optima's http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=29477
Mids http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=29489
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NIB Turbo Optima

My threads:
Optima's http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=29477
Mids http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=29489
Lazer's http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=29525
Re: Kyosho Optima Build
The sharpie I used is the oil based paint pen. extra fine tip. It fits isnide the raised letters really nicely. The only problem is the pen bleeds a lot. So take it slow and make a couple coats to get it dark otherwise it will still be dark in the center. The paint flows to the edges.markbt73 wrote:Looking good! I keep forgetting to look for one of those Sharpies when I'm at a place that might have them. (You know, when you stand up and go in the other room to grab something and then forget what it is you went in there to get?) Thanks for reminding me again.
Re: Kyosho Optima Build
Yes they do work well. I didn't notice any difference with it on off of the wheel. It does bleed a lot so don't push down on it. It will go all over and it doesn't come off easily.keithrc wrote:Haha, I know what you mean about getting the shakes, I'm the same with things like that.Do you find it any easier with they tyre on or off the wheel? I've ordered some of those pens myself, looks like they work pretty well despite your shaking.
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Keith
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Re: Kyosho Optima Build
Beautiful!
How did you polish the aluminium parts?
I am in a similar situation myself...

How did you polish the aluminium parts?
I am in a similar situation myself...

- Coelacanth
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Re: Kyosho Optima Build
You can get a nice satin-aluminum finish by wet-sanding all the aluminum parts with 400-grit sandpaper. Of course, don't do this on anodized parts like the gold or red shocks, only on the bare aluminum parts.Wictorsson wrote:Beautiful!
How did you polish the aluminium parts?
If you want a nice, glossy finish, that takes considerably more effort, following up the 400-grit wet-sanding with 600, 800, 1000 and 1500-grit. If you want best results, don't skip any steps. After all the parts are polished, you could apply a bit of automotive wax to give a bit of protection to the raw polished aluminum.
Completed projects: CYANide Onroad Optima | Zebra Gold Optima | Barney Optima | OptiMutt RWD Mid
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3
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Re: Kyosho Optima Build
I also do exactly what Coelacanth said but also go up to 2000 grit paper as a final step and then buff on a buffing wheel with metal polish
Cast parts don't always turn out quite as well or maintain their shine as long but you still get very shiny results
Cast parts don't always turn out quite as well or maintain their shine as long but you still get very shiny results
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Re: Kyosho Optima Build
Thanks for the tips on the wet sanding.
I think I will go for the satin finish on mine.
I think I will go for the satin finish on mine.

Re: Kyosho Optima Build
harbor freight sells scotch brite wheels for your drill. I use these on aluminum to give it the satin brushed polish similar to kyosho factory look.
Re: Kyosho Optima Build
I did sand them progressively with finer grit sandpaper as I went along but ultimately the final polishing was done with some mag & aluminum polish from mothers. It really makes the parts shine. Its amazing stuff.Coelacanth wrote:You can get a nice satin-aluminum finish by wet-sanding all the aluminum parts with 400-grit sandpaper. Of course, don't do this on anodized parts like the gold or red shocks, only on the bare aluminum parts.Wictorsson wrote:Beautiful!
How did you polish the aluminium parts?
If you want a nice, glossy finish, that takes considerably more effort, following up the 400-grit wet-sanding with 600, 800, 1000 and 1500-grit. If you want best results, don't skip any steps. After all the parts are polished, you could apply a bit of automotive wax to give a bit of protection to the raw polished aluminum.

It does take a while but the end result is fantastic!
-Bill
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