Maddog's buggy build

[maddog]

OK guys I'm going to start a thread for this buggy build up, will post info and pics all along the way for anyone that might be interested.

It's gonna be a slow process, so don't expect updates that frequently, but as soon as I get anything worth posting I'll put it up.

As you may have already seen, I've been playing with designs etc. came up with a basic outline that I wanted it to look something like this.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/220_2040_IMG.sized.jpg

There are two options for me with regards to the chassis which I'm still considering at the moment and won't make a decision until I finish purchasing the running gear.

I can get an off the shelf ABT chassis, which suits my needs fine, or Suburban are willing to make a chassis for me to my specification. Both have their pro's and cons. I'll decide on that once I've completed puchasing the running gear and have a better idea how I want to go about completing the project.

On Saturday I purchased a Powerglide auto box for what I believe was a good price. I'm just trying to find someone in Melbourne who can pick it up and put some basic packaging around it so I can get a TNT courier to pick it up and bring it to me. Once i receive it, I'll send it off to an auto shop to get it built.

I'm currently in the process of trying to find a cheap but good set of Dana60 diffs. Have a few people in the US looking for stuff for me, there's a guy in WA with a set, but they're slightly more expensive than I'm willing to spend at this point.

After the discussion in the other thread, the spec that I'm aiming for is:

- Front mounted engine
- Engine will be Holden 3.8L V6 out of a VN commodore (probably supercharged)
- Gearbox is Powerglide 2 speed
- T/case is AtlasII with 4.3:1 reduction
- Diffs. I'm aiming for Dana 60's, high pinion, 35 spline at this point. I'll run them with the factory axles in them, but possibly with CTM u-joints.
- Steering will be hydro, front only
- Shocks will be Swayaway air shocks
- Tyres will be 39.5" iroks on 17" alloys hopefully (depends on price)
- 3 link with panhard front and rear (seems pretty standard with buggies now)
- Wheelbase 108"

The diff choice may change if I can't get a set of D60's for a reasonable price.

[FireTruck]

Wicked. Very happy to see that you are targetting a quality, strong driveline... it'll pay off in the long run.

S.

[DIY]

I think it was Haultech that said to keep away from the VN V6s as they are the series 1 engine and have oiling issues when used in a buggy.

Running gear sounds tops, while everyone else is trying to fix there gear in the dark u will be kicking back with a coldy around the fire :)

[FireTruck]

I think it was Haultech that said to keep away from the VN V6s as they are the series 1 engine and have oiling issues when used in a buggy.

Running gear sounds tops, while everyone else is trying to fix there gear in the dark u will be kicking back with a coldy around the fire :)


...with me!

[maddog]

XJ Moses is picking up the powerglide for me tomorrow.

Still no luck getting a reasonably priced set of D60's.. Very hard to justify spending $5k when there are 2 people selling complete GQ diffs for $1k (a pair) :(

[Cpage66]

What's the lowest you can gear the Nissan is what? 4.6?

[maddog]

5.12 or 5.35 I think. Reduction isn't a major concern (and I won't need to go that low in a diff) as I'll have either 4.3:1 or 5:1 in the Atlas, and the Powerglide auto.

$5k and $1k are the respective prices for open/unlocked centres and ratios that might need replacing (4.56 in the D60 and 4:1 in the GQ). So it's comparing them on a level field. Still waiting on a few D60 leads though, but the general consensus of people that I've spoken to is that D60's are about $9k ready to go for a budget built set.

It seems that a lot of people that I speak with are keen on the D60's and say that they should have beefed up knuckles and alloy shafts etc, but I often wonder how many people do this in reality. Looking at WE rock and Ozrock photos, it looks as though a lot of people use Nissan gear, even 60 series diffs ;)

I'm trying not to make this a discussion thread, as that's what the other one was/is for, but I'm tracking where I'm up to with the next part of the drive train that needs to be purchased.

[Moses]

i belive the VN series 1 did have a few issues but if you can get a series 2 or a VP engin these were all sorted out

[Gojeep]

Not positive on my D60's but swear I saw one yesterday in the metal scrap bin at a wreaker complete!!! It was a full floater with 8 studs. Still had the leaf springs and the chassis brackets attached to it as well as the drum brakes complete.

[CJ6np435]

if its a dana 60 with full floater axles, grab the axles and I'll pay you for your trouble!

[MMKNOT]

mike have more axels if you want them made sea me when come down

[CJ6np435]

Thank's MMknot sent pm

[FireTruck]

Hey MD,

yes, alot of people are still running Datsun and Yota running gear... and yes, it's a cost thing. If you go to one of these events, have a look around after each stage at the people who are changing CV's/shafts/etc... guess who they are?

It's pretty simple - you break a CV (or whatever), you point out and get 40 points. You do that on a couple of courses and there is 80 points... even if you are 1m from the end of the course, you still get the 40 points (minus a few points for progress gates).

If you want to be competitive, build it so it doesn't break. If you just wanna get involved and build from there, use what you can afford and get amoungst it!

Watch the top 3 placings from now on and you will see that the guys who are in the winning circle have learnt how important it is NOT to break...

S.

[wendle]

did you find a powerglide that bolts up to the v6 OK? v6 and v8 patterns are different, i'm not sure if any car with the v6 pattern ever left the factory with a 'glide??

[maddog]

Has a Holden bellhousing on it, but if not, I'll have to change the bellhousing I guess to one that suits.

[wendle]

Has a Holden bellhousing on it, but if not, I'll have to change the bellhousing I guess to one that suits.

i don't think there is one that suits, therein lies the problem. it kind of defeats the purpose of running a cheap v6 becasue custom bellhousing and v6 will cost more than standard bellhousing and v8.

i'm only asking because i want to know this for my own future reference. :D

[maddog]

Hmm ok, I'd assumed you could adapt a powerglide to a V6.. When I receive it I'll take a look before I build it up and work out the plan.

