My Optima finally finished

[Rizzo]

G'day guys,
Heres my optima that I just finished. Has a belt drive conversion, new shell (thanks Darryn) I didn't like the driver figure so I used a Tamiya Brat figure with a Tamiya Wild One driver head & Tamiya Pagero wheels.
I also had all the metal bits gold plated, just for a bit of bling to match the aftermarket shocks.
I'm not that happy with the paint scheme & am now sorry I didn't do it box art.
Can't wait to drive it though, action pics to follow
regards
Jak

[Kyosho Fan]

Nice work!

...you really need a gear cover with that stock center gear. Then you can put some grease on the gears for a little longer life.

Oh, and look what I found in my junk box... an original MINT! clutch-pinion type lexan gear cover!

Taking offers!



edit: for Rizzo, I'll throw in a motor plate since you don't have one :p

[Rizzo]

Thanks, I already have one, just didn't put it on for the pics
regards
Jak

[Kyosho Fan]

Oh well, I tried... It'll be on the bay tomorrow at 6:00pm pst.

It is a very sweet build

Was the Optima the Javelin of the first pic?
That Javelin body will fetch good coin if you decide to sell it.

[Rizzo]

Yes , it had a Javelin body but I didn't like it.
I swapped it for the new body & decals
regards
Jak

[shodog]

I think it came out looking nicely although I thinks its a bit sacreligious to use Tamiya wheels on a Kyosho. That optima deserves a set of nice Kyosho wheels

[m2fit4u2]

Yes, very nice build indeed. Good job !

[Diggley]

Your builds are always top notch!

I've personally never been a big fan of the 4 wheel drive buggy look (more truck & Baja type), but your's looks way better than the original stocker. It pulls off a real scale look.

As far as the wheels go...I've been a huge old school Kyosho nut (prior to starting with Associated products) for many years....and you have my blessing.

I love the Tamiya wheels & tires.

Like a clean '68 Mustang Fastback with a set of Torque Thrust's, or a '67 bug with a set of BRM's...sure the wheels are not original, but don't they look way better than stock?

Do the BFG's come with the white lettering or do you have to paint them?

[Rizzo]

Thanks for the comments.
Yes the tyres come with the lettering. I didn't really have many options, the original wheels were shot, I didn't have the original tyres, & I got the Taimiya wheels & tyres for $15 AUS. Plus I like the realism.
I do really like the original Optima wheels & tyres though.
regards
Jak

[HotRodJosh]

Nice build.......
IMO the Optima was one of Kyosho's greatest cars....