Custom Carbon Fiber Brushless RC8T Pics
 

So i started on this custom RC8T a while ago and i am finally getting close to finishing her. Most the time has been spent waiting for the carbon fiber sheet to be made. I had a sheet of 5mm, 1k tight weave, unidirectional laid, carbon fiber made for the chassis. it is by far the strongest, best looking carbon fiber i have ever seen. i can stand on it on top of 2 cinder blocks without it hardly bending and i weigh 200 lb. i cut the chassis from the 5mm sheet using a dremel tool only. areas of the chassis have to milled out which i have been able to due using dremel carbide tungsten bits. this carbon fiber is tough. i tried using regular bits to mill out the areas and they just melted. they would get too hot. the carbide bits have held up will though.

for the conversion i am using Tekno RCs Mugen conversion CVDs, battery tray, radio deck, servo mounts, and motor plates.

due to the layout of the CVDs the stock front chassis brace wouldnt fit so i used the shorter one from the RC8 buggy.

the RC8T has a lot of blue alum. parts on it so i decided to continue with that theme and add a lot of blue upgrades to it. i like how it is turning out so far. not quite done so the pics are of the process so far and i have just laid things out on the chassis so you can see how the setup will be. i will post more of the finished product later. hope you enjoy.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00600.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00600.jpg" border="0" alt="asc21"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00602.jpg" border="0" alt="asc19"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00592.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00592.jpg" border="0" alt="asc29"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00597.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00597.jpg" border="0" alt="asc24"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00593.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00593.jpg" border="0" alt="asc28"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00601.jpg" border="0" alt="asc20"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00594.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00594.jpg" border="0" alt="asc27"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00596.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00596.jpg" border="0" alt="asc25"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00595.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00595.jpg" border="0" alt="asc26"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00598.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00598.jpg" border="0" alt="asc23"></a>

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00599.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00599.jpg" border="0" alt="asc22"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00603.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00603.jpg" border="0" alt="asc18"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00604.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00604.jpg" border="0" alt="asc17"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00605.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00605.jpg" border="0" alt="asc16"></a>


the motor sits very close to the MMM so i am able to solder only one bullet for maximum juice. havent solder the bullets yet but you can get the idea from this pic.


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00606.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00606.jpg" border="0" alt="asc15"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00608.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00608.jpg" border="0" alt="asc13"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00607.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00607.jpg" border="0" alt="asc14"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00612.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00612.jpg" border="0" alt="asc9"></a>


carbon fiber mudguards too! notice how the mudguards are normal weave carbon and see how the chassis' weave is way smaller and tighter. this increases strength tremendously.



<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00613.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00613.jpg" border="0" alt="asc8"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00614.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00614.jpg" border="0" alt="asc7"></a>

some pics of the body. i am waiting on some scoops from www.oocrcracing.com to add to the body for cooling. check out their site. they are a pretty sweet addition to any body and you dont have to cut stupid holes in random places to keep your gear cool. you actually have functional cooling ducts. be sure to view the gallery.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00610.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00610.jpg" border="0" alt="asc11"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00611.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00611.jpg" border="0" alt="asc10"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00615.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00615.jpg" border="0" alt="asc6"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00616.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00616.jpg" border="0" alt="asc5"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00618.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00618.jpg" border="0" alt="asc3"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00620.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00620.jpg" border="0" alt="asc1"></a>



a custom fit front bumper from the Jammin X2


<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00619.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00619.jpg" border="0" alt="asc2"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00617.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00617.jpg" border="0" alt="asc4"></a>

:surprised::gasp::oh::eyes:wow lol

What he said, is it the pics or is your rear camber off?

so your going to be using mech brakes without and electriclutch? are you going to turn the brakes off on the MMM? or both? And did you just thread the components into the chassis, as there are none on the underside of the chassis. Carbon fiber is definately a wonder material as long as it is used correctly, and that chassis is sure to have all the strength you will need.

Very nice build!!

i see you spending much money on r/c lately, and I must ask: Can I have an allowance? My grades are good and my chores are all done and I promise........................

Seriously though, nice build, I cant tell, did you get it to kick up in the front or is it flat?

Absolutely sick.

Looks nice. What was the weight before and after the CF chassis?

