More CanAm frames - how many is enough?

[gascarnut]

Good to see some threads here about CanAm - I guess we all have a need to post somewhere!

I thought I would show some old and some new - just to se ehow the designs have progressed over the last year.

Here's the first one I did:



This one is still running in SoCal in the hands of a buddy.

Next generation:



More weight up front and the now-famous Mike Steube "split bite bar". This one went to a buddy in Australia.

For the East Coast guys, who have a minimum weight limit, even more brass:



Then things started to get out of hand! The constant search for more speed and the introduction of the Gerding King track at BPR spawned a new design direction:



After that, things got seriously out of hand, in a good way I guess, orders started coming in from all over:





One for me, two for friends in the UK.

And just when I thought it couldn't last, it got worse:



Two more for the UK, six or seven for SoCal, four for guys here in Denver...

In summary, in a little more than a year, I've built 26 CanAm frames in two basic designs with some variations, and there are still seven waiting for assembly. Pity my day job has to interfere.......

Just small changes to the design, lots of difference in the quantities! Hopefully the quality is still there.

[Mike Steube]

Dennis, how many is too much? I'm not sure so we better build one more and see if that's going to be enough. Doubt it will be. LOL! I don't know about you but I've sure learned alot of stuff that doesn't work to produce better handling in these scratchbuilt frames.

[gascarnut]

I don't know about you but I've sure learned alot of stuff that doesn't work to produce better handling in these scratchbuilt frames.

Agreed, although it seems that stuff that doesn't work on one track might still be good on others.

For example, the East Coast guys like some fore and aft movement in the pans, and I know we didn't use that at BP.

[Bill from NH]

Dennis, soon we'll be calling you Henry Ford Jr. Do you offer any colors other than black?

[gascarnut]

Do you offer any colors other than black?

Tires? No - just black.

Frames? Just brass and steel, although I have done some in PCB and Carbon Fiber before.

Bodies? Any color you want, but I warn you, I'm no Noose or Jairus:

[Noose]

Dennis,
Who is making that Chappy? Would love to do one of them up. Have you mounted on the current Can-Am style chassis?
Noose

[gascarnut]

Dennis,
Who is making that Chappy? Would love to do one of them up. Have you mounted on the current Can-Am style chassis?
Noose

Noose, I got it from a slot racing buddy in the UK who makes them himself - his name is John Dilworth, he goes by "howmet tx" on the boards (mostly slotforum and the 'blog).

They are pulled from .020" PETG so they are a little on the heavy side, and do not have a lot of detail yet, as John is still fiddling with the mold. It is big - plenty big enough to swallow a D3 frame, but it is long front and rear and fairly high so it won't be a great competitive body. But it is real pretty.....

John did the Ferrari CanAm as well - it's a modification of the old Lancer shell, with a slightly longer nose and a higher spoiler.

I did the 2H for another racing buddy in the UK, Jeff Davies, who organized the 24 hour race at the recent Brooklands 100 year celebrations.

[TrueScale]

Nice Dennis! Maybe I can trade some of the new bodies for a chassis

Victor

[gascarnut]

Nice Dennis! Maybe I can trade some of the new bodies for a chassis

Victor

Now you've gone and blown my surprise! I have been thinking along the same lines, but I wanted to get the frame done first.

I have parts ready for a frame that has your name on it, but it will be a week or two till I can get it done.

I'll keep you informed.

[Lambert]

Looking at the photos, I noticed that you have two different style of motor brackets.
What make of motor brackets are you using or are you making them your self.
Paul

[gascarnut]

Looking at the photos, I noticed that you have two different style of motor brackets.
What make of motor brackets are you using or are you making them your self.
Paul

Paul,

Sometimes I use the drag bracket that Buena Park Raceways sells (WRP? I think), sometimes I use the billet brass bracket from BWA in Canada, but mostly I make my own, so I can adjust the width as I need it, 1" for CanAms, 3/4" for F1 frames.

The BWA bracket may not be available any more - there was talk of it being discontinued. It is nice when you want a bit more weight at the back of the frame.

[Lambert]

Paul,

Sometimes I use the drag bracket that Buena Park Raceways sells (WRP? I think), sometimes I use the billet brass bracket from BWA in Canada, but mostly I make my own, so I can adjust the width as I need it, 1" for CanAms, 3/4" for F1 frames.

The BWA bracket may not be available any more - there was talk of it being discontinued. It is nice when you want a bit more weight at the back of the frame.

Thank you for the information.
Now I need to find a layout for a motor bracket.
I like the idea of the 1 inch Can Am and 3/4 inch for F1.

Again thanks for the info

Paul

[flea]

I know this is an older thread, and that I'm old and hanging by a thread... but what is the wheelbase of these chassis? Also, the distance from front axle center to guide post center? I think I read somewhere that a 4" WB and 1" to the guide post was a good start...?

Ahhh, the good ol' daze...

[Noose]

Phil, 4"WB and 1"GL is the perfect start. Some of the guys are running a slightly smaller WB and GL but this one works very well. The only problem you might have is whether the body you choose to use will fit properly. If you go with a slightly shorter WB and GL just about everyone will fit.

[flea]

Phil, 4"WB and 1"GL is the perfect start. Some of the guys are running a slightly smaller WB and GL but this one works very well. The only problem you might have is whether the body you choose to use will fit properly. If you go with a slightly shorter WB and GL just about everyone will fit.

Thank you for the quick reply!

I'll tell ya', this is a breath of fresh air to me... I can't wait to get the ol' Dremel, brass and wire out again!

WooHoo!!!