My Kyosho Rock Force "Custom Tube Chassis"

[John]

Just a little project I've been working on for awhile. The name of the chassis is the "Gila" (hē'lə). It is a direct bolt up to the new Kyosho Rock Force. I am working with the RCP Crawlers factory to mass produce the chassis, so the construction will be the same high quality as the current RCP Crawler chassis' on the market. I am also working on a new skid and some additions to the chassis to work as a direct bolt up to the AX10 components as well.

I have a second chassis that I am working on that incorporates a TVP base that is welded to the top portion of the "Gila" tube chassis. I will post of pics of that design shortly.

Jason from RCC will be doing a build thread shortly, so I decided to hold off posting pics of the stock Rock Force chassis and build. If you want any specific close up pics of components of the Rock Force or details, let me know and I will post them here.

I am installing the rear disconnect option parts tomorrow as well as the high speed gears. I will be heading down to RCP Crawlers this week for some substantial testing. Noel and Brian will be testing some different motors and shock set ups. They will also be testing the Rock Force tires against some of the other brands. RCP Crawlers or I will post up the results soon.

I made two hoods for this truck. One that is small and light for competition and the second more scale like and that replicates the original Rock Force lexan body design. I may include both designs in lexan with the "Gila" chassis kit. I am using a small 8 cell pack that fits nicely under the hood. It is almost the same height as if they were sitting on the front axle. There is room to install the batteries here as the 3rd link mounts to the oposite side. The speed control and receiver go on the back deck of the chassis. There is room on the back deck to recess them down about 1/4" just on top of the rear links.

The chassis design is patent pending. (Integy :wink:)


I hope you like!




http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3050/rockforcegila1yb4.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2102/rf1mf4.jpg

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5774/rockforcegila2zw1.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2498/rockforcegila3xz1.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5681/rockforcegila4fl6.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7995/rockforcegila5zd8.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/8626/rockforcegila6cr9.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/184/rockforcegila7ib9.jpg

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/2306/rockforcegila8gg8.jpg

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2710/rf2sq1.jpg

[Jeepial]

Man that thing looks awesome!!!"thumbsup"

[Reflection]

"thumbsup"

DEAD SEXY!

I like the design,VERY clean IMO..

The axles got more clearance than most axles.....plus they are allot stronger....STOCK.

[John]

"thumbsup"

DEAD SEXY!

I like the design,VERY clean IMO..

The axles got more clearance than most axles.....plus they are allot stronger....STOCK.

Yes, I agree. I don't think an axle or driveshaft upgrade is needed. Should hold up just fine. With most of the gear reduction at the axle, there should be a lot less stress on the driveshafts. Everything on this truck is heavy duty Kyosho quality.

I will post some pics of the individual components later this evening.

[goobs]

does it look like there might be room for a 4-link upfront?
cuz if the back can have a servo for dig i would assume that the front can be done the same way.

[dezmoon]

dang,,thats sick looking...have you tested the rig in stock form ???if so how did it handle...second how does it work with the tuber chassis,,whats the weight diference between stock and your design,,my rigg will be in my hands this friday,and im really into the tube design youve made,,maybe an upgrade im interested in

[Reflection]

does it look like there might be room for a 4-link upfront?

It's possible. Sticking with the 3 link is a better option IMHO.

[yarddog35]

Oh man that chassis looks sweet!"thumbsup" The first time I saw the Rock Force I thought wow thats one ugly rig, but with the worm drive and beefy everything it started looking better. With this chassis it is down right SICK, nice work. I also read the short review in RCCA, Kevin said "the steering linkage hung up a few times while crawling". Have you had that issue?

Btw did I mention that chassis is SICK!

[HiloDB1]

Nice!! Now my only question is where can I get those axles and when can I get that chassis "thumbsup"

[John]

Nice!! Now my only question is where can I get those axles and when can I get that chassis "thumbsup"

Kyosho is coming out with an axle kit. All pieces in one bag. For now they do have in stock the components to make axles.

