Thats what I figured. Thanks Mark.

Bummer, guess I'll run my ST ford!

The body from what I understand from Dale Epp is designed that way for a purpose.
The body is not cut symmetrical.
That Dale is always thinking....

The 02' montes are not symmetrical either.. built that way for a reason.... oval racing!!

Rt front post mounts .065 to .080 taller than the left,and the rear is offset as well..

Never noticed it before unless it's more pronounced in the new dodge.

If thats the way it supposed to be, great! I just found it odd no one has ever mentioned it because I bet my left front post is almost a 1/4" lower than right and the body is still not level. It's not a small difference, it is very drastic. On the other hand I find it hard to believe it's messed up, Protoform bodies are typically awsome.

Thats the way they are made. The monte is the best flat track body made. They are designed off of jeff greens car. Havn't got the dodge yet but if its as good as the monte protoform has another awsome body

does it tell anywhere in the instructions when you get one of those bodies what exactly to do when mounting? i never noticed this either. i guess its for a reason but what is the reason exactly? thanks

does it tell anywhere in the instructions when you get one of those bodies what exactly to do when mounting? i never noticed this either. i guess its for a reason but what is the reason exactly? thanks

Have you ever see instructions with a body joe?
only window mask and stickers are the only things that come with...
NICK

how am i suppose to know how to cut it then. have you seen my wheel wells? :)

The new Dodge is the nicest looking protoform body to date!! The design that went into it is awsome!! Dale really out done himself on this one. Turns very hard but still good rear bite. Cant wait to try it this weekend on the flat track!!

EA

I'm always hearing people talk about seeing other racers bodies not mounted correctly,and have noticed the difference in the two sides for sometime now.Could someone give us a class on proper mounting? We always see setups and stuff but have never seen a body mounting thread,how about it factory guys let us in on your techniques.

will the new dodge body fit a tc3? just wondering, i dont know much about them

Have you ever see instructions with a body joe?
only window mask and stickers are the only things that come with...
NICK
Plenty of bodies come with instructions printed on the inside of the header card.:)

NHRCRACER name 1 that does?
NICK

I've never seen instructions either... but then again, I usually don't look in the header card either.

As for mounting bodies, here goes:

I usually do this with the body clear, this makes the whole process alot easier. Maybe harder to paint later, but with my 1 color paint jobs, really doesn't matter. First thing I do is cut alont the bottom trim line, this is not going to be the final trim, you will have to remove more than that later, unless you like running the body way above the min. height. I know that there's some hokey rule about the lower trim line... but I'd like to see one guy that ever got DQ'ed for having the thing cut above the line. Too low, yes, the trim line.. no. So pay no attenion to that... and if someone bitches about it, tell them to find something better to do. On to the next step.... I will cut out the front wheel wells on the line provided, if you are using a body that does not have these, you can look at the body, and make a mark on the top of the fender, and use that as a center to draw a circle for the front wheel cutout. a 2.4 inch foam tire works for this I have found. Usually the center of the hood is about where the center of the front wheel well is, so use that as a referace to where to make the mark, if you have no line to go by. After the front wheel wells are cut out, place the body on the car, and start aligning it ot the car. Regardless of the wheelbase lenth, center the front wheel cutoouts on the fron tires, and then mark for body mounting holes. If you have to cut your mounts, then start trimming/adjusting them to height so that the body is sitting level all the way around the car, body touching the counter. Don't be concerned if a body mount is longer on one side, today's bodies are not always the same from one side to the other by design, so this is not something to be concerned about, just make sure that it is sitting on the car level by the bottom trim line. I usually do this with a set of 2.35 tires on my car, this seems to allow for the tires to wear to the rim, and still make the height rule. (4.25 for carpet) Next, drill the holes for the screws, or use a sharp pointed x-acto, and make the holes for screws. If you are running clips, start the holes this way, then ream with a step reamer to the hole size needed. Then, screw the body to the car, and use the front cutout that was the closest to round ( you did save them, yes?) and align it to the rear tires, but angle the wheel slightly forewward, so that as the pod moves in it's arc, the tires will not hit the body. Use a sharpie, trace around the outside of the front cutout, and then cut away. The rear cutout will be slightly larger than the front, this is o.k. as more celarance is uaully needed here to prevent rubbing. Now, put a set of tires on the car that are smaller, roughly 2.2, and draw a line around the bottom of the car, and cut on top of the line... this should provide enough clearance to stop any rubbing on the track surface.

