Heymow - Lawnmower Racing Forum

Mower Building / Setup Help => Project Builds => Other Interesting Builds => Topic started by: pootrol on March 26, 2007, 07:33:24 am

Title: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 26, 2007, 07:33:24 am
Hey all this is a little project i started building for my son who is only 13months old right now.i live in Queensland Australia and i love cruising this site like other like wise ones to see different build ideas and creativeness.u never stop learning i guess.ive built this thing my self from scratch.it was modeled on my own 4wd Nissan Patrol its called here but i rolled it at a 4by park so this will now become alive and unrestricted.bull bars,numerouse driving lights,winch,compressor,life like diff in rear with front and rear tail shafts,home made bead locked rims blah blah.
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/6444/gen0204te.jpg)

(http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/872/mini0036kk.jpg)

(http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5170/misc004480x640ht6.jpg)

(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9462/logan190307006634x845he2.jpg)

(http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/262/misc007640x480yq4.jpg)              (http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/81/logan190307005845x634ut7.jpg)


(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3773/logan190307004640x480sn7.jpg)

changed the crappy A-frame arm set up to more of a monster truck set up.


Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on March 26, 2007, 09:42:46 am
That's sweet!!!
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: jeffescortlx on March 26, 2007, 02:30:25 pm
I like the creativeness! Nice work on the fiberglass. Looks like a Powerwheels body we have here in the states. I'm making a simular toy for my son to, a gas powered powerwheel's ATV.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Tom Fox on March 26, 2007, 04:25:30 pm
Looks very interesting!

Your screen name is a little strange.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 26, 2007, 05:11:06 pm
the screen name refers to the Patrol (Pootrol) four wheel drive i had its just a name ive had on our 4wd forums for a while.so you can put the imagination to rest....  :lol:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: money89tractors on March 26, 2007, 09:51:03 pm
THATS AWESOME!!!

are those custon made axle housing i see?! what are you using for a transmission and driveline?

also could you make those pictures clickable thumbnails? i would really like to see some closer detail! you can learn how to make them clickable in this thread (http://www.heymow.com/index.php/topic,2346.0.html)

-Phil
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: mowdak1 on March 27, 2007, 12:13:23 am
Way sweet!! :D
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 27, 2007, 05:27:59 am
yeah the housings need to be finished yet and i have tossed up about cutting off the axle housings and going for tubes.might not be worth it in the long run now.would love something like a rover rancher ride on 3 speed + rev box.but i think it will be a small manual clutch even if i have to make it myself having a chain drive to the drive shaft coupling under the chassis and maybe an electric reverse that ive seen atvs use. ill have a look into the thumb nail thing  soon.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Robert Sparbel on March 27, 2007, 06:57:29 am
Way Cool!
 :coolpics:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on March 28, 2007, 01:19:37 am
Sweeeet build.


how are you gonna run the rear?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 28, 2007, 04:16:17 am
the rear im planing on running like a conventional diff.im planning on 2x angle cut gears one getting drive through the tail shaft sending it 90 deg to the live axle running out to both wheels.ill get the front running eventually once its finished and i work out a  cv arrangement.im trying to save a few dollars to get the custom coils made for it right now so ill have a crack at its replica steering wheel and panhard bars for the front and rear diffs.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on March 28, 2007, 04:24:08 am
So eventually it'll be 4x4?

Cause that would be sweet.


may i ask howd u shape ur body.
and how u did it all. :confused: :confused:

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 28, 2007, 04:44:45 am
i did the body the rough way.usually u should make a plug ,take a mould then produce body.me i got some plaster sheet and built a timber frame then screwed the sheet on and stacked if needed then taped the edges smooth.laid the glass over it then after curing flipped it and dampened the plaster removed timber and scraped out plaster.it will need a bit more sanding and smoothing but the wasted materials is only scrap from a job site.pretty much the only thing i had to this stage was a crap arc welder and a 4" angle grinder.got a few more now to make my life easier.i moved interstate so all my tools stayed at parents place.i made the frame to suit.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on March 28, 2007, 04:48:50 am
dang.

Sure sounds like alot of work.
But you sure did heck of good job at it.

But it's gonna be one heck of a machine.
I cant wait to see it done.

Do you have anymore pictures?
i dont mean to bug ya.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 28, 2007, 05:27:06 am
 thanks man,im going to do a couple things this week end .bit more susp,steering wheel and use up a bit of steel for the rear swing out bar / spare wheel carrier.im looking forward to the end product.cant wait to get it on the wheels and painted...........
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on March 29, 2007, 02:52:25 am
Hope u have pictures of it soon.

what are you using for susp?
What color do u planned for it?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: money89tractors on March 29, 2007, 06:46:39 am
...im trying to save a few dollars to get the custom coils made for it...

-Phil
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 29, 2007, 07:26:22 am
custom made coil springs for all 4 corners.maybe 4wd steering dampners as shockies as there a perfect dimension.theres a nice metallic blue getting around down here on some new cars.not light/not dark just a nice shade.the main bod,bead locks will get that colour and the rest like rims,front and rear bars,snorkel and frame will get gloss black.not sure about coils and shocks ill decide that come the time,maybe a straight colour dark or light blue.windows and door out lines will be in black.all the suspension arms are rubber bushed as well which i custom made but might need redesigning no ive changed the susp.ill have my business sign writing on as a promotional vehicle.if coin permits toward the end i would love to trave the 4 stroke suzuki motor for a electric start 12hp diesel that ive seen.ths thing is going to be geared slower than a snail to rock crawl so the diesel would be awesome.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: money89tractors on March 29, 2007, 05:19:06 pm
The color you talk about sounds like a nice shade. This thing should be a great eye catcher and business promoter! With the power youll get out of the diesel, you shouldnt have to gear it all that slow, plus you talked about having a transmission for the gear selection. just a suggestion, but you could find yourself a Peerless 820 transaxle, put a live axle in it, and use it as a transmission/transfercase for you 4wd setup.

-Phil
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on March 30, 2007, 12:28:12 am
That colors sounds great..

Pretty much what Money89Tractors said, is about right.

4wd steering sounds sweet, how hard would it be to set something up like that?

i have a Polaris Sportsman i was thinking about doing that with.