Worst case scenario I either stick with the V6 and run the T700, or consider the Holden 5.0L

[FireTruck]

You'll have to do some digging me thinks... call your friendly local transmission shop. You could also call Autoboss transmissions here in Vic... don't have their number handy though.

http://www.rodshop.com.au/transmissions.htm

AP 112 V6 Holden to Chev Auto (T350/T400/T700/Powerglide)


http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/productreviews/powerglide

S.

[DIY]

What did u pay for your power glide, Just getting a rough idea on what i should pay over here in WA

[maddog]

$330, but I think this was lucky, as I've seen them a lot more expensive than that.

[wiz]

In regards to rebuilding the Powerglide ...
Give Dominello a call , he's in Dural
will build it cope with abuse and guarantee it too , gotta like that :D
does stallies too :wink:

[maddog]

Got any contact details? :)

[wiz]

Dominello
756 Northern rd (cnr Cranestons rd) North Dural
ph : 02 9651 5803 ... if he's busy he wont answer the phone , just leave a message & he'll get back to you

Has a very good rep throughout the street-car / drag-racing community :wink:

[FireTruck]

If you get a good glide built it will cost $3-4k, depending what you want done... I'm sure you could dump $10k into one if you really try!

If you have a change over (a glide to give the tranny builder), it usually knocks $4-500 off the build price from what I have seen.

You do need to get a shorty output shaft made up for the glide to adapt to an Atlas... and the Atlas has to be a 27 spline input. I just converted mine from 23 spline (like a TJ) to 27 spline a few weeks back... also did the heavy duty front output conversion, and the short rear tailhousing conversion...

S.

[maddog]

Got the Powerglide in my hot little hands yesterday 8)

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMGP5545.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMGP5542.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMGP5544.sized.jpg

Still hunting the diffs, which is the next planned purchase.

I think I'm going to hold off getting the powerglide built until I get hold of the Atlas, to ensure that they mate up without having to pull it apart again to change input shafts.

[DIY]

There so short :) u get rid of the tail housing and bolt up the atlas??

Have u looked at the $$ of a built D300, Im 99% sure there shorter and lighter than the atlas.

[maddog]

I haven't looked at how to bolt up the Atlas yet. I'll have to import one then work it out. It would be good if I can take that tail housing off and build a new shorter shaft, because it will make the whole thing even shorter again.

A Dana300 would cost around $2800-$3000 to purchase and build up with reduction gearing and HD output shaft and twin stick conversion. They are actually heavier than the Atlas though. So the cost difference would be around an extra $1000 to go Atlas from what I've heard so far. IMO it'd have to be more like $2000 to purchase and build the Dana300 for it to be worth considering. (Based on an Atlas II 5:1 costing around $4k)

[DIY]

The info I have says D300 is 11.5" long and 86lb,
the Atlas 5.08 is 13.8" long and 115lb.

Your right though for only $1000 u may as well go the brand new case.

[FireTruck]

The glide needs to bo built with a shoty output shaft... yes, the tailhousing comes off. The shaft you have to have made, and then built into the Glide The Atlas has to be a 27 spline unput (TJ is 23 spline).

You also need a powergline to Atlas adapter from AA... includes adpapter housing and all hardware, and crossmember munt kit etc. This adds 2.25" to the length... same goes for a D300 though I'm pretty sure.

Best idea is to get your Atlas and give it to your tranny guy with your glide - have them make the shaft to the right length, splines, etc.

You also should get your Atlas with the short rear tailhousing - in a buggy you don't need the speedo housing. This knocks another 2"+ off the length and makes it very close to the same length as a D300 (I thought it was slightly shorter with the short rear tailhousing).

S.

[Cpage66]

http://www.jbconversions.com/pages/index1.html

Take a hard look at their NP205...
Wouldn't mind having their D300 clocked in the Scout in place of the D20...

[FireTruck]

From the jb website info on the LoMax205... and remember the loMax is only 3:1, and it is seriously heavy...

"Q: What is the intended application for the LoMax kit?
A: This kit is designed to be used in big, heavy, fullsize truck applications with high horsepower and large tires. This gearset is not targeted for the Jeep or single-seat tube buggy market. "


And depending how you are building your buggy, which axels you use, etc...

"Q: Can the new case be inverted to produce a drivers side (USA) drop?
A: No. "

[Cpage66]

From the jb website info on the LoMax205... and remember the loMax is only 3:1, and it is seriously heavy...

"Q: What is the intended application for the LoMax kit?
A: This kit is designed to be used in big, heavy, fullsize truck applications with high horsepower and large tires. This gearset is not targeted for the Jeep or single-seat tube buggy market. "


And depending how you are building your buggy, which axels you use, etc...

"Q: Can the new case be inverted to produce a drivers side (USA) drop?
A: No. "

I have a habit of overbuilding for strength...LOL!

[FireTruck]

...better than going the other way I reckon...

[Gordo]

Nice pipework in the skunkworx shot at the start dude...is that seamless cold drawn plastic ?? ;)

U prob already senn them but just parts has blown buick v6 runners all the time for not too much. vp on the bay for $200 too : http://cgi.ebay.com.au/COMMODORE-VP-V6-3-8-FUEL-INJECTED-MOTOR-T-700-4-SPEED_W0QQitemZ8065188545QQcategoryZ39382QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem

or one of of a VS starting bid of $1 http://cgi.ebay.com.au/vs-v6-motor_W0QQitemZ4641838293QQcategoryZ102240QQrdZ1QQ cmdZViewItem

[maddog]

What, you no like my copper tube bending skillz?!

Nice work on the egay stuff goatman. I have placed bids accordingly on one of the motors (the non-stolen one). Now if you could find me a cheap pair of D60's and an Atlas II on egay, I would be forever in your debt :lol:

[Gordo]

no probs Dogstylee, but placing early bids SOOOOOO gheyness...

