Build: 5ive T tower to tower chassis bar (brushless)

[tacky187]

I had posted a pic of my 16s 5ive T build a bit back and got some interest on the chassis brace that was shown on it. Happy to discuss previous versions of the brace bar (used arrma pieces), but wanted to share the latest design.

This new version is much more simple than previous versions and it involves using the bulkhead to mount the bar versus just the shock tower. Just the hand test already showed less bend stress on the shock towers and overall improvement in support. Some notes:

• The bar is a 16mm OD x 14mm ID x 600mm carbon fiber tube (cheap and strong); but the design allows for any 16mm x 600mm bar setup
• The inserts in the end of the tube are TPU printed pieces (think Croc material) which gives the bar a total of 6mm of flexible material to help absorb crash energy by allowing flex/compression
• The bulkheads and center diff plate are printed in PET-CF, which is insanely strong; maybe too strong. If you have a terrible crash, you definitely want the cheaper printed parts breaking versus towers and chassis bending, so I might tinker with regular nylon, less strong plastics, etc
• It only works on brushless converted trucks

I've had the rig out driving a couple times as it starts to warm up and I REALLY am impressed by how it drives and its durability so far. I am easily lift and carry the truck by this bar without issue. Funny enough, I'll be busting my ramp out soon with the entire purpose of crash testing it, lol.

 

[HXRC]

Nice work! I did something similar on my gasser with Arrma parts. The center brace makes a chassis upgrade unnecessary; definitely one of my favorite mods, adds a lot of stiffness.

Not to hijack, but here's how I did it on a gasser to give others ideas. The rear bar bolts to the fan cover.

 

[tacky187]

No worries hijacking the thread! Nice add, and since most crashes are from the front, it would definitely help.

 

[HXRC]

There's a bar in the back as well, I couldn't find a good picture this morning, I just updated the post.