Power Kite Forum

Home build

heliboy50 - 2-3-2009 at 04:33 AM

Well, at long last, my home build is almost done. I still need to finish the a$$ basket, the foot pegs, and get the rail pads on. Special thanks goes to PTW for advice and encouragement, Popeye you are one cool dude.

MadKiteBoy - 2-3-2009 at 01:01 PM

nice lookin bug.. props!!:thumbup:

stetson05 - 2-3-2009 at 01:25 PM

nice job. the front forks look pretty big too like you could fit bigger tires in there if you wanted. Have fun!

heliboy50 - 3-3-2009 at 01:05 AM

Thank you the compliments, guys. It has been a lot of work, especially considering I had never welded pipe before. I think my largest fabrication project before this had maybe 10 welds in it:tumble: It's kind of funny how hard it was to post pics of it because I was worried of what people would think of it. I'm pretty sure that I suffer from an obscure genetic defect that precludes me from building anything square on at least the first three tries.

revpaul - 3-3-2009 at 12:11 PM

good looking project. i think it'll look even sweeter with big a$$ tires on it
Paul

awindofchange - 3-3-2009 at 02:30 PM

You've got nothing to be ashamed of at all. It looks awesome! You did a great job. What are you going to use for a seat? Also, if you need (or want) you can get frame rail pads from Susan on the forum here (Our own NPW Goddess). She can custom up a set for you at a great deal. Padding can be purchased from any Home Depo / Lowes, just look for pipe insulation or even the Fun Noodles (pool toys) from Wall Mart. Get them on your frame and then take a measurement, send to Susan and you'll have custom rail pads!

Now...Bring that bad boy out to NABX and we can ride!

heliboy50 - 3-3-2009 at 02:50 PM

I have a seat that I made and it came out pretty well, but it doesn't make enough of a basket shape (too shallow) so that I think I will get pulled over the side rail. I have a new design idea for that but I haven't had time to sew it up yet. Thanks for the info about the side rails- I'll get in touch with NPW Goddess. I had checked for pipe insulation, but the home depot near my house was out of stock, and the Walmart pool noodles are a seasonal thing here so they're not available right now. As for NABX, I might be able to make it for a day or two as I will be on my way back from Kansas that week. There are several people on the forum that I would like to meet. Thank you for the encouragement!

flexiblade - 3-3-2009 at 08:58 PM

Good work - it's a good feeling when a lot of hard work comes together in a useful finished product. May you get many years out of her. Have you named it yet?

stetson05 - 4-3-2009 at 12:36 AM

I saw pool noodles at a dollar store the other day. Can't beat the price

heliboy50 - 4-3-2009 at 01:16 AM

Duh... I didn't even think of the dollar store. That and my girlfriend reminded me that we have some pool noodles in storage. Wow, dead patch of gray matter there. As for a name, I hadn't thought of that. I already plan on some graphics on parts of it (I do that as a side business.) Maybe something will come to me then.

BeamerBob - 4-3-2009 at 04:10 AM

I've tried the two types of pipe insulation and the expensive one is softer but just compresses too easily. The cheap stuff is stiffer and more resilient, but not really thick enough. The pool noodles are JUST right for me due to thickness, durability, and that they bounce back when you compress them Our walmart added them in about 3 weeks ago.

Soylent - 4-3-2009 at 08:01 AM

A word of note, especially if this is your first weld job. Have someone inspect your welds. You may have a pretty looking bead on the surface but if it didn't penetrate deep enough you could have it coming apart on ya(days/weeks/months down the road) and possibly cause injury.

heliboy50 - 4-3-2009 at 09:03 AM

Appreciate the concern- a buddy of mine welds pipe for a living, and another is a fabricator who taught me to weld- they are pretty tough critics. I can stand on the side rails and jump up and down and it doesn't make a squeak, and I weigh 200 lbs. Also every weld on it has at least one other supporting piece (some have three or four.) I plan on frequent inspections (cracked or flaking paint means a flexing.) I will be careful until I see where any weak points are. BeamerBob- thanks for the heads up on the noodles. That will save me some money like maybe for a spare set of tires for NABX.

popeyethewelder - 28-3-2009 at 08:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by heliboy50
It's kind of funny how hard it was to post pics of it because I was worried of what people would think of it. I'm pretty sure that I suffer from an obscure genetic defect that precludes me from building anything square on at least the first three tries.