..Lemme know when u wanna learn how to sharkattack with the best of em ;) <hijack boast ON> scored a in-dash dvd tuner and bodgey 800w speakers for the Rocket this week for $160 delivered with 4 sec to go <hijack boast OFF> :)

Will get some searches sorted on Aus and US bay for ya for the other junk. You won't like my commission though..might leave a sour taste in your mouth ;)

$100US D60 in US : http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Broken-Dodge-dana-60-d60-frt-jeep-cj-5-7-44-30-35-70-80_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33731QQitemZ80661784 49QQrdZ1


$22US D60 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/dana-60-d60-1-ton-4x4-axle-1T-rock-crawler-axle_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33731QQitemZ806710 8954QQrdZ1

[maddog]

Got a bit of an update, but no pics as yet. TJ is sold, so I'm speeding up this build.

Put a deposit on a set of diffs, to be picked up in the next week or two. They're Dynatrac D60's, alloy axles in the front, ARB lockers etc. I'm pretty stoked at the deal I got on them (thanks Shane ;) )

Waiting on an answer from a bloke in QLD who is selling a LS1 motor. I've offered him $1800 for it. It's done 60,000kms and he's pulled it out due to replacing it with a supercharged motor. Only thing it doesn't come with is injectors, but I can pick them up fairly cheaply.

Down side about the LS1 is that the Powerglide won't bolt straight up to it as the glide has a Holden bellhousing. Will have to either change the bellhousing to a Chev one or get an adapter plate.

Have been drawing up some plans for the chassis in autocad with the help of Billsta the master architect. It's looking good, and should have the plans finalised in the next week or so as well.

Still tossing up between Atlas II 5:1 and fully built Dana 300. Waiting on pricing and also keeping an eye out for any used D300's locally for a potential cheap build-up.

Will post pics as the goodies start arriving!

[billsta]

It's looking good, and should have the plans finalised in the next week or so as well.
it will?!!??! :shock:

[maddog]

I dunno, it's a guestimate :P

[FireTruck]

Welcome... and great to see another custom project underway!

S.

[maddog]

Well after 2100kms over 27 hours of driving (in a 48 hour period) with my trusty spotter at my side I now have in the motor for the buggy. It's a 5.7L LS1 out of a VY SS Commodore. Has done 60,000kms and is supposed to output about 260kw.

Here's some pics. Looks like an engine!

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2180_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2181_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2185_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2187_IMG.sized.jpg

I also got the radiator and 2 thermo fans with it. The radiator actually looks pretty cool, so we might try to re-use it in the buggy if we can fit it in there.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2182_IMG.sized.jpg

We put the powerglide next to the motor to see if it was the correct bell housing, but alas, no. The Powerglide has a Holden bellhousing, which I suspected so I'll need a Chev one.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2183_IMG.sized.jpg

[FireTruck]

Nice one!

Basically the same engine as mine (your has about double the km's, but that's no biggie for what we-re doing!) - I got VZ engine covers on mine, a custom 'basic' loom to eliminate all the bloody immobilisation and other useless garb, and a 260kW computer... I also got 2 passenger side exhaust manifolds due to space restrictions in my engine bay.

Oh, and if you are going front engine you will also need to source a rear bulge sump, otherwise you will have oiling issues on steep climbs.

I got mine from Fred Bean in the USA... they are about $800-900 here in Aus I think.

You need something like a Camaro sump, with a rear pickup tube, oil dipstick tube, dip stick, windage tray, etc... here is the stuff you need:

-----------------------------
http://www.trademotion.com/splash/in...?siteid=214152

Came out to be about US$330 including freight to Denver:

Number: 12581810, OIL PAN, Corvette - 6.0L 2005
Number: 12558750, OIL PICK-UP, Corvette - 5.7L 1997 - 2004
Number: 12558189, DEFLECTOR ,
Number: 12570788, INDICATOR ASM-OIL LVL
Number: 12570787, TUBE ASM-OIL LVL IND ,
----------------------------------------

S.

[wildturkey]

Pics no worky :sad:

Story on the engine sounds good tho. Dude selling brand new injectors here http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=54833. Few others in the 4sale section from $50 to $300

Looking forward to seeing this thing in action 8-)

(edited bit: pics wok in IE)

[FireTruck]

...and if you didn't get one with it, you may need a mass airflow meter.

S.

[maddog]

Thanks for the engine info. I was considering cutting up the factory sump and making something with a bit more volume and a different shape. Will see how hard that is vs buying something from the US.

The engine did come with a MAF

Got a set of injectors for $250 and a set of coils for $65

[FireTruck]

The sump is an important bit of gear, and there is alot more tech in it than you may think... it is baffled to avoid oil starvation. It has a windage tray (deflector) to avoid oil starvation, avoid foaming of the oil, and increase power (yes, the oil pan design does effect power!).

The most important thing though is that the oil pickup has to be changed to the rear rather than the front... otherwise a rear bulge sump won't work.

S.

[FireTruck]

here is what the stuff basically looks like...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/P1010048.jpg

[maddog]

Well I've got some pics of the diffs, wheels and tyres I've bought 8) With any luck I should have them with me by next Sunday. Here are a couple of snaps.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_1293small.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_1294small.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_1271small.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_1273small.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_1278small.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_1285small.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_1279small.sized.jpg

Have confirmed that the ring and pinion are 5.36 as well 8)

[FireTruck]

nice.

;-)

[maddog]

Slight bump #1 found.

The Powerglide I have is probably off a 6 cyl Holden, as they were pretty much the only ones that had removable bell housings (aside from a few RARE V8 ones with removable housings). Apparently the chev ones are all one piece (someone might have mentioned they thought this was the case earlier in the thread).

As such I'm on the hunt again for either another Powerglide with a chev/turbo bolt pattern.

I've been advised by a few people to stay away from adapter plates as they tend to break.