Note: Never cut higher than the chassis on the left side, or the body will tuck up on the chassis at will, and be a real headache later. Even if the line is higher than the chassis, don't do it. Cut out he back, leaving the rear bumper profile, as viewed from the side, and up to the trunk line in the back. This should be o.k. with all the rules, unless your track has a hokey rule about keeping the back in... which is an aerodynamic nightmare... in which case you need to get the racers together to rid the track of that rule... or stop racing for a couple weeks until they do change it. Leaving the back in WILL make the car run poorly, and the faster you go, the worse it gets.

Note:

You can change the way that a car handles by shifting the body foreward and backward, and side to side, but that's another topic in itself.

:thumbsup: I first want to give a big CONGRADULATIONS to the Pf bodied racers who showed so well at Sandhills last weekend. Eric Hutakay - TQ and win in Stock, and Rocket Rick Talbot - TQ and win in 19T. Eric Anderson - it was great to hear about your fine second place finish in Mod. It was a pretty good debut for the latest in Pf body styles.
Sorry if I messed anyone up with the "body mounting" issue on the new Dodge MD. I should have at least used this forum to give a few mounting tips.The fact that the body is a little lower appearing in the left front and higher in the right rear is designed into the mold. Its really nothing new. The Monte Carlo HD is also a little "squewed" as well. The real CUP cars have been getting increasingly as-symmetric for the last 4 or 5 years in spite of the fact that NASCAR adds more body templates every few months. The only place that the CUP cars are relatively symmetric from side to side is at the 2 restrictor tracks and the 2 road race tracks. The new Dodge reflects only some of the tricks used on the real Dodges. The fact that RC oval cars are allowed huge rear spoilers as well as elevated wings has influenced a few design features on this Dodge that are definitly not seen on the real Cup cars.

MOUNTING TIPS: The lower trim line(s) are there to use as a reference for the final body position & attitude. This will mean that the body posts will be a little shorter on the left side. IF the rake (angle of attack - front to rear) is something that you might want to change for a given track or class (less rake for stock and 19T usually) these trim lines can still be used as an excellent reference to make the required changes. Just remember to do your "final" botton-edge trim once the body is screwed down and the car has the desired OD tires mounted. Remember to keep the bodies lower edges as close to the track as possible (without rubbing) and uniform all the way around. This will make for a more consistent "feel" from your car. The "ground effects" generated by oval rc cars is a rather crude in its nature, but it is definitely there, so always remember: a properly mounted body is critical to top performance.

A FEW RELATED COMMENTS:
- Cost of Bodies - When I started PROTOform in late 1991, bodies were retailing for $19.95. Since then we have started to include larger detail-type decal sheets, window masks and spoiler hardware. The cost of lexan has gone up approx. 80% and the cost of production labour as well. The cost of licencing as well as the associated clerical time & labour has also factored heavily into what a body costs to manufacture, believe me. To make matters even worse, the volume of oval bodies has dropped considerably since its heyday in the 90's. The fact that they only retail for $24.00 indicates that they are still a pretty good deal. (Street price is still ususally 4 or 5 bucks less) Hope that gives you a more accurate perspective.
- Mounting Instructions Included (on oval bodies): Don't hold your breath waiting for these. Maybe some day, but specially printed header cards will even futher bite into profit as stated above. You've got to remember, a fair amount of profit is good as well as necessary. It ensures that we will be here producing bodies a year from now.

If you have any questions about anything (other than future product releases) go ahead and ask. I just love oval racing!

HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING WEEKEND! Remember to actually "give thanks". If you living in the USA, you're in the greatest country in the world - by a bunch! It was no accident that it got to be this way. The founding fathers has a dream, and a plan, and the faith to overcome. They believed in "what is right" instead of "who is right". It has worked. I'm so glad there are still leaders in the USA who have not forgotten that fact!

Sincerely - Dale Epp

That last part Dale.. well said.

NHRCRACER name 1 that does?
NICK
We're digressing here, but HPI.

Dale,

I wasn't complaining at all about the cost,I'm amazed they are as cheap as they are.You guys do a great job with these bodies,thanks for clearing up the mounting instructions that helped a bunch.

MOUNTING TIPS: The lower trim line(s) are there to use as a reference for the final body position & attitude. This will mean that the body posts will be a little shorter on the left side. IF the rake (angle of attack - front to rear) is something that you might want to change for a given track or class (less rake for stock and 19T usually) these trim lines can still be used as an excellent reference to make the required changes. Just remember to do your "final" botton-edge trim once the body is screwed down and the car has the desired OD tires mounted. Remember to keep the bodies lower edges as close to the track as possible (without rubbing) and uniform all the way around. This will make for a more consistent "feel" from your car. The "ground effects" generated by oval rc cars is a rather crude in its nature, but it is definitely there, so always remember: a properly mounted body is critical to top performance.

