Manta type custom build.
 

Decided to do a low and narrow manta type chassis was a lot easier than i anticipated, though i did have one problem, i did not pay close attention to lining up the side plates one was 0.5cm farther forward which resulted in a twisted backend, it was easily rectified by trimming down the lower link rod ends, straight as a die now. Well impressed with the result, its a totaly different beast now.

The before shot.
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...f.jpg~original[/IMG]

The layout: cut cardboard templates, i cut a few cm from the middle then joined the bottom back on so the chassis is not as tall as the original Manta chassis, the front shocks can only mount here as anywhere else and the front of the chassis is in the air, it works though.
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...c.jpg~original[/IMG]

Polycarbonate sheet cost $3.62
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...f.jpg~original[/IMG]

Cut out the chassis entirely with a jigsaw. When joining the sides to the floor and roof the heads of the screws broke off while tightening by hand fortunately they had a good hold by then, gives a smooth finish anyway.
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...b.jpg~original[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...c.jpg~original[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...e.jpg~original[/IMG]

Masked off the doors, roof and skid, sprayed 2 coats primer 2 coats black then 2 coats red for doors etc.
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...7.jpg~original[/IMG]

Everythin bolted up without electrics.
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...5.jpg~original[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...8.jpg~original[/IMG]

Hey presto!! The finished machine I love it, if it goes as well as it looks i'l be a happy chappy.
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...6.jpg~original[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...1.jpg~original[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...2.jpg~original[/IMG]
Full Spec:

Manta type custom chassis
Rover HB whitedot tyres
Rim weighted wheels
Electric tray elimination
Custom front servo battery mount
Rear steer lockout
Batwing elimination.
Internal 3mm shock limiters
Alturn Ultra high torque 17kg Servo
Aluminium Servo horn
Axial 55t 540 motors
Steel gears
Pinions 12t 13t
Spectrum 2 channel TX/RX

Dimensions:- Length- 18.5in/47cm
Height- 6.6in/16.8cm
Ground Clearance (norm)- 3.8in/9.75cm
Ground Clearance (compressed) - 2.75in/7cm
Chassis height- 2.75in/7cm
Chassis width- 2.55in/6.5cm
Chassis Length- 9.05in/23cm
Chassis weight- 150g/5.29oz 9g heavier than stock
Wheelbase- 12.99in/33cm
Overall weight without battery- 5lb 13oz/2.63kg
Overall weight with Battery- 6lb 10oz/3kg

Re: Manta type custom build.
 

holy hell resize pics

Re: Manta type custom build.
 

No shibby. They eventually shrink down (at least for me) but wow talk about up close and personal.

I like that chassis design. Very cool that you designed it and made it yourself.

I'd like to see some shots of it in action.

Slightly smaller shots...lol

Re: Manta type custom build.
 

Thx for that storm, very pleased you like it, i'm in the UK remember, once the rain stops i will get out with it and post some action.

Sorry for the large pics i dont understand why as sometimes they load big sometimes they are normal size??

Re: Manta type custom build.
 

chassis is nice, small and narrow best way to go for crawling. I would like to attempt something similar. homemade chassis. how much is a sheet of that stuff?

and yes some action shots pls or vids

Re: Manta type custom build.
 

only £2.65 per sheet on ebay $3.62

Re: Manta type custom build.
 

Looking good, bezzy! "thumbsup" Looking forward to updates on performance ... maybe even vid(s)?

Have fun! :)

Re: Manta type custom build.
 

Just have to drill a new hole for the front upper link mount as the axel is clocked too far forward the battery is acting like a stopper preventing the wheels from contacting its fine hitting one wheel at a time but cant approach square on, like i said in my video i invested in 3 of these packs and this is the only point i can mount them, they weigh in at 13oz and that is off centre, i think even though i have 540's i'd better remove the 6oz in each front wheel thats a lot of weight over the front and it will help my rovers from over flexing too, i have been a little ignorant to the issue thinking the more weight the better but that's just too much mass to move and can only hinder performance.

Once i have sorted this i will post a vid of the truck.

Re: Manta type custom build Video
 

Hi guys,

Managed to get a few minutes of footage following my custom chassis build,
some of you guys wanted to see it in action, i had to film it myself using my cell phone dangling from my transmitter!! so its a little shaky and youtube has attempted to stabilize it with mixed results. just a few clips of me attempting some difficult climbs which were impossible stock, please look at 1:37 a very challenging verticle ledge despite the failure i am very pleased with the performance and would like your comments. The leg is to catch the fall not assist it didnt touch.

Will get the missus to film next time.
RS10 with custom chassis - YouTube

Re: Manta type custom build.
 

0:40 - YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!

1:08 - YYYYYYEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!

1:37 - A for effort! Almost there indeed. "thumbsup"

2:32 - YYYYYYEEEEAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! ... whhhhooooaaaahhhhhh earthquake! :mrgreen:

Other than needing a tripod, or the missus, great work, bezzy! *hi5* Looks lke you're well on your way to many successful crawling expeditions. 8)