An offer from SCI for all you dad's out there. *wagon fab GTG*

[chadsci]

Hey all,

For the last 6+ years I have been making different modified wagons and hot rod pedal cars for my kids. I'm sure you have seen them over the years at eurowerk's shows or the old Volksport shows.
Every year I have so many people ask about them and how to make them, I thought I would make a place where everyone can learn how its done. www.mycooldaddy.com (http://mycooldaddy.com/)is such a place. I basically learned how to use Wordpress over the holidays and made the site while up north(so go easy on me). To help get some original photo's and maybe a couple of build threads written for the new site, I thought about spending a couple of Friday nights here at the shop making a few.


http://mycooldaddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/wagon2.jpg

So I would like to extend an offer to all the dads here. If you want to build a wagon or just see how to build one. Come to the shop, starting in January for H.O.T Friday nights. I will be building and helping build modified Radio Flyer wagons. Over the next week or so I will get those that wish to build a wagon a list a parts you will need to have.

Here is a basic list of parts needed.


Radio flyer model 18, 1800 or 96 (or equivalent)
Racing Kart alloy wheels. 5 inch tall is better and used tires are far easier to find
Racing kart tires(used is better and cheaper)
Hubs and bearings for Kart wheels
Idea of what color you may want to paint it.
Idea of what fabric you may want to use.
Idea of how high or low you would like it to be.
http://mycooldaddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/wagon3.jpg

Let me know if you will be interested in building a wagon, so I can put together a list of all who will be attending. I want to make sure there is plenty of space for all.

Also anyone the really knows wordpress and wants to help me make a sweet header for the new site send me a pm and we can talk. :D

[Topher]

That (almost) makes me want to have a kid.

[Hurricane]

This is pure awesomeness. I should start welding a few of these up for my lil guy. Hmmm how can I add something that launches projectiles? I think I am going to have to come by Friday just to watch if nothing else.

[gtiguy1994]

awesome!
My kiddo would have enjoyed one when she was younger. Its on to engine equipped toys for her :)

[VAGatHeart]

Hmmm how can I add something that launches projectiles?

Front-mount water balloon launcher. Do it.

[Netdewt]

This is awesome... I might have to come out for this. I was just googling these, but I don't know how to fabricate and weld so I gave up.

Big thread I was browsing through: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106561

[Hurricane]

Alright I am in. I just spent the last hour and a half getting ideas.

[chadsci]

This is awesome... I might have to come out for this. I was just googling these, but I don't know how to fabricate and weld so I gave up.

Big thread I was browsing through: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106561

You're right about that Jalopy journal thread. Pure awesomeness!

It goes to show you don't have to use the racing Kart alloy wheels and tires for a cool wagon.
We should be able to whip up a sweet low rider chassis that uses the stock wheels easy.

[a1maniac]

good lord those are amazing!!

[vdubwgn]

very cool indeed.

[ShowCar]

I'm no dad, but I think I may just have to whip one up anyway.

Hottest wagon award at eurowerks V?

[Die Frau]

I will be in attendance for sure. I have been kicking around ideas for months and want to get started on this.

This is so awesome Chad!!!

[chadsci]

I'm no dad, but I think I may just have to whip one up anyway.

Hottest wagon award at eurowerks V?


This sounds great. I will whip up a trophy for the winner. :cookie:



Another idea. Those that are painting their cars over the winter should bring their wagon body into the body shop and have them paint it at the same time. This way it will match your Project car and look sweet.

Typically the body shop will paint a new wagon shell for an extra couple bucks or for me the last two were painted for a couple cases of beer. $20-30 extra.

[chadsci]

I will be in attendance for sure. I have been kicking around ideas for months and want to get started on this.

This is so awesome Chad!!!


When I was thinking about this I thought about you and Shawn O. I know Shawn just had his baby boy and you and your bride were expecting soon. Hopefully you can make it in January.

[Die Frau]

I will not be able to make all of them I am sure, since my parents will be here for some of the time and Tracy will be starting a Friday night class in January too... But I will attend those that I can.

My ideas are a little more in depth than just adding wheels and bearings though... I am thinking about building a frame and using some sort of suspension, like the rear shock from a mountain bike. A much more tame and low-rider version of the Clodzilla RC trucks or this:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/frtwynbluetj/4%20Wheel%20Jambo/100_1839.jpg

Another design using some sort of MTB shock:

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss121/daddywgn/123-1.jpg

This is also pretty sweet:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/iflytii/radio%20flyer/progess/New%20Wheels/NewWheels0.jpg

I love this one too, the guy shortened the bed:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn211/lamoreuxh/100_2068_01-1.jpg?t=1243693112

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn211/lamoreuxh/100_2061_01-1.jpg?t=1243693241

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn211/lamoreuxh/100_2057_01.jpg?t=1243693346

Lots of pretty cool stuff here:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106561

[KeithStone]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/for/2007025314.html

[ShowCar]

Is there a site that sells parts and things? Doesn't make sense to buy an entire wagon kit if you're planning to play around and fabricate new parts.

[KeithStone]

Is there a site that sells parts and things? Doesn't make sense to buy an entire wagon kit if you're planning to play around and fabricate new parts.

buy a wagon on craigslist for $15-$50 and go from there. Harbor freight for lots of things and make the rest.

just like we build our cars.

[ShowCar]

But I wanna browse parts.

[KeithStone]

http://www.harborfreight.com/

http://www.radioflyer.com/

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/

[Die Frau]

Can't buy a new tub, that I know of... Which is the only original part I plan on using. :(

[ShowCar]

Chad posted a neat picture of a few of them on the facebook page. There must be a source...

[KeithStone]

Can't buy a new tub, that I know of... Which is the only original part I plan on using. :(

plenty on CL that look as good as new. or good enough

[Die Frau]

Yeah, I know used ones can be found. But I would like new. If I am going to go through all the trouble of making this nice; might as well start with a straight tub. I imagine body work on it would be a PITA, aside from painting.

I also would like a genuine RF... not a Harbor Frieght or Northern Tool wagon tub.

Fleet Farm sells the No.18 for a pretty good price... I think less than $100.00, which is not too bad for a fresh tub.

[KeithStone]

Yeah, I know used ones can be found. But I would like new. If I am going to go through all the trouble of making this nice; might as well start with a straight tub. I imagine body work on it would be a PITA, aside from painting.

I also would like a genuine RF... not a Harbor Frieght or Northern Tool wagon tub.

Fleet Farm sells the No.18 for a pretty good price... I think less than $100.00, which is not too bad for a fresh tub.

You want a new tub, before taking it apart, banging it up, drilling holes in and and burning welds all over?

also, how would bodywork be a pain? it is flat sheetmetal.

Anyways, look forward to seeing what some of you can come up with.

[Die Frau]

My plan is to build the tube frame out of some 1"OD tubing, then put the tub in last. My design will basically just have the tub set inside the frame with only a few small bolts holding it in.

So there should be no reason it gets all knackered.

I just assumed body work would suck (like dents and creases) because it was thin walled. I could easily see the bill for good bady work going over the $100 it would cost to buy a new one.

[Stumanbmx]

I love the one with the red tub and black wheels that you posted, Pete. Very cool.