[John]

Oh man that chassis looks sweet!"thumbsup" The first time I saw the Rock Force I thought wow thats one ugly rig, but with the worm drive and beefy everything it started looking better. With this chassis it is down right SICK, nice work. I also read the short review in RCCA, Kevin said "the steering linkage hung up a few times while crawling". Have you had that issue?

Btw did I mention that chassis is SICK!

No issues yet. I will be moving the steering linkage above the knuckles. Kyosho has it set up stock to mount below. You will just need to bend the linkage around the servo, as it runs right in its path.

One issue I did notice is that the wheel hex has a large thick flange. I installed some AX10 beadlocks on it and could only get a few turns on the wheel nut. You may be able to drill out an AX10 hex to fit the larger Kyosho axle stubs, in order to use other manufacturers beadlock wheels.

The Kyosho axle length from end to end is about 1" wider than the AX10. Kyosho's stock wheels have a large offset that brings the total track width to 11" from outside to outside tire compared to my AX10 with Losi tires which comes to 10 1/4".

[swell searcher]

every time i see pics of the kyosho, i'm wanting one more and more. any ball park figure on the axle kit availability?

[John]

dang,,thats sick looking...have you tested the rig in stock form ???if so how did it handle...second how does it work with the tuber chassis,,whats the weight diference between stock and your design,,my rigg will be in my hands this friday,and im really into the tube design youve made,,maybe an upgrade im interested in

I haven't done a lot of testing in the stock form. I have the rear disconnect coming tomorrow along with the high speed gear option. I am taking a stock version of the truck to RCP Crawlers this week and they will run it through a bunch of tests. They also have a variety of rigs, tires, and not to mention the experience to do a more complete test and comparison with other crawlers on the market. I should have results of the testing available by the weekend.

[John]

every time i see pics of the kyosho, i'm wanting one more and more. any ball park figure on the axle kit availability?

No, but I will ask my contacts at Kyosho Japan tonight.

[ubbb69]

How is the torque twist with those axles?
Nice tube frame."thumbsup"

[John]

I will post some close up pics of the components and stock chassis shortly.

[John]

every time i see pics of the kyosho, i'm wanting one more and more. any ball park figure on the axle kit availability?

You are looking at early 2009 for the complete axle kits.

[RocSpyder]

It looks like kyosho did a little homework on this truck. It is going to be a very good option in the crawling world.

[dave56bug]

Great looking chassis! I am just getting my truck assembled. Interested to see what you have to say about shock oil and suggested motors etc. Manual calls for 150 wt. oil, all I had was some 300 wt. so it is a little slow on rebound.

[John]

Great looking chassis! I am just getting my truck assembled. Interested to see what you have to say about shock oil and suggested motors etc. Manual calls for 150 wt. oil, all I had was some 300 wt. so it is a little slow on rebound.

I have 100 wt in mine now. It still seems a little slow on rebound. Later this week I am going to install inner springs and see how a droop set up responds. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[goobs]

I have 100 wt in mine now. It still seems a little slow on rebound. Later this week I am going to install inner springs and see how a droop set up responds. I'll let you know how it turns out.

what all i have is 30 and 40wt and i dont wanna buy some.....guess ill be a guinea pig.

[dave56bug]

300 and 30wt are pretty much the same thing I think.

I used the brass shock pistons, but there are also plastic ones on the tree also I may just drill a tiny hole in the brass piston to help with rebound.

[dkingston]

John,

This is one of the nicest tube rigs I have seen, period. Not just because it is a Kyosho, your workmanship is incredible.


- David

[John]

John,

This is one of the nicest tube rigs I have seen, period. Not just because it is a Kyosho, your workmanship is incredible.


- David

Thanks David and the others for the kind comments.

