RC10T to RC10SCT conversion questions

[unclemikey1978]

So I was hoping to soak up some knowledge from you guys. I'm about to embark on a short course conversion using my RC10T as a platform. The only problem is I don't have the tools or knowledge to perform the nose plate extension required to meet ROAR short course specs. Does anyone know where I can go to get this done? I've seen a few conversions but they didn't look very "professional" if ya know what I mean. I'd like to get an exact replica but 2" longer made out of a thick piece of 6061 but that just sounds really expensive. I also thought of frankenstiening two nose plates together but I'm not sure how that would hold up under track driving. What direction should I go?

[SteveK]

Your best bet is to stretch the chassis in the middle, and leave the front and rear alone. Pick up some G10 fiberglass and a Dremel tool and cut yourself a new chassis plate and upper deck, like the Composite Craft chassis only longer.

[unclemikey1978]

Wow, I never thought of making a whole new chassis. I've never worked with G10 fiberglass. Is it easy to cut? I'm also not familiar with the Composite Craft chassis you mentioned. Was this made for the entire RC10 product line?

[unclemikey1978]

I just looked at a website that offers this fiberglass but they offer various thicknesses. What thickness would be a good balance between lightness and strength? This company also custom cuts your fiberglass using your own CAD drawings. Are there places you can get CAD drawings made? Here's the website I found.

http://www.rplastics.com/g10sheet.html

[SteveK]

1/8" is a good thickness.

I'm not sure about getting CAD files made, but you find free versions of CAD software many places. This one in particular is a good alternative to AutoCAD LT (AutoCAD that only does 2D, which is actually all the vast, vast majority of CAD users need), and it's free:
http://www.doublecad.com/

For a project like this you can do the cutting and drilling yourself. Use the chassis as a drilling template; clamp it down and drill the holes for the rear end, then move it forward as far as you want, clamp it down, and then drill the holes for the front end. You can get aluminum standoffs for the upper deck from a bunch of companies, like HPI or Axial.

[unclemikey1978]

Thank you so much for your help. Sorry it's taken so long to reply. I've been working on other projects. I'd like to get some black G10 fiberglass to make this chassis but I'm unsure how large of a sheet I should get. I'm going to use your suggestion and build a composite craft style two deck chassis. I may even want to make front and rear shock towers for the truck. How much should I get and where is a good cheap place to buy it from?

[SteveK]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#85345k22/=etp08g
This was the material recommended to me by some other members. That should be a good size to get a couple chassis and other parts out of it. I'll be getting some when I use up the lower-quality stuff I got a couple years ago.

McMaster is a great site, you can also get screws, nuts, chassis standoffs, tools, etc.

[unclemikey1978]

Thanks for the info. Just to make sure, 1/8" Thick, 12" X 24" is enough? I'm glad it's not too pricey also.