I was thinking about running a live axle in one of my Tractors, for the 4wd.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 30, 2007, 03:15:51 am
any one got a pic of a pearless 820.your side of knowledge on such parts etc is beyond me right now so ill ask the Q.what does this part come out of is it a off the shelf part. the colour will tie into a ute i have and want to rebuild with heaps of chrome.....
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: money89tractors on March 30, 2007, 07:00:47 am
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_overallviiew.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/overallviiew.jpg)
Here is an over all view. We are mounting an 820 transaxle into this MTD. All ready built one so this really isn't new ground for us. Well it is for Jake. This is his first build.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_transaxlejustsittinginplce.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/transaxlejustsittinginplce.jpg)
Here you see the transaxle sitting in place
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_viewinsideframe.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/viewinsideframe.jpg)
Here is a look inside the frame. While the transaxle is in place we squared it up centered it left and right and using a transfer punch marked the 4 mounting boltholes. Then we drilled and tapped for a 5/16 standard thread.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_Boltedin.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/Boltedin.jpg)
Here is a look with it bolted in place Front mounts still need making but the transaxle is in.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_lookatboltedin.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/lookatboltedin.jpg)
Here’s another look at it bolted in. I use the very inside bolt holes in the case they just happen to be in line with the side panel. This is the reason we make the mounts like we did. By not going to the outer boltholes this will allow for our brake setup, which you will see, in later pictures.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_lookatfrontofit.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/lookatfrontofit.jpg)
Here is a look at it in side from the front
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_bottomoftransaxle.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/bottomoftransaxle.jpg)
Here is an overall view of the bottom
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_framestiffining.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/framestiffining.jpg)
As you can see we still stiffen the chassis with the square tubing. This is essentially a prepared chassis and will be built as such.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_notchtransaxlefortubing.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/notchtransaxlefortubing.jpg)
Here you can see we still have just a bit of modifying to do to the case we grind this material away. There is plenty of access here and doesn't hurt cutting or grind some of it away.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_notchingtransaxle.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/notchingtransaxle.jpg)
here is the other side have to notch case just a little still
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_transaxlebrakesystem.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/transaxlebrakesystem.jpg)
This picture is of his brothers brake system on his Super-stock. We will install the same set up on this one.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/th_transaxledisk.jpg) (http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p102/georgeherrin2/transaxledisk.jpg)
Here is another look at the disk and disk hub. The is made by none other than Steve Bertrand of Bertrand Hydraulics, also the builder of the big Indian also referred to as the Thunder Twin. 1800-236-3611
Theres many pictures from Georges son Jakes' build. the difference between the 820 peerless, and any other peerless transaxle is the 820 has a 1" axle, whick makes it much stronger.

-Phil
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on April 09, 2007, 04:25:14 am
Any updates yet bro?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 10, 2007, 06:35:44 am
talked to the spring man today and will give him details tomorrow to get price which will decide wether to go ahead or satisfy my itch to get stuck into my ute for a bit......
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on April 11, 2007, 01:51:28 am
Hopefully it all works out.

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 13, 2007, 06:53:36 am
might not have much to report on the project for a little as the itch to start to fully rebuid my ute got too much and the money is going toward that for a while till im happy with its progress or get bored and come back to have a stint on mini me.ive got to have a few things on the go to keep me interested....dont worry i will post any more progress and you will see a finished product just dont know when yet.i still come to this site every time im on the puter to see other projects......cheers to all...........
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on April 13, 2007, 01:02:56 pm
Is it going to be four wheel steering 2?
Cause that'd be awesome.

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: redline on April 13, 2007, 01:41:36 pm
You could even look into motocross motorcycle rear shocks, or atv/ snowmobile coilovers-could probably get a used set and save some cash.  Then just paint the springs the color you want. The high end ones typically have a cool looking (yet functional) remote reservoir. You can get these from 3" travel up to 12", maybe more.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 14, 2007, 04:53:58 pm
i was only going to keep it front steer.thats the main reason it will start life as rear drive only.once the hard work is done and its operational ill nut out how to get drive to the front wheels when they pivot on the diff housing.all those motor bike susp ideas are not off the cards as yet.i was looking at road bike front forks to do the job at one stage mainly for articulation.but ive changed a few things to balance its apperance so susp flex isnt a priority any more,it will still work decent enough just looking good while doing it. thats probably why im stuck with the coil idea cos i reakon a set of for painted coils in there at aprrox 350mm high and 75-100mm wide will make it look great. while i was lowing it to the ground to unhook the crane i stepped back and thought it would look better and handle the rough stuff better if not so high ,again tryng to even out its proportions.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on April 18, 2007, 01:22:17 am
Yeah i know exactly what ur saying.


have you tried looking on ebay for some shocks?

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 19, 2007, 05:31:41 am
ive got some shocks in mind already which i think are perfect.they are the steering dampner out of the model 4wd that its based on .comp to approx 250 and extend to approx 450 roughly guessing and are about 35mm diameter.getting second hand ones mean there flogged out to allow the springs to work and i just need to paint them up.i have one and i will put a call out for more soon to fellow patrol forums......
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 19, 2007, 10:04:39 am
heres another project i left interstate until i can get it to where i am now to finish it.
(http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/787/imagescanned19042007at1uu4.jpg)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 22, 2007, 02:24:05 am
well good news.the ute rebuild is causing hardship due to being more involved and clashing to much with work and family.im getting back into mini me.cut out shape of steering wheel today.checked the before mentioned shock .ordering coils and putting call out for other shocks.........cheers
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: mtd91 on April 23, 2007, 10:22:41 pm
If you are going to make your rearend pivot it has to be shaft driven same for the front.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 24, 2007, 03:09:29 am
yeah the front will be the same as the rear.both front and rear diffs are suspended by bit of a multi link suspension system and coils but seeing as the front diff is solid like your machines the wheels pivot on the end of the bar so my prob is to make that front bar a differential and transmit some form of drive to the front wheels while allowing them to turn some how. put the order in for the coils today good price considering there custom made i reakon.dimensions for the coils are.......75mm O/D....2.5"
                                                                                          ......400mm Height...16"
                                                                                          coil wire is 10mm...3/8"
there going to be fairly stiff as i asked for approx 100kg rating per spring.most of the weight is over the rear so the front will struggle to move.but by the time this thing is finished and accessorised it will be heavy.and the pring shouldnt flog out too early causing me expense to get them reset all the time.the ride height has been re-evaluated too as it was near stupid in the pics and made the tyres look to small so its been dropped a bit to look tough but capable which being a little closer to the ground wont hurt no the springs will be so stiff..............
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 25, 2007, 04:10:16 pm
(http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6137/logan190307640x480co8.jpg)
the size of shock i will be using.

