Ultra Light Body.

[B_Regal Racing]

out of curisosity, is the the DFW side of the car?

 

[LightninBoy]

out of curisosity, is the the DFW side of the car?

As you can probably guess, the pictured side is the DFW side. I build southpaw cars.

 

[derbychip]

Getting this back on topic ... here is an example of the ultra light body design I've been using lately. Its obviously inspired by the "ladder" designs like that in the video. This results in an uber light weight body and is surprisingly strong once sealed with CA.

very cool thanks for sharing

 

[ngyoung]

I'm a south paw too!

How you seal with CA glue? You use a thin style or you dilute it with something else? You just paint it on and sand it smooth when it dries?

 

[LightninBoy]

I'm a south paw too! How you seal with CA glue? You use a thin style or you dilute it with something else? You just paint it on and sand it smooth when it dries?

I use thin CA (Great Planes preferred). I've tried a variety of techniques, but what I like to do now is just squirt some CA into a plastic cup (e.g. an epoxy mixing cup) then "paint" it on with a small brush. Couple tricks to making this work:

* Keep the brush wet with CA and keep it moving. Otherwise it will dry and stick to the body.
* Before applying the CA, sand the wood - particularly the balsa - to a super smooth finish. I use micromesh papers and sand to 8000 grit at least. This will make the CA flow better and dry longer - by longer I mean 10 seconds instead of 0.1 seconds (instant).

 

[GravityX]

LB,

I need to ask this. How much weight was actually shaved off the body weight by "hollowing" out the Balsa from the body? I've built bodies like this, but I never removed any "excess" Balsa because I didn't think it would alter the weight of the car by very much. Enlighten me with your experience.

Thanks, GX

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

Is there any evidence that it makes for a faster car?

I think what John is saying is there's more important things to worry about when it comes to speed besides making your car ultralite.

 

[LightninBoy]

LB,

I need to ask this. How much weight was actually shaved off the body weight by "hollowing" out the Balsa from the body? I've built bodies like this, but I never removed any "excess" Balsa because I didn't think it would alter the weight of the car by very much. Enlighten me with your experience.

Thanks, GX

About 2-3 grams once you consider the balsa and the CA sealant. The overall savings, however, depends on the covering used, because in my solid body cars I seal but don't cover the bottom. But on these ultra light designs I have to.

 

[LightninBoy]

Is there any evidence that it makes for a faster car?

I think what John is saying is there's more important things to worry about when it comes to speed besides making your car ultralite.

Good to see you ODD!

And yes, there are many more important things to consider.

 

[Guest]

Ok LB,

I'll bite.

What's with the funky weight pocket?

That certainly looks like some hyper biased weight to me.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[LightninBoy]

Ok LB, I'll bite. What's with the funky weight pocket? That certainly looks like some hyper biased weight to me. Thanks, Joe

I dunno about "hyper" bias. But yeah - its designed that way to allow me to distribute more cubes to the DFW side if needed.

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

Is there any evidence that it makes for a faster car?

I think what John is saying is there's more important things to worry about when it comes to speed besides making your car ultralite.

Good to see you ODD!

And yes, there are many more important things to consider.

Thanks Tom. Good to see you guys again too. I couldn't stay away too long. Things with my dad haven't gotten better, but I know I felt a lot better while I was building cars. Nothing to worry about here with me coming back. I'll hold down the back of the pack. Beautiful body btw. I always am amazed at the craftsmanship I see here.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

Laserman has missed his nemesis...

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

Ha! I dont think i can touch Joe.

 

[Guest]

Too kind Mike