[KeithStone]

I could easily see the bill for good bady work going over the $100 it would cost to buy a new one.

Well yeah, because that is a half hour of labor and $60 in materials..... If you are not modifying the tub at all, i see why you would want a new one.

I would rather have a ratted/patina tub. So thats where i was coming from. I think the reason these are cool (to me) is because they are old and from our time as kids and still used.

[Die Frau]

Agreed. The patina would be great... But I have a different look in mind. Remember I am having a girl... Sugar a spice and everything nice, you know...

[chadsci]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5212207679_8cb38d44b7.jpg


What about this one. Looks like it used two shells or just some sweet metal work.
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4459/210/41/1468760925/n1468760925_342152_5007879.jpg

[KeithStone]

that last one is dope.

Chad: No thanks to you for posting this and making us dudes that have no reason to have a wagon want to build them....

[TJ914]

that last one is dope.

Chad: No thanks to you for posting this and making us dudes that have no reason to have a wagon want to build them....

Exactly. I spent entirely way to much time yesterday looking at pimped out wagons, and debating if I really need to spend time and money on something that's only purpose would be to haul my beer around and look cool.

[KeithStone]

Exactly. I spent entirely way to much time yesterday looking at pimped out wagons, and debating if I really need to spend time and money on something that's only purpose would be to haul my beer around and look cool.

HAHAHA same with me and TickTack.

Well, that and researching standalone and different turbos. : D

[Die Frau]

I just put an order for nearly $400 together for all sorts of stuff from McMaster-Carr. Mostly threaded connecting rods and 24 heim joints being the bulk of that price... yikes...

Add to that the price of wheels and tires ($150ish), the wagon ($100), the tub painting ($100ish) and the frame chrome plating ($???) = close to a grand after it's all said and done.

I think I have to sell some stuff, LOL.

[Netdewt]

$90 new here: http://www.ridingtoys.com/tricycles-and-wagons/steel/radioflyerclassicredwagon.cfm
$60 from Harbor freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/bigfoot-wagon-1541.html
$40, but with wood sides, from Northern: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200448104_200448104

I love these wheels:

http://royboyproductions.smugmug.com/Cars/2010HunnertCarPileup/DSC2765/1042732897_sjfTm-M-2.jpg

[ShowCar]

Jesus, Pete. Hahaha.

[Die Frau]

I know.

But I don't have a show car like some people. And I have a feeling my mod days are going to be pretty thin coming up... might as well do this up right.

I am still working through the design phase of this, I think that is why I need the help of some of you CADers out there... I tried using that google CAD thing and it sucked. I know what I want, and I have sketches... just need to get it all fancy and official.

I figure I can do most of it mysef, I just need help with the CAD, then some help bending and welding some .750" OD, .120" Wall steel.

[KeithStone]

Is it going to have a roll cage?

[Die Frau]

LOL, no.

It is going to have a halo that the tub rests inside of, just under the lip of the tub. Then a cross brace that goes under the tub. The multi-link suspension will mount off of this cross piece and then link up to the halo with some sort of spring/shock...

I know it sounds crazy, but it really is not as crazy as it seems.

I'll see if I can draw up some pictures tonight.

[KeithStone]

I like it.

[Die Frau]

I think it will look pretty sweet... the frame and as much of the suspension that can be, will be chromed and the tub will be painted Tiffany & Co. teal/blue...

It will be a Radio Flyer/Hot Rod version of this:

http://www.925wholesaler.com/syssite/home/shop/1/pictures/productsimg/small/4054.jpg

[Die Frau]

This is pretty crude... but Pixlr is my only choice at work, LOL

The front suspension and steering geometry needs some tweeks to make it more compact. And I will need to fab some sort of knuckle/spindle as well as the suspension mounts.

Anyway, here it the jist of it:

http://eurowerks.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=5652&d=1291393868

[Netdewt]

Does this have no steering?

http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q364/Netdewt/DSC02972.jpg

[Hurricane]

Steering is underneath. I have seen a few of these

[ShowCar]

Most of the ones I've seen like that have no steering.

[Hurricane]

I am assuming it has the pivot underneath, thats how the ones I found online were. I guess we will have to build our own and show these fools how its done. TCCW Twin City Custom Wagons

[ShowCar]

Yeah, I think the issue is with the wheels rubbing on the tub, not that actual mechanics of the steering. What do I know though!

[Gertrude86]

Pete: I can try doing it with solidworks if you want :)

[shawn o]

Time to do some more research on this and come up with some ideas.

[Netdewt]

Yeah, I think the issue is with the wheels rubbing on the tub, not that actual mechanics of the steering. What do I know though!

Right. Maybe I'll just invent the hover-wagon.

Is this type of steering off the shelf, or is it totally custom made?
http://nate.twedten.com/wagon/images/wagon_3.jpg

[Die Frau]

That looks nice. Very simple and neat.

[ShowCar]

I wish I could go eight minutes withouth thinking about radio flyers.

[Die Frau]

LOL, I think you and I are on the same wave length... I expect some good ideas when we meet...

[ShowCar]

Chad, what do people typically do for hubs on the shifter cart wheels in the front?

(not spindles with suspension and steering, but the hubs/bearings themselves)

[CaRJoE0220]

http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-radio-flyer-car-092910,0,1784245.story

[ShowCar]

That's dumb.

[idealsociety]

my father-in-law has been building a flyer for my kid for a while, lowrider with a model t style flip up convertible top.

black with the proper flames of course, the classic hotrod style. ill try to get some pics next time im down there. ive been wanting to build a 4x4 wagon with some wicked suspension for a while, perhaps this winter while my square is in the body shop and the garage is open ill try to get the basic frame put together.

if i didnt live so far away id drop in and watch :(

[chadsci]

Standard shifter kart bearings.

Im working out a deal to get 10-15 sets of wheels, tires and bearings for those building.

I should know more by Monday afternoon.

[Die Frau]

Oh, that would be great!

[Hurricane]

Picked up a mini wagon also just for fun. I am collecting others up until this starts.

[Netdewt]

Mildly related:
5779

[Hurricane]

Picked up another wagon. Whooo

[Netdewt]

My sister bought my 3-year-old this for Christmas (she's nuts):

http://common1.csnimages.com/lf/1/hash/1693/2960262/1/Power+Wheels+Ford+F150+Truck.jpg

[Hurricane]

Uber wagon?

[Digital K]

I'll probably stop by to see all the wagon progress. I presume most of these are going to be at Eurowerks V to compete :)

I am going to try and work a winch into mine.

[ShowCar]

Picked up a mini wagon also just for fun. I am collecting others up until this starts.
I realized I have one in my basement. I'll probably just build that since all it needs to carry is a 6-pack, not a kid.

[MechE30]

I realized I have one in my basement. I'll probably just build that since all it needs to carry is a 6-pack, not a kid.

...right now, that is...

[ShowCar]

You're not so single yourself.

Looking forward to building a tiny scale model.

And helping Pete.

[Die Frau]

I am for sure going to be out for this Friday and next. :/

But I will need all the help I can get from Matt.

[shawn o]

Can't make it, have to work at 4am Sat.

[chadsci]

Picked up some more supplies. I will not have the six sets of wheels I ordered but I will have the three sets I have from my sons wagons and pedal cars. We can use those to mock up ride height and what not.

