How to build a frame.

[monkeylube]

Anyone have any suggestions on how to build a scale jeep frame?? What kind of material? measurments... pretty much anything I need to know?

 

[warriorsimi]

i made a chassis using 1/2x1/2 square tube form it to the shape by heating it with a torch and a vice ,once you got the shape then cut it in half with a band saw or jigsaw so you have two identical sides hope this helps.

 

[Big Mike]

i made a chassis using 1/2x1/2 square tube form it to the shape by heating it with a torch and a vice ,once you got the shape then cut it in half with a band saw or jigsaw so you have two identical sides hope this helps.

Most home-brewed chassis are made with this method. Bend a length of 1/2" square stock into a chassis shape, then split it down the center with a band-saw.

Or you could just pick up an SCX10 chassis for like 55 bucks.

If you're the "gotta do it all myself" type (and I salute you if you are, don't get me wrong) the square stock method is about the easiest way you'll run across...

 

[monkeylube]

Okay, so the 1/2 square stock, then take a bandsaw to it. Should I cut it after I make the bends, and mounting holes or before? where can I get measurments to know where to make the bends, or how much bend?

 

[warriorsimi]

you cut it after , maybe make a template fitted to your body .

 

[highvoltage]

Okay, so the 1/2 square stock, then take a bandsaw to it. Should I cut it after I make the bends, and mounting holes or before? where can I get measurments to know where to make the bends, or how much bend?

I dont think you can bend it correctly. Here is what I just did. I did not have a bandsaw so I used a dermal to cut the 1/2" sq tube in half.

Then I welded it up

As far as where you should bend. Figure out the wheelbase you want. Then draw the frame out to scale and go from there.

 

[monkeylube]

anyone else have any ideas to share?

 

[pardonmyn00b]

The 1/2" square tube, bent then cut down the center is the way to go if you insist on building your own chassis. If you don't have the tools or the skill, just get an scx10 chassis. They are nice.

 

[dirk379]

Sounds like you should buy a scx chassis kit. There is TONS of information on here about building your own frame.

 

[Big Mike]

Okay, so the 1/2 square stock, then take a bandsaw to it. Should I cut it after I make the bends, and mounting holes or before? where can I get measurments to know where to make the bends, or how much bend?

Any bends you make or holes you drill will automatically transfer from side to side and be dead-on accurate if they're done before splitting the stock.

As far as where to bend, use the 2 wooden yardstick axle mock-up jig method and establish the wheelbase length you need right off the bat. Then mock up your skidplate/tranny mount, have your body of choice handy for reference if possible, and measure away...