Build Thread Kyosho Lazer ZX5 rebuild/restore

[Snotbottom]

Part of a marketplace purchase. The front end was damaged, but otherwise in very good shape. Came with all of the original electronics, manuals and body.

Started by testing the electronics, and everything works! Well except for the NiMh batteries... I couldn't get them to take a charge. I might try to cycle them a few times and see if they improve, but more likely going to just toss them.

Next up, the teardown. I started by separating into subassemblies, then I'll work on each one of those separately.

Down to the bare chassis.

I found some broken parts during the teardown, but thankfully they're all part of the same parts kit and I was able to find it on eBay, so it's already on the way.

While I'm waiting, I'll just get things cleaned up and work on the gearboxes. Thankfully they are in great shape. The bearings are still smooth and tight too, so I just added some fresh grease and closed them back up... Well the front one I'll close up once the new housing arrives.

Amain actually had the suspension bushings and shifts in stick, so I ordered and off them as well.

 

[CertifiedMike]

I'm a big Kyosho fan!!! Can't wait to sse what gets built here!!!

 

[Snotbottom]

Finally getting back to this. I've been filling my free time by 3D printing some name tags for the kids in my wife's 4th grade class. She wants to give them away for gifts before they leave on their Christmas break.

I've also been playing with my new Radiomaster MT-12 transmitter, and have it working with everything but the Associated XP-R4 receiver that came in the dirt oval RTR.

Anyway... now back to the Lazer. I've finished up the gearboxes and have them installed. They were in excellent shape, so no worries there.

Then installed the arms on all 4 corners. I installed new rods and pivot balls, since I had them and the old ones were a bit sloppy.

Since I had to replace the front brace, I went ahead and got the aluminum one. It was the same price as the "vintage" plastic one on eBay.

Anyhow, that's where we are now. I should hopefully get some more time to work on this going in to December.

 

[Doom!]

Progress is good. Do what ya can when ya can. Time seems to be elusive when you want it most.

 

[CertifiedMike]

Sooooooo... the pivot balls and rods...
What did you use?
I'm putting together a few old Kyosho. The Optima Mid uses 3X38mm rod, 3x50mm rod and 5.8mm balls.
My cars use the open style ball ends where yours are closed. I also wanted to upgrade to 3.5mm titanium rods.
I like the closed set up like your car has!
What suspension holder is that?
Its a nice bit of shiny hiding under there!
Its not the same as the Mid.
If fact, I JUST got thru sourcing e-clips for the hinge pins. It would be SPECTACULAR to upgrade away from e-clips on those pins!
My intent right now is to go with the Coswork coated hinge pins and shock rods. I'm hoping your build will give me some other options to follow.
I love the build and the car!
Its cool seeing the next progression in design from Kyosho. The gearcases are so similar and so VERY different too!!!
The pics are great!!!

What do you intend to do with the car once its built?
Shelf queen or a track star??? Something else???