Also picked up 6 pairs of safety glasses for those grinding or sanding.

I will have one new in the box wagon for someone to buy if they want. I may also sell the wagon body that I had color matched to my 20th AE about five years ago. Paint still looks great.

Also I have made storage space available to those who want to build and leave their stuff here.

[shawn o]

Trying to get the weekend off.....

[ShowCar]

This is gonna be awesome. I hope I can make it tonight.

Someone down south should grab this.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/clt/2146394109.html

[chadsci]

We are all set up. Hope to see you guys soon.

[Die Frau]

Sorry I couldn't make it tonight guys... My little cruiser decided to make her grand entrance this morning.

[Digital K]

was a good time, and led to some brain storming. whens the next one?

[chadsci]

Wagon building and the driving of the soon to be finished bar-stool this Friday night. :eek:

Friday 14th 6pm to 10pm.

I have one new wagon for sale. Retail is $79 Eurowerks dad price of $60
I will also have tie rods and ends for steering, hubs and bearings for kart wheels,I have two set of kart wheels that can be sued for mock up. Steel tubing and sheet metal is here and in stock for frame building. The shop is cleaned and prepped for those that want to weld or get started cutting. I have a wagon photo gallery with about 100-150 pictures to look through.

Hope to see you guys this Friday night.

[Digital K]

bah. I just missed my ebay thing to get the one I wanted. fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu :/

[ShowCar]

I'm still planning on making a mini wagon, but I'm no longer planning anything too special.

I need to get my laptop running solidworks so I can work on Pete's (if he's still planning on going through with it?).

[jlien08]

How the hell did I miss this until now?!?? Damn. Tempted to come out with one or two wagons that are sitting in my garage waiting to be pimped.


Mine. (http://picasaweb.google.com/jlien08/ZoeySWagon?authkey=Gv1sRgCLC01LKeqtrvxgE&feat=directlink)
Mine too. (http://picasaweb.google.com/jlien08/KaraAndHerWagon?feat=directlink)

[Die Frau]

Hell yes I am still going through with it, Matt. I am just really busy this month... I might be able to stop by for a moment on Friday, but it would just be to say hi...

[ShowCar]

Hell yes I am still going through with it, Matt. I am just really busy this month... I might be able to stop by for a moment on Friday, but it would just be to say hi...
That's fine, I've been busy too. We'll get around to it.

[chadsci]

See you all tonight.

I will be setting up the throttle and the steering on the bar stool.

[Digital K]

i'll be there. going to leave a bit later and try to avoid traffic...

[dontknownuttin]

I really wanted to come, but the two hour (each way) drive told me otherwise. :(

[shawn o]

Was planning on coming too but traffic was terrible.

[Digital K]

had a ton of fun. I really think I have some solid ideas sorted out.

[dontknownuttin]

A little preview of what I have been working on.......

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/285/img0945jm.jpg

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9549/img0946cw.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5028/img0947l.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/617/img0948ek.jpg

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/3737/img0949r.jpg

The gap on the sides will be gone in the final assembly. This is just a very rough fitment.

[SLK]

Damn, I was thinking today a wood floor would be sweet to do, looks like you beat me to it. Looks great Jon. I like that you matched it to the Scirocco.

[dontknownuttin]

Damn, I was thinking today a wood floor would be sweet to do, looks like you beat me to it. Looks great Jon. I like that you matched it to the Scirocco.

I didn't beat you to anything. Just do what you want to do. I would LOVE to talk with someone else that did something similar but kind of diffrent.

[SLK]

You also used actual wood. I was thinking of using a veneer on plywood so then I could make it look like fancy expensive wood without the cost.

[dontknownuttin]

You also used actual wood. I was thinking of using a veneer on plywood so then I could make it look like fancy expensive wood without the cost.

Yeah, I decided I needed to have real Cherry with an accent wood. I had no idea outside of that until I went to SCI and got the sides.

[Bryce]

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/285/img0945jm.jpg.

That is seriously cool Jon.

[chadsci]

No H.O.T tonight 1-28-11


Sorry but I have a hockey dinner for my son at Space aliens!:uberbarf:

[audivwdave]

^^^ You must mean 1-28-11

[chadsci]

No H.O.T tonight. 2-4-11


My bride is leaving for Germany this Monday and wants some quality time.:D

She will be gone for 10 days. I hope to be back to regular Friday nights again soon.

[chadsci]

Later tonight I will try and post a few pics from the builds so far.

[Die Frau]

:(

[audivwdave]

Whats she doing in germany?

[dontknownuttin]

Whats she doing in germany?

Shopping for a new RS6 avant for the family I think. The Routan just isn't cutting it I hear. (not true)

[chadsci]

Hey all,

It's been a crazy week. My bride is in Germany for work. She is taking a class on lean office or something.

I have arranged for my dad to watch the boys on friday night. So we will be hanging out.

Also I have received the shipment of wheels for those who ordered.

They look great and the polished ones are very nice.


H.O.T Friday night from 6pm to 9pm

[Digital K]

I mentioned to hatz I'd help move some stuff, but I should be there

[Die Frau]

I should be there! I hope a set of those wheels has my name on them.

I picked up a Model 18 from Fleet Farm last night - $75

I also ordered a few shocks off of ebay and have been looking at new springs this morning...

Now I just need my drafter to come through with a plan.... ;)

[dontknownuttin]

Very likely I will be out there tonight as well. :)

[Digital K]

should have something for you!

[ShowCar]

:O_o:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5442038494_45196c8f8b_m.jpg

Pete, I've gotta setup a new workstation with solidworks and then I'll get you some screenshots of what I have so far. At some point, we should meet up so I can measure parts. Shoot me info on the parts that you've ordered.

[chadsci]

What are those wheels from? They look cool.

[Die Frau]

Cool Matt!

I don't have a lot yet, but I have the Wagon Tub and I ordered the suspension (3 coilover shocks) that will be here this week? I don't have any specs on them other than they are about 6.5 inches from eye to eye.

I am also ordering through Chad four front kart wheels, the backs were too wide for me so Tony and I are splitting a set of tires, he wants 4 rears, and I want 4 fronts. I hope to stagger them just a little bit in the design. I will be getting 4 hubs from Chad too.

From what I know so far, the wheels are 5 inches tall, 4 inches wide?, and with the tires they will be 10 inches tall. The hubs and bearings will bolt up to a 5/8 inch spindle.

I hope to pick up the wheels, tires and hubs this week.

Matt, I appreciate your help on this - I would love to get a final design nailed down in the next few weeks so I can start to fab up the frame. Don't worry about it too much though... and don't work to far ahead - I am a picky SOB, and would hate to VETO all yiour hard work, LOL.

Here is a shot of the tires (one front stacked on one rear - I will be using 4 fronts):

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5437834870_3ac71c2b36.jpg

And here is a shot of the polished wheel on top of a front tire:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5437834420_cc5ea6dd82.jpg

[Die Frau]

*** JUST A REMINDER POST FOR CHAD***

Just to remind you of our conversation from Friday - I want four polished 'front' wheels with four rain 'front' tires mounted, white letters out, and four hubs - please.

Thanks Dude!

[ShowCar]

Don't worry, i won't work ahead. It's a lot easier to have a starting point to look at, play with and change than to start from scratch.

