Bent chassis

[moejoe3117 1]

Does anyone know if you can heat an aluminum chassis to straighten it?

[Fisticuffs 0]

Does anyone know if you can heat an aluminum chassis to straighten it?

If you heat aluminum, it will become softer, which may make it easier to straighten the bend, however it will weaken the aluminum, making it more prone to bending again in the future.

[Scotty 8]

It is already going to be more prone to bending if you bend it back, but I'd suggest using a vice to help contour it back.

[pody37 3]

As mentioned it will weaken the chassis, but I've had success using a block of wood and a vice to help bend it back. It didnt go perfectly straight, but it allowed the wheels to turn again.

[Sprungster 5]

As mentioned it will weaken the chassis, but I've had success using a block of wood and a vice to help bend it back. It didnt go perfectly straight, but it allowed the wheels to turn again.

It's best to use small C clamps with a piece of strong hard wood on both sides, so it's only wood on the aluminum. You may need three or four clamps to flatten the whole bend. Work from the center of the bend outward. My OG prototypes are aluminum and I straightened the bodies and arms Many times. I've also straightened a bunch of reg frames the same way.

[pody37 3]

It's best to use small C clamps with a piece of strong hard wood on both sides, so it's only wood on the aluminum. You may need three or four clamps to flatten the whole bend. Work from the center of the bend outward. My OG prototypes are aluminum and I straightened the bodies and arms Many times. I've also straightened a bunch of reg frames the same way.

Now you mention it, I think I used a clamp at either end (only had 2 available) and a piece of wood on each side, strange how you forget all the details!!

But as you say, it can work quite well!