The Camber is off cuz the truck is not done.(Center diff is not mounted, etc)

That is one sweet looking ride!! Makes me wonder about carbon fiber.:)

Truly a work of art. Nice job.

i will be using mechanical brakes and have the braking and drag completely off on the MMM. but i will use a longshank pinion instead of the elektriclutch as i like direct-drive better. this is how my current setup is on my 8t.

the reason there are no holes in the chassis is cuz i have not finished the build yet. i will post pics when completely finished but there will be countersunk screws in the chassis just like any other chassis.

:lol: dude! you dont even wanna know. lets just say that my bank accounts used to have a nice surplus and now they are virtually empty. it might be a couple of months before you see my other builds completed. :lol:

as far as the kickup, unfortunately i couldnt find anyone that could make the sheet with the angle needed. the place i bought from (dagraphite.com) could have made me a sheet with a 20* bend only. i was going to do that but i bent an aluminum chassis i have to see how it would work and 20* was way to much. the kickup on the RC8t is about 5*-7*. plus i did some reading up on the kickup and why it is there and the main reason is not cuz that chassis needs but it is used for anti-dive and the path that your suspension travels.

like in the rear you use anti-squat. anti-squat causes your suspension to travel at a rearward angle when you hit bumps aiding in the handling of your truck. zero-squat is when your suspension travels directly straight up and down. this is also acceptable. pro-squat is when your suspension travels forward and this is unacceptable. the handling would be bouncing all over the place.

the same holds true for the front of the truck except it is called dive instead of squat. and the desired settings are similar. you basically want anti-dive up front. this aids handling and also prevents your truck from nose diving when you hit the brakes.

the kickup on the front of your chassis basically provides this anti-dive setting. however, it is possible to get on a flat chassis too. what i did was buy a better hingepin brace setup from Reckward Tuning that has the plastic hingepin bushings with the holes in them that can be used for different angles. i used the bushings to create the steepest angle possible actually resulting in a rearward suspension travel almost identical to that of the stock setup. so it should work out i am hoping. as soon as i drive the truck i will post and let you know how it does. i sure hope it does. i have put in too much work for this not to work now.

i havent weighed the chassis' yet. the CF is just a little lighter i can tell when i hold them. had i gone with a 3mm or even 4mm the weight saving would be more substantial but the 5mm is only slightly lighter than a 3mm milled alum chassis.

rear camber is off cuz i am not done building yet and havent made final adjustments. these are just some pics prior to finishing the project.

PS. for those of you who are wondering..the carbon fiber was bought from www.dagraphite.com
they are great to work with. Robin is who helped me with everything. they custom make your sheet but only sell a minimum size of 18" x 24". i paid $260 for the 18" x 24" x 5mm 1k fineweave piece. so i can actually get 3, maybe 4, chassis' out of this one sheet. i may sell the extra i have. if anyone is interested in some 5mm tough carbon fiber just pm me.

they also sell scraps on ebay. their user id is graphite-girl. just search carbon fiber sheets and you will see their listings.

they also sell a really cool colored carbon. avail. in blue, red, pink, titanium, etc. to get the color they use a single outer layer of texalium. texalium is a very tough aluminum cloth. it is stronger and lighter than the normal cloth used in carbon fiber. i was going to get a blue sheet for the RC8T build but decided against it cuz i figured it would just get very dirty and lose the color. but i would like to see some in person. i was told by Robin that it is just as strong in every way.

Freakin awesome!

About the kick up, my jammin chassis is flat as it has the kickup built into the bulkheads and mounts. I would assume the 8t is the same way? If not that's pretty failrar.

Amazing work though dude. Make sure to post completed pics.

