Project Lightweight

[lonleycreeper]

So here it is , I am in the planning stages of building a scaleish Trail runner, based on the Proline 73 bronco.
The plan is to build it as light as possible, all my other rigs seem to get rather over weight rather quickly.
This truck is going to be built with a Plastic space frame, to support the body, and give space for an interior. Ax10 axles/trans, divorsed motor, and 2/3 nimh 7 cell batt packs.
The goal is to keep the rig under 5lbs Rtr with 1/10 th scale running gear.I havn't decided on the plastic yet. I have some 1/4" thick lexan I can use, or some cutting board. I have several sets of 1.9 rims to use just need to get some taller tires 4.5"-4.9"vs the 4.2" flatirons I have.
Rough sketch of the chassis.

Let me know what you think...

[Modbug]

Two words:

Do it.

[TrickyRicky]

Sounds like a good idea I seem to have the same problem with wieght

[lonleycreeper]

Thankyou for the support guys...
So I decided on using the lexan, cut out two matching sides, they fit into the body almost perfectly.




Then cut some air into one of the plates, and drilled my holes to cut the other.



Somehow the pic got inverted when transfered to photobucket.

So far I am liking it. Imodded the design a bit heehee.
Let me know guys.

[lonleycreeper]

Put my Xr10 links(101mm) on the axles then hooked up to an scx skid(to keep link geometry) then put it under my body.
Unbelievablely it works out perfect. Imo

Seeing the flatirons under the bronco I just might use them, we will see.
Edit, the 101mm links are 10mm to long. Going to trade slow-go for some 91mm's.

[slow-go]

sweet lookin good

[lonleycreeper]

Originally Posted by slow-go

sweet lookin good

Thanks, I need a trans, axle shaft, and upper links. I will keep the updates coming.
Skid and links...

Got the other plate cut out.

[hibbs]

Everyone loves creativity. I've never made frame rails before. Always been curious about trying it with a cutting board though... I'll be watching your progress. Nice job so far, keep it up.

[lonleycreeper]

Thankyou hibbs, I made a chassis out of cutting board once, it flexed like a wet noodle, needed alot of bracing to make it stiff. It's very easy to work with though.. This one is clear 1/4" polycarbonate aka Lexan. It is alot less flexible, and just as easy to work with.

The 2 plates are going to be for body support, next I an going to make a couple chassis rails with built in shock mounts, then some cross rails, essentialy building a cage out of lexan, I hope I have enough.
The overall shape I want.

[lonleycreeper]

Unfortunetly the last plan didn't work out.... Ended up cutting some basic frame rails befote going to work today.
Now I am trying to decide on shocks, I have 8Wk shocks and 4Duratraxx c c shocks. I am leaning towards the CC shocks though I thing they are only 80mm.
Pics

[lonleycreeper]

I have been playing with linkages today and made some new lowers, set the wheelbase to match the body.

[hibbs]

I'd go for the longer shocks, 80mm is pretty short. It's looking good so far. The bronco bodies always look good. Did you make your custom links bent too? Or just go so straight links?

[lonleycreeper]

Originally Posted by hibbs

I'd go for the longer shocks, 80mm is pretty short. It's looking good so far. The bronco bodies always look good. Did you make your custom links bent too? Or just go so straight links?

Custom links are just some straight ones 4/40 all thread and aluminum tubes. With my rear truss I was able to use all 4 bent links on the rear. Problem now is I am out of rod ends. Put in an order to rpp for some exterior details, straight shafts, rod ends, and a trans. By next weekend I want to have this rig as a roller

[lonleycreeper]

Here is how she is sitting right now.

links, front

Links rear


Is have to make some upper links for the front and then make some shocks mounts.
Let me know what you think.

[lonleycreeper]

Is got every thing but the straight axle today, it is backordered, should be in on friday. Working on shocks mounts, and cross braces.

[lonleycreeper]

Front suspension is complete.


Ride height...

[lonleycreeper]

Rear suspension done. It's very similar to the front.

[slow-go]

lookin good, almost there lol

[pixelnate]

I like the idea of building a lightweight rig. Looking forward to seeing how this thing turns out.

[lonleycreeper]

Thanks guys, changed the rear shocks to some Ae FTGt fronts, set the ride height perfect., now debating on the rims. I have some 0 ofset Hpi 5 spokes and 2sets of Axial beadlocks.