Very interesting project idea, Shaun! This one seems totally doable, and obviously worthwhile.
If you make your frame out of aluminum you are more than likely going to need to do some welding. Time for a welder?
SH Z-Car, Custom Crawler, 8s Savage,
12s XTM XLB 1/7 buggy,
4wd 4-link rear/IFS Pro4 truck,
Custom Hyper 10 Short Course,
Belt-Drive Mammoth ST 1/8 truggy, 4s 17.5 MM Pro HPI Blitz