XTM X-Factor Electric Conversion

[AK KRAWLER]

So, today at lunch (working from home...), I decided to lay some craptastic beads... still getting a hang of the welding thing.


Nothing a grinder can’t fix
Got the second rail cut. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll have a chance to weld it up.

[Mike Flea]

I probably don't have to say this, but the only way to get from craptastic to fantastic is practice, and it looks like it turned out quite well

[AK KRAWLER]

Originally Posted by Mike Flea

I probably don't have to say this, but the only way to get from craptastic to fantastic is practice, and it looks like it turned out quite well

Thanks Mike, yeah I know... I seem to do better with thicker metal, but this thin stuff and exhaust tubing have always given me trouble.

I need to figure a way to clean the insides of the frame rails. I worked with a dremel for a little bit, but holy cow that is a time consuming process. I guess that's part of the getting better at welding process, which is showing off your welds instead of grinding them off

I am pretty excited though, it is definitely coming right along

[67mustang]

I like it. It is my kind of build.

Having done steel frame rails in a similar fashion, I would highly recommend that you consider using aluminum. It may not be as easy and fun ( I prefer the ease of steel and welding), but when you finally get it all together, the performance between steel and aluminum are night and day.

With a rig that big, weight is THE consideration. Bigger rigs are always way cooler but performance is key. Im not gonna give you the whole "it will break parts" BS....I will just remind you that weight will greatly affect performance in every aspect. For every oz you lose, you gain crisp steering.

Aluminum frame rails are tough, but at least use aluminum instead of steel where you can.

I also recommend the 1235mg servo (search google it is red). I have several and I would never use a 1/10 scale servo and I've had the best.

[AK KRAWLER]

I’ll definitely heed your advice. I have no equipment for welding aluminum, but I’m sure there are other ways to get the end result. Only the channel frame rails are steel, the rest of the side plates will be aluminum.

I’ll look into one of those servo’s, from what I’ve seen, there not that expensive.

It’s been somewhat of a frustrating process so far, but rewarding at the same time...

[AK KRAWLER]

Well the aluminum that I have available is buried at the moment. I did find some thin gauge sheet metal that I think will work. I figure it doesn't really have to be that rigid due to how everything will be tied together.

Here are the "almost" finished frame rails, link plates and attaching plates mocked up.

[sawback]

AK KRAWLER

i been following your x-factor axle large scale build. It is gona be sick man they are tuff axles i know as i been running x factor's since early 2000's

Do you have any plans for the leftover x factor chassis parts or center gear box, i could always use spare parts for my nitro units...

\\\\\\\\\\\ Keep up the great work Bud //////////////

[AK KRAWLER]

Originally Posted by sawback

AK KRAWLER

i been following your x-factor axle large scale build. It is gona be sick man they are tuff axles i know as i been running x factor's since early 2000's

Do you have any plans for the leftover x factor chassis parts or center gear box, i could always use spare parts for my nitro units...

\\\\\\\\\\\ Keep up the great work Bud //////////////

Been stalled on this one for quite some time, but still have it, all my parts and the plan... Life tends to get in the way, but I rarely give up on projects.

When I get home next week, I will take a look at what I have and let you know.

I do have a really nice metal cage, but not sure I want to get rid of that yet.