(http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/5269/logan190307008640x480lt3.jpg)
the factory look alike small steering wheel.

(http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/7834/logan190307009640x480ol7.jpg)
rear view.bit of steel bracing.the wheel will get wrapped in fibre glass and sanded smooth.

(http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6766/logan190307007845x634ta7.jpg)
the revised ride height and how the rear shock should sit.roughed up the swing open rear bar today too.the pole holding the reverse light will become a spare tyre holder.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on April 27, 2007, 08:01:40 pm
How high is standing?.. what did you get them off of?  It's looking sweet.  :D
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 28, 2007, 04:26:28 am
from the top of the diff housing to the bottom of the wheel arch is 500mm.not sure about over all height havnt measured that yet.started to make the spring perches for front springs while waiting for them to turn up.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on May 12, 2007, 04:31:36 am
hurray got my coils and have them supporting the vehicle now.the spring perches where an educated guess and seem to work well,the rear is raised a little more to allow for the addition of body weight.cut some holes in the rear bumper to recess the indicators,tail/brake lights.steering wheel isnt finished yet just sitting in place to see for size.
(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2999/minime11507001845x634cj7.jpg)

(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/112/minime11507003845x634pp0.jpg)

(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8631/minime11507002845x634kv5.jpg)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on May 15, 2007, 08:45:58 am
That's so darn cool!
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on May 15, 2007, 08:50:13 am
Wow she's comming along beautiful!


how much do have wrapped up in that so far?
cause im interested in building on myself.
but with a Semi body!! :D
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on May 16, 2007, 06:34:18 am
i have a fair bit in it for a toy.its a 2 year project and so far one years been so i should be in the final stretch but my business is starting to move which is taking up time.its hard to say to your self on the other side of the world dollar value but as a guide a average weekly income for middle class is approx $700 clear.this thing will tip the scales at around $4-5000 parts only its my labour.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: steveeee1964 on May 28, 2007, 05:27:53 am
D@mn.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on June 02, 2007, 10:53:11 am
the main thing is im not doing it at warp speed.when i first started i predicted 2 years.at this point its upto approx 15 months.it might not get finished within 2 years as time for it gets harder to find.calculate the cost over that tme and its a bit easier and i can hide from the missus better.to get a good product u dont have to go this extreme im just thinking down the track it will be good for business etc. 

dont have much to report as not much time and been farting around with setting up diff with axle and bearings.after getting price on bevelled/spider gears and how hard it is to get i need to pull a car diff apart to get a couple of planatery gears and its canned the forward reverse gearbox i wanted to make.it might just become a straight drive with clutch and a car starter motor for a reverse.time will tell.the missus got me some lighting for it yesterday.couldnt help but screw the top ones on the 2x on the bonnet are for the bull bar when made..................
(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8461/lts001634x845jr0.jpg)

oh yeah any one larger than a kid will have there hair burnt off the back of there head if top 4x lights get turned on.theres nearly 600watts of lights on this including the indicators and tail lights............................
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on July 07, 2007, 05:59:51 pm
sorry there hasnt been much to report people.started to work 7 days for a while to keep up with demanding customers.also got another patrol which is what this is based on loosely so im getting that sorted out so i can go bush bashing with mates and drinking huge amounts of happy juice.i need a break now and then cos i get crapped off with projects and when i get back to them im ready to make another major progress............
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 23, 2007, 04:17:44 am
OK....................sorry for being away so long.been very busy with the new business.......gathered some bits and pieces and hope to do a bit in the next week or so.have got my rims only had 2 tires fitted so far just so i can dummy up the diff and make sure it will fit into my trailer.given up on the building my own diffs......so i got 1x small car complete diff off my neighbour for a carton of beer.took it into a job that i do on saturdays and cut that down.going to drop axles in and have them shortened and resplined soon. going to be the same diff housing on the front just to hold the wheels and stub axles.just want to see it rolling so not getting complicated with 4wd right now.also looking at rack and pinion steering on the front after seeing the monster mower build in this section.great idea.thats the reason i come to these sites see other peoples ideas and wisdom.get some pics of some bits and pieces up soon but not much will happen for a few days.just want to see it rolling :woo:          oh yeah ebay has a cool looking winch i may just have to get for it too.....
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Squidd on December 23, 2007, 11:05:55 am
Cool...

 Keep us updated and lots of Pics....:omg:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 25, 2007, 03:16:33 am
cut down ford diff with tires,wheels and stub axles shown.things have slowed due to x-mas right now.axles need to be shortened and resplined.pick up another housing the same and shorten it. mount the stub axles on ends to pivot.weld the rear end solid (locked) for better traction.the ford diffs look so much better and only hang down 10mm or 3/8 lower than the ones i was making.......................and there already engineered with bearings crown and pinion gears etc.

(http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/6488/016845x634ta2.th.jpg) (http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?image=016845x634ta2.jpg)

(http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/6188/015845x634um2.th.jpg) (http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?image=015845x634um2.jpg)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 27, 2007, 02:37:42 am
got second / front housing today so stub axles can start to get hung.took rear diff set up to a bloke to have axles shortened.well sort of.actually changing brand of axles and adapting them to fit do to stud pattern.that stuff prob wont be back for a week or so.until i get that stuff and mounted ill be quite.geez i want to see this on wheels.he also showed me in his boat a very small forward and reverse gearbox which im going to look into........
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 29, 2007, 01:21:30 am
a few pics of second housing mounted in. make up some plates to hold stub axles soon and front will be on rubber soon.when this is done the rear should be ready to put in as well.
(http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8844/004845x634qm1.th.jpg) (http://img178.imageshack.us/my.php?image=004845x634qm1.jpg)

(http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7366/003845x634wh9.th.jpg) (http://img178.imageshack.us/my.php?image=003845x634wh9.jpg)

(http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/2835/001845x634fv5.th.jpg) (http://img178.imageshack.us/my.php?image=001845x634fv5.jpg)



Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 29, 2007, 03:14:04 am
well just as i got off the computer old mate rang and said my rear diff is ready.and the price was REALLY cheap.i think he looked after me cos i spent some time looking at his new shed he needed wired.what he did  and for the price he could of easily charged double.no the dilema..........spend tomorrow at home mounting rear diff or go 4wding which i couldnt do today..........

 (http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7726/009845x634kl7.th.jpg) (http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?image=009845x634kl7.jpg)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 30, 2007, 04:31:50 am
didnt go four wheel driving.funny how the day im not working is always crap weather.besides excited about actually getting this mini me on its feet.mounted rear diff in bolted on the only 2 wheel / tires i have fitted together right now.presto rear end now supports itself.this sat ill finish the front axle off and hopefully have the other tires fitted to the rims ready. looking now for a forward-neutral-reverse gearbox.seen comet industries has one but its physical size indicates it might be weak.it is rated to 16hp but can it handle the weight.the bloke that did my diff showed me his inboard marine gearbox.great size and im guessing strong enough.

(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6053/0001845x634ec6.th.jpg) (http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0001845x634ec6.jpg)


(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4359/0002845x634nc8.th.jpg) (http://img180.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0002845x634nc8.jpg)

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on January 05, 2008, 03:52:35 pm
it finally sits on it own feet.

(http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4563/0061280x960hl1.th.jpg) (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0061280x960hl1.jpg)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on January 06, 2008, 01:23:23 am
That thing is really coming along!
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: briggsracer1892 on January 06, 2008, 07:33:06 pm
where did you get the diffs?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on January 07, 2008, 05:16:57 am
where did you get the diffs?

the diffs a from a 1970-1980 ford escort.dont know if u fellas know of them big here and europe.the diffs are shortened to about half of what they should be.found a forward-n-reverse gearbox thats now on its way cant wait to get that in my hot little hands >:D
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: George Herrin on January 07, 2008, 06:54:00 am
Oh yea we had escorts here in the us but they were somewhat different here than there.You guys get the cooler version of cars compared to what we get.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Tom Fox on January 07, 2008, 08:42:12 am
This is really moving along quite well!!!!

George your right about them there cars they get over there (them there cars?)...

I've always wanted to a MAD-MAX type car...but wasn't going to go to the outback to get one!
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on January 13, 2008, 12:26:52 am
finally i can wheel the little one around.built its winch/bull bar for it yesterday.not much will happen next week but hopefully the gear box will turn up and ill get some moulding foam to pump the wheel arches.im really looking at it thinking god it needs some fat in that body. also a pic of the type of winch im chasing.....

(http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/2717/0071280x960gx3.th.jpg) (http://img504.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0071280x960gx3.jpg)

(http://imageshack.us/thumbnmail.png) (http://img504.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3000front165x132fs8.jpg)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on January 19, 2008, 08:15:44 pm
winch is now mounted and ready.
(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1875/002845x634wu4.jpg)
Shot at 2008-01-19


the gearbox....forward /n/ reverse 8:1 reduction ratio

(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7095/004845x634ex4.jpg)
Shot at 2008-01-19
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: money89tractors on January 20, 2008, 02:45:33 am
I love this thing, its great. I just noticed the snorkle on it.

Biggest question i have about it, is how are you gunna get into it? maybe youll be cutting out the doors?

-Phil
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on January 20, 2008, 05:41:11 pm
the family keep asking the same thing.the door thing has crossed my mind but i want to keep the strength in the frame with out throwing heaps more steel at it.its a simple step onto side step bar and throw leg over.the door thing may complicate the simple lift body straight up and off to make repairs adjustments......
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 11, 2008, 03:11:55 am
got a day off today and tried to make some head way.i think i acheived a bit to keep me happy till next burst.these are some shots of it in the nude(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/9599/011845x634mz4.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10

(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/4247/09845x634vr6.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10

mounted gearbox ,alternator and gearstick mechanism.
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/5194/012845x634hr4.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10

susp now has the panhards in.dont look to hard as nothing been smoothed off that for painting stage.you can see the very small cut down tailshaft in front of diff.the panhard bars front and back are original ones from the vehicle this is based on,just shortened....heaps
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/8714/018640x480oc5.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3392/016640x480va9.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Tom Fox on March 11, 2008, 06:09:33 am
looking good!!! We need a pic with you next to it so we can get a real good idea of the SCALE of this mini monster!
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on March 11, 2008, 11:02:23 am
That thing is so awesome, I've been waiting for an update!! :)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 12, 2008, 01:35:13 am
heres a pic of me  next to it.im average height of 6ft like long walks on the beach and candle lit dinners.. :woo:

(http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1598/013845x634mn4.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-11
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Shrek on March 12, 2008, 02:13:35 am
Today is the 1 year anniversary of building this mini monster!  :woo:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 12, 2008, 07:10:29 am
dont remind me.my boy turned 2 in feb and i started it 1 month before he was born.............. :doh:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 22, 2008, 05:39:24 am
hey going against every thing i originally wanted im putting in a centrifugal clutch.the one i found seems strong simple and the in line one will couple the engine and gearbox perfectly.
its a aussie based company but looks like it has links to other countries.any one else seen them..........
http://lehane.homestead.com/manual.html
at least with this i can start it once and after that it can stop change gears etc....
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Tryin4423 on April 05, 2008, 12:57:35 am
and u like wearing sandles and jeans  :P lol jk
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 16, 2008, 06:18:31 am
fair call.................. :oops:     thats the work attire.soon as im home the boots and socks come off put a can in my hand and im happy.had to put the sandles on cos theres to many metal splinters on the floor and i get sick of them getting stuck in my foot.... :woo:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 29, 2008, 04:13:57 pm
righto..........havnt touched mini me for a bit.gathering a few bits to have another stab and at the end of this spurt i should hopefully have it driving backward and forward,no steering yet.crankshaft is out of the motor and in at the machine shop getting its output shaft altered to suit the inline centrifugal clutch im going to try to order today.instead of making my own seat for it i purchased a fibreglass gokart seat.the steering wheel i started to make as a replica might get tossed in favour of a nice comfy gokart racing one as well.seen some motor bike complete rear brake kits for sale on ebay which might be the way to go if i mount that on the the bottom sprocket that powers the tailshaft.well hopefully in next few weeks ill have some pics and more interesting news.............
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: woody7800 on April 29, 2008, 05:18:49 pm
That is the coolest thing since peanut butter and jelly!! I can't wait to see the finished product. Would make a neat pit vehicle or pulling small trailer with a mower on it. LOL  :lol:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Dustin-thewind on April 29, 2008, 06:52:13 pm
Your down to the easy stuff now.Very Good job!! it will make you proud and also your kid. ;)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 30, 2008, 05:12:11 pm
thanks fellas,been thinking of making a mini turbo for it.any one got any ideas of something out there i can use.really just want one to act as a muffler and give a whistle noise when on the throttle so virtually no boost but look like it will.needs to look authentic to the real thing as well.cant wait to get running and see the looks on peoples faces as it gets towed down the street on the trailer behind my 4by.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: amr5080 on April 30, 2008, 05:28:01 pm
when we got a new dishwasher i got to looking around on the old one and there is a turbo looking thing on them... i'm guessin its to speed the water up.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on May 01, 2008, 03:16:35 am
cheers ill have a look.first things first thou.seat turned up today and just been testing that in it with different heights.it took alot of sitting and pondering.pondering prob happened cos each position took a can worth of sitting.ordered clutch today so hopefully when that arrives the crank will be ready too next week  fingers crossed.ill get some pics up when there is some more excitment not just the seat........ :roll:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: mudmower on May 18, 2008, 09:02:27 pm
got a day off today and tried to make some head way.i think i acheived a bit to keep me happy till next burst.these are some shots of it in the nude(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/9599/011845x634mz4.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10

