Creepy
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Post by Creepy on Feb 4, 2013 16:22:46 GMT -4
4'x4' 18G (.045") 32# Doesn't seem that bad to me. as opposed to say, steel beadlocks, a D60, domestic 4speeds, 203/205's, a heavy passenger. Is sheetmetal really where you should try to make weight savings? Less tube, less thick bracketry, smaller/lighter drivetrain would seem to be where big gains for lower weight would be made. Discuss?
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kilo69
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Post by kilo69 on Feb 4, 2013 17:00:28 GMT -4
Are you saying ditch the passenger? Or if required take the smallest one you can find hahahaha
On topic though.
I can't see huge savings in just the sheet metal... like you said... 16 sqft of it was only 32lbs...
There's plenty of heavier items that could be scaled down over that.
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Post by zukwatson on Feb 4, 2013 17:02:47 GMT -4
beadlocks n 60s are unspring weight which help keep you on the ground.
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Post by zukwatson on Feb 4, 2013 17:04:24 GMT -4
but yea ditch the passenger, leass overall weight means less pipe required,
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Post by DamnJeep on Feb 4, 2013 17:29:34 GMT -4
Are folks really that concerned about weight? I only wanted to know mine so when I am ready to buy coilovers I knew what spring rate to order. Truth is if the buggy gets too heavy I will just find a more powerful engine!
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Creepy
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Post by Creepy on Feb 4, 2013 17:44:46 GMT -4
beadlocks n 60s are unspring weight which help keep you on the ground. ah, good point. I was only thinking overall weight.
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MudMagnet
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Post by MudMagnet on Feb 4, 2013 20:09:42 GMT -4
keeping it light is a concern when running toy gear and a small motor.... stick 1 tons and a v8 in it and weight is no longer a consern... ;D
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Post by zukwatson on Feb 4, 2013 20:36:24 GMT -4
if someones concerned with weight there going to try and cut it any were they can
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Post by geezer on Feb 4, 2013 22:30:38 GMT -4
Jan ,how much does the same sheet of aluminium weigh ?When your trying to cut your overall weight down it is hard to loose 100 lbs here and 100 lbs there.You gotta take the 5lbs here and the 7 lbs there until it adds up to 100 lbs of total weight removed.And whether you've got a 4 cyl on toys or a V8 on tons the less weight you have to move the easier it is on gear.
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Creepy
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Post by Creepy on Feb 4, 2013 23:35:46 GMT -4
I guess I'm wondering when do you 'get concerned' about the weight?
Its always at the back of your mind when building, but when do you have to really try to get weight down? You'd kinda need seat-time to see if the rig works without toasting axles and ring gears? so just try not to overdo it and hope for the best?
I'm having a bit of trouble with this, as a 'first-time' chassis builder. How do you know 'OK, this thing is getting too heavy?"
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The Garagemahal
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Post by The Garagemahal on Feb 4, 2013 23:44:40 GMT -4
I wouldn't worry about it If I was you , it won't be too heavy
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Creepy
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Post by Creepy on Feb 5, 2013 0:10:59 GMT -4
I'm not worried about my rig per se, just trying to tap into the guy's experiences who have built a few chassis, about their thoughts on weight.
'lighter is better' is the rule, but the best performing rigs are not the lightest ones. Its more like the power to weight ratio gives the advantage. If your axles can take it.
We see all different kinds of rigs around here, all different weights, all 'keeping up'.
When are you too heavy? When you break all the time?
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Post by zukwatson on Feb 5, 2013 7:14:05 GMT -4
Jan ,how much does the same sheet of aluminium weigh ?When your trying to cut your overall weight down it is hard to loose 100 lbs here and 100 lbs there.You gotta take the 5lbs here and the 7 lbs there until it adds up to 100 lbs of total weight removed.And whether you've got a 4 cyl on toys or a V8 on tons the less weight you have to move the easier it is on gear. agreed
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Post by 540rock on Feb 5, 2013 8:53:17 GMT -4
i think narrow and good ground clearance is just as important as weight. i dont find my weight of 6000lbs a big deal. i would have one of the highest hp to lbs ratios out there. my width and my slow turning is what kills me the most.
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Post by BenConrad on Feb 5, 2013 9:23:00 GMT -4
And really, who uses 18ga? Oems are all 22, so if your cutting from a factory body to save weight your pretty much fighting a loosing battle. Being as light as possible can't hurt. V8 and one tons or not. It'll make it easier on gear regardless.
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