RC10Talk - The Net's Largest Vintage R/C Community

Hi all,

I am interested in getting my old ultima and turbo optima racers up and running again and would like to know what are the best options for current wheels and tires? I tried to search, but "tires" and "wheels" are apparently too generic of search terms

thanks,
Rob

try some tamiya wheels from tower they will fit

Ok thanks. There seems to be lots of options. Which ones are most commonly used by forum members?

There have been a couple threads on the same topic before.
The easiest combo in my opinion is desert gator wheels and team crp front axles with 4 5X11mm bearings. All easy to get on the net.

robf, I'm modernizing a Turbo Optima that I've had since purchasing it new as a normal Optima in the mid-80's, and hopped it up to a T.O. a year or two later. Recently, I was trying to find aftermarket wheels on eBay by doing searches with "Optima" in the search, and was getting NOWHERE. What's important to realize is that all Optimas/Ultimas have 12mm hexagonal drive "washers" (except the fronts on an Ultima). Do a search for "kyosho 12mm" or something, and you'll find DOZENS of aftermarket wheels to choose from! And they're WAY cheaper than original repros!

Check out these 2 wheel sets I just purchased from an Aussie guy...very reasonable price, and shipping was under $23. 2 sets of 4 wheels & tires for under $60...the style options are endless! These ones have a slightly higher diameter than the Turbo Optima wheels & tires, but only by 5mm or so.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390199361414&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390217767587&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

And here's a set I'll buy soon, too...these are gorgeous! Though the seller didn't include size specs or mounting specs, I messaged him and learned that they, too, are 12mm hex drives and similar in size to Turbo Optima wheels.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370408477134

mm, that one set is for touring cars: too narrow and small diameter. Otherwise, indeed: also buggy wheels that use12mm hexes are plenty available

I run these rims. They look cool and are 2.2 inch aswell.

Mr. ED wrote:mm, that one set is for touring cars: too narrow and small diameter. Otherwise, indeed: also buggy wheels that use12mm hexes are plenty available

Ah, that's true Mr. ED. I should mention I'm planning to pick up that set for when I use my on-road bodies. The front wheels & tires of the stock Turbo Optima are too wide, they end up looking silly sticking out past the wheel-wells of my road bodies.