Power Kite Forum

building a buggy!

Alexwilson - 21-10-2008 at 01:42 PM

alright, ive posted this over in the buggy section but thought i might get a quicker response if i posted in here aswell


Basically im building a kite buggy for a college project and was wondering if anyone has any info on how to go about it?
The frame has been sorted and planned, but theres a few parts ive not got a clue on as ive never acctually seen a buggy in person

The things im unsure of are:
Wheels... what type, size, bearings? where to get them ect ( cheaper the better )

The seat? no idea how im going about this, how are they attached to the frame? and has anyone any ideas what meterial to use when making one from scratch ? any close up photos or anything would be good

one last thing is the frame is designed to split in two parts. Are there buggys out there that do this and if so how is the connection secured? ( e.g what bolts, screws are used? )

bassically thats it, if anyone has any dimentions/diagrams/ or pictures from buggys they own or have built themselves they would be greatly apreciated.
cheers

kiteon - 21-10-2008 at 01:48 PM

have you seen a buggy before, that is where i would start

Alexwilson - 21-10-2008 at 01:56 PM

yeye pictures and what not, never up front though, thats why im not sure on how there all held together ect

plus this is a home made/cheap design, im not trying to replecate the real things as such, just need the basic info on the stuff that i listed really. i understand all the frame work
cheers

kiteon - 21-10-2008 at 02:40 PM

wheelborow wheels are what we use use for most of the smaller buggies.
seat is more of a bucket style with straps you can use buckles if you want to get fancy.
four pieces make up the frame,
front fork
down tube (conecting the front fork to side rails)
two side rails (joining on both sides of side rails and the other ends to axel)
axel (with some way to attach wheels and siderails)
make sure that your center of gravity is correct and your axel is straight
good luck

Bladerunner - 21-10-2008 at 04:08 PM

Popeye's site is your best place to start !
http://www.piczo.com/popeyethewelder?cr=7

kiteon - 21-10-2008 at 04:24 PM

o ya popeye

NPWfever - 21-10-2008 at 07:54 PM

Here's mine that I made

I used square tubing from Home Depot, and welded it with a wirefeed arc welder. I would like to get it galvonized, but I don't have the $. I need a better seat too, but I'm still working on that. I think I may redo the seat frame, its not deep enough, and easy to get pulled out of. The gooseneck bolts off the seat, and the seat bolts off the axle, the tires then come off the axle if you need to as well. I used a front fork from a kids bike, and exploded the fork out, to take a wheelbarrow tire. I have $15 tires from Harbor freight.

I can answer questions if you would like, ask away. I love it, she's my baby, and hopefully she'll get some use now that I have a lower lift kite (6m Access)

SCREWYFITS - 22-10-2008 at 02:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bladerunner
Popeye's site is your best place to start !
http://www.piczo.com/popeyethewelder?cr=7


I second this, I think you could even find plans on here for a replica...
good luck, try and do as much research as you can b4 you start so you know what your gonna want... Freestyle, Freeride, Race, suspended...

csa_deadon - 22-10-2008 at 07:52 AM

We all bow our heads in tribute to the awe inspiring Popeye

:wow:

f0rgiv3n - 22-10-2008 at 08:02 AM


popeyethewelder - 22-10-2008 at 08:37 AM

You guys are far too kind, and far too complimentary

This link should get you started

Making Power Kite Buggies

WELDNGOD - 22-10-2008 at 01:37 PM

The BUGGYGOD....

macboy - 24-10-2008 at 12:16 PM

Hey Alex. Not sure if it will work for you the same but I just ordered a set of sideframes which I believe may be one of the most time consuming bits that requires the most precision . I'm going to attempt to build a bug around them using a set of wheels I have laying around. The sideframes cost me about $130 and I'll have to make the axle, the downtube / headset (could be tricky) and the forks (could be tricky). I plan on buying a seat when it's ready to tow the wife in.

heliboy50 - 25-10-2008 at 04:49 PM

Echo on the gratuitous PTW praises- the guy is just plain amazing and quite willing to share what he knows. I got some great tips from him. Now if only I was better at welding pipe. Oh well, I guess being adept at hiding ugly welds is a skill too.:smilegrin: