Need ideas for a desert buggy mod

[kraegar]

The solvent was the clear winner - both melted the plastic to some extent, but the glue for the Testor's plastic cement didn't really help it bond. The plastic weld just literally melted them together. I was able to seperate both, but the solvent took considerably more force. I think with a better fit (I was just using scraps I hadn't tried to shape to fit nicely together) it will bond completely, and not be easily breakable at all.

So, a total of 6 glues tested, now to move on to some real building!

Remaining challenges:
1 - precise design - I have the general layout, gotta get down to the specifics!
2 - How to join the rollcage to the chassis. 3 things in mind here - 1, for the thicker center cage, putting holes in the chassis, drilling a small pilot hole in the center of the .375 abs, and running a screw up into it. 2, flattening the ends of the .250 abs, and drilling holes through it to attach it to the chassis with nuts & bolts. 3, using round end electric wire connectors which fit over the end of the abs, gluing those, and then bolts through the round end connectors to the chassis.

At this point I'm favoring 1 & 3. They're more precise, and have a cleaner look.
Tony

[kraegar]

For the heck of it, I tried out some pure acetone, which definitely just melts the abs... but the bond was no stronger then the Plastic Weld. I had a bit of a brainstorm last night on how to attach it all to the chassis in an easy way, that's field-serviceable. Also had some ideas on how to improve my bending, for greater consistency. Hopefully I'll have time tomorrow to cut & shape more of the roll cage.

[kraegar]

Put some more updated photos here: http://sites.google.com/site/kraegar/rc

Scroll to the bottom.

This thing is rockin! Got the cage complete, and the body panels cut. The photos above include a mockup with the body panels taped in place on top of the cage. I love the way it's looking.

It's time to come to a decision on how to attach the cage to the chassis. My plan had been to use zip ties around the bottom edge of the cage, and through holes in the chassis. Same for the body panels.

I'm debating a new idea now... putting 1/4" ABS posts extending down through holes drilled in the chassis, and then using body clips through those posts. It would have several advantages, including that the entire cage would lift off for maintenance (of the cage, or the car itself). I could easily run 4, maybe more posts down... got good solid attachment points to weld them to.

Any opinions or better ideas? I think I'm really leaning towards the body post idea.

Tony