One guy also said that you can't get custom shafts made up for Powerglides because the output shaft is a part of the planetary gears. So I've got to find out how people are attaching Atlases to Powerglides. The way I see it, it either connects straight up if you've got a Powerglide with a short output shaft (they come in short and long flavours). Or perhaps you just somehow cut and re-spline the factory shaft????

It's all very confusing.

Hopefully I can sell the glide I've got for a decent amount of cash.

[ACJ]

I've been advised by a few people to stay away from adapter plates as they tend to break.[/QUOTE]


My jeep has had an adapter plate in it for over ten years without a prob
there are lots of stories about them you just need to buy good quality parts
maybe try some of the bigger rod shops there are plenty of wild rods that don't break

[FireTruck]

dude, considering what you paid for your powerglide, the adapter plate will likely be more $$ than the tranny cost!

Nothing against adapters, but if you can find a case that is right you will probably be better off.

S.

[maddog]

Looks like I've got it sorted. There's a place the do heaps of engine and gearbox conversions. They have told me that the box is a V8 glide (RARE) after actually checking it out and they also sell a strengthened Chev bellhousing to suit for about $550.

While I was frantically running around, I also managed to pick up another glide which is a one piece unit (chev V8 pattern obviously). i'll give both to the bloke when my Atlas arrives and get him to built me up something with the best parts out of the two and keep the rest as spares.

Thanks for the email about the output shaft Shane. Will be very helpful in the next couple of weeks.

[FireTruck]

no worries.

[maddog]

Got my suspension seat today.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2189_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2190_IMG.sized.jpg

[Butt Craic]

I've always wondered how they work. Is the suspension component built into the frame that they mount to or into the seat itself?

[FireTruck]

A suspension seat doesn't mean it has some huge suspension system on it...

Your Jeep has a suspension seat. In fact pretty much every car on the road has a suspension seat!

It just means that it's not a hard plastic/aluminium/fiberglass seat that has no flex in it... it has a sub-frame, and a fabric structure that has some flex (suspension), and is well padded. Only gives and inch or two.

S.

[Antz]

I had a suspension seat in a previous 4wd. It wasnt just flexible padding it actually had "suspension" ie springs and shock absorber built into the seat base. It even had adjustable preload for different body weights. Had a sort of scissor action and moved up and down quite a bit, worked quite well on rough roads.

[maddog]

Yeah when I first started collecting parts I had the same impression that it was a air or gas suspension base similar to a truck seat which allowed the whole frame to move up and down. Which is why I started asking questions about how well shoulder harnesses would work.

These seats aren't that. I had a look at the bottom of mine and as Shane has explained above, it's just a frame with a piece of elasticised material across the bottom. It doesn't move a real lot, but apparently if you take a hard jolt it makes a difference. I guess when people say suspension seat in buggy terms they mean as opposed to a hard fibreglass/plastic/carbon fibre shell like the Sparco seats I was running in the Jee-Q.

I think old Pajeros came with a full air suspension seat like what Antz is describing.

[maddog]

We started work on Monday preparing the diffs for the buggy. All the mounts had to be cut off them. The workmanship in the mounts is unbelievable, but the location of them are no good to me, so it's a shame.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00016.sized.jpg

This is everything that came off the front diff

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00017.sized.jpg

This is what they looked like after Darren gave them some oxy loving

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00018.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00019.sized.jpg

Then I started hitting them with the grinder. This is a painful job, I hate grinding..

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00020.sized.jpg

Some pics for size comparison. The grey diff is a Dana 30. The pics don't really do it justice. You could fit the Dana30 pumpkin inside the 60 8)

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00021.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00022.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00023.sized.jpg

Gotta go back on the weekend and do some more grinding work to finish cleaning the rear diff off. Did I mention I hated grinding?

[Antz]

Thats some serious heavy duty bracketry right there. Oxy sure made a mess though.

[maddog]

Got my shiny new ram, orbital valve and other bits and pieces in the kit on the weekend.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2191_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2194_IMG.sized.jpg

Still waiting on Atlas to arrive from the US so we can get the chassis underway.

[maddog]

No major updates. Waiting for the tube bender, Atlas and Corvette sump to arrive from the US. They're all coming on the same shipment which is due 1st August or something.

The frame design is almost complete in Autocad (thanks Bill). We only need to finish off the control arm locations and that's about as much as we'll do on computer.

Here's what it looks like

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/BenCar_06_Model_A_small.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/BenCar_06_Model_B_small.jpg

Here's a shot of a slightly older version of the frame flexed up to check for clearances etc

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/BenCar_05b_Model_A_small.jpg

[maddog]

Started work today on putting everything together.

Atlas and tube bender finally arrived, although we seem to have misplaced the Atlas-Powerglide adapter. Also the sump gear seems to have gone missing. :(

Here's some pics of the drive train mocked in place.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2195_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2197_IMG.sized.jpg

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

Bit hard to get a perspective on size but jeez that looks big.
Very high seating position too. Cant wait to see the frame take shape.
Got a time frame in mind MD.

[Steve F]

Bit hard to get a perspective on size but jeez that looks big.
Very high seating position too. Cant wait to see the frame take shape.
Got a time frame in mind MD.

Thinking the same, must be perspective or something, it looks enourmous!!

Cheers
Steve

[Gordo]

you DID get all excited about the dogbug when u got home eh dude ! :)

should be a caption comp in another thread...

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/221_2197_IMG.sized.jpg

And I just slip it in...herrrre and...Ooooooh yeah a V8 penis enlarger !!...

...Now THAT's what I'm talkin about !!

[FireTruck]

From those photos your frame looks a little light... needs more triangulation.

S.

[AJ]

Are you building the buggy at Suburban?

[Fat Chili]

I would hazard a guess and say he is ;-)

[FireTruck]

yes he is.

[maddog]

Yep as the others have said, I'm building it at Suburban.