A FEW RELATED COMMENTS:
...
- Mounting Instructions Included (on oval bodies): Don't hold your breath waiting for these. Maybe some day, but specially printed header cards will even futher bite into profit as stated above. You've got to remember, a fair amount of profit is good as well as necessary. It ensures that we will be here producing bodies a year from now.


Dale -- You are missing a real opportunity here... You don't have to put instructions in with the bodies. USE THE WEB SITE! Take the tips here, include a few pictures or illustrations, and put them up on the web... Cost is minimal and the service to your customers is HUGE!:thumbsup:

A FEW RELATED COMMENTS:
- Cost of Bodies - When I started PROTOform in late 1991, bodies were retailing for $19.95. Since then we have started to include larger detail-type decal sheets, window masks and spoiler hardware. The cost of lexan has gone up approx. 80% and the cost of production labour as well. The cost of licencing as well as the associated clerical time & labour has also factored heavily into what a body costs to manufacture, believe me. To make matters even worse, the volume of oval bodies has dropped considerably since its heyday in the 90's. The fact that they only retail for $24.00 indicates that they are still a pretty good deal. (Street price is still ususally 4 or 5 bucks less) Hope that gives you a more accurate perspective.



Sincerely - Dale Epp


Dale,

Your bodies are the best on the market, hands down! I would pay double or more for any of your oval bodies, especially your new Dodge! Keep up the fine work and I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one!!!

Take Care,
Mario.....

smooch:p smooch:p

hahah :wave:

Dean For President..ha Ha..

Dale -- You are missing a real opportunity here... You don't have to put instructions in with the bodies. USE THE WEB SITE! Take the tips here, include a few pictures or illustrations, and put them up on the web... Cost is minimal and the service to your customers is HUGE!:thumbsup:

I agree!

Hey Guys - thanks for the kind comments and great idea. (to use our web site for instuctions and tips) It might take a little while but I will definitely get it done asap. I just got back from US Indoor Champs (Cleveland), so once again I gotta hustle to get some mold-work done...... then again, with no racing of any kind on TV these days, I should have lots of spare time, right? lol
Don't know about you guys, but I'm having "racing withdrawal" symptoms. Painfull.

Dale Epp :thumbsup:

PS: Tony Stewart was at the Champs. His "Truespeed" motors powered Paul Lemieux to a TQ in Mod Sedan and a 2nd place finish. He was by far the fastest car all week. Josh Cyrul just outdrove him.

Hi Dale Congrats on the new Dodge , Hope to see a new 12th scale and 10th scale flat track body soon ,,,,,,,Talk to you soon SRM

Since SMRocket brought it up-
What's the skinny on 12th Scale Oval Bodies from Protoform-
Have they given up on 12th Scale Oval?
Inquiring minds want to know?

A very good question flrglock. As much as I would like to do a 1/12th oval body or two, the demands on my time just never seem to allow it. Trying to supply world-class bodies for 1/10th sedans (both "race" and enthusiast styles), 1/8th and 1/12th on-road bodies etc tends to keep me pretty busy. Not to mention that these other body styles outsell 1/12th oval bodies about a 1000 to 1.
BUT - it sounds like help might be on the way. Todd Putnam has apparently been talking to some guy with NASCAR links who might develope a 1/12th stock car mold for PUTNAM PRO-PULSION. Sounds interesting anyway.

Dale Epp :confused:

Well, now that my phone is ringing off the wall, it is apparent that the secret is out...:thumbsup:

Dale is indeed correct. I am working with someone with Nascar ties to try to come out with a new 1/12th Oval body in time for the Snowbirds. I originally spoke with Dale a while ago to see if there were any future plans for a new 1/12th Oval body. He stated that due to the small demand of 1/12th Oval bodies compared to the growing demand of On-Road bodies, etc; that a new 1/12th Oval Body just isn't practical from a business standpoint.

That being said, when an opportunity presented itself to possibly do something on my own, I was sure to clear it with Dale first, since I have run for him/Protoform since the old "wide-car" days... He assured me that I would not be stepping on his toes, as his hands are tied with other so many other high-demand projects. He actually was excited and curious to see what I and my "Aero-God" would come up with.

Stay tuned, and maybe I will have something by the Snowbirds. This deal is still in its infancy, and if the ideas become reality I will be sure to post it here first to notify everyone.

Todd Putnam
Putnam Propulsion
Aero Division...(gotta cool ring to it, doesn't it?)

hey Todd let me be the first one on here to say THANK YOU! this sounds like a great idea and i know all us 12th drivers appreciate the efforts!

joe ivo

Ok Great news from the motor guru himself......I am sure lite weight in a sure thing ...

