Dingo Based Scaler: "The Steelhead".

[nigelpheron]

Got a little more done. LED tubes in the bumpers, for brake, signal and fog lights.

Got the grill guard tubing done as well, with the "Angry-Eyes" look going on. The winch came after I made the grill guard, so had to re-bend the tubing around the winch. It worked out:

[ProjektONE]

GREAT Build!! How heavy is the rig now?

[nigelpheron]

Originally Posted by ProjektONE

GREAT Build!! How heavy is the rig now?

Good question. I will weigh it when I get home tonight.

[Devil Inc]

That is some excellent work, can't wait to see it finished!

[steele42]

I'm excited to see how it looks with the body on there. Coming along nicely!

[nigelpheron]

1765gm so far.

[nigelpheron]

Got some Easter building done.

Made the battery tray. Wanted something that swung out, like a feature found on the awesome "Mangler" build.

It'll swing down at the press of a spring-loaded trigger. Quick access, in case I gotta wing the battery out in a hurry. Still have to braze in a piece of piano-wire for the spring:







Open:



Closed:

[pobrockcrawler]

the battery tray is sweet let alone an excellent idea, keep up the excellent work

[-NB-]

I think your metal work is awesome. cool build so far. The battery tray is cool, but what's the purpose of having it drop out like that?

[VintageCopal]

I'd have to agree with Krawler B on this one, all of that metal work looks really good! I would never be able to do that, THAT well... Keep up the good work, it's looking really solid!

[nigelpheron]

Thanx guys.

The reasoning is, that I wanted some features to fold-down or swing-open. I liked how the Mangler's spare tire swung-out. So, I made my battery tray swing-down.

Also, with the way I'll be doing the body's interior, the battery will be hidden in a shape, accessable from the bottom. Won't have to unbolt the body to change bat-packs.

Future swinging stuff planned is an opening hood, maybe spare tire mount, maybe opening doors, etc.

[-NB-]

Very cool for convenience, but does add a little weight to the rear end. But with ideas like that, who cares about the weight

[nigelpheron]

Agreed. I would have to weight my battery tray, against the removed stock set-up to see how much was gained, but I'm not worrying about it.

It's only going to get heavier...

[Big Daddy]

I love not having to remove the body to change batteries. I have the flip top on my Honcho and the current project will have a "tool box".

As others have said, your metal work is really looking top notch. Are you an experienced metal worker, or just winging it?

[nigelpheron]

Morning Big Daddy. Thanx for the kind words.

This is my first time working with steel / brazing. I read as much as I could from these wee truck forums, and just started winging it. I post my successes, not my failures, making my work look good.

It's hard to keep things aligned, and that has me worried when I do the roll cage structure.

I have to re-design the latch. It clicks into place nicely, but I can force it open when I push down on the tray. Maybe work on how it pivots...

[Big Daddy]

Could just put a pin through the holes where the bumper used to mount. It wouldn't be as slick as the trigger, but one thing to keep in mind is the trigger could get hung up and open accidentally to.

What are you using for your cutting and shaping? I am having a hard time making parts that match side to side. I'm probably just not taking enough time to layout right but my stuff is, so far, looking pretty DIY.

[701 Technique]

Wow, that chassis is turning out amazing. Very nice work

[nigelpheron]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Could just put a pin through the holes where the bumper used to mount. It wouldn't be as slick as the trigger, but one thing to keep in mind is the trigger could get hung up and open accidentally to.

What are you using for your cutting and shaping? I am having a hard time making parts that match side to side. I'm probably just not taking enough time to layout right but my stuff is, so far, looking pretty DIY.

I've though of a better latch. One that will move horrizontally. Ya, the one now could get hung up on a rock, and then spill the pack out the rear.

I hack saw the rough shapes, then file, drill, sand, dremel the piece into final shape. Kills my hands Worth it to me though.

[nigelpheron]

Originally Posted by 701 Technique

Wow, that chassis is turning out amazing. Very nice work

Thanx. I'm glad I started it. First 1/10 R/C in years. So good to be back tinkering.

[Mirage]

This is some inspiring work for someone new to brazing such as myself. This is impressive work for a newbie!