I work for a large company that designs and manufactures toys, houseware and office products. I am a product designer for mainly the toy/hobby division as well as some products in the houseware field. I enjoy bringing some of my ideas to the crawler side of the hobby. There is a good chance you will see some of my latest toy designs debuting at some of the larger retail stores in 2009, such as Costco, HSN, QVC and Toys-R-US. I have one product debuting on HSN this December.

[Bart bender]

Looks good John. Is that all square tube? I don't no how you keep something like this quiet. I'd just be bursting to let the cat out of the bag. Keep up the fabulous work.

[John]

Looks good John. Is that all square tube? I don't no how you keep something like this quiet. I'd just be bursting to let the cat out of the bag. Keep up the fabulous work.

Thanks, this prototype is solid square stock. I am brazing up another prototype now that uses solid round stock for most of the truck, with square stock for the motor chassis housing.

[vonclod]

wow that is very cool..is the tuber part metal or some kind of plastic/composite, i cant wait for mine to arrive, it looks very promising"thumbsup"

[860Crawler]

... if money were no object...

[BILLYGOAT]

... if money were no object...


i would have 2!!!!!


great job

[JatoTheRipper]

That is awesome!

[kasper]

Very clean work nice looking ride

[JatoTheRipper]

Thanks David and the others for the kind comments.

I work for a large company that designs and manufactures toys, houseware and office products. I am a product designer for mainly the toy/hobby division as well as some products in the houseware field. I enjoy bringing some of my ideas to the crawler side of the hobby. There is a good chance you will see some of my latest toy designs debuting at some of the larger retail stores in 2009, such as Costco, HSN, QVC and Toys-R-US. I have one product debuting on HSN this December.
Wow that must be a horrible job! :P

[lammartin]

more photos please!! it look really nice!!"thumbsup"

[Parky]

Sweet looking rig FER SURE !!! "thumbsup"

[JOOTZ]

that chassis looks waaay good. yet another reason to jump on the RF bandwagon, until we get some more units available though.

[R8Y]

i'M LOVING IT ! I'M LOVING IT ! I'M LOVING IT !
when will you sell it ??? :ror:

Videeeoooo pplleeassseeee... :shock:

[Dad Dong]

Two words! Sweee eeeet!

[lukedaemon]

Awesome looking chassis!! "thumbsup"

[MadForce]

Truly great looking chassis, wish I had half your skills and knowledge! By the way I really like the square stock you used for your prototype, adds a note of difference compared to all the usual tubers one sees in other crawlers. Plus it makes the rock force look meaner, just my point of view.
As far as oil weights are concerned, kyosho oils (at least here in Europe) follow a completely different marking system than the traditional wt marking mostly seen in US produced oils like say Losi or Axial. eg. the Kyosho 300 shock oil is close but not same in density to Axials' 30wt included with the ax10 kit.

[tubed-n-lubed]

Damn I love that!

[Big Mike]

Thanks, this prototype is solid square stock. I am brazing up another prototype now that uses solid round stock for most of the truck, with square stock for the motor chassis housing.

I wanted to ask about materials/methods used to make this, but that pretty much answers it for me.

Looking at the pics, it almost looks injection-molded out of a composite material. You must have media-blasted the crap out of it and put a flat finish on it?

Big props John, that is one sweet looking chassis...

[hitman46mod]

Nice job, looks good."thumbsup"

[stampedeproject]

NICE JOB!

Looking Awesome.

[Ryan33]

This thread makes me want a rock force. that chassis is sweet

[tubed-n-lubed]

Now that is a nice chassis!

[BaddClod]

Awesome tubework."thumbsup"
Can't wait for the axle kit to be available.

[dezmoon]

any updates on this

[John]

any updates on this

Cad drawings are at the factory. They are making a few prototype samples for review. Currently working on the AX10 version.

edit: My star membership just expired. Need to get that taken care of before I can promote the chassis any further.