ROCKET

And yet the number of 12 scale oval chassis manufacturer's is appearing to increase:confused: -
Maybe the 12th scale oval guys are better drivers, and don't run thru as many bodies ;)

Just kidding-

Putnam- I hope it's soon.

12th scale rocks, and having more bodies to choose from will only help it to grow more.

Todd, you are the man.

BTW, congrats on the win in Cleveland. Smyka is my hero. Although, i must say i was rootin for carissa to out qualify him :thumbsup:

..any chance we'll see ya at the new year's dash in rome?


john

JohnnyWhopper: Thanks...As for Carissa and Smyka: ever wonder why he NEVER runs good unless she's there? I think she drives his car from the crowd, and he's nothing more than the R/C Ashley Simpson...faking it on the driver's stand...knowwhattamean?

Eli did a good job for me as well...that beard must increase voltage....:dude:

I'd love to get back to CRC...I think it's the last place I ever won on carpet...lol
We'll have to see when it gets closer...

TP

Dale- I just got the new Dodge last weekend. Great looking body! I've already got it cut (per your instructions) & painted and will be running it this weekend. Speaking of "skewed",I noticed that the roof rails & front windshield were skewed as well. Is this part of the aero package you've described earlier & how does this come into play?
-George

Official track site- www.racewayathobbyworld.tk (http://www.racewayathobbyworld.tk)

George;

I'd love to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you! :jest:
Let me know how it worked for you. That track looks real nice.

Dale

1/12 Oval is the bomb....Protoform's Taurus (unfortunately discontinued) has served us well but we are in dire need of new skin! Leave it to TP (aka diehard 1/12 scale pilot) to make it happen.............

George;

I'd love to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you! :jest:
Let me know how it worked for you. That track looks real nice.

DaleDale- LMAO!! OK,I'll let you know how it does this weekend! Another racer at our track also has the new Dodge & we've been comparing notes on the differences! lol BTW,our track has an approx runline of 355' and has been compared to Talladega because of the speeds (even though it is not shaped like 'Dega),so this new Dodge should do very,very well here!

-George

Official track site- www.racewayathobbyworld.tk (http://www.racewayathobbyworld.tk)

Is there a Chevy® body out of this kind?

Kevin
Branford RC Speedway/Kevin's RC Oval Site (http://www.kevinsrc.tk/)

Is there a Chevy® body out of this kind?

Kevin
Branford RC Speedway/Kevin's RC Oval Site (http://www.kevinsrc.tk/)

Kevin , if you are talking about the asymetry...the HD Chevy has it too. Some guys don't notice it and trim the body to try and level the hood.

Kevin , if you are talking about the asymetry...the HD Chevy has it too. Some guys don't notice it and trim the body to try and level the hood.
Hmmmm... Thanks.. :cool:

I just got the New dodge body and it look great. Good job Dale.:thumbsup:

Dwight...If I don't look out for the little guys, who will?:thumbsup:

Give me a shout sometime...
TP

Hey Todd;
So how was the Tony Stewart Race? Is there any results posted anywhere?
Any news on that 1/12th scale body? If your talking to "that guy", your NASCAR connection, tell him to do the new Dodge Charger body. I hear its kinda weird to look at, but hey, sometimes that makes things interesting. Hope this guy isn't "too good" if you know what I mean. I don't even know him and he's already got me tossing and turning. :roll:

Dale Epp

Tony's race was a blast, as usual...over 300 entries (and a week out of the snow) doing a little indoor dirt oval racing...Too much fun!

We ended up winning a few classes, and I even got to race. Ended up 3rd in Stock and 4th in Mod. Not bad for a part-timer!

I haven't been in touch with anyone that wasn't at the race in the last 10 days. There is zero cell service in the building, and when you start at 7 am and get done after midnight, you miss the whole "noraml business hours" portion of everyone else's program.

Don't get too nervous, if you stopped making bodies today the rest of the industry still would never catch up...

Todd Putnam
Putnam Propulsion

ooops. Results on the dirtoval.com site and coppersrc.com as well...

Smoke ended up winning Sprint mod with a pass for the lead in turn 4, last corner, last lap... Won by a 1/100th or something. TOO COOL!:thumbsup:

TP

Todd didn't he beat Mark Corns??? I race with Corns and thought he said that Tony got him coming out of the last corner. I hope one of these days to make it up there.

TP.....the little guys are so under rated! Ran mine last weekend at New Castle...... WOW they are fast! Can't wait to run them down south! Hey BTW....John is bringing back the 1/12 cap tires.....can you say 1/12 scale at BMS! Booyeah! I ran my old car there two summers ago and it was a shuttle!!!!