The "Housewitzser LST2" is born...
 

I have finally started the tear down and carbon rebuild of an LST II. Upon first impressions of the tear down, the aluminum used in this rig is less than desirable. Although light weight, it bends quickly and has to go. In its place will be cut and shaped 3.5mm carbon fiber. Twice as thick and far more rigid but just as light, it will make for a far more sturdy, far more beastly rig. Coupled with the unbridled power of the 1717 on 6s...this is going to be a fun build.

Here are the old chassis parts...

The "Housewitzser LST2"
 

Here is the carbon fiber plate that will become the new chassis.

Looks like a good start. It should be an interesting build.

Nick

I have been thinking of doing the same with my Cen Genesis but I'm having a hard time. cutting and finishing the carbon properly, what do you use to get. clean professional cuts? a jig saw is what I use but that may not
be the right tool for the job.

I use a dremel metal cutoff wheel to make the big cuts and finish things up using the original parts as templates and the little drum sander to smooth all the edges. For the servo placements, I drill holes at each corner so I don't cut into the chassis. I set up my shop vac to catch the dust. I tried using a band saw but the cf just ate up the blades.

This should be fun!

I'm impatient when cutting. I use a 4" grinder. The thinnest metal cutting blade you can get will slice and dice much faster than a dremel:mdr:

I use an angle grinder too, but a big 9.5" one, with a stone cutting diamond disc about 6" dia, The cuts are not the thinnest so there is a lot of dust and it is best done outdoors with mask and gloves at least, but an 18" cut takes just a few seconds, and the cuts are straight as an arrow and with no tearing like a hacksaw can leave or jagies like a dremel can leave, and require no further sanding to finish unless you want to bevel the edges.

Once the cuts are made and beveled/cleaned up if needed sealing the cut edges of the CF with thin Cyno to help prevent de-lamination.

No need to remind; Please guys, safety!
Carbon Fiber dust is not good for health, safety glasses and mouth cover if possible.

google it.

but man i tell you Carbon Fiber is a great material. watching to see how it comes out ;)

RCS,

Thanks for the look out. I am well versed in working with the stuff after my first two builds. A good shop vac is the best when making cuts.

Progress update
 

After many long hours of shaping cutting and drilling, the chassis plate and upper pieces are done. I sealed the exposed edges with wheel glue. Not bad work for a guy with a dremel and a shop vac. I will post pics later.

a wet tile saw is the way to go for big straight cuts:yes:

More updates...
 

I finally got a chance to do a full test fit of all the chassis part and everything is tight as a drum. I have a few parts on order but I should have a complete roller in about a week.

The "Housewitzer LST2" update...
 

After re-cutting the bottom skid plate and making countless adjustments to the carbon fiber, I finally got the Housewitzer assembled and awaiting electronics. It is going to be a pure joy to fire this thing up.

That looks great! Very well done. :)

Wow! That thing looks great!! Nice job!!

The "Housewitzer LST2" update...bottom up
 

Here is the bottom skid plate and battery box mount. I can truly say...if it is nothing it is stiff.

Very nice indeed. Reminds me of Mistercrash's build, but I like yours a bit more with the center diff. Keep us updated! :great:

I love it! Custom builds are my favorite. I hope you get some trigger time in soon.

The "Housewitzer LST2" update...
 

I have the wheels and body shell is on order and en-route. I still have to get the radio and the Monster Max. These are the wheels on order.

The "Housewitser LST2" is officially...
 

A roller. I finally got the wheels and 23mm adapters in and put in the truck. The extra wide wheels add to the stance and the size of the beast. I am gearing up for it initial run...almost to clean to run....naaa I don't build them to just look at them.

The Housewitzwer Updated
 

While my Mayhem ST is in pieces awaiting the 2.0 carbon redo, I took its MMM and finally put power to the beast that is the Housewitzser. The Castle 1717 that powers the X0-1 is just plain incredible. It tosses my carbon fiber behemoth around like a limp rag doll. Definitely one of my most rewarding builds to date.

Have you weighed it yet to see how much it comes in at?

The Housewitzwer Updated...and weighed
 

I weighed the beast and I am more than surprised at the weight. Full size 1/8th scale monster...less than 11lbs without the batteries. Beast!!!!

Thats not much more than my X1 truggy. My X1 comes in at 10lbs without batteries. With two 3S 5000mah batteries it weighs 10.8lbs.

Looking at a stock model, the carbon conversion cut a pound or 2 off its weight.

Why buy when you can build...
 

Over-sized and overpowered, there is nothing bad I can say about the Housewitzser but no more wheelies ever...with full packs this thing pops skyward with ease. The cure...decrease the power, not going to happen so the next best option....a wheelie bar. And while I am sure there are some nice viable options to be purchased, I prescribe to the simple philosophy..."why buy when you can build." So I did. Taking a few parts from a parts car, a little dremel and some scrap carbon fiber plate...a few hours later a fully functioning, great looking wheelie bar.

Nice!