Not quite a tear drop

[Mike1970]

Hi Guys, here is my build project - the story so far........

Reason why. I race large scale RC cars up and down the country in the national series and in Europe. If I go to these race meetings with my wife and little boy, I'll take the caravan but if I go on my own as I do in most cases, I would normally sleep in the car or take a tent - I HATE PUTTING TENTS UP!!!!!

I've decided to build this from scratch because I can't find anything I like that suits my purpose and within my price range. I started with an 8x4 sheet of ply and some 50x50mm box section cut to size by the steel stock holder (a very nice man)



Then I welded it up.



After some painting, I started making the axle mounts. I'm using 750kg indispention units which are supplied with a 3mm mounting plate and M8 U bolts to fit them to the axle - but I don't like it as it looks weak as buggery.

So I've "adapted" what they supply. I've ditched the U bolts and bought 4 of the plates and welded 2 together - I've also added a bit of 4mm x 25mm bar to make it Mike proof.









This lot has taken 2 days so far, working from about 9am to 4pm - however, there have been plenty of lunch, cigarette and head scratching breaks during these two days so maybe I could have got more done.

More soon - it will be a week or more before anything major happens.


Cheers, Mike

[Tinbasher]

Great progress but I'm intrigued as to why you didn't weld the mounting plates directly to your frame?

I'm waiting for a quote for my basic chassis from a gate making company round the corner from me.

Tom

[Mike1970]

Hi Tom, 2 reasons. The plate bolts directly to the suspention unit and If I bolted it direct to the frame, the bolts would foul the board. the second reason is it gives it the extra height.
How much have you been quoted for your frame?

Mike.

[Tinbasher]

Hi Tom, 2 reasons. The plate bolts directly to the suspention unit and If I bolted it direct to the frame, the bolts would foul the board. the second reason is it gives it the extra height.
How much have you been quoted for your frame?

Mike.

I see it now!

Don't know yet they are getting back after New Year.

Its a basic A Frame like the Pico Light.

Tom

[Mike1970]

Why not make it yourself?

[Tinbasher]

Why not make it yourself?

Its a fair question Mike.

I haven't welded in probably 20 years and only have a basic stick welding " buzz box". I am also paraplegic and find it difficult getting up and down from the floor, last time I set fire to my trousers and of course couldn't feel it till t was a small conflagration

But none of that is insurmountable. The reason for getting a price from the gate maker is that he can have it fully galvanised after it's made.

Of its too dear I'll have a go still making it, I'm sure the old Tinbashing skills are still there.

All the best.

Tom

[KCStudly]

Welcome to the forum! Your frame design looks to be robust.

Did you notice a lot of splatter when you were plug welding the suspension plates together? Looks like you had quite a bit of heat with porosity and bubbles.

It's probably okay since the bolts will sandwich everything anyway, but I feel obligated to mention it in case you are a novice welder.

[Mike1970]

Hi KC, I'm far from an expert welder but for the most part im happy with the welding - plus, I own a landrover - I need to be able to do half decent welding to get through its mot every year lol . The tough bit for any build will be the wooden bit.



@ Tom if you do need a lift the just ask, I'm not a million miles away.

[Tinbasher]

Hi KC, I'm far from an expert welder but for the most part im happy with the welding - plus, I own a landrover - I need to be able to do half decent welding to get through its mot every year lol . The tough bit for any build will be the wooden bit.



@ Tom if you do need a lift the just ask, I'm not a million miles away.

Ironically for me the wooden bit will probably be the easier part although attention to detail is not my strongest point.

The next big job for me is getting space cleared in the garage so some work can be done.

Tom

[Mike1970]

Attention to detail Mmmm - in my world, so long as it works or looks something like, it's right.

My plans have changed a bit now as I'm thinking of a side door instead of a rear door. I've not even got the sheets of ply yet - I'm sure that it will have changed a dozen times lol.

[Mike1970]

Axle mounts welded on and the first top coat.







Next step will be the hitch and axles.