There you go, told you these guys on here would give you tons of praise and encouragement didn't I, you have constructed what looks like a perfectly good buggy, and a project to be very proud of, I for one cant wait to see it all dressed up with the seat and covers, with the seat position, I alway aim that I can get my fist beneath my A$$ and the floor, about 2 inches, keep it low and go with the flow...

Well done again

There will soon be so many buggy builder in the US, you buggy buyers will be spoilt for choice, keep up the good work guys

shehatesmyhobbies - 1-4-2009 at 01:24 PM

Nice looking ride! Good luck on the maiden voyage! Gonna try one myself over the summer

heliboy50 - 4-4-2009 at 02:12 AM

All right, now the finished product- Thanks to all for the input and feed back. After getting a look at some race buggies and the excellent home builds at NABX, I know now what I will incorporate into my next build (besides learning TIG:smilegrin: )

clintopher - 4-4-2009 at 04:22 AM

Good looking bug...looks great with the seat in it.

I hear ya on the pipe thing...I weld a little bit, stress little, at work when the main welder isn't there or is too busy and I was starting to get proud of myself until I tried to weld a piece of pipe.

What size pipe did you use?...It looks like 1". How many feet of pipe did it take? What rod did you use or did you use wire feed? How much does she weigh?

stevep - 4-4-2009 at 06:54 AM

great lookin bug good job be proud you started something and finished it and it looks great now its time to have fun :wee:

heliboy50 - 4-4-2009 at 09:18 AM

Ok- the pipe seems to be kind of a funny size like 1 1/8". As to how many feet, I would say somewhere around 22', with about 3 more feet of 1" for the forks. I welded it with flux core wire (I don't have the bottle to MIG weld yet.) It weighs in at 80 lbs. I STILL don't know how it rolls yet even though I spent a couple of days at NABX. The wind was just too $*&%# strong for a newbie like me. Oh well. I'll be home in a couple of days and I'll give it a rip then.

clintopher - 4-4-2009 at 02:39 PM

Thanks for the info. I've got a pretty decent source for pipe...this is giving me ideas. I might hit you up for a little help with design plans if you don't mind.

Clint

heliboy50 - 4-4-2009 at 07:54 PM

I would be glad to share what I learned throughout my build. There a lot of things that I would do differently and there are several home builders on the forum that are WAAAAYYYY better than I. I went into this only ever even having seen a buggy once about 6 years ago for less than 5 minutes. After having gone to NABX, I now have a much more clear idea of what I will do on my next build. My design is still untested (I never thought I would complain about too much wind!) Other builders like Popeye the Welder, Srewyfits, and Flexiblade to name a few are great builders to look to for design ideas.

furbowski - 5-4-2009 at 04:33 AM

niiiiice seat cover, love the cross and the flames....

the rest of the buggy looks good too!

nice build!

SCREWYFITS - 6-4-2009 at 12:50 PM

Thanx for the complements Heliboy...

I've seen his bug in person and the craftsmanship is fantastic, like Heliboy, I too have learned from my first build and will be making changes to mine also, but, I hope you (Heliboy) feel real proud of what you have accomplished, because it is a hell of a nice piece of work, I agree that you will have things that you will change and if you attempt another one you will come at it from another direction now that you got a good look at what is out there...

I defiantly seen things on several bugs and envisioned all kinds during my visit to NABX...

I'd also like to add that I enjoyed meeting you and your woman down at NABX and look forward to future fun you... I'd also like to give major props to you for the positive attitude you had based on the bad luck that struck you on your NABX vacation... Next time we're gonna get some major flying and bugging in...