The rc8 has the kickup in the chassis.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...8T/RC8T039.jpg

You can make a wedge to get the desired kickup. Put it between the chassis and front assembly. Then the screws will go through the chassis, through the wedge and into the front assembly.

very cool looking project

these are all good tips about the kickup. thanks. that has been my main concern with this project but i think it will work out ok with the adjustments i have made so far but i will be sure to post how it works out.

my losi 8t has kickup on the chassis too. according to Tekno RC the RC8T has 7* of kickup in the front. but i have measured the angle on the stock chassis and the Tekno RC8 buggy chassis. the stock is at 7* and TEknos buggy chassis has only 5*. not very much at all. i think it will do ok as long as the suspension moves in a rearward motion as i stated previously. almost all chassis' have between 5* and 10* of kickup. unfortuantely to get a carbon fiber piece with this angle companies would have to charge thousands to make a custom mold and really none were willing to do it unless it was going to be a patented item that would be mass produced.

basically my chassis is a identical to a Tekno RC chassis. it is designed strictly after theirs. however, Tekno has already made a RC8T chassis that is at production now and will be avail soon. theirs is slightly different than mine though. instead of having the servos on each side of the chassis like mine theirs will both be on one side. basically their layout is identical to their 8T design while mine is more like their Jammin and Mugen design. going with the 8t style layout would have been easier but i like the Mugen and Jammin layouts better because they are better balanced, put more weight forward for better handling, and require less use of wire between the motor, esc, and battery resulting in less resistance. you can see these different layouts on their site www.impaktrc.com or click on the links below.

if this CF chassis doesnt work out due to the lack of kickup on the chassis i will just buy Teknos RC8T conversion when it comes out in the next couple of months.

http://www.teknorc.com/images/TKR4014-close.jpg
http://www.teknorc.com/images/tkr400...ew_close_s.jpg
http://www.teknorc.com/images/TKR4007-close.jpg

have you tried this before and how did it work?

which Jammin do you have? got any pics? how does it handle? does the flat chassis cause any issues that you can tell? also, what does "failrar" mean? is that just a typo?

SOrry I didnt specify, that is not my truck, its Cheesecake's, his thread is in the Truggy section :)

need some input from everyone. i am debating whether to put on some of these new Maximizer Beadlocks for truggies and MTs. http://www.maximizerproducts.com/max...mm_Hex_C35.cfm

the look sweet but weigh a lot more than the Proline Velocity that is now on the truck. has anyone tried these beadlocks on their truggy and if so how did they hold up and more importantly did it affect performance and speed? remember, this will be a 60mph truggy. i will be running 1515 1.5D on 5s. what about balancing? are they well balanced or easy to balance?

also, i cant decide whether to go with black or white ones and dye them blue. their beadlocks are dyable so i am leaning toward dying a set blue. thoughts anyone?

I haven't in this application, but it's a simple fabrication. Measure the length and width of the kick up and cut a 7 degree wedge that size. Aluminum, delrin, anything would work. I'm sure you get what I'm saying, it would be a shame to waste that sweet chassis.

I have a jammin X1 Cr, http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...2/IMG_1663.jpg

The chassis doesn't casue issues becasue there's still kick-up, it's just built into the plastic parts. I was assuming the 8t was the same. Failrar is just stupid slang, I meant it as I would think they'd build the bend into plastic that's easy to replace instead of spending money to bend a 3mm 7075 chassis.

WHOA! That truck is SICK! I bet you ARE broke!! Anyway, just a thought, it would be cool to use a carbon fiber wing, just to keep the theme going. There's a company that sells them, I think it's vantage racing.

REAL NICE though!! WOW!

so i finally finished the RC8T and let me start off by saying it is far from perfect. i definitely made more than one mistake. but somehow i managed to pull it all together and at least it runs.
compared to the losi 8t i feel the construction of the RC8 is much more complicated. my losi has fewer parts it seems and i actually like the design of it better. the aspects of the RC8 i didnt really like are the shock standoffs, kingpin design, hingepin system. that said, i do like other aspects of the RC8 better than the losi like the shock towers. but here is where it really shines. so i took it out for its first run and i was blown away!!

this thing is 10x the truggy my losi 8t is! is is super silent, super clean, the handling is perfect. i havent had a chance to jump it since i just went out real quick to test it since it is still dark right now. i will do some jumping tomorrow and get more of a chance to see if the "no-kick-up-chassis" poses a problem at all. so far it seems to drive great and there is no hint of performance being affected by the flat chassis. i think it helped to make all the adjustments i did so that the suspension still travels in a rearward motion. (see pics)

anyway, i am happy with the build despite several mistakes i made. i have a lot of respect for you guys the do your own custom parts. this custom chassis was a lot more work than i had anticipated. i literally had to change nearly every other aspect of the truck due to the chassis being flat.

thanks everyone for the help and for letting me share.

