I'm thinking outside the box... [Archive]

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Aaron871

November 19th, 2006, 11:01 PM

Hello,

My name is Aaron. I live in Charlotte, NC.

I didn't know where to post this so I thought I'd start here. I build 4x4's as a hobby, mostly cheap homebuilt stuff.

http://wreckincrew.org/graphics/crew/aaron.JPG
http://home.insightbb.com/~jbtater/aaron/DSC00563.jpg

This one is a 1967 Kaiser Cab Truck. Fuel Injected Buick 455, THM-400, Dual NP-205's. Front and rear steer Rockwells (narrowed, welded, full hydro). Home made pinion brakes (w/ linelocks). 32 Bolt beadlocks on home made rims. 44" TSL's, Dual beer keg fuel cells. Dual red tops, Warn 16.5 ti. Bla, bla, bla...

http://www.jeepgod.net/graphics/jeep2006/9242006rearpassengerside45.JPG

This one belongs to a friend of mine and is "in progress"

But, this is the kind of stuff we build.....

I want to do a Barstool that I can take wheeling, and use to ride around the camping areas with. It would just be a novelty item, but I want it to be able to ride through unkept fields without too much trouble.

Some of the event's we go to have upwards of 500 people camping in huge fields w/ dirt roads and/ or some paved roads.

I bought the plans to build "The Classic Cruiser" to give me an idea of what I'm in for. I have given up on the idea of 4 wheel drive, and have all but given up on the idea of the 6.7 hp Diesel engine because of the price.

I have searched this forum and have seen A LOT of different things.

I am now considering building the Cruiser and just putting bigger tires on it. What do ya'all think?????? (Trying to keep it simple and cheap)

moto1fast

November 20th, 2006, 01:58 AM

Hello, and Welcome!! I have just started a build using the classic Cruiser plans but am modifying it to get more ground clearance and to run in a field or offroad. I thought about fourwheel drive put like you the Cost of it!! When you install the rear Bearing hangers for axle put them under the frame and that will give you about another 2" to 3" of frame to ground clearance! Then run Fourwheeler tires 10 or 12" that should give you your clearance for chain and sprocket to ground clearance. On the front end which I am working on tommorow make the front axle 20" wide instead of the 17 1/2" mount it under the main frame instead of on top as instructions say. You probably already know how to do most of this seeing your work on those great looking 4 X 4's. Just measure your frame highth at rear after getting tires put on and adjust front frame by dropping the axle down as needed to get level or a little forward frame drop. Make the wheel base wider for more stability!! Also with the wieght increase do to the tires and wheels you will need to run a torque converter ( Comet TAV2 ). The regular go-kart clutches wont hold up very long!! I will post pics of my frame in the morning. I just closed up my shop for the night and will get back at it in the morning! I have the back axle on but just reguler kart tires on it right now but will be putting the others on before doing the front end! I will be posting it under a new forum called " Something a Little Different" Great to have you and looking forward to seeing what you will come up with!:thumb:

elvergon

November 20th, 2006, 02:49 AM

Hey bro, welcome aboard...

If you want to do a offroad barstool, best you can do is find an old ATV and get the tires, engine, steering, brakes from it...that´s the best you could do...I also started an offroad BSR but didn´t finished it cause of some trouble...

Hope yours is finished... BTW nice looking trucks...those seem really capable of rock climbing...

What do you weld your cages with?

Aaron871

November 20th, 2006, 08:33 AM

When you install the rear Bearing hangers for axle put them under the frame and that will give you about another 2" to 3" of frame to ground clearance! Then run Fourwheeler tires 10 or 12" that should give you your clearance for chain and sprocket to ground clearance. On the front end which I am working on tommorow make the front axle 20" wide instead of the 17 1/2" mount it under the main frame instead of on top as instructions say.

That's what I was thinking right there.

Another question:
If I build the stock "Cruiser" just to get my feet wet and see all of the details of how these things work, will I be able to get my money back if I sell the "rolling chassis" to upgrade to a 4x4 chassis? Or, are these things a loss when ya try to get out of them? (I know the Jeeps are)

Thanks....

Aaron871

November 20th, 2006, 08:36 AM

elvergon

November 20th, 2006, 03:02 PM

Good idea, but I want the adventure of building it. Welding with several different mig guns. The big one is a Miller 251.

Ya Ya... I am suggesting you to get one to get the parts out of it ;)

just putting a Barstool in a quad is cheating :P and no fun fabbing ;)

Mike Bean

November 20th, 2006, 09:01 PM

Hey Aaron,

You can always get your money back for materials and most of your time if you build the Classic Cruiser. Just be sure to build it with the removable steering column and you can then ship it UPS in a box very cheap if you decided to sell it.

I sold my Classic Cruiser to build my newest with the 125cc engine. I also sold my Pro Street Cruiser frame, but that was a local pickup because it was not UPS shippable. The nice thing about the Classic Cruiser is the removable steering column.

Have Fun!

Mike Bean