(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/4247/09845x634vr6.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10

mounted gearbox ,alternator and gearstick mechanism.
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/5194/012845x634hr4.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10

susp now has the panhards in.dont look to hard as nothing been smoothed off that for painting stage.you can see the very small cut down tailshaft in front of diff.the panhard bars front and back are original ones from the vehicle this is based on,just shortened....heaps
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/8714/018640x480oc5.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3392/016640x480va9.jpg)
Shot at 2008-03-10

 :confused: :confused:where did you get the gearbox and what is it called??? please... very interested! :confused: :confused:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on May 19, 2008, 05:17:40 am
the gearbox took me a lot to find as well.its original intention is more for a atv.it has one input at what would be my top.and 2x outputs at bottom which normally be for an independant susp atv buggie.i got the gearbox from a buggie manufacturer in western australia called EDGE BUGGIES.this fella said he imported a few only for a prototype buggie but it didnt pan out so he had a few of these boxes laying around.it reduces drive from engine to output by approx 8:1 in both for/rev.theres no name on it and i cant help ya much more than he reakoned it came from italy.try googling edge buggies and email them and see what they can do.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: grantwt on May 21, 2008, 08:12:05 pm
I cant really tell from the pictures, but it looks like a FNR unit like we use on our mini sandrails (Forward-Neutral-Reverse).  They were originally built for golf carts but later beefed for more power.  Guys run them with sandrails, and put up to 300HP through them, and can be equipped with a diff or without.  One brand is RPM.  If you are interested you can check pics and prices of similar ones at www.shortsandcars.com or go to the forums at www.minibuggy.net to find out more info and more brands.  I have read that one of the units people use comes from italy so that would make sense.  Most have 4:1-8:1 reduction.

Again I don't know that he is running a FNR, it is just a guess.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on July 27, 2008, 03:36:10 am
done a little bit to this.decided not to work saturdays for a bit and try and get some shed time. made inner top fibre glass shell ring,connected gear stick,made brake and acc pedals,made and mounted  eye to eye steer dampeners to rear,made mounts for  pin to pin steer dampeners for front,made mounts for seat.the plan is to have it all finished for the little fellas birth day next jan so hopefully there will be a bit more action......just need to stay focused.
(http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4755/0041280x960lh1.jpg)
Shot at 2008-07-27
(http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4808/007ii5.jpg)
Shot at 2008-07-27

(http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5965/006ij3.jpg)
Shot at 2008-07-27

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: amcchevy1 on July 27, 2008, 09:52:03 pm
please make your pics clickable. i like what you're doing but i can only see so much in a 3" pic.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Rooster on July 27, 2008, 10:07:32 pm
I second that comotion, very interesting build, but they take awhile for me to load so the Dial up's gotta be hatin it.
And would like some closer peeks too.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on January 31, 2009, 07:52:18 am
just a quike update.its nearly ready to test drive.

(http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/3589/img1309dp6.jpg)
Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS 75 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+DIGITAL+IXUS+75&make=Canon) at 2009-01-31 modified rack and pinion
(http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9671/img1310cp5.jpg)
Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS 75 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+DIGITAL+IXUS+75&make=Canon) at 2009-01-31


(http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9417/img1313zr8.jpg)
Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS 75 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+DIGITAL+IXUS+75&make=Canon) at 2009-01-31 gear stick and hand brake.

(http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/706/img1311it6.jpg)
Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS 75 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+DIGITAL+IXUS+75&make=Canon) at 2009-01-31 double uni jointed with slip yoke to allow for front diff articulation.
Title: Re: MINI ME ITS ALIVE
Post by: pootrol on February 06, 2009, 09:58:32 pm
its alive and moves.the short burst i gave it showed a nice amount of speed but still has enough crawling power.had to give it a ramp test.not so much about testing susp but just wanted to see it crawl up something.did it easy and still wanted to keep going but being a single spinner this is as far as it got with out ant body weight on rear axle.with some body mass and welded rear it should be good.getting close to pulling it apart for painting and wiring.




(http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6552/img1348480x360ep8.jpg)
Shot at 2009-02-06

(http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6429/img1345480x360sf0.jpg)
Shot at 2009-02-06
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on February 20, 2009, 05:07:44 am
well its upsetting.finally got it together and drove it a bit and now it sits in the shed in heaps of pieces. now its time to smooth out the welds and 2pak it all black.not sure wether to add colour to the susp or not or keep all black as well.once thats done i can wire it all up and start doing the fibreglass detailing of the body.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on February 23, 2009, 08:34:48 am
Man, I still love this build
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on February 23, 2009, 08:59:09 am
I hate having it done them taking it apart for paint.. all that work to take it apart...

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on February 23, 2009, 11:01:50 pm
its painful going into the shed and not seeing it proudly sitting there.and its worse knowing ive now got all the final welding and smoothing to do. think positive think positive.............cheers fellas.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Carlman on February 25, 2009, 04:36:18 am
Brilliant mate!  Im in WA and i belive you got the gearbox from edge products.

you have some real talent ay mate! cant wait to see updates!
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on February 26, 2009, 05:45:39 am
cheers fellow aussie.any one can do it like all the blokes here. its been built using a battery drill ,4" angle grinder and $80 stick welder.the tech bits like driveline i was lucky to do maintenance work where they had lathes and all the good stuff so i got stuck into that when the chance was there.started smoothing the chassis and got covered in black metal dust.arms where the worst.then for 2 days after every time i sweat my arms went orange.you could say every time  i sweat i rust. :woo:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Carlman on February 26, 2009, 10:11:20 am
drill: check
AG: check
Arc welder: check

Im all good!

That kid of yours is gonna be a luck SOB aye!
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 27, 2009, 05:21:55 am
due to the financial crisis ive battened down the hatches and am subying to the goverment which means big hours for little reward.finaly got some paint on the chassis and got it back together so it didnt take up so much room.dont have much of a shed.next is the interesting bit.profiling the body.idea is to stick sheets of sanding foam on side and creat the shape i really want the glass cloth it...........hears hoping..

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5194/028r.jpg)
Shot at 2009-04-27

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/7664/026y.jpg)
Shot at 2009-04-27

http://www.boostcruising.com/forums/index.php?s=3edd47fc977057ee0fa88b62dd94be9f&act=Attach&type=post&id=464867
this is what its supposed to look like
(http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/333/028x.jpg)
Shot with <Digimax S500 / Kenox S500 / Digimax Cyber 530> (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=%3CDigimax+S500+%2F+Kenox+S500+%2F+Digimax+Cyber+530%3E&make=Samsung+Techwin) at 2009-04-27
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/333/028x.jpg
sorry about the exta useless pics etc trying to figure out how to post the bigger pics :bash:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on April 27, 2009, 11:44:58 am
Good to see an update!
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on April 29, 2009, 04:22:21 pm
got to go for a hunt on the week end and see if i can find a proper metal 5 litre jerry can.there so cool and are approx 12" high by 10" wide and 4" deep.the idea is i was going to put the crappy tank behind the seat protruding throught the body but instead i can box that whole area in to use as a storage bin for bits and pieces and get on of those jerry cans which look proportional to the vehicle

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/army-surplus-uk/military-hardwear/product-475417.html permenatly mount it on the back with breath at top and fuel tap at bottom to feed motor.can still use filler neck to fill can.

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: scottytow55 on April 29, 2009, 06:46:45 pm
Nice ride!!!!!!!!!  I'm working on one .. but it is a monster mower... YOu did a great job...
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: c.schulz on April 30, 2009, 10:24:11 pm
Fantastic build!!!  Could you give me some sizes on the tires and wheels? Also who makes them?  Ive got a small project that I want to build and looking for info to start collecting parts.

Thanks Chris
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/cschulz/MonsterTruck34.jpg)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on May 01, 2009, 06:51:18 am
Fantastic build!!!  Could you give me some sizes on the tires and wheels? Also who makes them?  Ive got a small project that I want to build and looking for info to start collecting parts.

Thanks Chris
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/cschulz/MonsterTruck34.jpg)

that is so cool.tires and rims look identical to mine.ill get some dimensions for you in next day or so............my mind wonders alot i was thinking of building a scaled down camaro with a real v8 in the front.again i would sit out through the roof but it would look like this but scaled down...
(http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/871/mustangmock1if8.jpg)
Shot at 2009-02-15

Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on May 04, 2009, 04:36:57 pm
hey C.SCHULZ my tires read 18x 8.5x 8 if that helps.  finally found my cool little jerry can and lucky enough to get on a day this bloke isnt supposed to be working. just need to mount it up now.size wise i think its gunna look perfect.

[img width= height= alt=Image Hosted by ImageShack.us]http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/4417/005yky.jpg[/img]
Shot with <a target="_new" href="http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=%3CDigimax+S500+%2F+Kenox+S500+%2F+Digimax+Cyber+530%3E&make=Samsung+Techwin"><Digimax S500 / Kenox S500 / Digimax Cyber 530>[/url] at 2009-05-04
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on May 30, 2009, 02:28:19 am
ever so slowly getting bits of time to do work on it. running alot of the wiring, connecting lights,wiring up for the elec start motor,alternator,winch. had to bend up an alloy plate to mount all switches in which will be next.made jerry can holder to put jerry can into. as much as this is looking like its coming together i still know the body is yet to come. might take a mould from the finished body so i can maybe build alot simpler version of this for daughter and any one else.. :omg:

(http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/236/img1949.jpg)
Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS 75 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+DIGITAL+IXUS+75&make=Canon) at 2009-05-29

(http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7722/img1955q.jpg)
Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS 75 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+DIGITAL+IXUS+75&make=Canon) at 2009-05-29
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on June 12, 2009, 05:00:58 am
we have lights. just need some LED tail lights and the wiring will be done.

(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/6995/img2044480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-06-12

(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3549/img2040320x240.jpg)
Shot at 2009-06-12

(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/4608/img2039480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-06-12
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on June 12, 2009, 08:31:28 am
Hey are those the $11 Northern Light "Driving Lights"?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on June 12, 2009, 11:22:32 pm
the bull bar lights are a brand called FITT. pretty much a no name brand the same as the rest of them. probably not far off the $11 mark cos for me in aus they cost $50 each. not bad for mini me but not great for a car. got a couple in the front bumper to my ute just to fill the holes,not worth connecting for 4 wheel drive purposes.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: c.schulz on June 23, 2009, 10:52:28 pm
POOTROL, you have to go post this project over at these 2 sites. The guys will love it.
http://barflyracers.com/
http://www.crazywildtoys.com/


Chris
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on July 05, 2009, 07:53:34 am
cheers mate, going to have a look at them now the wild crazy toys one looks interesting......
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Carlman on August 31, 2009, 12:11:28 pm
Hey mate any news?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on September 18, 2009, 07:39:11 am
not much. mechanically its pretty much done and drivable. but i only consider that 50% cos the body is the eye catcher which i need to look at soon. last few months mini me has been buried under boxes awaiting for a house move. now ive moved to a property with more land and a big shed to store all the toys in. the house needs a bit to get us sorted and i have a dirt bike now which might get sold before i get to involved. so poor little mini me has not seen any action for a while and with the busiest part of the year for me about to start dont hold ya breath fellas. im hoping to start doing a day here and a day there to work on the body which i want to make worth while as i would like to reproduce the body on more primitive chassis and try to sell....i do have a ride on now with the property. john deere something a rather. thats how busy its been ,have a cool new toy and havnt even looked at it.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: racingjohndeere55 on September 18, 2009, 06:29:11 pm
john deere something a rather.

Did someone mention Deere???

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg231/racingjohndeere55/th_PIC_0806.jpg) (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg231/racingjohndeere55/?action=view&current=PIC_0806.jpg)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on September 20, 2009, 09:00:21 am
Did someone mention Deere???

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg231/racingjohndeere55/th_PIC_0806.jpg) (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg231/racingjohndeere55/?action=view&current=PIC_0806.jpg)

nah man it doesnt look like that. give me a couple of years and ill scare the niehbours with a lift kit for my deere......awesome looking beast thou.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 11, 2009, 07:26:26 am
well i will be kicking into gear on my little mini me. tested alternator out to check to see if it worked. it doesnt charge which doesnt susprise me as it was only for mock up. pulled alternator out of my project car to give to mini me. get a battery for it and thats that done. the body ive decided not to get to involved. give it some flares a smooth over and paint and she will be done. will start getting material this week to start on the home stretch. fingers crossed we will see the end to this soon and mini me #2 will start. something a little less complex :bash:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 14, 2009, 06:17:40 am
need to get serious and get tings done. now im on more property i got into it last night. put alternator and battery in. took it for a spin around the yard tonight. little fella had a go to,still a bit short but soon figured out which was the go pedal and had me skipping along side him with hand on the kill switch. he did meet some trees too.

(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1390/img2258480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-14



(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8265/img2253320x240.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-14

(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3644/img2254320x240.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-14

trying to shape my gaurds with expander foam. sands and shapes well.fingers crossed it works
(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9715/img2259480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-14

was going to chuck snorkel but decided to just incorperate into the body work like a real after market snorkel. the pick of the shell a bit nose up is due to the snorkel tube not being shortened internally yet.
(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8996/img2263480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-14
(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1074/img2264480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-14
(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8863/img2265480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-14
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on October 14, 2009, 08:08:32 am
That's so cool  8)
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on October 14, 2009, 08:53:38 am
That is a great idea about expander foam. I have seen people use large chunks of clay .
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 15, 2009, 03:42:39 pm
yeah fingers crossed the foam works. if it does you wont find a happier fella cos it will open my mind to many a different thing i plan on building. going to fibre glass the one side for now to make sure it works and to protect the work ive already done.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: freakboy on October 15, 2009, 06:18:37 pm
what are the front axles from?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Squidd on October 15, 2009, 06:26:01 pm
what are the front axles from?

Have you read any of this build thread...?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: freakboy on October 15, 2009, 06:27:30 pm
no sorry but i dont have the time right now to go through the hole thing to figure out what the axles are but i guess ill look later.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 16, 2009, 07:44:42 am
no sorry but i dont have the time right now to go through the hole thing to figure out what the axles are but i guess ill look later.

hey mate front diff has no axles as its for looks only.it has trailer stub axles to mount the front wheels too. if i was going to go to proper 4wd id just get another diff centre spin it 180deg and make my own axles using car steering linkage cvs as there nice and small.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on October 16, 2009, 09:47:09 am
Oh wow I didn't know that, I thought it was 4wd
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: freakboy on October 16, 2009, 11:05:06 am
I thought it was 4x4 also
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 16, 2009, 11:11:43 pm
yeah i drew the line a while back and thought lets get it done first then ill look at the front drive thing. it wont be to hard to do as everyt hing is designed and built aroung the idea of doing it but depends how exited i get as when this is done ive got other projects in mind....
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: mover on October 19, 2009, 01:01:27 am
amazing... congratulations, Pootrol !
is it just me? -  all these babys doesn't need and looks much better without any bodys, hoods, skirts, covers.... :  )))))
oh, well , if it has to be - it better be equally impressive....
how's foam  idea - worked? what's your plan on body (panels) built?
again - congratulations, wonderful  : ))))
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 19, 2009, 05:23:45 am
amazing... congratulations, Pootrol !
is it just me? -  all these babys doesn't need and looks much better without any bodys, hoods, skirts, covers.... :  )))))
oh, well , if it has to be - it better be equally impressive....
how's foam  idea - worked? what's your plan on body (panels) built?
again - congratulations, wonderful  : ))))

thanks mate. the body is really making it look tough and im really impressed. the foam  is working a treat ,how ever its cost me around 2 cans for each guard. i got it pretty much right first off so ill make templates of them now ive fibre glassed one side and  do the other side.  smooth it completely and paint the windows in black and some body colour that im not sure about right now. was thinking of vinyl wrapping it with real life photos of the sides of a patrol but think thats going too extreme. ill get a pic of how it sits with the pumped guards  fibre glassed and the grille in......i love it any ways
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 26, 2009, 03:36:42 am
the gaurds are done and the grille is glassed in.wrapped the steering wheel in cloth then drenched it in resin so should give me some good thickness to sand into shape. speaking of sanding ive got oodles of that in front of me now.
(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/1193/img2362480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-26

(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/885/img2359480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-26

(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7991/img2361480x360.jpg)
Shot at 2009-10-26
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on October 26, 2009, 09:31:15 am
WOW.. so the fender skirts worked out well using the foam?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 26, 2009, 04:05:12 pm
WOW.. so the fender skirts worked out well using the foam?

sorry people just noticed double post of a pic so fixed it.

yeah mate it worked really well BUT i was lucky enough to lay the body on its side so it couldnt slide off before it set AND there are differences between brands etc. i used 2 cans per gaurd. the second was purely just a fill in the gaps one. out of the 8 cans there was prob 6 diff brands and 1 was crap. gave a big skin up high and was hollow under. can prices varied between 15 -40 dollars. for the next project im going to buy the sheet of green polyurathane  to create a car body shape . all the gaurds only took 2 hits to get them right,application and shape. using a body file/hand sander and p40 grit it shaped it realy easy. i used my fishing knife to roughly shape it then the sanding file to finish
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on October 26, 2009, 04:57:04 pm
Are you covering it in Fiberglass resin to give it a skin?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on October 26, 2009, 07:50:44 pm
yeah sorry.  once shaped with foam i just put down one layer of 300 or 350 gram chopped strand. i got heaps of 450g but thought it would be easier to use the lighter stuff on the bends etc. like i said before this isnt the best way to produce a final product but i couldnt be bothered getting a mould off it then making a body. did a bit of a test sand this morn and found it actually wont come out to bad. i was imagining heaps of body filler but it will only be a very tiny skim to fill the low spots. :woo:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 13, 2009, 04:23:22 am
put some paint on. colour sanded it ready for another final coat so pics arnt super shiny.
also cracked near grille as i was impatient putting body on while paint was soft. well at least i found a weak spot before final coat.
(http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8335/427.jpg)
Shot with iPhone (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=iPhone&make=Apple) at 2009-12-13
(http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8632/425c.jpg)
Shot with iPhone (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=iPhone&make=Apple) at 2009-12-13
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on December 13, 2009, 08:39:33 am
WOW.. that turned out great...