[Die Frau]

Sweet. Once I have more of the parts, we can set-up a time for me to swing by and you can get all of your measurments.

Maybe some evening next week or the following???

[ShowCar]

Sounds good. I'm pretty free during the week.

[Die Frau]

LOL, I am never free.

We will figure something out.

[ShowCar]

LOL, I am never free.
I could stop by sometime and just pickup one of each part to model and we could do a lot of the design work through email. I can embed 3d models into pdf files now, so you don't need any special software to view and play with what we have.

[Die Frau]

Alright... well let me get the parts in and we can figure it out. Tracy is actually being really cool about this project and giving me some time away from home... so I am sure we can work it out.

[mk2 3.2t]

Mock up is complete, now just needs paint, if i can get him out of it.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s57/32turbo/Picture030-1.jpg?t=1297736240http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s57/32turbo/Picture034-1.jpg?t=1297736240

[chadsci]

WOW!

That is mint. I hope to have the pictures up from Friday soon. Great looking build. :thumbup:

[chadsci]

How does the suspension work?

[chadsci]

LOL, I am never free.

We will figure something out.

Pete, your wheels are ready. I can't hang out this Friday night. Maybe you can pick them up this week some time. Pics later.

[Die Frau]

Sweet! Thanks Chad! I will see what I can do about getting in to pick them up ASAP.

Tony - That thing looks AWESOME! I was talking to Chad... If my ideas all go to shit, I might use a design similar to yours. Did you keep track of your measurements and whatnot, plans?

You should start producing these things! BTW, the 4 rears looks really really nice.

Great work!

[Die Frau]

I can't get over how awesome this is. It really gets me fired up to get my ass in gear.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s57/32turbo/Picture034-1.jpg?t=1297736240

[mk2 3.2t]

Chad, shock works awesome, thanks for all the parts sourcing and help. My son loves it.

Pete, thanks for the comments and i dont have any plans but can give you any measurements if you need them. The shock is awesome compared to the other riged wagon i have.

[Die Frau]

What is your impression of the treaded tire, as far as how easily it rolls? To you imagine it is much tougher than a slick tire would be?

[MechE30]

I could stop by sometime and just pickup one of each part to model and we could do a lot of the design work through email. I can embed 3d models into pdf files now, so you don't need any special software to view and play with what we have.

Watt's Link rear end?

[Digital K]

Chad, shock works awesome, thanks for all the parts sourcing and help. My son loves it.

Pete, thanks for the comments and i dont have any plans but can give you any measurements if you need them. The shock is awesome compared to the other riged wagon i have.

man. I am humbled. hahaha, here is how far I've gotten.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184619_10150420773875111_892870110_17212892_655750 6_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183313_10150420774310111_892870110_17212897_678243 9_n.jpg

it can swap over to lowrider stylez....

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184973_10150420774720111_892870110_17212904_830565 4_n.jpg

[dontknownuttin]

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184973_10150420774720111_892870110_17212904_830565 4_n.jpg

I like it, very imaginative.

[Bryce]

That's looking awesome Kris! I seriously need to get my ass in gear on this...

[Digital K]

here's one more w/ it laid out from the front. I think I'll have the handle come off the bottom. the inner neck is hollow, and turns... so I think I might tap it with a big ass NPT fitting and attach on the bottom using that so it can be disassembled.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5452622078_e11a02fac0_z.jpg

[Die Frau]

Looking good!!!

Nice welds, BTW!

[mrkrinkle]

That design looks awesome Kris. Very imaginative. Please tell me youll be using the karting wheels in your final design? Imo that would absolutely complete your design. Maybe even stretch the fires :P

[Digital K]

Nope I bought the wire wheels. The karting wheels are too big.

[Falling Rock]

That looks Awesome!

[dontknownuttin]

My pull handle is getting quite close to being finished:
http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/6736/img0988qs.jpg

[Digital K]

Ooo shiny!

[Die Frau]

I will be picking up my wheels tonight!

The suspension should be here any day now...

I also made a preliminary order to McMaster:

.500 OD / .334 ID , .083 Wall Steel Tube for the suspension and steering linkage
1.00 OD / .834 ID, .083 Wall Steel Tube for the frame
3/8"-24 Ball Joint Ror End

I bought a tap that should allow me to just cut the smaller tube to length and then tap it for the linkages. Once we get some final measurments and design I will order up the rest of the materials.

I need to find a place to get the 1.00" pipe bent... would like it if it was mandrel bent. I also need to find a place that will do small runs of chrome plating, like maybe a custom motorcycle shop.

[Die Frau]

We have parts!

Here is the tubing for the frame and linkages:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5465966227_602160e736.jpg

Here is one of the 3 shocks, with a couple springs of softer spring rate:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5466536422_b919bd9d52.jpg

The tap to thread the linkage tube for the rod-ends:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5466535556_60ec938a95.jpg

One of the rod-ends assembled:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5465937637_6f29cf1ee3.jpg

The shoulder bolts for the rod-ends:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5465937301_ed34c28d4b.jpg

And the weld-nuts for the rod-ends:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5466534712_a3618e0771.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5465936115_44ae046b48.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5457023795_87b8f5d130.jpg

I have been kicking around the ideas for the multi link suspension and I think it is starting to make sense. There seem to bee some general rules to follow for 4 link rear suspensions - The upper links should connect to the middle of the rear axel and have at least a 40 degree angle from each other. Too shallow an angle and they will not be able to laterally stabilize the axle. They should also be as level as possible while at rest, and the linkage length should be 70% of the lower linkage length.

The lower linkages should be mounted below the axle, the verticle difference from the upper linkage mounting point should be 25% of the total tire height - so in this case 2.5 inches.

I found a company in Wisconsin that sells tube fittings, one of which should work great for the bends I need, so I don't need to find a shop for that. Hopefully with this information and the measurements I will be taking for Matt, we should have a preliminary design by some time next week.

[chadsci]

This looks awesome!
I will be hanging out this Friday if you want to swing by and work on the frame or anything.



My pull handle is getting quite close to being finished:
http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/6736/img0988qs.jpg

[Digital K]

I think im going to work on mine in theg arage tonight if anyone wants to stop by.

[chadsci]

Looks like you have all your parts lined up.:thumbup:


Get to drawing and swing by Friday night if you can.

[Digital K]

made progress again tonight. welded up some shitty hardware to see if this will work for the rear wheels. going to replace crappy hardware with a stainless carriage bolt. I am using tubing from the handlebars I cut off as a spacer for the wheel.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5474988275_ac9bcc01d5_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5474988205_efb6ac220d_o.jpg

[chadsci]

That looks great.

I will be here at the shop tonight for those that want to swing by.

[Digital K]

finished the handle, hinge, and arm last night and today. tub is prepped and 1/2 completed.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5480613937_8bc745b0fb_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5480613225_8646c6b5cd_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5480614683_4c6eb0efd0_z.jpg

[hapsbang]

That is a pretty ingenious set up for the steering. Although it doesn't look like its chubby kid friendly. :)

I'm starting to think I should build one of these for my nephews.

