Made a custom cage for my rc18mt...

[redhatman]

Hey, I had the idea to make a custom cage for my 18t. I dont know why, but It was something to do in my spare time when its raining. I have some pics here with it installed. I bent it so it surrounds the electronics, and I just put the ends through the shock towers and then fastened some of the rods to the towers with small zip ties. I was thinking about adding some more bars going perpindicular to the 3 bars to that they connect. LMK what you think.

-Pat

 

[beason]

looks like a good start but your gonna need some rigity to the ends for it to do its job.. also some cross bars would help with strength.. what did you make it out of?

 

[redhatman]

looks like a good start but your gonna need some rigity to the ends for it to do its job..

what you mean?

I made it out of some thin metal rod that I got at the local hardware store. It is 1/8 inch diameter weld steel. It was only 98 cents for 4 feet.

 

[beason]

like connect them somehow (not zip ties) something solid so it wont move or slide you could thread the end and use nuts to put a plate on the end.. it would help alot if you had a welder or torch..

 

[redhatman]

i have a soldering gun, and i originally did solder the ends together, but didnt hold. Besides, i suck at soldering. But u think that the support bars would help if i soldered them on?

 

[Tarant]

I would, doesn't look to strong imho, no offense.

one thing you could do is solder the parts together and then put some JB Weld over it, works pretty good. I used that method awhile back and it held up very well.and if you put some braces on it it will be even stronger. Good luck and keep us updated

 

[redhatman]

How does this look for the plan?

 

[Tarant]

Looks good. But you might want to look at getting some AL, cause it is lighter unless you are not worried about it. But I think that it looks great. a lot of support. You should talk to Zandor he welds.He may have some great pointers for you. just a thought.

Good luck

 

[redhatman]

would a couple of ounces really make a big difference?

 

[Tweak]

It seems like a great idea but the whole point of the rollcage is to absorb the impact (usually at high speeds). Maybe try toughening it up a bit and attaching it with some stong fixtures. let us know how it comes out.

 

[redhatman]

well, i may take it out tomorrow if i find time... and see how it holds up and see if i notice any differences in speed/handling

 

[redhatman]

ok, well added some support bars... I know their crooked but thats the only way they would fit if I put the body on.


Cage w/support front view: http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/redhatman/cagewsupportfrontoverview.jpg

Cage w/support rear view: http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/redhatman/cagewsupportrearoverview.jpg

Cage w/support Side view: http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/redhatman/cagewsupportsideoverview.jpg

I had to use zip ties because i dont have a welder or jb weld. I tried moving the supports back and forth and they wouldnt.

 

[redhatman]

ok, got a status update. Drove it outside and started purposely doing rollovers without body on on the street and grass at WOT. As far as I can see, no damage and rods are still sturdy.

 

[Tweak]

sweet. I guess if the rollcage works no need to fix it eh? Just goes to show that the tried and true methods can be improvised with good effect.

 

[Lessen]

just put a body on it.

 

[redhatman]

just put a body on it.

yea thats what i usually do. But i did this kinda to just burn extra time and just something unique.

 

[Lessen]

yea thats what i usually do. But i did this kinda to just burn extra time and just something unique.

cool, nothin wrong with that

 

[RatzoRC]

Looks good Pat.
Nothing wrong with tinkering.