Power Kite Forum - buggy student build, need help!

buggy student build, need help!

johnsp9 - 9-10-2009 at 02:19 AM

Hi, I’m an a level student in Yorkshire. Started kiting about a year ago and now want to start buggying. Being a student means a lack of money, so can’t afford the basic of buggies, so as my project I have decided to build a, reasonably priced buggy.
Part of my research needs me to find measurements and pictures of original similar products. This is where I need some help. I have tried, in vain, to contact companies stocking or producing buggies, to which I have had little or no response.
If you could help in any way it would be most appreciated!
I need detailed photographs of;
Axle front and back
Fork assembly
Frame work
Seat assembly
Or any others you may think suitable!!
Measurements also would be a great help.

A source of wheels would be useful too?
I can update this with my progress as the year goes on!

Cheers John.

heliboy50 - 9-10-2009 at 02:41 AM

look up Popeye the Welder. Also other builders here on the forum would include Screwyfits, flexiblade, Weldngod, BigEarl and others I can't remember right now because I'm really tired. Search for threads by these guys.

acampbell - 9-10-2009 at 06:13 AM

This will give you most of what you need for info and inspiration...

http://www.piczo.com/popeyethewelder?cr=7

good luck and let us know how it goes.

flexiblade - 9-10-2009 at 10:03 AM

Popeye's site is the best starting place - glean what you want and then come back with some drawings, layouts, and ideas that we can help you with. Our thing is to help guide you on your way - to avoid mistakes that we've made in the past and hopefully inspire you to go beyond the conventional. So get out there and start imagining and then doing. Big question is - What's your budget?

Down below in my signature (listing of kites) is a link to a picture of my homebrew buggy

johnsp9 - 12-10-2009 at 02:57 AM

Thats ace, cheers very much! I've set the rrp for £150. I've got to demonstrate how i would manufacture it in a "batch manufacturing" setting, so using jigs and what not. I'll scan in first ideas and let you guys know how I'm getting along!

johnsp9 - 15-3-2010 at 03:04 AM

Morning! Quick update, I'm using a wooden frame! It has a mountain bike front end + forks (modified for bigger wheels)
I'll add photos shortly

popeyethewelder - 15-3-2010 at 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by johnsp9
Morning! Quick update, I'm using a wooden frame! It has a mountain bike front end + forks (modified for bigger wheels)
I'll add photos shortly

John...if you are in Yorkshire, I am just down the road from you in Lincoln, you are welcome to pop round for a few hours one day and I will help you out all I can. If not no worries.

hmmm Just a thought here...lol

I just wondered why you are asking your question half way round the globe here, This is a great forum, but there are some much closer to you if you are interested, with plenty of people from Yorkshire who may be able to help and guide you.

but then again.......these are a great family full of help and information, who needs anywhere else ehh

rocfighter - 15-3-2010 at 01:45 PM

yeah it would be best to go see Popey

insead of asking us.
I'm just kidding, He is as I think the best influense I have had on here and if I had the chance to meet him as easy as you can I would go for it in a second.
But you decide for yourself.

Big Earl - 15-3-2010 at 10:19 PM

This will most likely make a bunch of people cringe but here goes. You can build a buggy out of the cheap galvanized chain link fence supplies at lowes or home depot. I made one out of that stuff as practice for the real buggy or should I say real expensive buggy. I used 1 7/8 for the rear axle and 1 3/8 for the side rails and forks with bolts for the front axle. for the rear wheel connections I welded nuts inside the 1 3/8 and then welded the piece of 1 3/8 inside the 1 7/8. It worked and the frame had nice a flex that smoothed out the bumps. I know it's cheesy but it works and was/ is really fun to build a buggy for under $100.00

popeyethewelder - 16-3-2010 at 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Big Earl
This will most likely make a bunch of people cringe but here goes. You can build a buggy out of the cheap galvanized chain link fence supplies at lowes or home depot. I made one out of that stuff as practice for the real buggy or should I say real expensive buggy. I used 1 7/8 for the rear axle and 1 3/8 for the side rails and forks with bolts for the front axle. for the rear wheel connections I welded nuts inside the 1 3/8 and then welded the piece of 1 3/8 inside the 1 7/8. It worked and the frame had nice a flex that smoothed out the bumps. I know it's cheesy but it works and was/ is really fun to build a buggy for under $100.00

I dont think anyone would cringe BEarl, and you are exactly right in what you are saying, the bottom line is moving along the ground with wheels, being pulled by a kite....how you do that and what you use to do that is immaterial, as long as you dont injure yourself, by making something that it is up to the task involved....thats why I love the collection of home brew buggies so much, if that one page cannot inspire someone to make something nothing will.

