Hi guys, new to this forum so have patience with me....
I have several Concept 30 nitros and two Concept Electric EP's.
Among others, Heim/Vario and 60 size Kalt Baron.
I stopped flying for family/marriage around 1995.All of my models are Mid 80's to early 90's and I have the bug again!!!!
I have millions of questions to come in the future but for now...
Old Kyosho Concept Ball Links?
They seem to look ok and not cracked or anything. Do they decay/break down over time???
I will strip,clean, rebuild all but not sure whether to trust these dated ball links.
Also, any other things to watch out for during the rebuilds?? Obviuosly the batteries (Nicads) are all dead.So I will be replacing them.
But can I do a straight Lipo replcement or stick with new nicads?
Thanks in advance. Martin.

Lover of all things RC. Divorced as the "wifes" batteries never drained!!!

Welcome back. Your in the same boat as me I stopped in 1997 and got the bug last fall . These members will help you so much !
There is a lot to learn , things have changed more than you can imagin.
I am not sure about the ball links I just went to my Heli room and bent some old kyosho links and they seem fine . Does the head on yours have metal balls or molded plastic ?? You can cut the plastic ones off and bolt in new meats balls and get some new links if your worried . The ones with the large ends I am not sure how to deal with . Good luck

I have the little jig and drill bit to replace the plastic balls with metal if you need it. And yes you can replace the nicads with a 2s lipo but you will need a regulator. I still have some Concept ball links and they too appear fine (not brittle). I am using some on a MyStar 30 I am rebuilding now.

Cobra 46
Yes it has certainly changed. I don't recognize any of the new heli setups.
I did cut off all the plastic balls back in the day on the head and swash for metal balls and all are still fine. It's the ball links I am concerned about!
Had a few go in due to ONE ball link...Don't want a repeat performance..
I remember Vago Nordigan at Sandown park when his Heim Ranger exploded in mid air due to ONE ball link..My heart sank..
And the larger fly bar controls links have greyed a little but it rubbed off with my finger?
Read on here somewhere that people were boiling the plastic?
Does that include things like nylon ball links? Just a thought.

Gmpheli
Thanks for the offer of the jig. I did all mine in the 80's and still seem very strong..

Lover of all things RC. Divorced as the "wifes" batteries never drained!!!

Old Kyosho Concept Ball Links?
They seem to look ok and not cracked or anything. Do they decay/break down over time???

I hate to say it but, in a nutshell, yes they can deteriorate. All plastics can over time. Plastics are a petroleum based derivative and over time the oil that gives plastic its natural lubricity can evaporate. This will eventually leave plastic hard and brittle. Of course, it varies and it's hard to tell depending on the plastic. If your helis/parts have been kept that long in a climate controlled environment and out of the sun, they should be okay. Sun (i.e. UV exposure) is a killer on plastics, rubber, etc. If it were me, I'd replace them anyway just to be sure if you can actually find any or a suitable replacement for the stock links.

I am using some on a MyStar 30 I am rebuilding now.

Nice heli. Mine had some bad days. Notice where the tail belt ended up.

@ HeimD
I will try and replace them just for the sake of it.
BTW, looking at your heli in the boot (trunk)I think things have really changed!!
1. I like the visor open
2. Does the 'S' shape fly bar improve stability? Mine was boring and straight.
3. Those tiny blades are cute, mine are huge.
4. What's the rubber band folded around the main shaft for?
5. Mine have all got BOOMS on the rear with a tail rotor. I prefer yours because it fits in small areas.

Lover of all things RC. Divorced as the "wifes" batteries never drained!!!

Yea I like the TSK's. I have a Blackstar, Blackstar GS (gasser with Tanaka engine), and a Kaiser Ace all waiting to be rebuilt once I eventually retire. The MyStar 30 I am converting to FBL, electric and TT using a Kalt TT, and a 5 Star 30 Tailbox. For the front drive I have an aftermarket unit that was made for the MyStar 60. It bolts right in, but I had to change the drive gear to a 16 tooth. I never have been fond of belt drive tails, especially the older ones.

Silas Kwok has lot of part in his garage if you want to put that TSK together. I sold my like 15 years ago.

Ae

Welcome Back. As some have stated BE SAFE and REPLACE those links. I never trust plastic after sitting for so many years.

Wayne - Fly it like you stole it! You're in good hands with Runryder!