[JOOTZ]

get your star and bring us some chassis we could use, better if some could use the panhard "thumbsup""thumbsup""thumbsup"

[John]

get your star and bring us some chassis we could use, better if some could use the panhard "thumbsup""thumbsup""thumbsup"

Star membership updated.

The CAD drawing currently at the factory is a direct bolt up to the Kyosho Rock Force. It incorporates the panhard design and its attaching point to the chassis.

The Axial version I am working on now will feature the same look of the Gila Rock Force chassis, but incorporate link,shock and tranny mounts suited for the Axial components.

[saydee1800]

do you have a price in mine

[JOOTZ]

do you have a price in mine

+11tymillion, put me down for one.

[John]

+11tymillion, put me down for one.

There won't be a preorder on the chassis. I will have a few hundred made on the first run and make them available to vendors from this forum after they arrive.

Thanks

[JOOTZ]

it wont hurt to give us a heads-up john. TIA

[John]

it wont hurt to give us a heads-up john. TIA

Will do

[HiloDB1]

Was going to design and make my own chassis but Im going to wait and see about this one. I really like the square tube hope the production doesnt stray to far from the original design.

[John]

We have a new website and have added both the Kyosho and Axial Gila chassis to the site. We will update the website with "manufacturing" and "how to purchase" details shortly. A section of the site is dedicated to our new modular rocks, so check back in regularly for the latest info. There are also pages including rock crawling pictures and videos, if you want to check them out as well. www.rcptracks.com (http://www.rcptracks.com)

The street price of either the Kyosho or Axial Gila chassis should be in the $99 ~ $119 range. We will have distributor and dealer pricing available.

Thanks
John

[JOOTZ]

We have a new website and have added both the Kyosho and Axial Gila chassis to the site. We will update the website with "manufacturing" and "how to purchase" details shortly. A section of the site is dedicated to our new modular rocks, so check back in regularly for the latest info. There are also pages including rock crawling pictures and videos, if you want to check them out as well. www.rcptracks.com (http://www.rcptracks.com)

The street price of either the Kyosho or Axial Gila chassis should be in the $99 ~ $119 range. We will have distributor and dealer pricing available.

Thanks
John

you know i`m down for one kyosho gila john "thumbsup""thumbsup""thumbsup"

[quickster47]

John,

Not only am I very much interested in one of your Gila Chassis but I have also sent in a request for information about your rock crawling semi portable rock setup for my backyard. That would be way cool.

Carl

[dkingston]

Great news John!


- David

[yellow1]

any idea when this will be released to the market?

[OGmicromonster]

300 and 30wt are pretty much the same thing I think.

I used the brass shock pistons, but there are also plastic ones on the tree also I may just drill a tiny hole in the brass piston to help with rebound.


I used to think the same thing about shock weight, but actually Kyosho, Yokomo and a few other manufacturers use a different method (cST) for measuring oil viscosity. 300 Kyosho oil isn't the same as 30wt Losi/Associated oil.

I forgot where I read exactly what the difference was, but here is a link to a website that has a little info and a conversion table.

http://nexusracing.net/product_info.php?products_id=1187

[John]

I just received the quote from our factory and it looks like the street price for the Chassis, delrin skid and lexan side, roof and hood panels will sell close to the $100 mark. I have some prototype samples coming shortly.

[gimpygolden]

Oh man I don't even have my Rock Force yet and I want one of these.
Please post as soon as available
I might just wait and build mine right from the start with this chassis.

[dkingston]

Keep me informed, John. I am looking for an excuse to build another RF!


- David

[Zanx]

I just received the quote from our factory and it looks like the street price for the Chassis, delrin skid and lexan side, roof and hood panels will sell close to the $100 mark. I have some prototype samples coming shortly.

Don't forget to save some for us lot over the pond. I'll have one of those.

[swtaylor]

Any news on the availability of this chassis? RCP Tracks hasn't updated their site in awhile.

Thanks