[idealsociety]

looks like frau and i are thinking alike for our suspension, except he's doing 4-link and im going springer :D

[dontknownuttin]

Quick mock-up of the assembly. I used a boat seat bearing to mount the handle to the floor. Still unsure what to do with the wheels yet though. Currently thinking about trying to do a steamroller looking single wheel all the way across.

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/7232/img1004j.jpg

[Digital K]

man that handle is crazy....

here is mine. alllllmost done.

made some spacer/hub things for the rear wheels:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5487369710_eb43907582_z.jpg

almost there!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5486774707_5c2b9ff06e_z.jpg

[Die Frau]

Lookin good everyone! I hope to have a plan in the next couple days. This weekend is tough, since Tracy has Guards this weekend, but pretty soon I should have some time.

I think the family visits and schedule is finally going to start cooling down...?

[ShowCar]

Lookin good everyone! I hope to have a plan in the next couple days. This weekend is tough, since Tracy has Guards this weekend, but pretty soon I should have some time.

I think the family visits and schedule is finally going to start cooling down...?
:thumbup:

[Digital K]

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185739_10150436031385111_892870110_17398374_282428 _n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183317_10150436031825111_892870110_17398377_218210 6_n.jpg

just waiting for jes to make me a cushion for the center now :)

[Die Frau]

Good lord that is bright!

Hey Chad, do you have a drill press at the shop? If so, do you have a 3/8" & 5/8" bit? I need to drill out the stock for my axels and spindels.

Here is a little, but not much, more detailed sketch of the design I am attempting:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5490673681_e13e39b4bb_b.jpg

[Digital K]

yes he does.

[Die Frau]

Hey Chad... Is this happening on Friday? I have to get to work!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5497880958_15e0acff74_o.jpg

[MechE30]

oh.my.gosh.
thats gonna be so cool, Pete.

[chadsci]

Wow that looks great. :thumbup:

I will be here at the shop. Swing by if you can.

[Die Frau]

Hey Chad, Is this happening again this week? I am hoping to come get more than 30 minutes of work done... Tracy does not have class so I should be able to come by for a bit more time.

[Digital K]

afaik yah its on.

[Die Frau]

Sweet. I need to bang out a bunch more of those bungs and get fresh with that drill press.

[Digital K]

banging bungs.

[BimmerTim]

Sounds like a job for Kyle.

[chadsci]

Just got off the phone with the Bride......

Were hanging out!!!!!!:biggrin:


See you guys on Friday.

[chadsci]

Sorry guys I cant hang out tonight. An old friend passed away Wednesday and a bunch of us are getting together to trade stories and hang out.


Again I am sorry about the late notice.


Chad

[chadsci]

Were hanging out!!!!!!:biggrin:

[Die Frau]

With help (and tons of it) from my bestie, Tim... this is where the project stands. As of now the welds are just tacked, so we can make some changes - like the fact that the inner-upper-rear links will interfere with the tub - se we are going to move those from the top to the front of the axle. This should give us all the travel and ride height we need.

Keep in mind the suspension is not hooked up, so the rear wheel axle postion is not in it's final position yet. Unconnected we have about 8+ inches of travel - I will be thrilled if I end up with 1/2 of that once it is all connected and the ride height is dialed in.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5586148208_3b0364eea9_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5585542361_18f7519233_b.jpg

At rest:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5585533875_fc667cd64f_b.jpg

Showing articulation:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5585542955_92e04d06aa_b.jpg

Two pieces of upper hoop, these will slide apart to allow for the tub to slide into the frame:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5581523123_0e6e58fbce_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5581521155_605160cbe3_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5582097786_c574355643_b.jpg

THANKS TIM!!!!

[KeithStone]

wow

[Bryce]

Holy shit, Pete, that is insane.

[BimmerTim]

it's all in good fun.

[Die Frau]

Some new parts... YUM! Tim, your work is exceptional.

As I was playing with this last night, Tracy was sitting on the couch with Lily and she was just rolling her eyes at me as I would make small noises of approval... does anyone else get a special feeling inside them when pieces come together EXACTLY like they should? It's something about precision fit that just really cranks me up. They assemble so easily, yet there is no play or slop. I am getting pupmed.

There should be lots more progress this weekend.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5600482336_d0c95159de_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5600481760_73cc2fe9ac_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5599893149_cf3de00c58_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5600480290_96d9f10bdc_z.jpg

And an aproximate location for the rear shock mounting:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5599878199_4af4331cea_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5599876379_9611e21101_z.jpg

And, just because I was feeling a little artsy fartsy with my point and shoot this morning...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5599900015_ff72048f3f_z.jpg

[ShowCar]

YUM! Tim, your exceptional. As I was playing last night, I would make small noises of approval... It's something about precision fit that just really cranks me up. Yet there is no slop.

Sounds like a personal problem.

Looks good fellas!

[Die Frau]

:O_o:

[BimmerTim]

Cute. I need a tig welder.

[Die Frau]

As it sits after this weekend:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5630640277_cccbf7d961_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5630636121_a02a9bd735_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5630632335_199587efee_b.jpg

The rear end is very near completion. There is about 3 inches of travel at the rear wheels. At the moment, the font end still needs a lot of work, but it is coming together - still working on the a-arms and suspension pieces. This should show a very close aproximation of the ride height and front wheel position.

Once again, Thank you to Tim for his help and guidance.

[chadsci]

Wow this is looking so sweet. We are hanging out this Friday. You should bring it by if you can.

[Die Frau]

I think I might just do that... I still have a lot of work to do, and I think I am free this Friday. I would love to get it on all four wheels, but I am not sure if there is enough time.

I made some new springs for the rear last night, and took out the 750 in/lbs - now it rides just as it should.

[idealsociety]

what did you use for better springs? the shocks i ordered from hong kong for like 4$ a piece are 1000lb rated which is probably mild overkill...

[Die Frau]

I bought a spring from McMaster, it is like 36" long... I cut off about 10-12 coils (~5"). Then I clamped the last full coil to the pigtailed end that I just cut, using a vise-grip. Then I took a pot of water and submerged all but the very end that is clamped. Then took my propane torch and heated the bit that was above the water line. After I cooled it down, I removed the vise grip and then ground the end flat with an angle grinder.

The steel used for a spring looses it's springyness when it is heated - this is good for colapsind the last coil so it seats nicely in the shock, but if you do not keep the rest of the coil cool, the heat will transfer to the rest of the spring and you will ruin the spring.

The spring I have is McMaster # 9662K48, and given the rates of some other springs with similar diameter and slightly higher coil wire thickness, I guess the current spring rate to be around 65-70 lbs/in. This should be fine for my application as I am not getting a whole lot of mechanical advantage from my design, and I will have three of them.

When I put the 20lb. bag of charcoal in the bed and wheeled it around, it settled about 1/4" and ate up the bumps pretty good. In order for the springs to be effective for my ~15-20lb daughter, there will certainly be a weight limit, but I hope to raise the rates as she gets older.