Here's some pics from yesterday

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2203_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2204_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2205_IMG.sized.jpg

[Gojeep]

Really taking shape now. :)

[maddog]

Another long day at it.. Here's some more updated pics.. Basic frame will be complete by the end of the weekend.

Troy and I started building the actual tube on Wednesday morning (after preparing the drive train on Monday/Tuesday) and these pics are as at about 10pm Thursday night.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2210_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2212_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2213_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2214_IMG.sized.jpg

It's looking good. I'm very happy with the results so far.

[Fat Chili]

Tubes coming together nicely and quickly, looks good.

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

Yeah. I cant beleive the speed at wich you guys are working. Well done. Love the aerial shots too.

[Gojeep]

Wow, great progress. :)

[maddog]

Here's some more pics from yesterday. Engine mounts are done, and the inside of the cabin is starting to be made up. The seat mounts are done.

This week we'll start on the front control arm and air shock mounts.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2216_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2217_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2218_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2219_IMG.sized.jpg

[Gojeep]

Man that looks weird with the angled running gear but does give you great COG. I would have thought you would have to run the diff centers right off to the same side on the rear to do that though? How will that driveshaft be run?

[Steve F]

Dual cardan on both ends of the shaft and it would be fine I'd imagine.

Cheers
Steve

[maddog]

Yep as Steve's said, will run double cardan joints on the drive shafts. Also, given the fact I'll never be driving it at high speed, a bit of angle on the drive shafts won't do any harm, as long as they don't bind up at full flex.

Worst case scenario I'll have to run CV drive shafts, but I think I can get away with just double cardan like a Jeep shaft.

[FireTruck]

Doubt you will need them Ben... I am running double cardin on both ends, but only because I had them to start with (1310 on the front, and 1350 on the rear). Both shafts have 1350's at the diff end.

A 1310 double cardin is good to about 30 degrees, a good 1350 double cardin these days goes to about the same (30 degrees).

...and now both shafts have Tom Woods superflex 1350 uni joints at the diff ends. Normal 1350's can only go to about 20 degrees I think... the Tom Woods ones go to 30 degrees without binding as the cross is offset.

Without these my shafts were binding.

If I didn't have the double cardins to start with I would have just gone Tom Woods 1350's at both ends. You'll never see enough speed to worry about vibrations.

S.

[FireTruck]

Got mine through Sean @ ABT... here is some info:

http://www.4xshaft.com/Super-Flex.html

http://www.4xshaft.com/index.html

[maddog]

Thanks for that, I'll have a read and see what $$ they're worth.

I might have to swap the yokes on my Atlas, which I ordered with 1410 non CV yokes. Will have to see what I can make work with that.

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

Although the advertisment pictures look the same I am not sure if the Tom woods super flex joints are the same as the ones Poly 4x4 sell @ around $150 a piece but they sure look like a good addition to a dble cardin. Might be a good addition to some of our daily driver rigs.
Good one S.
:smile:

[FireTruck]

I wouldn't put them a a daily driver unless you driveline is very well aligned... due to the offset union they will cause vibrations at speed.

If you are set up for 1410 Ben, and you can fit 1410's in, then 1410's can flex MORE than the Tom Woods 1350's I think.

S.

[maddog]

Still working on it. Making progress :)

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00048.sized.jpg

[FireTruck]

How wide did the diffs end up with the 37's on? Outside of tire to outside of tire??

S.

[maddog]

I can't remember the exact measurement, but it's a fair bit narrower than I'd originally expected they would be, so that's good news. Probably not as narrow as some of the buggies out there though. I'll check the measurement next time I'm working on it.

Here's some pics from Friday

Front lower arms going in

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2258_IMG.sized.jpg

Floor going in. Still needs some trimming and bending up front.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2259_IMG.sized.jpg

Rear lower arms going in

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2260_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2262_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2264_IMG.sized.jpg

[maddog]

aaaand here's some pics after today's efforts

Rear upper control arm mounts at teh diff end are on. Still working on the chassis end

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2266_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2267_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2269_IMG.sized.jpg

Both the front lowers are done. We're re-thinking the front upper

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2268_IMG.sized.jpg

Shouldn't be too long until it's a rolling chassis. Then we'll work on the body panels and controls/interior.

[Gojeep]

I would have thought you would have used a pivot and made a upper wishbone at the upper axle end no no possible bind? Cheezy does them this way too.
http://www.cheezyracing.com.au/Images/CrImg_AFrameSuspension4.gif

http://www.cheezyracing.com.au/Images/CrImg_AFrameSuspension3Sm.jpg

[maddog]

It's a matter of opinion as to how you like to build things. This is the same system I used in the Jee-Q and it worked well.

My opinion is that a 4 link is stronger than a 3 link a frame. The reasoning for this is because the reason you triangulate to stop lateral movement in the diff. With an a frame, all the forces are trying to push the one mount (at the top of the a frame) sideways where as with a triangulated 4 link, the lateral forces are shared over a push-pull setup across the 2 mounts. As such your diff end mounts want to be pushed back and forth instead of sideways. It's easier to make it stronger this way. (that's probably not the best way to explain what I'm thinking)

Some people may disagree with that and may have had success with an a frame setup .

[FireTruck]

Most buggies these days run 3 link with panhard front and rear... no binding, simple, don't take up too much room, and very importantly have a higher roll centre.

S.

[Dorzun]

Look'n good Dawg. Any idea's on an ETA when you'll be wheel'n it yet?

BTW, got you SMS but am still playing with the new phone and forgot to reply. Will call you soon anyways.

[maddog]

Troy and I put a few more days into the work across Friday/Saturday Sunday. Finished off the control arms in the rear. 4th design ended up working :%

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2271_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2273_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2276_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2277_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2278_IMG.sized.jpg

The front is still in need of a bit of thought with regards to clearances of everything.