Good point Big Earl

rocfighter - 16-3-2010 at 04:13 AM

Johnsp9, I think every one here has great points. As Big Earl said build your first buggy with what you have. And popeye is correct to say do what you can with what you have but just be sure you will be safe not just for you but those around you as well. The last thing you want is to get moving at a good clip and have something break. Most bad would be the neck or forks as you will fly without warning. And not in a good way.
The point is do it what ever way you need just use care.

johnsp9 - 16-3-2010 at 07:45 AM

All good points thanks! I'm mid construction with it, just figuring out a way to attatch the rear wheels ( should be done within the next few hours) and the front wheel on the forks and steering( looking into bmx pegs) then its testing, finishing and roberts your mothers brother, job done! ill try put some pictures up this aft, schools computer won't allow it. it was an epic to get them to let me sign up to this in school!

Drewculous - 16-3-2010 at 03:10 PM

good luck on the build... i have one about half finished in the shop... too many hobbies, not enough time... anyway post some pics, should be cool! Welcome to the PKF, btw!

BigE, post up the Fence bug! Sounds kinda cool!

acampbell - 16-3-2010 at 03:41 PM

Quote:

Nothing like sitting on the fence when you buggy. Beats PVC!

rocfighter - 16-3-2010 at 04:18 PM

But PVC would make that awsome squeeking noise with every twist!!

johnsp9 - 17-3-2010 at 02:18 PM

here it is, its changed since! Tidied up the front and added a seat

rocfighter - 17-3-2010 at 02:26 PM

Very cool looking. Is that high density 1/2 inch plywood? Just a tip that you may have already done, but you need a crossmember in the back to stop it from opening or most likely closing.
Best of luck and wear a brain bucket. And with the post sticking out I would wear a cup too!:wee:

johnsp9 - 17-3-2010 at 02:37 PM

yea. The seat is on rails and holds it together nicely, the axle's also friction fitted at either side of both sides of the frame adding ridgidity. the down tube and all that areas been cleaned up and plained, im thinking about enclosing it all in some modelling plastic. rear axles been shortened to its full length, off the top of my head i think its about 1.5 m.

popeyethewelder - 18-3-2010 at 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by johnsp9

here it is, its changed since! Tidied up the front and added a seat

Very interesting, I like the curves, you could box all the bottom in too, that would help the rigidity, shorten the down tube then box the top of the front end...coming along nicely

I dont know if you have seen any other wooden buggies, there are some ingenious designs here

Wooden Buggies

johnsp9 - 27-4-2010 at 02:02 AM

Hello, ITS ALIVE! Well chuffed with it, Had it out on the school field a few times (first time ever riding a buggy) and went well, only used a 3.1m. Got a new 4.5m to have a go with but it's scary enough on its own where I live! I have some photos and videos im gna try put up now, if not theyll be up tonight. I'd really appreciate any feedback and or comments that I can put in my evaluation!
Cheers, John.

rocfighter - 27-4-2010 at 04:43 AM

It's been a while since we heard anything from you. Glad it worked out for you. Lets see those videos :wee:

johnsp9 - 29-4-2010 at 04:50 AM

here they are

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CV_mkddw99c&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CV_mkddw99c&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f_Cs4v9nmJw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f_Cs4v9nmJw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UzpJ6OvLS1Y&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UzpJ6OvLS1Y&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

johnsp9 - 29-4-2010 at 04:52 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzpJ6OvLS1Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Cs4v9nmJw&feature=chann...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV_mkddw99c&feature=chann...

rocfighter - 29-4-2010 at 06:26 PM

Very cool. Good job on the build

Hardrock - 29-4-2010 at 07:08 PM

Thats more than a school project you have there. It will be used for some time. I think you did a great job.

I would put some kite stickers on it if you can find some or even helmet stickers, but thats the way of southern folks and hot rods. LOL. so you might like the clean look better.

But if you decide to go that route, ask. There's no telling what these guys would send you to put on your bug.

johnsp9 - 30-4-2010 at 01:55 AM

I'm tempted to CAD CAM some flame stickers for the side. For my last project I built a wooden bike, in red, and put some down the side of that, so it might fit with my own " product range" cheers for the feedback!

rocfighter - 30-4-2010 at 03:17 AM

Ok now we need to see pics of the bike too. :wee:

Scudley - 1-5-2010 at 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Big Earl
This will most likely make a bunch of people cringe but here goes. You can build a buggy out of the cheap galvanized chain link fence supplies at lowes or home depot.

You want to be very careful welding galvanized steel. Zinc fumes can cause metal fume fever. Over exposure to zinc can leave you feeling pretty sick.
S

johnsp9 - 4-5-2010 at 03:25 PM

Ill try root some of the bike pictures out. Was based on a balance bike like this; http://www.likeabike.co.uk/

In ather news, I should be on for an A with the work I've put in today! Can't wait to have it home and use it at my own will! May take some time ( and balls) to get up to these 70kph speeds I've seen mentioned!