Making a carbon fiber chassis the beginner way (part2)

[JosephS]

First trim and weigh

Looks like this is a bit over built. At 5.7 oz it’s the same as the stock t2 aluminum chassis. It feels quite sturdy.

Note:
I targeted 3.0 mm since that was the rc10 graphite thickness. The tub shape must be thinner to allow proper nose piece mounting.

Note:
Discovered that wet cutting with the rotary tool was faster and made less dust.
Sand Paper nail files are excellent and fast sanding spots

[JosephS]

I filed away some of the front until I could fit in the nose plate. I then used the donor t2 chassis as a drilling template.

When I use the right tools things go quick.
I am trying to figure out how to make sure that the nose plate is on plane with the rear end. Right now there isn’t a full amount of clearance and I think it may be slightly at an angle.

I am considering mounting a dr10 transmission to this instead of a stock t2.
Has anyone tried bolting that to vintage rc10’s yet?

[JosephS]

An attempt at a more cosmetic chassis that is about 2.0 mm.

I ordered some carbon fiber fabric off Amazon and I am not 100% convinced to it is actually carbon fiber.

About 3.6 oz of fabric and 3.5 oz of epoxy with 3:1 medium hardener and this seemed correct.

2 coats of wax, man and parafilm release.

I spent much more time cutting fabric to size and cutting relief for the tail section. I paid special attention to make sure the release film wasn’t wrinkled and placed clay on the inner corners, as well as blocks of clay in the nose and the bulkhead tabs.

I used a double bag because it seemed the first bag was not holding vacuum.

Curing at 75 degree overnight.

[JosephS]

Looks good. Still some ripples but much less. The fabric from Amazon is not likely carbon fiber. The chassis is 2mm and heavier than my last 2.7 mm the 2.7mm chassis used fiberglass for a few layers.

With the 2mm size the nose plate fits like it should. There is a large bump behind where I placed the clay block.

There were many fewer voids and no pinholes in this one. Once the bumps are knocked down and the sides trimmed it’s going to be about correct.

The epoxy didn’t fully cure overnight. That means I didn’t mix it well enough. It will fully cure over the week.