And so it begins... sneak peek

[simon170]

Got a bit more done. Made up alloy plates front and back to mount the batteries and electronics on, tried to make them fairly beefy as I didnt want anything to strip or come lose with the weight of the batts being thrown about when I (undoubtably) roll it down a hill lol
Also got a servo bracket made up and got it fixed down to the axle mount, used 3 x 3m self tappers to screw it to the axle, so hoping it wont get knocked lose the first time the truck takes a beating!
Pics...
Rear tray

Front tray

Steering

As she stands, with new shock setup I'm a proud daddy LOL

[simon170]

Ok guys, I need your input...

Look at the last pic and take a mental pic. Now, I need help deciding on the layout, I have 3 ideas:

Option A:
Turn the transmission around (motor at front), mount both batteries side by side on the front plate and mount all radio gear/ESC on the rear tray.

Option B: Turn transmission around, extend the rear tray past the spacer bar and mount the radio gear/ESC on there, with a battery mounted on the front tray and rear tray.

Option C:
Whatever you guys come up with

[CheapTwin]

Option A if You're going to keep it clean. If she's going to be wet and dirty mount everything in waterproof ( IP68 ) box in place of the front tray, and get some shock boots

[Bart bender]

"A" for sure. Looks great

[mjderstine]

A totally.

[v84x4]

I say Batteries in front because this thing is gonna need something to keep the front end down

Then all electronics in back using a See Through Waterproof Cover
I say "See Through" because its cool to showcase your electronics
And you could even add lights to it


this thing is wicked man

Regards Rick

[simon170]

Ok so I'm hearing some love for option A
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the kind words

I'll start doing some more tonight.

[simon170]

Got things laid out, need to pick up a few bits then I can get the electrics in. Ordered a rod bender as well, ready to start making the exo cage

[simon170]

I hate soldering.

Message ends.

[mjderstine]

soldering is awesome. when you are done doing it!

[buggynutt]

That servo mount looks sweet..lol How do you like it. Its nice to be able to mount it where you need it, and its so strong its crazy. This thing is looking great.

[simon170]

Originally Posted by mjderstine

soldering is awesome. when you are done doing it!

Very true I think I'm done with it now for the most part, just the LEDs to do which as a bit more simple.

Originally Posted by buggynutt

That servo mount looks sweet..lol How do you like it. Its nice to be able to mount it where you need it, and its so strong its crazy. This thing is looking great.

Yeah its pretty cool, the lower lount was made from square Derlin, bore'd out then cut in half, and bingo, servo mount Thanks for the compliments

[simon170]

Ok so, got the rear lockout finished (with proviso for rear steer ready) also started the exo-cage with the aid of my new rod bender which Harley recommended. All the electrics are mounted and installed with the exception of the LED's. oh, my light bar arrived as well.

Pics to follow tonight (or in the morning depending on where you are haha)

[simon170]

New Integy light bar, its pretty big but on this body is seems about right.

Started the exo cage, a right royal pain in the ass!

[Bart bender]

Whatca got there, 3/16 cold rolled? Radius's look great

[mjderstine]

Yeah dude how did you get radii so perfect?

[simon170]

Bender, yeah it's 8mm (5/16) cold rolled mate it's quite hard to work with as you can't manipulate it with your hands that easy.
Got the radius by putting a diamond core cutter in a vice to use as a former, then g-clamping the rod to the side if the vice and bending the rod around by hand (both hands, feet, back and a few other muscles lol)
Got the front and rear bumpers done, so now roll bar, cab, hood and bed to do.
I have a whole new appreciation for the work that MG200 guy does lol

Where's the coffee?

[mjderstine]

what about the work i do?








realy nice bends man.

[simon170]

That's sweet!!! What size rod/tube is that?

[mjderstine]

the deuce is 3/16 brake line.

the other two are 3/16 hydrolic line, has a bit of a thicker wall, and doesn't have paint on it. much better to work with, and the thicker wall is a lot stronger. love the stuff.