Harley Designed Venom Chassis Build

[Boover]

Just got in to the hobby a few months ago and I quickly decided I wanted to build a tube chassis. I've been in to 1:1 Jeeps for years and realized this is a fun and slightly cheaper alternative to get my fix for building stuff. So I printed off the plans and got to it this past weekend and got started.







This is my first time brazing so we'll see how it goes. So far I've just used a MAPP torch and some flux coated brazing rods from Tractor Supply. I'm sure Harris Safety Silv would be easier. But this is working well so far. Trying to keep everything square is the most time consuming part for sure so far. Had to make a couple simple clamps to try to hold things in place.

[Szczerba]

Looks like you know what you are doing so far. It's cool that Harley posts up the plans for all to download. I have printed out at least three of the chassis but have yet to build any of them.

[fr8cture]

Looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I haven't seen anyone do this one yet.

[mudweaver]

excited to see how this turns out. I printed up the same plans in anticipation for the brazing setup up ill be getting with my bonus here in a few weeks. looking great so far!!

[Boover]

Thanks for all the kind words. I made a little more progress last night. This chassis was designed to be welded, and because of that some of the joints are literally right on top of each other. This makes it interesting for brazing. I have adjusted some slightly to make it a bit easier. But there are several that gave me issues with alignment as I would try to heat the tubes and the joint below would melt. It's manageable, but you do have to pay attention.

Here you can see home of my dinky homemade clamps.



Vice Grips are great for controlling heat. Just clamp the tub you don't want to get hot and they work as a heat sync.

[PSW]

Looking forward to seeing the progress on this. I wanted to do the same but have never done it before or have the tools for it. Keep it up and please detail the build of it.


edit: looking good so far!

[mudweaver]

Originally Posted by PSW

Looking forward to seeing the progress on this. I wanted to do the same but have never done it before or have the tools for it. Keep it up and please detail the build of it.


edit: looking good so far!

if there is a Tractor supply company near you, they sell a MAP gas braizing setup for $60. grab it and practice!!!

[Boover]

I'm using this:

Shop BernzOmatic Map-Pro Kit at Lowes.com

and actually had decent luck brazing with these:

Hobart Flux Coated Brazing Rod, 3/32 in. X 18 in. - Tractor Supply Co.

Those are probably not the best for this kind of work, but so far so good.

[mudweaver]

Originally Posted by Boover

I'm using this:

Shop BernzOmatic Map-Pro Kit at Lowes.com

and actually had decent luck brazing with these:

Hobart Flux Coated Brazing Rod, 3/32 in. X 18 in. - Tractor Supply Co.

Those are probably not the best for this kind of work, but so far so good.

That's the torch I was talking about. seeing your work is making me want to get started on my build. I started on it using wooden dowels for a mock up chassis, I am wanting to move a few thing around from Harley's design. I figured making a wodden chassis first would be the best way to do this to check for clearances and what not.

[PSW]

Originally Posted by mudweaver

if there is a Tractor supply company near you, they sell a MAP gas braizing setup for $60. grab it and practice!!!

I don't think we have a tractor supply but for sure I can get all things I need one way or another.
Im really thinking of going for it after seeing this thread. I'll probably hold off until Boovers is complete and then that will give me the push to start

[Boover]

Originally Posted by PSW

I don't think we have a tractor supply but for sure I can get all things I need one way or another.
Im really thinking of going for it after seeing this thread. I'll probably hold off until yours is complete and then that will give me the push to start

Oh ok I see... So just a little extra motivation for me then!

I've been debating on trying 1.9s with scx10 axles or just moving everything over from my spawn. Since I don't have any scx10 axles I'll probably have to stick with what I've got for now... Unless Uncle Sam decides he owes me a whole lot of money this year.

[PSW]

Originally Posted by Boover

Oh ok I see... So just a little extra motivation for me then!

Haha yea, You can do it!

[Harley]

Very cool

Good point on the joints meeting up, that is something I never even thought about. I'll try to keep that in mind down the road!

[Boover]

Originally Posted by Harley

Very cool

Good point on the joints meeting up, that is something I never even thought about. I'll try to keep that in mind down the road!

Your tutorials and plans have been so helpful! Thanks for taking the time to put them out there. Having the templates to go by really helped me to get started because I can focus on mostly the fabrication. I'm excited to see where this build goes.

[photocycler]

Out of curiosity, how much time do you have into this?

[Sevastra]

Looking good so far!

[vwdaveb]

It's probably right under my nose but: Were are Harley's downloadable plans at?

[Boover]

Originally Posted by photocycler

Out of curiosity, how much time do you have into this?

Started this past weekend. Probably ten hours or so including what I've done tonight. There has been a bit of a learning curve. Mostly with setting up the pieces securely so I could braze them. Would be much quicker with a good jig system.

I have used about a bottle and a half or so of map gas and maybe 12-14 feet of tube so far.

[Boover]

[Boover]

Originally Posted by Sevastra

Looking good so far!

Thanks man! Probably photographs better than it looks in person.