Flattening Tweaked/Bent Chassis

potentiality · #1 12-19-2003, 05:29 AM

(If this is covered in another thread just point the way please)

I have gone through two Zip Zap Se so far. The first one the chassis was really tweaked out of the box (so much so that one of the front tires was off the ground at level). The second seemed level at first, but even after the steering fix (Thanks Charlie Brown), it still is turning too much to the right.. A closer eye inspection shows the same flaw, just not as great. (both were the Audi first was a silver on 27, second a blue on 75 that had just come in that day).

So since these are just ABS plastic. I figured removing the rear axle and front tires, If I can find some kind of flat surface that heats up to around 120-130 or so. Leave it for a few minutes on this with a book on top would help straighten out the chassis. Then a cold slightly damp cloth on the bottom to "reharden" the chassis.

Two or three times. That should straighten them out.

However! What should I use for this? An Iron at a low setting with a metal pan over it? The problem with this is I would need it at a perpendicular angle (so gravity would hold the weight evenly down).

Or just a hair drier eyeing it?

Ideas?

Racer9 · #2 12-19-2003, 04:37 PM

Try just bending it!

Racer9 · #3 12-20-2003, 08:37 AM

I just bent mine back to shape and it worked.

bdebde · #4 12-23-2003, 12:12 AM

I have had good luck with a couple just by twisting them back into shape. Just twist a little more than you need, then when it relaxes it should be just right.

potentiality · #5 12-23-2003, 05:27 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I sorta did a combo, first by heating up some flat pans on the stove slighlty, and then pushing the chassis down against them.

However I think there is a design flaw in the left side front knuckle post (on the chassis). As when I flatened it, the left knuckle was now slightly scewed forward. So when I put the servo cover back on, the suspension was stuck.

Anyhow after a couple hours of tweaking, and finally taking a hotwire to the lower post hole. It's relaxed again.

Soo want to fet mine. Hope the guys at bitpimps figure it out.

Still, any small mold shops out there. A aftermarket chassis, better steering knuckles, and a aluminum steering rod (watch how it bends up and down with the suspension) would be god sends.

Even more, (if these exist point the way), a differential for the rear axle. (Could be done.. to diff would have to be in part of the rear left wheel though).