[idealsociety]

Thanks for that info! i doubt my design will require much more than yours (im working on a springer style front end that sits straight out front with a triangular pivot that pushes the struts back into the wagon)

this is probably the worst 5 second paint shop sketch of all time, but since im waiting for a chance to snag my welder back from my parents house i dont have anything assembled yet for actual pics.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/Untitled.jpg

making the front end steerable has turned out to be the more complex part, the bottom mounts where the triangular piece bolt into are actually a bushing with a bolt that will get welded on, the triangular part will be able to rotate left and right on it and will be connected with heim joints between the sides to keep it from collapsing inward on itself.

im trying to figure out what to do for a rear suspension, id really like to make some sort of a leaf spring design (a single sideways leaf across the back with a pair of control arms on the bottom to keep it located).

cant find any appropriate materials to use that will retain springyness though, can you get spring steel for an application like that?

[Die Frau]

I am sure there is steel out there that can be used for a rear leaf, but I don't know for sure which steel you would need. You might even find a complete leaf spring from another aplication that could work for you. You might want to look at lawn mower trailers to see if you could find one that might have a part you could buy. I also know that there are some R/C trucks that have leaf springs, although the size might be way off...

I thought about leafs for about a second, and then decided I liked the look of the coil-over more.

[idealsociety]

your wagon has a kick ass modern dragster kinda look to it, im shooting more for a classic hotrod style so a rear leaf would be perfect.

i did look for lawnmower leafs but had little luck and on the RC truck forums it seems they just build their own from spring steel (but smaller than my application it seems). ill keep searching and if nothing else ill have to resort to a standard coil rear suspension (not 4 link like yours though, ill just probably do a standard swing arm)

[Die Frau]

After spending a few hours at SCI on Friday night... the A-Arms are mounted.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5651627916_97b320d715_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5651618988_dba4a3b80b_b.jpg

As you can see - I am the worst welder of all time, but they are strong enough to see how everything is working and situated. The good news is the tires clear the tub, fram and a-arms as they turn and articulate. The bad news is the stance is a tad bit off. I would like it to be staggered a bit more, so I think I am going to move the a-arm mounts to the lower/inside of the hoop vs. lower/outside where they are now. That should bring the front wheels in about 1" per side. I don' think the a-arms hitting the frame is going to be an issue, since I think the mounts themselves will bottom out before the arms hit the frame.

Please feel free to critique or comment on the design thus far, as now is the time to make changes...

Thank you to Chad for hosting and letting me use your space!

[BimmerTim]

Looks fancy, Peter. Nice work.

[Die Frau]

Thanks Tim! I think when it comes time to actually make some pretty welds, I might see if someone else can help me out. It seems like I either don't get it right where I need it, or there is WAY too much.

Anyway, it's nice to see this thing getting so close!

[BimmerTim]

If you want it tig'd, I could probably rock it out in a night at work.

[Die Frau]

Oh, I don't think we need to do that. I am planning to sand all the welds smooth, as you know. Plus there are plenty of gaps that need to be filled.

I would love to have the whole thing TIG welded and show off some really nice welds, but I think MIG is going to be just fine. It's just going to be a lot of sanding....

[aaronmjr]

Very cool Pete! When things are finished up I would love to see some articulation shots! I saw the pics of Lily's test drive too :)

I just bought my wagon this weekend! (funded by selling my pocket bike)

[Die Frau]

LOL, yeah - Tracy couldn't resist. :)

I will have to see what I can do to get some articulation. Since the suspension is set-up to have a load, it does not look like it moves much without much weight. But it is really cool to see it in action.

There is a big part of me that wants to put some moster servos in this thing and make it into a R/C... am I crazy?

[Die Frau]

After some head scratching and mumbling to myself in the garage last night, I think I have decided on the final design of everything, and I am not as far off as I thought. Instead of moving the a-arm mounts, I am going to streamline the design of the knuckles; this should move the front wheels in by about an inch.

So I ordered up a nother small list of things from McMaster that I hope will be here tomorrow. And I think if I can get a little work done on Friday night, there might be a small chance it could be rolling around at the swap meet...

[Die Frau]

Not sure if anyone is really even following this...

...but if I get some time tonight at the shop, I might have it rolling around. The list of things to do is pretty short now; mostly just finish the a-arms and make the tie-rods.

Here are some shots of my mock up.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5669738284_5a34d91206_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5669167449_fe5b66ed17_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5669167299_b4b2851737_b.jpg

I decided to ditch the double heim joint knuckle, in favor of something much more sleek. I just have a collar with an ID the same as the kingpin, this will get welded to the a-arm rods. It might not be as bullet proof, but it looks a lot better, and I think for this aplication it should be fine. Plus I lost nearly 2 inches in front end track width, which is nice.

Where the lowest heim joint sits between the 2 a-arm links, I am just going to weld in a 3/8" rod (with a 45* cut on each end) between the arms.

The suspension moves just as I had hoped it would, but after some playing with it, I think it might need a little more resistance side to side, so it does not just flop around. It was mentioned that I could make a sway bar, which might happen... just not sure on that yet.

[aaronmjr]

I am following this :) Good job Pete.

[BimmerTim]

I've been following from the beginning.

[Die Frau]

I am following this

Someone must be sleeping... :)

[aaronmjr]

haha, I stopped home to shower, eat breakfast feed the cat etc.

So I grabbed a Radio Flyer ATW like this:

http://www.blueberryforest.com/images/images-radio-flyer/radio-flyer-ATW-all-terrain-wagon-550.jpg

I am most likely going to do powdered black shifter kart wheels from SCI, wide front and back with the used slick style tires. I'm going to paint the tub orange and do a Union 76 theme with a home made cushion and canopy. I'd also like to have a time attack style orange stripe around the wheels to match the tub. Steering and rolling gear will just be the stock stuff with the modified axles via Chad's help. I was also trying to think of a cool way to make a flat little rear cargo rack that comes out 6 or 7 inches for a diaper bag/backpack etc. I also was thinking of getting a used 76 oil can, cutting out the top and making a little drink holder out of it. Any help with brainstorming about that would be awesome! I have a p-shop on another computer of what I've been thinking of, I will try to post it soon.

[Die Frau]

Sounds like you have a solid concept. And it is not going to be overly complicated either... some of us don't know when to say 'when'.

Storage has been on my mind too. Your idea of a rack or shelf off of the back could work. Also consider a false bottom, since your ATW has a slightly larger and deeper tub.

I have seen some guys take antique metal bread boxes, coolers and ammo boxes and either mount them for storage or add some wheels and pull them as a trailer.

[Fearnside]

Can I go for a ride it in when done Pete? Haha. Looks dope. I will totally be building one once we have kids.

[Die Frau]

After some work last night, pretty much just need to sort out the tie-rods now...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5673271014_661455261f_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5672707667_7fb8ea4af3_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5672709457_1fe0ae9aa7_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5673279458_b77fede5d2_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5673280698_f144028db9_b.jpg

Here shows some of the front end articulation - it moves awesome. Just like I had hoped. When the front end is dropped from about 18 inches, it totally gobbles it up, good dampening and no bounce, which I'm a little surprised about, considering I don't have an oil shock.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5672718175_729405979a_b.jpg

[idealsociety]

very awesome! im assuming the heims and pivot under the front link there are the eventual tie rod/handle pivots?

[SLK]

Pete is planning on taking his daughter for a wagon ride here:
http://imagecache6.allposters.com/LRG/21/2164/NRACD00Z.jpg

That articulation is pretty sweet. Your wagon is awesome in many many ways.

[Digital K]

Amazing.

