Update-Project Creep-Rebuilt and painted!!

[Destroyer]

I have been working on this project for a while now. I started it in July/August last year, but really got into it during the fall. I hand made the chassis from Al, as well as the suspension links and steering system/mounts. I still haven't gotten around to painting the body yet, but yesterday I finally narrowed the rims and I'm working on making beadlocks for them. After watching all the Mudcow vids I had to have one

http://www.rcpics.net/member/Destroyer

Destroyer

[SR5Dave]

Looks good. A few questions.. How did you bend the aluminum stock? It always tries to break on me. Also; are you running a track bar? Seems like you would have trouble keeping the axles centered like that. Electronics?

[TwistedCreations]

yeah it seems to me that the rear ends would sway back and forth.. also does it have alot of body roll to it with the shocks mounted like that?

[Fishmaxx]

After watching his video "Creep on the Rock Pile" it seems to crawl pretty good to me

Needs music

http://www.rcpics.net/view_single.php?medid=19642

[Destroyer]

SR5Dave

How did you bend the aluminum stock? It always tries to break on me.

I used a vice to bend the chassis rails and a mini tubing bender that consisted of three pegs that can be mounted in a few locations in the base, which allow you to position the rod and the point at which it would bend. Then all it took was pulling the end of the rod to bend it the right amount.

Also; are you running a track bar?

No-the triangulated lower links elimate the need for one.

Toyotafourwheeln

it seems to me that the rear ends would sway back and forth

Not with triangulated lower links and straight uppers.

also does it have alot of body roll to it with the shocks mounted like that?

No body roll at all, but 4WS on concrete=lots of traction roll

Fishmaxx
Yeah that was my fist video, so it wasn't very good quality.


Thanks for the comments everyone!

Destroyer

[SR5Dave]

Ah! I didn't see any triangulation. Looks good!

[RcRock-Guru]

crawlers looking pretty good, and my compliments on the vids

[Destroyer]

Thanks

Well, I'm working on the beadlocks right now. I have two wheels made and mounted up. They seem like they will work well, and they look good too. Just waiting on a battery to charge so I can test them.

Destroyer

[Destroyer]

I did a test with the two beadlock wheels and that went well, so I made the other two and took it for a little run. They perform great! No slipping tires and no nasty CA to stick my fingers together with. I got a little to "creative" with the testing and ended up breaking a rod off the end of a susp. link. Oh well, time to change over to 6/32 screws. I might do a write up on how to make the beadlocks tomorrow if anyone is interested. I also shot some video which I'll try to post tomm.

Destroyer

[skoolbus]

I use 6-32's with 4-40 rod ends taped to accept the 6-32 rod. Never had any problems. If you want to give that a try.
I would defintitely like to see a homeade beadlock.

[SR5Dave]

I went 8-32 and WILL NEVER DO ANYTHING ELSE!!! You can drill out the 4-40 ends to just barely fit em, and it those wont break either because now they have a huge metal rod in them instead of plastic ;) the only potential problem area is the ball end.

[Grizzly4x4]

Traxxas Maxx rod ends with 6-32 rod seem to work pretty good for me.

Good job Destroyer, the truck seems to work good and your vids have been well done.

[Fishmaxx]

Traxxas Maxx rod ends with 3 mm threads into 1/4 rod seem to work pretty good for me.

A tip from I got from MUDCOW TECH 8O

[Destroyer]

Thanks for the help everybody! I'm going to go with 6-32 for now because I already had a box of them. I'm just drilling out the old holes and rods to make them fit. If they don't break, I'll make new, nicer looking links.

Thanks,
Destroyer

[Destroyer]

Update time! I just finished rebuilding Creep, making an all new suspension and links. The new design allows sharper turning, more clearance, and better link angles. I also reduced the wheelbase to 15 inches and rasied the center clearance a bit more to 5in. I finally got the body painted as well, which was my first try at flames. I just have to make skidplates for the gearboxes now.

http://www.rcpics.net/view_single.php?medid=30941


http://www.rcpics.net/view_single.php?medid=30942

Destroyer

[skoolbus]

Thats very unique steering there. Haven't seen that before, cool truck

[Destroyer]

Thanks skoolbus! I forgot to mention that, but I made that during the rebuild as well. I flipped the knuckles backwards to keep the lower rod from getting smashed and hanging the truck up. Then I just flipped the servo around using my old mounts and had a fun time bending that rod to fit around the susp. links and everything. It's "speshul"

Destroyer

[Gimbal]

Nice rig
Yhea, I was going to comment on the steering too. How well does it work?

[Destroyer]

So far it has been working fine. I'm running Traxxas 2055 servos right now, so it has a bit of slop from the servo gears moving around, but the "standard" rear setup has the same problem. Other than that, the new setup seems to work great.

Destroyer

[Grizzly4x4]

Dats a sweet ride Destroyer, it looks great wif da paint on it and I like the buggy body. Glad it's werkin good for you.