We made up the bracket for the orbital valve and the steering wheel/quick release assembly. Also looked at winch mounts.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2279_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2280_IMG.sized.jpg

And some random pics of it

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2281_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2282_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2283_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2284_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/222_2285_IMG.sized.jpg

[maddog]

We've had a pretty big set back in the buildup of this thing. As many of you would have heard the workshop that Troy and I were doing the build in has gone under as of Wednesday this week. I spent all of yesterday collecting the buggy, all its components and the raw materials I'd purchased and transporting it to my garage. I'll continue the build there, but it will be a lot more difficult and will probably take longer now due to lack of space and lack of fabrication tools.

[Gojeep]

That is a real shame as the speed it was coming together was impressive.

[maddog]

We've gotten back into the swing of building this thing in my garage. Here's some pics from this weekend. We managed to get a fair bit of progress in.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2324_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2325_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2326_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2327_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2328_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2329_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2330_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2331_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2332_IMG.sized.jpg

[Antz]

Good to see you got back on track, let me know if you need a spare pair of hands, even if its just to pass the beers....or solo it seems :)

[maddog]

Thanks Antz.. We'll be working on it again probably all day Wednesday and next weekend if you're not doing anything either of those days :)

[Gojeep]

Looks like you might have had to go out and buy some equipement to complete it?

[maddog]

Yep had to buy some stuff. The welder we'd bought a couple of months ago anyway, but turned out handy that we did.

The oxy had to be bought, the drill press is borrowed, already had a grinder, notcher is borrowed, had to buy a set of drill bits and some other minor bits and pieces.

That's all added to the cost a bit, but at least I've got those tools for any future projects I may fabricate. The g/f wants me to build a small 2WD motorbike motor powered buggy for her once this one's done ;)

[Steve F]

The g/f wants me to build a small 2WD motorbike motor powered buggy for her once this one's done ;)

Interested in how that goes as my wife wants one as well :) saw them on Top Gear a few weeks ago and now I need to build one at some point.

Cheers
Steve

[arzzs]

Glad to see your underway again, cant wait to see the finished product :)

[Gojeep]

Once you have the tools, you will be surprised how much use they will be later. ;)

[maddog]

Got another solid weekend of work in on the buggy before we go to Vegas. Got the shocks in and started working on mounting some of the interior items.

Front shocks only..

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2334_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2335_IMG.sized.jpg

This is a pretty cool ride height ;)

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2336_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2337_IMG.sized.jpg

Angle of arms at full extension

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2338_IMG.sized.jpg

Interior

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2341_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2344_IMG.sized.jpg

Engine modifications

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2346_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2347_IMG.sized.jpg

As it sat on Sunday night

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2348_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2349_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2350_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2351_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2352_IMG.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/223_2353_IMG.sized.jpg

It's got about 630mm of clearance underneath the lowest part of the bash plate at that height, but we're thinking of lowering it another inch or two. We've managed to keep a low COG but maintain good clearance underneath.

[Damian]

<sigh> It must be nice to have such talent... Looking good there!!

[CRDSTU]

I cant stop looking at this thing (and its progress), such a triumphant story!!!!

Keep going !!

[brooksy]

Looking real nice MD. I had a customer who I was building a buggy for but finances & the wife have put a sudden hault to the project. He is now going to buy a zook.
I have now got some nice spare parts to go ahead with my project once I find a donor Jeep. :hump:
I have 1 question & that is why are the front upper shock mounts so high. Why didn't you make the lower mounts about 4-5" lower which would have made the hoops lower & improve the vision, just curious :-o

Top work as a whole & look forward to seeing the buggy on the course. :cool:


brooksy

[maddog]

I have 1 question & that is why are the front upper shock mounts so high. Why didn't you make the lower mounts about 4-5" lower which would have made the hoops lower & improve the vision, just curious :-o

brooksy

The lower mounts can't go much lower without interfering with the control arms, or sticking out lower than the axle tube. We probably could have lowered the hoops 1-1.5" but that's where they ended up.

If we were to start building the frame again, we'd have things 1" further left/right/up/down but as it is they're still in pretty good positions as they are.

Ride height and tyre sizes are going to be changed around a bit, so having the extra tolerances there is handy. Once it's finished, you'll also find our dimensions overall are pretty different from what's out there in general.

[maddog]

OK so progress has been a little slow the past couple of weeks with Troy and I being in Vegas for SEMA and the WE Rock world finals.

Whilst I was o/s I left the buggy with the exhaust shop to get a system made up for it. The guys did a great job and I picked it up the Friday after I got back. Don't have any pics yet, as I took it to a couple of other shops to pick up some parts then to Overkill to get the panels made up. Originally we were going to make up the panels ourselves, but we're running short of time, and Sam's panels look good on all the other buggies he's done.

It only took Sam a day to make up the panels and interior console. He sent me some pics last night and from what I can see it looks great. Can't wait to pick it up tomorrow.

Here's some preview shots of what it looks like

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00002.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00003.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00004.jpg

The plan now is to fit the steering ram, and the rest of the interior controls. Shouldn't be long now until we're ready to pull it all apart and paint it.

[maddog]

Couple more of finished panels

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00006.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC00007.jpg

[Dorzun]

Having seen it in person I can say they look good.

So good I here sam is charging you more.

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

Looking real good ther MD. What is the view like from the drives seat. Visabilty of the front left tyre? Can you see where its placed n the ground from your seat?
Would love to see a pic of the view from the cockpit.
Cheers MAte.

[CRLiiN]

are you coming to the australian championship finals this weekend, with or without rig. Should be an awsome comp, and some insane terrain

[maddog]

Looking real good ther MD. What is the view like from the drives seat. Visabilty of the front left tyre? Can you see where its placed n the ground from your seat?
Would love to see a pic of the view from the cockpit.
Cheers MAte.

Yep you can see the front left tyre from the driver's seat. The comment I've had from everyone who's seen it in person is 'wow, it's tiny! It looked so big in the pictures'

The pictures must be making it look a lot bigger than it is. We've kept the build as tight as possible.

