Another Optima Mid restore

[CharlieOptima]

Hi There,

Well I thought it was about time that I got my old Optima Mid out of the cupboard. It's been sat there for 24 years and I think now deserves a little TLC.

Overall it's in pretty good condition apart from the usual bumps and scrapes. The aim is to get it restored back to original and get it running again but only for posterity...a sunday toy!

Anyway it's now been stripped down, all the aluminium parts have been sanded and polished, shocks refurbed, and all the running gear and plastic parts have now been de-greased and scrubbed.

I'm now waiting on new parts, front ball diff, bumper, body, decals and set of repro OT-66, new bearings, new drive joints, replacement screws, top deck and one or two other bits.

The only things I'm really missing now is a set of OT-90 but I do have a set of Optima Mid Customer wheels and tyres.

The next decision is what replacement engine, ESC and battery combo.

Anyway I'll keep you posted once the re-build starts.

Have a good day and I look forward to sharing.
Charlie

[sheriff]

These old Mids do seem to be getting more and more popular.

That's a nice project you have there Charlie. Why not use the standard Le Mans 240ST motor you already have? Keep it standard. Also, do the gear diffs need replacing?

The alluminium parts look great, good work. When you said you 'refurbed' the shocks, what did you do with them?

Cheers!

Nick

[CharlieOptima]

Morning,

I tested the Le Mans motor and it still runs but it didn't sound great, I'd like to keep it as part of the package but I think with all the new developments over the years it's more practical to put a new motor and power plant in it and TBH not that expensive...be nice to give the old girl a new boost!

I've actually stripped the front diff and cleaned it all up, I've also replaced the case as I had a spare so really that's A OK. The rear center gear was chewed up, looks like dirt got in so that's being replaced.

As for the shocks I emptied out the old oil and cleaned them up, replacing the internals with parts I had in the box. Again just waiting on fresh shock oil.

[CharlieOptima]

and this a 24 year old chassis plate that used to run up and down a gravel drive after a bit of spit and polish...not bad apart from a couple of scratches and a finger print

[j0pp3]

Can never be too many mids around here Good luck with project, looks like it can turn out really well!

/j0pp3

[Naushad]

From what I understand the Le Mans is a great motor and rebuildable. You could put brushless but I think the drive train won't handle no more than 10.5.

A fee guys on the forums have rebuilt my brushed motor in the past and now they work great!

Of course it's entirely upto you but you've got a great model there so I would keep it to stock spec.