Holes on chassis where belts are

[a1m80t]

Is there a reason why they are holes on chassis where the belts and gears are located? I have an HPI rs4 nitro and I want to cover up those holes with lexan or wire mesh to protect the belts from rocks.

I want to MAKE something similar to this:


http://www.nitroreview.com/monthlyimages/Rallyundercover.jpg

Thanks

 

[Candyman]

Actually, rocks are one of the reasons those holes are there. Having those holes gives a place for the pebbles to get out of if they get on the chassis plate. Also, it allows the gears to be mounted slightly lower thus lowering the overall center of gravity.

 

[a1m80t]

Thanks!
So i guess I'm better off not covering them up. If you race a lot in a parking lot, about how long do the belts last?

 

[a1m80t]

Well, I read around and found out a few people have been covering up there chassis holes with wire mesh or with an a/c filter. Apparently, it’s a good idea to have some airflow through those areas so Lexan shouldn't be used. I'm just guessing though. Also, my car belts and gears do not extent past the chassis so I should be good with clearance.

No offense Candyman but I don't quite understand the logic of leaving holes where the belts/gears are so that rocks can go up through the chassis right in the area that does the most damage to an rc car. Also, rocks shouldn’t get stuck if the chassis is countersunk and flat. If the rocks do get stuck, wouldn’t it be better if was stuck on the chassis? For racing on the track, I’ll probably remove the wire mesh as it’s probably not needed. Please correct me (again I suppose) if i am wrong.

 

[robmob]

Pebbles are more likely to enter between the chassis and body than the chassis openings. The chassis openings would allow any pebble rattling around to exit through the opening instead of becoming lodged in the gears or belts just as Candyman indicated.