<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00621.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00621.jpg" border="0" alt="asc40"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00622.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00622.jpg" border="0" alt="asc39"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00623.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00623.jpg" border="0" alt="asc38"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00624.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00624.jpg" border="0" alt="asc37"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00625.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00625.jpg" border="0" alt="asc36"></a>


i added a few things to the body. these are real air intakes for cooling. on the underside of the body there are ducts for directing the air toward the engine and esc. probably not as efficient as a big hole in the windshiled but much cooler to look at and still gets the job done.



<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00626.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00626.jpg" border="0" alt="asc35"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00627.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00627.jpg" border="0" alt="asc34"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00628.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00628.jpg" border="0" alt="asc33"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00629.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00629.jpg" border="0" alt="asc32"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00630.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00630.jpg" border="0" alt="asc31"></a>

Very nice. How much does it weigh without the battery?

Dang dude that thing came out good. We'll have to see if it gets around the track better than the Losi's

Of course it will :smile:.

dont have a scale right now but i am going to try to get one this weekend cuz i have been wondering the same thing. i will let you know when i weigh it.

Ok, thanks.

Nice SIR… :yes:

YOU best me! :diablo: :wink: I just bought on of the hood scoop's paid $7.00 and I was going to install in on my GM!.. Looks great (got any pointers).. :wink:

Outstanding Job!..:yipi::yipi:

thanks TDC,
as far as the scoops go they recommend using shoe goo to glue them in, which i did, and it holds great but it kinda ate the paint a little bit. its not too bad but you may want to experiment with some different silicone type glues first and see if there is one that will hold well without affecting your paint job. the other i considered was using 2.5mm cap head screws to hold in place. that might look kind of cool too. you could make them look like rivets around the scoop like a tough, riveted 4x4. show me some pics when you finish however you decide to mount it.

added some blue shock covers from badhorsie.com and finished the custom front bumper from the X2. finished mounting the esc.

i have now been able to really run off-road and hit some jumps. i am not sure what to think. compared to my losi 8t i have to give it more throttle off the jump to keep it level and it seems more unpredictable. sometimes it sails perfectly and other times for no apparent reason it just wants to nose dive hard so i really have to throttle it to pull out. lands much smoother than my losi though. i think that is only due to the wide-wall badlands as opposed the the LPRs on my 8t. the carbon is tough as nails. i was jumping it 12ft far x 4ft high today off a snow jump and landing on cement. no issues.

as i was saying, i cant really put my finger on it but there is something lacking as far as jumping compared to my 8t. i do think its jumping capabilities could be hindered due to lack of kick-up but overall the truck is still a blast. i have some other things i am going to try to give it more kickup. i have heard that the RC8Ts are legendary for their jumping ability but i have never driven a stock one. i guess i will have to get the AE conversion or Teknos conversion and try them out to see how it compares.

the thing i love most though - i have never heard a 1/8 conversion run this quiet. it sounds like a 1/10 on-road electric and it does over 60mph. just makes it feel so smooooth. i am not sure why...the diffs? the motor? diff fluid? gear mesh? anyone have thoughts on the matter?



<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00632.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00632.jpg" border="0" alt="asc44"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00633.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00633.jpg" border="0" alt="asc43"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00634.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00634.jpg" border="0" alt="asc42"></a>
<a href="http://s471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/?action=view&current=DSC00635.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/ryujames/DSC00635.jpg" border="0" alt="asc41"></a>

I just wanted to compliment your rig....a true work of art and an inspiration. I hope you can work out the little bug. I am getting a 8ight buggy in the mail any day and if its half as nice as yours I will be happy. I am also glad to here its running so well on your speed runs.

well you are in luck. i need some flow right now and have a new MM 5700kv and a MMM NIB i am willing to let go for a deal. i dont have the MMM 2200kv though. i wish i did! anyway, if you are intested at all pm me and we can talk price. but i know exactly what you are going through. this shi* is addictive and the spending never stops! :lol: since i started this hobby in Sept. its in the THOOOOUSANDS!:lol: