Metal Fume Fabrication - MRC Skunk Tuber

[ecoli]

I'm posting this up to gauge interest in the MRC skunk tuber. After building a prototype and having it tested, I've tweaked the design to come up with a comp legal design that bolts on all the stock parts.

Several people have expressed interest in this frame before, and I haven't forgotten you "thumbsup" I'm catching up on other orders and will be starting to build these very soon. As I said above, just trying to figure out what interest there would be in this chassis.

Price would be $75 shipped in Canada or the US. Price includes chassis, brazed on panel/shock nuts, side plates or bellypan, lexan for panels, primered and painted silver or flat black. Builds for these would likely start near the end of the month.

The bellypan version is in this thread (which also explains the skunk name!):

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140925

The stock component version is below. Note that the bellypan can be made for this one as well. However, you would then need to build your own links/4-link plate.

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If interested, please post up in this thread. I'd also like to know which version you're interested in (stock component or bellypan).

[666]

I like the bellypan one, but you would get more sales off the direct bolt up version.

Only running 4 cells?

[CreepyCrawl]

The TVP version came out really slick! Nicely done "thumbsup"

Mounting the upper tri-link internaly is a great idea as well.

It looks like the plates hang below the skid plate...I would think it beneficial to have them flush with the skid to avoid any hang ups. I could be seeing things though; perhaps a belly shot would clarify?

[akguanja]

chris it looks sweet now i understand what you were saying!

and the side plates your thinking hang down are actually lexan panels covering the a actual side plates... i believe.

i dunno which i like better!

- tre

[run2jeepn]

I also like the belly pan one. It has that Gimbal/p!nk look to it....

[Crawlerguy851]

I like how it pinches in in the middle, makes it look more aggressive . Nice pomegranite.

[ecoli]

I like the bellypan one, but you would get more sales off the direct bolt up version.

Only running 4 cells?

Only 4 cells for now. Seems to have lots of pep still. However, I've got another 2 cells so if I need a bit more wheelspeed, will just solder them onto the pack and mount them on top of the servo or under the hood.

chris it looks sweet now i understand what you were saying!

and the side plates your thinking hang down are actually lexan panels covering the a actual side plates... i believe.

i dunno which i like better!

- tre

Yep. I'll take some shots with the side panel off. The lexan actually is flush with the skid, but I should bolt it up using the lower link mount screws.

I also like the belly pan one. It has that Gimbal/p!nk look to it....

Gimbal's tubers were definitely the source of inspiration for this one. I like the bellypan one better myself too, but I realize that not everyone wants to mess around with making custom links or has the time to do so. The nice thing (I think) about this design is it is essentially identical to the bellypan one. So, if you decide to go with a bellypan/skid/tranny mount in the future, you can easily switch over to it.

And yes, the pomegranate just happened to be handy, the right size, and even the right colour :lol:

[metalry101]

They both look great, but I'm partial to the belly pan one. I need one of those. LMK when you start production and I'll have money on it's way, that is definitely the chassis I want to build my MRC around!

[The Eye]

You better starting building these.... im sure they will go fast.... and 1 will be coming here..."thumbsup" it looks great, as normal........."thumbsup""thumbsup"

[mrpink]

looks awesome. any problems with the shock mounts breaking off in a fall?

p!nK

[akguanja]

looks awesome. any problems with the shock mounts breaking off in a fall?

p!nK

ive rolled mine down a cliff from about 10ft up and didnt manage to hurt it at all. althoe on mine there steel tube mounts and im running the rears inbound the frame...

- tre

[ecoli]

looks awesome. any problems with the shock mounts breaking off in a fall?

p!nK

Thanks, your influence is definitely in there too (along with Gimbal, k9, and probably others :lol:).

I ran my hard today and didn't have any problems with any falls. The shock mounts are protected from the tops by the tubing. Only way I see them breaking off would be a direct hit to the side of the top of the shock. I've built quite a few other tubers with the shock mounting nuts like this and haven't had any reports of any problem. I do want to do some more testing, may even do a few test drops onto the shocks (yes, I'm brutal to my frames to make sure others are happy with theirs!).

A few more pics, including one showing how the lexan covers the bolt on plate:

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The chassis plate is cut out of aluminum (same thickness as stock). To allow clearance for the upper links I had to cut the upper "ears" for mounting to the frame as you see it in the photo. I'm not 100% convinced of the strength in this area, which is why I've added the extra tubing underneath the main frame. If the ears ever snap off, I can simply drill new holes in the chassis plates. Also, having removeable plates means being able to replace them in the future if necessary without having to worry about brazing on new ones. Currently, I'm hand cutting these, but looking to see if I can get them waterjetted for a reasonable price.

Everything gets covered up with the lexan sheeting. I still need to drill some lower holes (at the lower links) to keep the lexan tight to the frame.

Also, a quick video of the skunk tuber in action (sorry for the quality, shot on my picture camera, and trying to drive at the same time!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3ydGX1d0j4

[CreepyCrawl]

Cool, thanks for the additional pics and the vid ecoli, the Skunk is looking good!

[JOOTZ]

thats a great looking chassis, i might be interested with the bolt-on. can the side panels be done in aluminum or are they lexan for a reason ?

[ebbet]

How is all of this coming along? Are you still selling these?

[ecoli]

Starting building these on the side right now. I'm looking to get the side plates waterjetted so trying to source that out currently.

[thunder7845]

I'll take one if you start building them.

[Sonny]

IMHO this is the best looking Tube chassis out there. I am impressed with the thought geared towards function in your design.
I'm running an HR Carbon fiber chassis on one truck and an Aluminum Losi on the other, but I'd seriously consider purchasing one of yours.

[ecoli]

http://i39.tinypic.com/im135y.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/3496nvk.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/oho2kz.jpg

I've got a couple more of these frames ready. $75 shipped gets you the frame primered and painted flat black, lexan for making panels and your choice of either the bellypan or side plate (need to make your own links for the bellypan, side plate version uses all stock components). All M3 hardware on the frame.

Note that the laser cutter is working on the side plates currently and told me it would be this Friday coming up when they should be ready, so there would be a few days delay before I have those ready to send out.

PM me if interested.

[akguanja]

took my 2nd 1st place finish with the skunk yesterday ;D

big ups to ecoli for building such a great platform for building a great handling rig!

[Viperbyte]

Do you still have any of these tube chassis for sale? And can you post a pic with the side plate version? :mrgreen:

[CPM]

I'd also like to know if these are still available, and I'd like to see the side plate version.

[Mutant_Xj]

I just sent a PM inquiring about you chassis. My wife said she'd buy me one for my B-day. So if you still have a belly pan version for sale I'll buy it.

Damien

[mikegigabyte]

Hey ecoli, I just sent you a payment today for a silver skunk chassis. Let me know you got the payment and also when it ships, thanks.

[ecoli]

I just sent a PM inquiring about you chassis. My wife said she'd buy me one for my B-day. So if you still have a belly pan version for sale I'll buy it.

Damien

On its way, you've got the pm with shipping details "thumbsup"

Hey ecoli, I just sent you a payment today for a silver skunk chassis. Let me know you got the payment and also when it ships, thanks.

Got it. Will be out this weekend as discussed in pm "thumbsup" Thanks!

[mikegigabyte]

Thanks for the great communication.

[black92coupe]

howmuch for one of these chassis'?

[mikegigabyte]

Mine just came in today, slapped it together quickly. Only had to shorten my 4 link to fit. And made a run to the hobby store to get longer screws. Need to find better body panel cover screws though. I like the new look with flat roof, if my tires were slightly taller it could drive upside down.Went with the bellypan version, keep it lower to the ground and looks cleaner. Not sure if im going to keep the lexan, may make the panels from thin sheetmetal and keep silver. Havent decided yet. Very tight fit for the electronics, barely got the receiver under the roof.

Of course now its raining so I cant test it outside. Here are some pics.


http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/mikegigabyte/Losi/IMG_0044-1.jpg

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/mikegigabyte/Losi/IMG_0048.jpg

[ecoli]

howmuch for one of these chassis'?

$80 shipped.

Mine just came in today, slapped it together quickly. Only had to shorten my 4 link to fit. And made a run to the hobby store to get longer screws. Need to find better body panel cover screws though. I like the new look with flat roof, if my tires were slightly taller it could drive upside down.Went with the bellypan version, keep it lower to the ground and looks cleaner. Not sure if im going to keep the lexan, may make the panels from thin sheetmetal and keep silver. Havent decided yet. Very tight fit for the electronics, barely got the receiver under the roof.

Of course now its raining so I cant test it outside. Here are some pics.


http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/mikegigabyte/Losi/IMG_0044-1.jpg

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/mikegigabyte/Losi/IMG_0048.jpg

Dang Mike, that's got to be the fastest build ever on rcc :D! Looks great "thumbsup"

[ecoli]

I've got another of these chassis ready to go. Same as the one above, but in black. Includes the frame, bellypan, side plates (if you want to run stock links, shocks, etc.), and lexan for panels.

$70 shipped. I scratched the bellypan on one side when cutting it. After your first run, you'll have scratches worse than this one though :D!

[ecoli]

I've had a few pm's on this, but no takers. Dropped the price a bit more to move it out.

[mikegigabyte]

Pic of my dads, finally got it done.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/mikegigabyte/Losi/Phils%20Trucks/IMG_0073.jpg

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/mikegigabyte/Losi/Phils%20Trucks/IMG_0078.jpg





Newest version of mine, aluminum panels, weighs a hair more then the one above.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/mikegigabyte/Losi/IMG_0012-3.jpg