Till next time...

heliboy50 - 7-4-2009 at 01:23 AM

Thanks Screwy- back at you man. I was pretty bummed at getting winded out of flyin' but we had a great time none the less. I learned A LOT from you and others as far as set up and what I will revise on my bug. It actually came to me on the drive home as to how I could lower the rear with out major changes to the rest of the frame. It'll be in the works in the next couple of days. I gotta' say your bug is one impressive piece of work. All of you Nor-Cal guys really helped salvage our trip, and it meant a lot to both of us. Any chance you might hit SOBB? Also, I am sporting my Screwyfits T with pride.:roll:

Bucky - 7-4-2009 at 03:04 PM

Great lookin' home build! I agree with "stetson05" and "revpaul." Some bigfoots would complete the look! Fat tires, good clearance, stout fabrication.......All the makings of a great ATKB (that's All Terrain Kite Buggy) Waytogo!

heliboy50 - 8-4-2009 at 12:23 AM

Thanks, Bucky. At this point, I can't afford the big tire set up. I'm am rolling around some mods in my head that would allow me to go lower and longer for speed, but also be removable if desired and I think I almost have it. I may go with another design with a type of suspension that I hadn't seen before NABX for the ATKB. My build came out pretty much totally rigid and I think it will beat the snot out of a rider on rough stuff. I don't know, how much do the big tires smooth out the ride?

awindofchange - 8-4-2009 at 10:22 AM

Depending on the terrain you are riding on, you can adjust the air pressure in the tires to help smooth out the ride. For the dry lake beds we have found that suspension is really not necessary and becomes more of a gimmick than anything. This is totally different when moving to rougher terrain or on the beaches.

Larger tires will give you a smoother ride but can become somewhat "Jello-ish" feeling on the dry lake beds. Adjusting air pressure makes a huge difference in the overall ride and grip.

Hope that helps.

popeyethewelder - 9-4-2009 at 10:36 AM

....or look for some second hand moped or scooter wheels and get them lathed out to take a bearing

heliboy50 - 9-4-2009 at 10:51 AM

Hmmmmm.... That I can do. I also have a friend of a friend who works at a large Nanking tire distributor so I may have a source for larger tires. I have the design changes that will allow me to keep the ride height and run the large tires or lower it about 4" for harder/smoother surfaces. Both will also make the whole thing about a foot longer as well.

heliboy50 - 26-4-2009 at 07:07 PM

Well the longer, lower, faster mods are done. It now weighs about 90 pounds. I will have to make new forks to get the larger tires on at some point, but I'm laid off again so they are out for now. Oh well- a little more flying time while on unenjoyment for a week or two is a good thing:bouncy:

shehatesmyhobbies - 26-4-2009 at 07:45 PM

Your ride looks great! Job well done

popeyethewelder - 27-4-2009 at 11:17 PM

Nice mods, you really are a talented buggy maker, rather than make a new set of forks, why not just cut the bottoms off, sleeve (with another piece of close fitting tube)and add another longer piece of tube, just make sure you prep all the joining edges and leave a slight gap between your existing fork leg and the extension, so the weld penetrates fully, prior to welding back up again....

unless you want a spare set of forks of course

Hope you find some work soon

ps love the pic of you sat in the buggy looking proud as punch

heliboy50 - 27-4-2009 at 11:47 PM

Temporary layoff- I work in the building materials industry (roofing.) As to the forks- I have never been fully sold on the strength of the ones I built all ready. They were one of the first parts that I built and didn't come out all that square, either. They will work for now, but when I get the cash together for the fat tire setup, I don't think they will be wide enough (9.5 inches between the tubes.) As always, thanks for the kudos and advice Popeye, and thanks to the forum members for the encouragement.

