frame material
 

1/2''x 3/16'' 16 guage square(rectangle) tube? what are you guys using?

id like to built a hilux 'truggy' with the front half and cab area 'normal' frame material and leaf sprung. the back half(behind the cab) round tube/bed cage and coilover shocks with a link system...

Most people use the 1/2" x 1/2" x1/16" sqare tubing. Once it is heated and bent to the desired shape it is split down the middle with a band saw or cutoff whell making 2 chassis rails. Hope that helps"thumbsup"

I used 1/2" x 1/2" x whatever was at the hardware store for the rails and crossmembers...

looks very scale..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...t/IMG_0168.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...t/IMG_0136.jpg

I used a angle grinder but you could use a dremel to split them
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...t/IMG_0120.jpg

pantablo i know those build pix are old but dayum lookin cool. i wish i had the space and tools

People use the 1/2 square as you only have to bend one to shape then cut in in half, it's simple and very effective and available at most hardware stores.

I made a video on the construction a while back.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...+chassis&hl=en

holly sheeet nice work man. post that on youtube people will love it.

sweet vid love the prymis in the back

thanks for the info, ideas and video!! im gonna use aluminum and tig weld everything including crossmembers and tranny mounts..anyone know of a good source for link brackets and leaf spring hangers out of aluminum?

i wont be bending the frame rails it will be cut and weld(like a matkins CJ frame(1:1 jeep)...i need a good sourse for aluminum tube or solid 1/4 or 3/16'' too. ill be bending this for bumpers and the back half of the frame/cage on a hilux truggy

I use www.Onlinemetals.com

I'd get some c-channel and fab the link mounts. I belive GPM racing sells aluminum versions but they are costly.
http://www.rcmart.com/catalog/rc-tlt...th=595_744_556

my local hardware store has alum tube so I'd look there first if I were you.
"thumbsup"
also check out Chino63's blackfoot scale build. he did the bending like you're describing only out of steel...
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/1-9-scale-rigs/142849-lmc-f-150-a.html

you guys are a BIG help, thanks for the links!!!

I used 1/2" sq alu for both of these, both are bent cold & joined with Alu-Weld. I didn't split the square stock for the rust chassis, but the black chassis was split after bending.

Attachment 82154
Attachment 82155
Attachment 82156
Attachment 82157
Attachment 82158

to make spring mounts, I foud a 4' long piece of 1/4" plywood edging.

it is Al "C" channel that has 1/2" legs, and a 1/4" web.

I cut mine out with a hack saw, then migged them to the ends of a bruiser frame for front leaf mounts.

Tig would be a lot neater, the mig welds look like bubblegum, or your screen name :lol:

Paul---watch out--these things are worse than crack :lol:

When working with aluminum make sure you know what grade your using. Most hardware store stuff is pretty low grade it bends easy from minor impacts. You should be looking for the 6061 T6 grade or better if you have the cash.

4 months dude...seems like an eternity...
I dont have the tools either. that was a friends garage. I do have the angle grinder and a vise so I could make due if I needed to again. I don't have any MAPP gas though.

Good luck. This method makes the most realistic looking (and most rewarding) chassis IMO."thumbsup"

does the cut frame work well with the leaf springs