[Conman]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5672718175_729405979a_b.jpg



Ha, dang that is just awesome! :thumbup: Looks super fun, and also a very pretty looking piece of machinery there!

[Die Frau]

Thanks guys! It has been a lot of work, but I am really happy with the results thus far. :D

[aaronmjr]

Wow Pete, that looks like it works awesome! What are you doing for a handle?

[Luis]

Very cool Pete. Nice work.

[Die Frau]

Thanks guys.

The handle will connects to the frame under front shock. You can see the beginings of it hanging out - it uses a couple ball bearings mounted on a lever. On the back side (close to the tub) there will be a couple heim joints that act as the inner tie rod ends. On the front side I will connect a piece of the tube to the 2 heim joints that are there (you can see them inside the hoop). With 2 heim joints, I should get all of the up and down motion I need in the handle, without any side to side. I probably could have used a hinge or something else, but I thought this fit the design a little better, and I had a few extra.

The remaining challenges are what I will use as a handle, on top of the tube, (would like to fit the theme) and figuring out exactly how to mount the tie-rods so they do not interfere with the suspension or frame when it articulates. Although I am not going to be extremely concerned about it... I just want to get this first iteration finished. If it is not perfect, that is fine. I will go back a re-design some of the small stuff if I need to - like the fact I am going to have bump-steer. But that will be for another winter - time to button this thing up. I have pretty much decided that this summer I am not going to do the paint and chrome. I will likely just paint the frame and keep the red tub. I can do that next year too.

My unofficial goal was to have it finished by the SCI Swap... well it got very close. The only true crunch at this point is E5 and BTT50's.

I will keep posting pictures of progress, but changes are going to me much less significant now. Pretty much just a lot of finish work, welding and sanding.

[SLK]

So when are you gonna add the roll cage? :P

[Die Frau]

Uhgg... I cannot believe how little time I have to work on this...

At this point I am not even sure it is going to be finished. I was really hoping for BTT50's which is the weekend before E5. For that to happen I need some SERIOUS shop time, but this weekend is filled with 30th birthday party and wedding...

It looks like I have Friday the 10th and 17th to get this as close to done as I can.... wow.

[Digital K]

thats how it goes ;)

[dontknownuttin]

Uhgg... I cannot believe how little time I have to work on this...

At this point I am not even sure it is going to be finished. I was really hoping for BTT50's which is the weekend before E5. For that to happen I need some SERIOUS shop time, but this weekend is filled with 30th birthday party and wedding...

It looks like I have Friday the 10th and 17th to get this as close to done as I can.... wow.

I hear you on that. After my initial good progress, I done little. For the longest time, I got stumped on what to do for wheels. Now that I finally have an idea, it is rush-city to get a move on with the limited time left.

[Cspence024]

Very cool man. Nice work!

[Nevr]

Idea for handle? Rhino/whammy bar?

http://image.off-roadweb.com/f/9547154/0802or_11_z+1993_isuzu_rodeo_off_road_unsung_hero+ fabricated_front_bumper.jpg

[Cspence024]

Ha.. Not a bad idea Cal.

[chadsci]

I will be at the shop this Friday night if anyone wants to work on their wagon projects.

[Die Frau]

I wish I could... I am praying for rain.

[Die Frau]

Okay, time to break out all the cliche's... "Backs against the wall", "Do or Die" etc....

I think I should be able to get some good time in tonight, and I don't have *too* much to fab... then it is just rewelding all the tacked stuff.

I worked on this last night, just need to trim the planks and intstall the 'Baby Bucket' recievers and it will be good to go. Polishing 45 of these tiny screws was pretty fun!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/5818338276_190096a711_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5075/5817770149_671b7bb9f5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/5817770287_e33f65be75_b.jpg

[aaronmjr]

Cool!

[BimmerTim]

fuckin' a, Pete. Shit's cherry.

[Die Frau]

well, actually Mahogany...

BTW, I broke one of your welds last night... you suck. :P

[BimmerTim]

perhaps you shouldn't be sitting in it, Pete. It's made for a baby.

[Die Frau]

Done.

Finally.




Well, done for now. Frame isn't going to be painted this year... in true Hot-Rod, Back to the Fifties fashion... " If it's goin', we're showin' "... so it will still be a work in progress, but it 100% functions and that is good enough for this year. It should be out at BTT50's on Sat and E5 next weekend.

Thank you to Matt Beenan, Tim Schott and all others who helped out, especially Chad at SCI.

[idealsociety]

not quite as finished as petes (that mahogany looks absolutely amazing) but this is one of two still in-process for my little guy. only one pic atm, should have more this weekend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/gabesfirsthotrod014.jpg

[Die Frau]

Whoa! I like that!!!

[Die Frau]

Got a lot of looks today. Was also great to see Chad and his boys out at the show too!

Wagon performed beautifully today. Not a single thing went wrong, not a single bolt came loose. I was super surprised, I thought I would get to the other side, and all hell would break loose. Nope... This thing was awesome.

http://m.flickr.com/photos/turner-clan/5846461799/

[Digital K]

bet you were glad you had the rain tires.

[Die Frau]

LOL, yeah!

Not sure why the other link didn't work... let's try this:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5199/5846461799_de63a87432_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/5847017250_dd5508eb89_b.jpg

[dontknownuttin]

Nice work Pete! Looks awesome. :)

[MechE30]

looks awesome! Whats that hook in the 'bed' for? Tow hook?!

[Die Frau]

The hook is actually one of two. There is one on either side of the bed and it is what the Baby Bucket clips into. So the same seat that clips into the car and stroller, also clips into the wagon.

Had the weather been a little better I would have actually taken some nice pictures of it while we were out at BTT50's. I will try to get some actual good shots in the next week or so.

In this picture, at the bottom, you can see the hook and catch on the bucket:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/5846457999_5b25cbbfef_b.jpg

[dontknownuttin]

Well, I will likely not get a chance to make the seat back, but at least it is usable now.

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9634/wagon6.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/4863/wagon5.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9094/wagon4u.jpg

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4576/wagon3.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3018/wagon2qr.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2406/wagon1.jpg

[Die Frau]

That looks neat! Nice wood work!

On a side note, I'm a bit disappointed in the editors/moderators over at the H.A.M.B. Forums. They locked up a solid thread that has been going for 5 years because it was "off topic". Lots and lots of good info and pictures that are going to be lost there. Maybe Chad can find a way to archive it on his 'My Cool Daddy' site.

[mrkrinkle]

Wow, I'm glad I didn't try to build a wagon. I'd be blown out of the water by you guys.

Good work!

[Duffman]

Auciton for wagens during the show.....sounds good to me!

[Die Frau]

Just put it back together after some finishing touches. Ready for the show.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5865375752_143ce4ab46_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/5864815203_0f656cae2d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/5864802963_c256527707_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5865335990_cb4f43c96f_b.jpg

[aaronmjr]

Love it! So how was pulling it at BTT50's?

[Die Frau]

It is heavy. I mean, probably close to 75lbs... maybe more. And it has a very car-like turning radius, probably 15ft...maybe more.

