Author Topic: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)  (Read 23664 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline LVine2001

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 780
  • Karma: 14
  • Gender: Male
  • NA
    • View Profile
    • http://www.mownorth.com
Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« on: February 26, 2007, 09:47:32 am »
I am going to take a stab at building a USLMRA Legal IMOW and chronicle it here on Mowbetter.

"Big deal" you say, "builds are done here every day."

The intent for this build is to create a competitive USLMRA racer on as tight a budget as possible so predominently Free, Used, Scavenged, Bartered and Donated parts will be employed for this build.

Will it be competitive right out of the gate?  Probably not.
Will I have to Chop, Cut, Rebuild things as I go along?  Mow-er than likely.

Here is what I am starting with:
Late 80's mtd - 0$ (donated by a neighbor)

I started the dissassembly and will have more pictures up soon.
It has your typical 11hp Briggs and a Peerless 813 transaxle.
I am not a big fan of the transaxle when it comes to racing so that's already gone.
I sold it for $35

So I am already $35 ahead.

This particular model MTD mower already has 2 pedals so I am going to use them for clutch and brake.

Parts I already have to start with :
Good Battery came in the mower.
Steering shaft leftover from an abandoned go kart project a buddy started years ago.
Steering wheel "               "                "                   "                "               "
Rear 4x4 wheels from a donor (rer) snapper
Plastic gas tank
Hyd Rear Disk Brake Caliper from go-kart (donated by a fellow racer years ago)
George Herrin Fully adjustable Front End (Gen1) (I purchased it years ago when I was going to build my own SP but never did.)
Peerless 700 transmission
Seat

Parts I am looking for:
Complete/Partial Rear axle setup Kart Type
Kart Hubs for Front
4x4 1 1/4 hubs for rear
Teather

As of this post I am +$35 I am sure that won't last long...
Lee Vine - Immediate Past President
Minnesota Lawn Mower Racing Association (a USLMRA Local Chapter)
USLMRA #'s guy
USLMRA Regional AC Director
USLMRA US Open Co-Chairmen
www.stcroixchassis.webs.com

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline Scurry Murry

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 207
  • Karma: 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2007, 08:29:44 pm »
What tools do you have at your dispense? Making your own parts is 75% of the fun the other 25% is racing. Also way cheaper if you have the time and know how.  8)

What size of rear axle you plan on using?

What is your plan for the throttle? Hand or foot

This build looks like it is going to be a blast.

I'm having a blast building my CP, next year it would be fun to build an IMOW.
Team RPM Racing Volin South Dakota

Marindahl Racing points champion 3 years running.
10th place USLMRACP Class Points 2007
USLMRA #12b
Brian (Badger) Gustad SDLMRA President

USLMRA #87 Mark (Opie) Gustad SDLMRA Vice President

Offline lil_mule10

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 104
  • Karma: 1
  • Gender: Male
  • Throw A Brigg's On It
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2007, 09:01:06 pm »
I have a Go-Kart Axle that I would sell you...if you need one that is...Squidd said it would work in a racing mower...1 inch
Throw A Brigg's On It

Offline LVine2001

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 780
  • Karma: 14
  • Gender: Male
  • NA
    • View Profile
    • http://www.mownorth.com
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2007, 09:28:21 pm »
Murry
I have a few basics:
1. Sawzall
2. Hobart wire feed (Thanks dad)
3. Hand and bench grinders
4. 80 gal 5hp compressor and basic air tools.
5. 20 gal parts washer just like yours
6. 9inch bench vice and a few bfh's
7. A decent array of hand tools wrenches, screwdrivers, punches etc...
8. Garage fridge - ummm beeeeer

I don't have any fancy lifts so I may build a "build bench" just for mowers.

lil_mule10 - I appreciate the offer on the 1in but I am looking for a 1 1/4 inch cart type setup.

Doesn't have to be moly or even tubular just 1.25. I have some 1.25 parts I am negotiating on and I want to stay with 1.25 on all my stuff so it's interchangeable if possible/need be.

I am no fabricator to say the least, I just learned to weld last winter so this build is for all of you guys that are on the fence or doubting your abilities.

I am pretty confident with what I have learned from George and all of the guys here, and some very much appreciated help from Don Gienger at G-Team, I am gonna see if I can git er' done.

Tuesday nights are my "Garage Time" here at home, (with 4 kids and one one the way I have to schedule almost everything)  so look for new updates on Wednesday/Thursday's as I get time.
Lee Vine - Immediate Past President
Minnesota Lawn Mower Racing Association (a USLMRA Local Chapter)
USLMRA #'s guy
USLMRA Regional AC Director
USLMRA US Open Co-Chairmen
www.stcroixchassis.webs.com

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline Scurry Murry

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 207
  • Karma: 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2007, 11:44:20 pm »
You can't go wrong with a few bfh's laying around. Also the SHOP FRIDGE, we usually have a dominating spot for beer in the fridge well the whole thing. We manage to stuff 4 20 packs of bottles in it. They are just what the doctor ordered when a guy gets done preparing the track and is just about ready to race.

PM me Lee and I can hook you up with a few parts.
Team RPM Racing Volin South Dakota

Marindahl Racing points champion 3 years running.
10th place USLMRACP Class Points 2007
USLMRA #12b
Brian (Badger) Gustad SDLMRA President

USLMRA #87 Mark (Opie) Gustad SDLMRA Vice President

Offline john lyon

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 22
  • Karma: 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2007, 11:51:29 pm »
This sounds like this will be a very helpful build for me. I am in the middle of building my Imow myself. It is a lot of fun and I am learning alot along the way. There are a lot of helpful people out there willing to help.How old are your kids? I have 4 also 6yrs.,4yrs.,3yrs.,and 6 months.We are all done.
Later

Offline Scurry Murry

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 207
  • Karma: 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2007, 11:53:19 pm »
I realize the beer drinking won't fly for the USLMRA..... We will guarentee you beer will be consumed after the race while grabbing a bite to eat and telling you how good we raced that day. Got to be optimistic!!

I was hoping to get this in b-4 another post but I didn't.
Team RPM Racing Volin South Dakota

Marindahl Racing points champion 3 years running.
10th place USLMRACP Class Points 2007
USLMRA #12b
Brian (Badger) Gustad SDLMRA President

USLMRA #87 Mark (Opie) Gustad SDLMRA Vice President

Offline cycloneracer

  • Easy Parcheesy!!!!!!!
  • Global Moderator
  • Highly Mowtivated
  • *****
  • Posts: 4117
  • Karma: 37
  • Gender: Male
  • Easy Parcheesy!!!!!!!
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2007, 08:46:18 am »
EXCELLENT THREAD LEE!!!!!!!!
Everyone trying to build a mower on a budget should follow this thread.  It seem like there are alot of people trying to build a mower for nothing, so I guess here is their thread.  I sure hope this becomes sticky! 
I have known Lee for 2 years now and I am confident that he will build a competive mower.  And if he says it will be built cheep that is what it will be.  Lee is very honest and strightforward.  This is going to be a great thread!

Thank you Lee
 :+1:

Paul
Paul Krueger

****2017 USLMRA FXT points Champion****

#150 Worlds First "sidewinder" FX (now dismantled)

#150 FXT  Sponsored by Zach Kerber Machine. http://zkbrmachine.com/

Easy Parcheesy Racing

Offline LVine2001

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 780
  • Karma: 14
  • Gender: Male
  • NA
    • View Profile
    • http://www.mownorth.com
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #8 on: February 27, 2007, 09:51:22 am »
Murry On the contrary, Beer is what built the USLMRA, I think there was some Captain Morgan and maybe some whisky in there somewhere too.

SKOALING is permitted and in fact, encouraged just not before or during an event. As a matter of fact, I believe that in some cases, cans of beer have been deemed legal currency in exchange for parts "borrowed" at the track.

John   I have three wonderful step daughters 11, 9 and 8 and our newest addition Jake is 9mo. We are also due in September with the LAST ONE.

Paul Thanks for the kind and encouraging words. I will do my best.

Look for some updates later this week.
Lee Vine - Immediate Past President
Minnesota Lawn Mower Racing Association (a USLMRA Local Chapter)
USLMRA #'s guy
USLMRA Regional AC Director
USLMRA US Open Co-Chairmen
www.stcroixchassis.webs.com

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline mowinmachine

  • Mow-Forum Junkie
  • ***
  • Posts: 2485
  • Karma: 11
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #9 on: February 27, 2007, 10:52:49 am »
I tell you what, sometimes some of you all that have a garage or shop full of parts, mowers, and other junk make me jealous! I've been having to scavenge flea markets, yard sales, and web sites for all my parts.
  I will add an idea that has worked for me though if you are trying to build a machine on a budget but might be in my boat, which is renting a place to live with limited resources at hand ( junk piles). I've been finding junker lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, and other power equipment, fixing it up, and reselling it. I can get as much as $75 for a nice push mower that's been gone through. I've sold 6 mowers so far this year, and that's just about covered my costs so far. Just an idea.
Nip it in the grass!
www.pvmowerracing.com
California mower racing

Offline Squidd

  • Global Moderator
  • Highly Mowtivated
  • *****
  • Posts: 6906
  • Karma: 92
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #10 on: February 27, 2007, 11:58:26 am »
Excellent idea...

Not everything you drag home has to end up on your racer...

Sometimes  a part of this and a part of that go together, and then sell or trade for thr parts you want.
Randy Stys
"Pull My Finger"
 63 Cub Cadet S/A

Offline mowinmachine

  • Mow-Forum Junkie
  • ***
  • Posts: 2485
  • Karma: 11
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #11 on: February 27, 2007, 12:05:35 pm »
Well the other reason I do it because often times, the mowers I fix were left on the side of the road, thrown out, abandoned, etc etc. Some are just a few years old. Most just have a very simple problem. I've even found a few that had nothing wrong other than the owners moved away and left out a pile of junk. I hate to see things like this thrown away. So by fixing them up, you give people the option to pay half the price of a new one and make a little extra pocket change... which out here is helpful since gas is now over $3.00 a gallon.
  I actually started keeping "lawn mower money" in a jar that is used strictly for lawn mower parts, tires, etc etc.
Nip it in the grass!
www.pvmowerracing.com
California mower racing

Offline Scurry Murry

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 207
  • Karma: 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2007, 08:53:38 pm »
Lee

Have you found a rear axle yet, I have a contact that makes various things for me. He only charges the cost of the metal. If you are interested I could talk to him, i'm warning you though it may take a week or 2 for him to get it done. He does most of the work he does for me on his breaks at work. He has made a couple of go kart axle before, with the opposed key way and snap ring groove.
By the way about the family have a 3-1/2 year old daughter.
Team RPM Racing Volin South Dakota

Marindahl Racing points champion 3 years running.
10th place USLMRACP Class Points 2007
USLMRA #12b
Brian (Badger) Gustad SDLMRA President

USLMRA #87 Mark (Opie) Gustad SDLMRA Vice President

Offline LVine2001

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 780
  • Karma: 14
  • Gender: Male
  • NA
    • View Profile
    • http://www.mownorth.com
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #13 on: February 28, 2007, 10:41:33 pm »
Thanks but I do have one on the way. A friend of mine had one (with hangers etc) that we were going to use on another project together but since I am trying to keep the budget on this build down I wanted to use what I already had.
Lee Vine - Immediate Past President
Minnesota Lawn Mower Racing Association (a USLMRA Local Chapter)
USLMRA #'s guy
USLMRA Regional AC Director
USLMRA US Open Co-Chairmen
www.stcroixchassis.webs.com

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline Scurry Murry

  • Turf Warrior
  • **
  • Posts: 207
  • Karma: 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Junk Yard Dog (Low Budget - USLMRA IMOW Build)
« Reply #14 on: March 01, 2007, 12:22:01 am »
Thought I would offer, I owe you one any how. I'll get you back some time, just might end being at the bar after a race but that works for me too. :lol:
Team RPM Racing Volin South Dakota

Marindahl Racing points champion 3 years running.
10th place USLMRACP Class Points 2007
USLMRA #12b
Brian (Badger) Gustad SDLMRA President

USLMRA #87 Mark (Opie) Gustad SDLMRA Vice President

 

anything