Is there a body panel fabricator in RC Land?

[kerrywittig]

What I am looking for is someone or if anyone knows of somebody that could fabricate/duplicate an FJ40 hood, grille, and fenders out of aluminum/fiberglass/lexan/carbon fiber/whatever in 1/5th scale for a tuber project I am about to start on. To give you an idea of what I need I have posted a pix below of the 1:1 buggy I am going to replicate. Obviously the hood/grille/fenders pictured below are not OEM.............the hood was sectioned 10" to narrow it , the grille was also narrowed and the fenders (or what's left of them) are very much "shaved" to say the least. Aluminum would be great.......rollovers would have an "authentic" sound and the trail damage and dents would add..............character!! I can get dimensions if indeed there is a "source" somewhere in RC Land! Thanks, Kerry

[Metal Masher]

I might be able to help

Project True scale test rig

[kerrywittig]

Originally Posted by Metal Masher

I might be able to help

Project True scale test rig

Thanks for the response........I was following that thread a couple of weeks ago................very cool what the body fab is all about. In fact you have inspired me to make a wooden mold and try my hand at fabbing the hood............Might use a bit thicker aluminum, but man that is amazing how you not only make the panels but also the real world damage is great. Let's keep in touch............my build is being covered at the following link:

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48233

Kerry

[Metal Masher]

I can't believe I never saw that thread! Sounds like it'll be a great project.

If you're planning on doing it yourself I would advise sticking with the same thickness I use only because i'm on the threshold of physically being able to mold the metal now by hand, any thicker and it would be nearly impossible without some kind of press. Looking at those pics the hood may be kind of tricky to get smooth because of the curve. You will need to stretch the metal all the way down to keep from folding it

If you need any help just let me know

[TwistedCreations]

Crash = Crash over on Pirate?


Nice work on the body building, very nice

[Etype R]

On one of the biker build off shows, one of the builders hammered out every panel over wooden molds. He used some thicker aluminum as well, and it was all by hand. So it can be done with thicker material.

[kerrywittig]

Originally Posted by Metal Masher

I can't believe I never saw that thread! Sounds like it'll be a great project.

If you're planning on doing it yourself I would advise sticking with the same thickness I use only because i'm on the threshold of physically being able to mold the metal now by hand, any thicker and it would be nearly impossible without some kind of press. Looking at those pics the hood may be kind of tricky to get smooth because of the curve. You will need to stretch the metal all the way down to keep from folding it

If you need any help just let me know

Absolutely..................I shall wade into the unknown and cry for help from those that have been there and back...............Kerry

[Metal Masher]

Originally Posted by Etype R

On one of the biker build off shows, one of the builders hammered out every panel over wooden molds. He used some thicker aluminum as well, and it was all by hand. So it can be done with thicker material.

Yes it can be done that way and i've done it that way but it takes a lot more skill using the hammer. Plus those molds were farr less detailed. Either way it's all about trial and error

[Metal Masher]

Originally Posted by TwistedCreations

Crash = Crash over on Pirate?


Nice work on the body building, very nice

Nope, Crash on Keystone Krawlers. Thanks for the compliment though.