I pulled it around for 4.5 hours in the rain and I was not tired or sore. Everything opperates so smoothly that it really was now trouble at all. Going up hill is a little bit of work, but it isn't so bad. I was amazed at how well it did on uneven ground and broken concrete... it just seemed to glide along without any issue. It went up and down crubs really well. Plus it was pretty awesome hearing all of the comments - I mean there was probably a comment I overheard about every 1 or 2 minutes, the entire day. And I had at least 20 people come and talk to me directly about it.

And the biggest thing - Not a single loose bolt or broken weld. :D

I think the biggest things I would like to improve over the next winter are better turning radius and add brakes. I am thinking about redoing a lot of the front end and making a true double wishbone suspension and adding bicycle disc brakes to the front wheels. One of the biggest problems was it wants to roll, so any time we stopped I had to pretty much chock the wheels... brakes would be sweet.

But over all, even though it rained most of the time we were there, I had a blast. It was awesome.

[vweezly]

Pete your wagon is fucking amazing.

[idealsociety]

From the dead!

Been working on another wagon, front end is in prototype stages, mocked up with spacers. The rear end will be lawn tractor tires, some big meaty's with the axle sitting only maybe an inch or two behind the back of the wagon, with another bike shock or two for suspension of course :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-20_19-02-03_57.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-20_19-02-34_932.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-20_19-02-41_117.jpg

The turning radius shouldnt be too terrible considering how long it'll be overall. i need to lengthen the shock mount out so the angles are right and make some spacers and plates to take the place of the original wagon's control arm assembly im still partially using.

Once i get the lawn tractor tires on the rear they'll sit outside the tub width-wise. I'm aiming for a stance like an old model-t hot rod. The wooden sides will go back on but will taper down towards the front and stay high in the back like this:
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/5619/coolwagonrr8.jpg

but not so bulky and cheap looking. I also cut a nice piece of cherry for the floor-panel, gotta plane it down a bit more so it's not so thick but once it's cleaned up and fitted it'll look great :)

Anyone else still working on anything for their kids like this or am I the only one whose still playing around :D

[chadsci]

I'm still building them. Check out my site www.Mycooldaddy.com. I try to post how to stuff and general part locating information.

Your new wagon looks great. Send me some pics at chadsci@yahoo.com for me to use on the My cool daddy site.

[jlien08]

I'm still working on building a second wagon for our second Daughter. I've got steel and a few wagons for parts waiting for me. As of right now, it will be very similar to the first, with a few minor additions. It'll have a 'hitch' and a connector bar that I can use to pull one behind the other if I want. I used roll-on bedliner on the inside of the first one, and while it'll last forever, it's got a really rough texture that isn't ideal for kids. I'm testing out different rubberized sprays and such to find something i like.

[chadsci]

For a quick soft cover. I have used a fuzzy seat cover stretched over a 1/4inch piece of fiberboard. Works great and you can change it up anytime you want.

[idealsociety]

a slight redesign of the front yielded much better angles. It can now fully support my weight bouncing on it :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-21_18-14-42_128.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-21_18-14-48_86.jpg

need to order up some small needle bearings for the control arms to pivot on yet, the lower pivot (the round lower tube) is actually inset with bearings as well. Trying to get everything in a row for a no-rub steering design. I'd like everything to move nice and freely :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-21_17-49-38_659.jpg

thats the lower pivot for the whole front suspension. 3/8" rod through bearings in a 3/4" pipe. Once everything is finalized i'll finish weld and clean up for paint. right now the upper bar keeps the lower arms in place but the rod isnt completely captive until i weld the ends in or come up with a removable but locking solution for this part. Maybe clean up the nuts and drill/tap them for a set-screw or cotter pin.

[Die Frau]

Interesting design! Very cool.

[idealsociety]

cut some cherry for the floorboard, gotta coat it and trim it a little more yet but it should look nice when finished :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-29_16-44-59_191.jpg

[idealsociety]

steering starting to get mocked up. not liking the current design though, it binds easily and the outer tire on a corner can move farther in than intended. Im going to relocate the outer mounts towards the pivot and see if it'll work better. the center plate will get rebuilt once i find angles i like. probably gonna end up with something more similar to a proper Ackermann steering design instead of dual tie rod ends.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Ackermann_simple_design.svg/170px-Ackermann_simple_design.svg.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-31_18-56-11_800.jpg

all the pivots have either thrust washers impregnated with oil lubricant or proper needle roller bearings like the center steering shaft is equipped with.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/2012-08-31_18-18-27_841.jpg

going and picking up the rear wheels/tires tomorrow. then i can start fab'ing up the rear end tues/weds at work.

[idealsociety]

rear axle mock-up. didnt get time to actually fab up the rear swing-arms tonight though :(
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/324557_10151125982640768_1089827647_o.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/415143_10151125983035768_1668896980_o.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/415050_10151125983660768_1561246033_o.jpg

[chadsci]

I like it. Is it going to be a solid axle in back?

[idealsociety]

kinda-sorta, solid like the rear end on an old caprice? sure. solid like a regular wagon? No way ;)
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/614577_10151127367085768_2067845125_o.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/192982_10151127367415768_1687706314_o.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/582821_10151127367255768_891012576_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/620749_10151127367745768_1090225714_o.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/413029_10151127351475768_1670401392_o.jpg

[idealsociety]

Thinking about building some sort of wheelie bar or receiver on the back that'll double as a holder for a little cooler.

[idealsociety]

got the steering sorted out tonight.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/210486_10151130447595768_1274833619_o.jpg

painted the whole chassis since its finished and started mounting the pan and wood up. gonna probably redo the whole way the wood is attached, just not sure how yet.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/614968_10151130391265768_25918841_o.jpg

[idealsociety]

for the most part finished for now. the woodwork will still get cut down in the front and ill probably redesign the whole front suspension again but for now i'll let him enjoy it :)

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/413797_10151136144665768_843904695_o.jpg

[chadsci]

Very nice. Now you just need to find a car show or event to roll him around in style.

[idealsociety]

time for the redesign on the front end!

built a new front axle and proper spindles this time. drilled some 1" round stock on the lathe for a half inch center, should be beefy enough.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_243937_950_zps202155f3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_243929_433_zps409972de.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_010336_504_zpsac5463fe.jpg

so far liking the idea...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_022432_737_zpsb464d0f0.jpg

once i realized it had some pretty nice flex and the frame hard stops it at about 4" of travel (not counting what the springs can still take up) i really decided i liked this design.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_022518_426_zps49f63f1e.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_023551_406_zps79abc70d.jpg

Gotta figure out a way to do some sort of locating arm though on the axle beam, under a good amount of weight (myself) it likes to flex into itself so i can imagine once she's loaded up and im pulling on the handle/steering which will all have to be also attached to it it will only get worse.

Todays goal is steering and locating arms!

[idealsociety]

The lower center link:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_160212_070_zps0f82409a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_165444_444_zps203c6131.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_165429_824_zps76376ec8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_165454_241_zps03b93a88.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_165437_725_zps26ac0107.jpg
And steering!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_191224_276_zps8596a65c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_191214_463_zps365c5ee7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/idealsociety/IMG_20130413_190331_333_zps38aeb855.jpg
Ill take another couple shots once its back together and dried. a couple things were cleaned up after i took these pics. I think the most time consuming bit was making the custom spindles and linkages. its all just round stock i ran on a lathe and hollowed out then tapped for ball joint ends.