Restoring an Optima Mid SE
#1
Restoring an Optima Mid SE
Picked it up off of ebay a few days ago and went to work yesterday. The threadlock was a bit tricky to remove from the fiberglass upper deck but I was able to get it off without damaging anything. I was able to seal the small foam dust shields for the lower belt cover and the rubber dust shield for the upper belt cover. There are a couple broken parts that I'll have to replace, the biggest being the wing mount which is integrated into the rear gearbox. For now it has been reattached with CA for display purposes but as soon as I find one it will be replaced (I'll probably have to pick up a donor car). A lower shock eyelet on a front shock was broken, this part is also near impossible to find so I ordered a nice set of used shocks off of ebay today (they were pretty proud of them!). I also ordered a replacement body, wing, and decal set (reproductions) and I'll spray them to match the box art.
Overall condition was very good, I'm betting the car was broken soon after assembly and it was shelved. This made for a really nice find. He had the original box, the manuals for the car, radio, charger, and electronic speed control. Tires are in great shape!
Overall condition was very good, I'm betting the car was broken soon after assembly and it was shelved. This made for a really nice find. He had the original box, the manuals for the car, radio, charger, and electronic speed control. Tires are in great shape!
Last edited by madweazl; 02-06-2010 at 02:48 PM.
#2
Very nice! Good luck on getting everything you need for your rebuild.Looks like a real nice start.Love the vintage stuff.Keep it up.Im sure you have heard of it but over on Rc10takk.com they have tons of good info on the throwback stuff.
#3
Tech Master
iTrader: (5)
Picked it up off of ebay a few days ago and went to work yesterday. The threadlock was a bit tricky to remove from the fiberglass upper deck but I was able to get it off without damaging anything. I was able to seal the small foam dust shields for the lower belt cover and the rubber dust shield for the upper belt cover. There are a couple broken parts that I'll have to replace, the biggest being the wing mount which is integrated into the rear gearbox. For now it has been reattached with CA for display purposes but as soon as I find one it will be replaced (I'll probably have to pick up a donor car). A lower shock eyelet on a front shock was broken, this part is also near impossible to find so I ordered a nice set of used shocks off of ebay today (they were pretty proud of them!). I also ordered a replacement body, wing, and decal set (reproductions) and I'll spray them to match the box art.
Overall condition was very good, I'm betting the car was broken soon after assembly and it was shelved. This made for a really nice find. He had the original box, the manuals for the car, radio, charger, and electronic speed control. Tires are in great shape!
Overall condition was very good, I'm betting the car was broken soon after assembly and it was shelved. This made for a really nice find. He had the original box, the manuals for the car, radio, charger, and electronic speed control. Tires are in great shape!
#5
I love the "TURBO" on the box. That word just makes anything better.
Traxxas is still doing stuff like that today with MPH claims.
Very cool car though, good luck with the build and post some pics when it is finished.
Traxxas is still doing stuff like that today with MPH claims.
Very cool car though, good luck with the build and post some pics when it is finished.
#7
Tech Rookie
Great stuff. I'm only just getting back into the hobby after a near 20 year hiatus, and just won a Turbo Optima Mid SE (gotta love that name! ) on the Bay. Pics to come later.
Really enjoyed your restoration pics - I wish I had your skills and patience.
I lusted after one of these so bad as a kid - can't wait to get it going!
Really enjoyed your restoration pics - I wish I had your skills and patience.
I lusted after one of these so bad as a kid - can't wait to get it going!
#12
Just picked this up does anyone know what it is ...its a chain driven 4wd...i think ayk radiant but i checked and its not
#15
Thanks for the info guys!