I was re-reading your last post on the body filler on the fiberglass over the foam. I read on the net that you can mix body filler with fiberglass resin to make the skim coat. You can almost paint it on with a brush.

What did you do to smooth the body?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 15, 2009, 08:58:45 pm
WOW.. that turned out great...

I was re-reading your last post on the body filler on the fiberglass over the foam. I read on the net that you can mix body filler with fiberglass resin to make the skim coat. You can almost paint it on with a brush.

What did you do to smooth the body?

i used 40 grit on my electric sander on the fibre glass and i was suprised at how it smoothed out nearly all the lumps and bumps. after that i slim coated the whole thing in body filler then sanded it all smooth again. the primer / filler sanded then couple coats of yellow then sanded now im ready for final coat of yellow....... :worried:
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on December 27, 2009, 08:45:04 pm
well i might as well say its finished. got couple of little things to do like grille and snorkel inserts, nissan badge, connect the brakes up and find another shockie for the front,steering wheel and maybe a dummie spare wheel.
(http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/1600/003800x600.jpg)
Shot at 2009-12-26
(http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9871/002800x600.jpg)
Shot at 2009-12-26
(http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/3449/004ed800x600.jpg)
Shot at 2009-12-26
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: George Herrin on December 27, 2009, 09:31:53 pm
That turned out very very nice.... One of the nicer toys I seen in a while.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on January 11, 2010, 12:53:37 pm
One question. Why do the tread on the front tires face a different direction than the rear tires? Is that on purpose?
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Slick Rick on January 11, 2010, 01:09:26 pm
Looks like he put the rear tires on the wrong side.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on January 21, 2010, 12:07:40 am
hey fellas i did it for a giggle with full intention of swapping them into there supposed direction. with the rears that way the outer edge has more of a sharp edge to dig into the ground as they spin. might actually swap the fronts but traction at the front isnt an issue. it just gives more traction at the rear. when i had mickey thompson baja claws on a 4by every one said for 4wding they need to be reversed to allow more bite to drive out of ruts.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Bob-Stormer on February 20, 2010, 03:17:42 am
Love this build.  Good on ya!   :D
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on February 21, 2010, 07:36:39 pm
That thing looks awesome finished!

The problem with the ag tread reversed is that they're designed to dig down through the soft stuff and push it out of the way to keep clawing forward. With the tread reversed, it'll do the opposite and pull the muck in towards the center of the tire, lifting it up instead of digging down.

Good for doing 4WD donuts :D
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 06, 2010, 05:00:22 am
That thing looks awesome finished!

The problem with the ag tread reversed is that they're designed to dig down through the soft stuff and push it out of the way to keep clawing forward. With the tread reversed, it'll do the opposite and pull the muck in towards the center of the tire, lifting it up instead of digging down.

Good for doing 4WD donuts :D

point taken. ill swap em around soon as im a bit over how it is different. started to make a spare wheel cover today just to add something else to the back of it................
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Wheelhorseracer on March 06, 2010, 08:50:17 am
So how much fun have you had with it this year? Been in any parades or off-roading yet?

We need a video of it in action. :D
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on March 07, 2010, 05:43:30 am
um havnt done much.  prob is im a project person. its finished so it got shoved into corner of shed and i started work on my car. its been out for a lash around the yard a few times, its so wet here right now water is getting flung every where. started making a dummy spare wheel cover for the back which ill bolt on tomorrow. ill look at getting a diff sprocket to half its speed and double its power. thats half the reason i havnt done much with it as well i guess. to fast for the boy and not powerful enough to climb things for me........
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on August 10, 2010, 01:06:14 am
scrounged up a spar(http://a.imageshack.us/img413/8960/img3725c.jpg)
By null (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/null) at 2010-08-09e wheel from the tip and mounted it. making little track out back. will post up pics  soon.....
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on September 09, 2010, 07:50:37 am
(http://a.imageshack.us/img826/9938/023zj.jpg)
By null (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/null) at 2010-09-09

(http://a.imageshack.us/img826/404/027rt.jpg)
By null (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/null) at 2010-09-09

(http://a.imageshack.us/img826/8195/021br.jpg)
By null (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/null) at 2010-09-09

testing out susp. got another shock for front just need to paint and fit. fitted another sprocket now it crawls obsticles alot better. connected brake. in process of making its own little 4wd track in back yard. once done ill hopefully get some footage.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: Chris on September 20, 2010, 02:37:22 pm
Man, that thing looks GREAT!!!
Title: Re: MINI ME video
Post by: pootrol on January 14, 2012, 07:50:29 am
been really slack. this thing isnt even 100% finished yet. one more shocky to paint and the steering wheel to finish. but hey its a vehicle so it will never be finished.

heres a little video of a quike run at the local plantation area
http://youtu.be/Nq9_l05VAck

was trying to teach the boy to give it to it when in doubt. didnt always work. but in fairness to him it wasnt running properly either. probably old fuel as it wouldnt rev out. found this out at the end when i took it for a spin.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on January 14, 2012, 08:24:47 am
im stoked. ive worked out youtube. its a special moment for me.

couple more vids
http://youtu.be/M7-y3UJeHB4

http://youtu.be/5Z0RfxkHAXE

of course things to do are bigger tyres. i need to set the clutch up to hook up later as motor doesnt get full power up before it fully engages. either that or a bigger motor.
Title: Re: MINI ME
Post by: pootrol on May 11, 2013, 11:44:04 pm
http://youtu.be/EKaktqFk5h4

http://youtu.be/YX-d4DnVcZQ

Got a bit of footage. Decided to go play in the rain.