[maddog]

are you coming to the australian championship finals this weekend, with or without rig. Should be an awsome comp, and some insane terrain

Well it definately won't be with the rig. There's still work to be done, including sourcing a lot of parts. I'll look up the details on where it's held etc.

[billsta]

The comment I've had from everyone who's seen it in person is 'wow, it's tiny! It looked so big in the pictures'
hmmm... .

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

hmmm... .

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
PMSL

[maddog]

dirty dirty minds :lol:

[Gojeep]

Really looking like something now. Must suck to have to pull it all apart though to paint.

[maddog]

So good I here sam is charging you more.

Having just found out the cost, that's not so funny anymore :?

Oh well..

[MR SUPER STAR]

Having just found out the cost, that's not so funny anymore :???:

Oh well..

its not a bad price for gold plated panels & console. :lol:

[4b4fun]

That looks awsome mate.


Leave it raw, give it a buff and then a coat of clear. That would look SCHWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!

[maddog]

The thought had crossed my mind, but I think it'll look neater painted.. Should have some good shots of the interior controls and gauges by tomorrow night.

[maddog]

Well I spent another fun filled weekend working on the buggy. Had the help of a mate and my dad and we got a fair bit done. It's getting close now.

Took the buggy to Glen Dobbin on Saturday morning to get him to measure up the rear for one of his CV shafts. The angle is pretty insane, but he says he can make something up for me. Just gotta take him the 2 yokes and some cash this week to get the ball rolling.

The list of completed tasks for the weekend are:

Hydro mounting tube, reinforcing bracket and plate
Finished of mounts for pedal box
Made perspex window in footwell
Made up rear perspex window
Fitted autometer gauges
Fitted switches and ignition console
Mounted winch

Playing with where to put everything for the console

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_03.sized.jpg

The exhaust system. Still has to be taken off and HPC coated.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_04.sized.jpg

Dark shot of the pedal box

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_06.sized.jpg

Making sure Ann fits and can reach everything as well. She'll be driving it socially and may be competing in WE Rock with it.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_08.sized.jpg

Interior controls

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_15.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_16.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_18.sized.jpg

Gauge cluster

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_19.sized.jpg

Still chasing a 500x500 radiator, an auto cooler, a steer cooler and some other bits and pieces.

[Jimmyb]

Got 2 auto coolers 250x150, and a radiator which is 500x630, you wont need a steer cooler, the fluid doesnt actually get hot for hydro steer.

[maddog]

Thanks, I'll get back to you about it.

Couple more pics

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_28.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_40.sized.jpg

Made up the rear window

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_31.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_36.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_37.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_39.sized.jpg

[maddog]

Pedals. You can kinda see the perspex window behind them too.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_46.sized.jpg

Winch mount..not 100% sure I like it there, but it's out of the way, easy to use for forward recovery or connected to the front diff. It was a bit of a struggle to mount it in the cabin where we were originally going to mount it. We'll see how it goes.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_61.sized.jpg

Parked for the night..

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_60.sized.jpg

[AJ]

looking good Dawg! Keep up the good work!!

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

Yeah MD:cool: That is lookin real nice. Great finishing so far.
Couple of q's for those who have no frikin idea.
What is that big black box with "RCI" on it ?
http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_28.sized.jpg
And that real long stick shift?
http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Buggy_03.sized.jpg
More controls on tha thing than the shuttle....

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

:lol:
Homework paid off huh!
http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/220_2040_IMG.sized.jpg

[Fat Chili]

RCI = Fuel tank.

[maddog]

Yep as FC has pointed out, the black RCI tank is the fuel tank, it's only about 15L.

The long chrome stick is the cutting brake, there's still one more of them to go in which will give me individual control to lock each wheel, or any combination of wheels.

There are a lot of controls, but they all have a purpose :lol: I'll have to do a bit of practice to remember where they all are :lol:

[maddog]

Time for another update. We have finished most of the fabriction and will be taking stripping the buggy back to the bare frame this week so we can do the final welds, prepare it for paint and apply the first coat of undercoat.

Picked up a forklift radiator which was exactly the size needed, got a 16" thermo fan to go into it which puts out some massive cfm figure. It almost hovers when you power it up when it's not attached to anything.

Here's the updated pics

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_2.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_6.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_7.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_8.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_10.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_12.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_33.sized.jpg

Welding panels is a pain in the ass!

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_34.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_35.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/november_update_37.sized.jpg


Received my TCI flex plate yesterday. I was told by TCI that this would allow me to use the factory Powerglide torque converter. I was also told by the local importer that it would work with T400 torque converters and that they are the same. However, when I placed the converter over the flex plate yesterday the bolt holes don't line up. I'm looking at either having new brackets put on the converter or having new holes drilled in the flex plate.

Wiring loom has been sent to VIC to be customised. That should take a couple of weeks.

[FireTruck]

bugger - thought you may have avoided the dreaded converter problems wit the TCI flex plate. I hope you have more luck with making it fit than I did!

Is the spacing between the converter and the tranny right? You should have a few mm of clearance between them when the tranny and engine are completely bolted together (before you bolt the converter to the flex plate).

S.

[maddog]

Yep there's a few mm, we thought it was for a sandwich plate, but apparently Powerglides don't run them.

i'm hoping the relocation of the brackets on the torque converter is a relatively small job and won't cost a fortune. After all they're just flat tabs of 2mm folded into brackets. It's just that they have to be dead centred.

[maddog]

Before the final welds go on, we decided to test the flex out to make sure nothing hit and we got the right amount of wheel travel. To do this I loaded it up onto a trailer and took it down to a workshop with a forklift.

Looks good loaded on the trailer. Can't wait to see it loaded when it's painted.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/trailer.jpg

Tested the rear end first

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_1.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_2.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_3.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_4.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_5.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_6.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_7.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_8.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_9.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_10.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/flexy2.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/flexy3.jpg

And the front end

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/flexy1.jpg

In all the photos the front shocks still have about 2" of travel in them due to some obsolete steel that needs to be trimmed. We'll cut that off when the frame is stripped. I expect it will give me 4-6" extra travel at the front wheels

I'm pretty happy with the way it's all turned out. There's very minimal rear steer, especially considering how far the rear is travelling.