WELDNGOD - 28-4-2009 at 02:18 PM

heliboy, what popeye said about the fork mod is the way to go. Except you should look for a piece of pipe that will fit snugly in the other, even if you have to slit it and expand it a little. then put the other piece of pipe on it ,leaving about 3/16" gap between the two pieces. you should have a little valley or butt to put your weld in It is called a "backing or chill ring" if your not a weldngod, don't try an "open root joint " . That is what popeye is talking about. A chill ring will give you something to weld to. (so you wont blow a big hole or get alot of porosity)You will get alot better weld with it. But if you're a weldngod, go for it. But remember , your butt is on the line. Literally

:ninja:WG

SCREWYFITS - 30-4-2009 at 10:13 AM

Looks slamming HB50, can't wait to see it now, I was truly impressed checking it out in NABX and now it looks very sweet and improved a bunch for higher speed and stability... love the goose neck...
I'd like to see the drop axle in the rear to see how you got it lower...

"VERY NICE"

BTW - stickers came out perfect, I might hit you up for some small ones (like 3"-4") just cut, send and I'll pick, I have a roll of transfer...

heliboy50 - 30-4-2009 at 02:44 PM

Let me know 'bout the stickers. The drop axle is 1.5" schedule 40 with some big gussets.

SCREWYFITS - 1-5-2009 at 03:33 PM

That's a nice job, you've done there partner!!!
I like that it lowers your overall center of gravity, and you gotta have plenty of clearance with them tires, I remember the being tall...
You gotta be stoked, it turned out really nice!!! Good job!!!

heliboy50 - 8-8-2009 at 05:54 PM

Well at long last the nightmare got it's BF's. The new forks came out way better than the originals. First run on the new stuff tomorrow (hopefully.):bouncy:

Big Earl - 8-8-2009 at 08:30 PM

Heliboy50, I found persision bearings the same size and with a retaining ring that acts like the lip on the ones in the borrow wheels at my local ace hardware for $11 ea. Or did you already solve that problem with the bigger wheels.
By the way it looks great! how did you make the seat or is it a seat cover? (with the flames)

heliboy50 - 8-8-2009 at 10:19 PM

I sewed the design with a zig zag stitch right onto the seat. I think I know the bearings you are talking about- look at bearings direct.com. I think they go for like $5 there. I am just using the same type of bearings that come with barrow wheels in my hubs for now (home made and not all that true) until I get the cash for the trailer idler hubs that I want. I think you can get the cheap bearings by the bag on e-bay for not much money. When I go to the beach I take a couple extras with me in my tool box, but I haven't needed one yet.

Big Earl - 9-8-2009 at 05:37 PM

I was wondering how you did the seat, it looks pillowy and extra comfy

heliboy50 - 9-8-2009 at 05:44 PM

It's 2 layers of black cotton duck (like carhardt stuff) with 3/4 (?) batting like one would put in a quilt in between. It's a bit of an odd design to fit the way I did my frame, but it works well. I will pull it off and get a closer shot of it for you. It is pretty comfortable.

heliboy50 - 9-8-2009 at 07:56 PM

Ok seat close ups-


popeyethewelder - 10-8-2009 at 11:21 PM

....and to think you were`worried about showing your buggy on PKF in case it got slated, you must be very happy with your final result, it looks mean and lean now with the big tyres on......oh and I LOVE the name

WELDNGOD - 12-8-2009 at 07:24 AM

you can get hubs w/ 4 on 4 lugs.They are for front spindle on go carts and come with sealed precision bearings already in 'em. Cost around 20 bucks at online go kart supply.

heliboy50 - 12-8-2009 at 12:07 PM

Thanks for the heads up on the go-kart hubs WG. I'll have to check into those. The others I found are for utility trailers, but I would imagine they are a lot heavier. I'm not too concerned about the weight, but if I could save 5-10 pounds, that would be cool. Thanks for all of the help and encouragement to you too, Popeye. A lot of us home builders wouldn't have even tried this without seeing what could be accomplished if one was willing to put in the effort.

WELDNGOD - 14-8-2009 at 04:50 PM

http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/8-370.html?id=Gy56a6Un
this is just one place, there are others

08-370[1].jpg - 12kB

art_lessing - 18-8-2009 at 11:42 AM

I dig this company alot...I bought my front axle from them and its great!