Aluminum body

[FRIDGE]

has any rc company ever made somehting like an aluminum body? if they did is it still available?

 

[Diver6127]

I don't think there has ever been an aluminum body. Mainly because of the ding factor and weight.

 

[hudler]

No aluminum body from a major manufacturer...I did see one on a forum the other day, looked pretty cool. Neat idea for someone wanting to tinker, but probably not practical for everyday use, just for show.

 

[fisherman]

I dont see a problem w/ it because then if you did get it bent or singed up you could just hammer it out.

 

[FRIDGE]

i have the same thought as fisher man and it would end up saving money in the long run because you could just sand off the old paint and repaint it. dents would hammer out or you could even use some bondo.

 

[Diver6127]

i have the same thought as fisher man and it would end up saving money in the long run because you could just sand off the old paint and repaint it. dents would hammer out or you could even use some bondo.

Exactly.All time consuming proceedures that not too many people have the skills to do. I have moderate skills with body work since that's all I did when learning my 1:1 car as a teenager. Hammer, dolly and other body forming skills.

The trick to fixing any collision damage is to almost reverse any damage as much as possible with shrinking/stretching hammering techniques, using files and the like ALL before using bondo. Bondo is only a smoothing agent that when applied too thick, will detach itself or crack if hit again.

This is why I think the plastic bodies is a bit more economical ... time wise and ease of acquiring a new one when needed. Just think about cutting cooling holes in it. Not everyone has access to a dremel and necessary tools.

 

[fisherman]

I was just saying make both plastic and aluminum for those who like one better than the other. However your response to this will probably be that the companies will only produce what they know they can sell and your right. i just think at least one company should try it i mean cuz then those who like aluminum can buy aluminum and those who like plastic can buy plastic. IDK it was just something i thought would be cool to own, guess if i want one then ill have to make it in shop class next year when i can get my hands on a welder.

 

[FRIDGE]

i have similar plan to design one and make it in my automotive class. or maybe when i get a teacher that i know is cool enough to teach me.

 

[Diver6127]

I know what you were saying, it it's a novel idea in it's own right. It's just a tedious process to fix a body after a hit when it's metal. It's definitely a "cool factor" for someone that can do it.

I just look at it from a manufacturers point of view also. A die would have to be made to stamp it out of sheet aluminum and it's not gauranteed that a universal fit will allow the everyday modeler to be able to fit the shell to the car.

Fridge, the best way I can see for one to be made from scratch it to form a body shape out of wood and bang as well as weld peices into shape. Annealing the aluminum to make it more pliable and accepting of shapes would also be necessary for complex shapes. English wheel is also good for getting curves in the metal.

If you can get a teacher to coach you through this process, that would be great. metal shapping is an art that is becomming harder to find these days.

 

[4u2nv]

Bondo would fall out the 1st time it was run/hit. But I think its a cool idea. Would be good for show, otherwise would be good just to uses a basher body.

 

[Diver6127]

You can go old school and use lead filler. Gotta be good with the wood paddle and torch.

 

[4u2nv]

Thatd get pretty heavy, better get the heavy springs..lol