[billsta]

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Flex_test_7.sized.jpg
(right) and then i grabed him by the head...
(left) hmmm.... right....

[maddog]

hahaha poor Troy

[yumpet]

(refering to the flexing pics)

i could do that but i just don't wanna :lol: :lol:

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

Very flexy MD.
Another stupid Q.
When building the frame how much thought is given to the "upside down position"
Say for instance you roll it (touch wood) and it stops resting on the roof and the two tubes that are the support for the top of the shocks. Do these two "hoops" have any support under them to stop them from collapsing. This would render the car unusable if rolled back upright again wouldnt it?

[maddog]

Plenty of thought went into how the buggy would operate at all angles (including upside down)

The front shock hoops are gusseted at a number of positions and I'm hoping they're built strong enough to survive a backwards roll without bending. That was one of my main concerns with the built when the frame was done, but after looking at a lot of other buggies, they have much larger unsupported gaps which seem to have survived reasonably well.

[maddog]

The buggy has been stripped down to the bare frame of the weekend, we made a few minor adjustments and all the final welds were finished off. We tested how myself and Ann hang in the frame when it's on its side and upside down.

Ann has plenty of clearance all around her, my helmet gets fairly close to diagonal brace in the roof, but we'll just pad it and hope for the best. It would have been nice to make the roof 2-3" higher, but we'll live with it.

The frame then was transported to Troy's place where we prepsol'd it and have it sitting ready to be undercoated this afternoon.

Here's some pics of the fun.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_001.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_006.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_010.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_011.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_013.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_015.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_019.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_020.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_026.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_027.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_028.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_029.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_036.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_037.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_038.sized.jpg

[maddog]

And some shots of the completed frame prior to painting.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_041.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_046.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_047.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_049.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_050.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_052.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_058.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_054.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_055.sized.jpg

Didn't come out that different to the original model ;)

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_061.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_063.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/Finished_Frame_064.sized.jpg

[Jimmyb]

Like the fixup on on the track bar mount.

[maddog]

I haven't done an update in a bit because I've been off in Tumut fighting the fires down there. But I'm back now and Troy and I have been stuck into doing more work on the buggy.

Chassis is completely painted now. It's a 2 pack black with a gold pearl in it. Came out well considering where we sprayed it. Here's some pics of it getting some paint love.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0802.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0803.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0814.sized.jpg

Interior console is painted grey of a similar shade to the Rubicon arms. Here's some pics of the painted frame.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0124.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0125.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0128.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0129.sized.jpg

[maddog]

Here's a few more pics of it as we put the driveline in.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0133.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0134.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0135.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0136.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0137.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0139.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0140.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0823.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0828.sized.jpg

I'm still waiting on the engine wiring loom to come from a guy in Victoria. In the mean time we've started some of the basic wiring for power. I'm hoping the hydraulics guy can come some time this week to take a look at the steering setup.

[Gojeep]

Good stuff there mate. Really looking the goods now. ;)

[sir_camel]

Is it only me that it takes about 10 mins to load up all your pics on here MD???

[BLU-125]

Me too...............and I am on 1.5 gig download, (until Goonellabah gets ADSL2 enabled).

[Steve F]

Is it only me that it takes about 10 mins to load up all your pics on here MD???

ADSL2, download 1 gig from some sites in less than an hour but Ben's pics take about 10 minutes for me as well :(

Cheers
Steve

[gonzo]

ADSL2, download 1 gig from some sites in less than an hour but Ben's pics take about 10 minutes for me as well :(

Cheers
Steve


x 2 here too

[Antz]

Just Maddogs slowarse server.

At least this thread is left as a good read, no chance of the DawgBuggy being dobbed in :)

[maddog]

Yeah sorry guys, the server I host my images on is pretty slow. It doesn't help when the images are posted on a few forums. I can't complain though, it's free.

I might get dobbed in Antz. I was going to register it so I can compete in Tuff Truck :lol:

[maddog]

Here's some more pics. Sorry if they're slow to load.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0829.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0833.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0834.sized.jpg

The rear drive shaft that Dobbin built for me.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0836.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0837.sized.jpg

More pics

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0841.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0851.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0904.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0905.sized.jpg

Got the exhaust system back from the HPC coaters. Have yet to fit it, but it looks pretty cool. The entire system including headers is coated inside and out. With the exception of the muffler which is coated on the outside only.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/IMG_0916.sized.jpg

I have more of the interior in now, and a little bit of wiring done, but haven't taken any pics of that yet. Will take some more later this week. I'm waiting to get it all together then will call Pirtek and get someone to come and do all the hydraulics for me. Will probably get them to do the fuel lines while they're out as well.

[Jimmyb]

Thats one HELL driveshaft!

[maddog]

Yeah it should do the job... just ;)

[silver_jk]

Thats one HELL driveshaft!

i should get one for the kj :) hehe the tuff truck she is :mrgreen:

[FireTruck]

that driveshaft is outa control... I have some spares of those driveshaft CV's if you need one.

S.

[maddog]

Fitted the exhaust system last night, and did some more wiring. The exhaust system is HPC coated inside and out from the headers right through to the end.

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0009.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0002.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0003.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0004.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0005.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0006.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0007.sized.jpg

http://maddog.zook.org/albums/Buggybuildup/DSC_0008.sized.jpg

Have I mentioned I hate wiring?

[Wallace]

She sound nice maddog??

Im with you on the wiring!! Sucks mega

[Dorzun]

This thread has been split. For competition updates now the beast is finished go to the
Events and Comps section.

[Gojeep]

Never even knew we had a section for that. O'well, have enough other sections to keep up with.