Another buggy build!

Ok, really this one is the last.

So, this is not a complete build just the short story. First let me just tell you why.

My last build was good but the buggy was too big, too heavy, and not as maneuverable as I wanted it to be. It was more for the long runs along the shore line. However the last four events that I had it to, the wind was not onshore and many, many turns had to take place. So here is a Picture... it is 7 foot long and six foot wide. And it takes 19 bolts of various sizes to put it together. not including the wheels. (about 45 minutes)




This year I am planing to go to the JIBE. However my family is not coming with me this time. So, to save some dollars I plan on staying inland. That means my buggy must fit into my car quickly and easily each day. Another reason is at Wildwood NJ (WBB) there is a walkway to get to the beach. (pic below) With lager buggies you have to lift one of the wheels on the rail and carefully walk it down. Well I did not want to do that any more. And last, I wanted more maneuverability.



Well here is the new build. It is about six foot long and 5 foot wide. Just fits between the rails at Wildwood. It is held together with 5 bolts all the same size and two pins. I can take the back wheels of and the axle in about 2 minutes, to make it fit into my car. It comes out of the car and goes back together just as quick. Thanks for reading.



Oh yes, it has two forks one for the bigger tires and the other for barrows and midis.

Nice work Jack How did it ride at wildwood? Hope the winds were good for you guys last week.

I forgot to ask. Did you keep the last buggy or did some of the parts of the last one go toward making this one? You'll need extra garage space soon for all your buggies.

Quote: Originally posted by Randy

Very clever. When my mini van died I knew I would need a way to haul my buggy in my Honda Civic, so I got "slider axles." Now it fits in the trunk and I can pop the wheels on and of very quickly. Interesting how we can make this sport work around constraints. Looking forward to seeing you at JIBE!

Thank you, Looking for ward to the Jibe. I plan on Monday - Friday so I am sure I will see you.

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck

Nice work! I love seeing these home-brewed buggies!!! Clever work with the pins connecting the back end. I'm curious if you experienced any rattling on bumps or uneven terrain. Just sitting on it I know the parts would press on each other as the buggy would want to "squat down" so-to-speak, but I also suspect you made the rear axle sleeve "loose" enough to slide on and off without needing to use a rubberized mallet. Not a nit-pick; just curious. Thanks.

Yep the fit is loose, It slips out and in easily..As far as rattle maybe there is some but if there is it is not very noticeable. I actually had the same thoughts, but was willing to live with a bit of rattle.

I just, as kteguru mentioned, got back from the WBB and the buggy performed great. So, this year there were some dunes (soft sand at the top of the high tide line, and most days that I was there the wind blew along the shore. I crossed those dunes a whole lot, and the rattle did not get my attention. It was a pleasure to pull the buggy from the car and be ready to go within minutes. And when we left on Thursday we were able to get a morning cession in, instead of spending an hour to take the buggy apart and pack it.

I think that the length of the tubes and having the pins combined with the down force created by sitting in it just kinda works.

The slip fit idea, I copied from the PL Drifter. My son has one. I actually used the same size tube.

Quote: Originally posted by kteguru

I forgot to ask. Did you keep the last buggy or did some of the parts of the last one go toward making this one? You'll need extra garage space soon for all your buggies.

Hi Dean, missed you at WBB. The buggy as I mentioned above was great. We head lots of wind the direction was SW and NW for the days that Kyle and I were there. But, with this buggy being a shorter wheelbase I did not mind the zigzagging back and forth I think one day I got into the mid 20s with my 12M A15.

I do still have the last buggy. I did use the seat and the wheels from it. Right now it is in peaces being stored under the boat, but it will probably end up in the shed. I liked this new one so much, I am not sure I will go back to using the last one.

And you are right I do have too many buggies.
Current count 3 for me, 1 for Kyle and 1 for Tyler.

Quote: Originally posted by Jack.Oh

Quote: Originally posted by Windstruck   Nice work! I love seeing these home-brewed buggies!!! Clever work with the pins connecting the back end. I'm curious if you experienced any rattling on bumps or uneven terrain. Just sitting on it I know the parts would press on each other as the buggy would want to "squat down" so-to-speak, but I also suspect you made the rear axle sleeve "loose" enough to slide on and off without needing to use a rubberized mallet. Not a nit-pick; just curious. Thanks. Yep the fit is loose, It slips out and in easily..As far as rattle maybe there is some but if there is it is not very noticeable. I actually had the same thoughts, but was willing to live with a bit of rattle. I just, as kteguru mentioned, got back from the WBB and the buggy performed great. So, this year there were some dunes (soft sand at the top of the high tide line, and most days that I was there the wind blew along the shore. I crossed those dunes a whole lot, and the rattle did not get my attention. It was a pleasure to pull the buggy from the car and be ready to go within minutes. And when we left on Thursday we were able to get a morning cession in, instead of spending an hour to take the buggy apart and pack it. I think that the length of the tubes and having the pins combined with the down force created by sitting in it just kinda works. The slip fit idea, I copied from the PL Drifter. My son has one. I actually used the same size tube.

Jack - that's great to hear! Your answer was just as I expected. The "loose" parts are under (near) constant load and thus will be more or less locked in place once you are sitting in the buggy. My foot pegs are similarly "loose" but also never jiggle when riding because I'm always pressing on them with my feet.

This has actually given me an idea, viz., to drill holes all the way through my foot pegs and use the same sort of clips as you are using behind your seat. I've actually bought a bunch of spare spring clips because they break from time to time.

Hah! Just like that I've got a little buggy project!!!