Mini dune buggy project

[lukasdlf]

Today I finished cleaning and reassembling the rack and pinion and I have it already installed on the buggy. I also reinforced the spindles because they were a little bit weak.
Here are some pics of the spindles. Tomorrow I will upload the rest of the rack and pinion installed.

 

[lukasdlf]

It's time for an update!!
Here are some pics of the front end.

Testing the suspension:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxxn0l-YE0Y

 

[lukasdlf]

After some thought, I decided to put the 16 hp motorcycle engine instead of the 6.5hp honda clone. I'll save it for a smaller project. The problem is that in the accident i had six months ago, the carburetor, came out flying and..... sand and stones got inside the engine. Since then I've never checked the damages to see what happened. Well here are the pictures.

PS: I was very lucky with that broken bolt

 

[OzFab]

If the engine hasn't been turned with all the dirt in it, you may be lucky; drown the shrapnel out with aerosol degreaser, making sure you don't blow it into the crankcase. Be sure to get right in around the piston...

Nice work on the front end/frame; it looks bulletproof

 

[lukasdlf]

If the engine hasn't been turned with all the dirt in it, you may be lucky; drown the shrapnel out with aerosol degreaser, making sure you don't blow it into the crankcase. Be sure to get right in around the piston...

Nice work on the front end/frame; it looks bulletproof

Fortunately the engine does not turned a single turn with pebbles inside;the cylinder is intact, not a single scratch.
Taking advantage I have all disassembled'll change the piston, rings, valves, springs and maybe something else for a made ​​in Japan ones.
Thanks for appreciating the work

 

[OzFab]

Thanks for appreciating the work

IMO, there's two aspects to creating good work; good planning & better execution; You've obviously exceeded both which warrants praise

 

[landuse]

I agree. You have done great work. Both your wooden kart and this one have turned out great!

 

[lukasdlf]

Hey guys
Its been a while since my last post. Unfotunately, I have been busy at my university.
Well things have changed a bit regarding the buggy. I have decided not to invest that much time or money because the buggy has a couple of faults in the design.
This is why I am going to use the 6.5 hp engine and change the idea of the independent suspension to a swingarm with a live axle.

Here a few pictures of the progress
I hope u like it

 

[landuse]

Glad to see you back. It looks like you have made a good start with the swingarm

 

[mysteryboy28]

that 6.5hp motor is gonna be weak for that size kart and rider. you should really try to find an 11 or 13hp motor to drop in it. otherwise gear it super low (like a top speed of 22mph), and then you can actually have a little fun off-road with it.

oh, and your rear tires are backwards.

 

[lukasdlf]

I know the engine is small, the problem is that I bought the engine and the tc for a smaller go kart and I do not want throw them away, plus it's going to be for my friends and my girlfriend. It will be better this way to avoid some kind of accident by irresponsibility or lack of experience.

Furthermore I just realized that the wheels are completely bent due to the accident.

next time I'm going to put them in the right direction

 

[rocketkart]

awsome work man.

 

[lukasdlf]

Thanks

 

[firemanjim]

AWESOME WORK ! I have a question about your spindles. What angle is that you got on top? Im going to be doing something simular (hint hint) next year and was thinking about 7° ..... But you got it down to a science apparently.....

 

[lukasdlf]

Thanks
I gave that inclination because I wanted to achieve the maximum ground clearance. Without this angle my ground clearance was limited by the ball joints. If you get heimjoitns with high misalignmentt spacers you are not going to have that problem. Tomorrow I'll take the exact measurement and let you know.

 

[firemanjim]

I was gonna use 5/8 heim ends and use a 1/2" long spacer between the spindle and ball end. You appear to have around 10° angle. I was figuring 7-10° , and after seeing your suspension travel, I guess Im on the right track. Again, nice work.....

 

[lukasdlf]

Today I could not take the exact measurement because I dedicated myself to clean the mini workshop. But, I took a rough measurement and is between 12 and 8 degrees. Tomorrow I promise them accurate

 

[firemanjim]

Thats close enough, my friend. It tells me I was in the right ball park. I think I will go with 10° . IIRC, thats what I read somewhere in a Hot VW's magazine.

 

[lukasdlf]

Hi
I have good news. After talking with a professor at the University, they borrowed me all the machine shop. It have several lathes, a milling machine, one mig /mag welder and endless tools. Because of that I have been able move really fast. Here are some pictures of the progress.

 

[rocketkart]

this thing is going to be awsome.