Gravity racer build

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I thought I would share a project I am doing in between real projects. My 5 year old daughter wants a soapbox car so I figured I would see what I could build from scraps I had lying around. There is no plan, I am simply building on the fly. The car is not being built to compete in any racing, it is purely for her enjoyment. I built the steering knuckles from some rectangular tubing and .250" plate, I was going to machine spacers for the king pins but I think the washers may work wiell, I will grease them up for some smooth steering. The seat is made from old seat belts riveted together. I had a spare 160mm disc brake set up off my mountain bike so I decided to build it into the rear axle. The rear wheels got the bearings punched out and then I machined a couple of hubs up and welded them in. I also machined the hub for the brake rotor. So the rear wheels and rotor can all get keyed to the raer axle shaft. The rear axle housing and front axle are built from old gas pipe. So far it's been a week worth of work. Not sure how I will finish it yet, she wants a Lightening McQueen paint scheme.Gordhttp://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/http://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/
Reply:That is some seriously nice work; she's one lucky 5 year old.  Please keep us updated with pictures on that one.Lincoln Pro Mig 180Everlast PowerARC 200
Reply:Welcome to how I got into welding....Those wheels won't work near as well as you'd think.  Bicycle wheels or similar are the ticket.My name's not Jim....
Reply:that thing is trick! I always wanted one as a kid.... Hmmmm seeing as how I'm STILL a kid at heart, can I take it for a spin? I promise not to go fast...
Reply:Too much frictional loss with those tires.
Reply:Looks like a fun project.   I like how you installed the rear disc brakes, good use of a pillow block bearing.  The only thing I don't like is the king pin up front.  Is it just a hole drilled in that round tube that will be the bearing surface?  If so, that will develop play pretty quickly as the hole enlarges.  Since you have a mill and a lathe a simple upgrade would be to just weld on a vertical piece of tube that would carry a bushing.  So the front axle would basically end up looking like how a panhard rod does: http://www.spohn.net/productimages/1...-Bar-101-1.jpgMiller Dynasty 200 DXBuildPro TMA52238 (38" x 22")Miller MP-10 & Jackson Nexgen EQC20 Ton Press & Swag HD Press Brake
Reply:I think some of you guys missed the part where he said this was for his 5 year old daughter.  5.  Not 15 or 25, just 5.  So he doesn't need super fast wheels and tires yet.  She has a little learning to do before joining the 100mph club!Gord, nice job - how did you shape the square tube to form the body?Any updates on the build?
Reply:Originally Posted by drscopeI think some of you guys missed the part where he said this was for his 5 year old daughter.  5.  Not 15 or 25, just 5.  So he doesn't need super fast wheels and tires yet.
Reply:I don't see anything in his post asking for "expert opinions" on the construction of a car for his young daughter, simply a presentation of a project he's working on. Nice job, hope she enjoys it!REAL TRUCKS DON'T HAVE SPARK PLUGS
Reply:And who is going to be pushing it back up the hill?  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Hey guys, I finished this project awhile back. The wheels worked out just fine and they are plenty fast enough for my daughter. The steering geometry worked out fantastic, I guessed at the ratio and guessed right, the response is great. The rear disc brake is plenty strong enough to slow the racer down at any speed and the pedal effort is minimal. I built a tow rope for it and have no problems pulling the car, with my daughter, up any hill behind my mountain bike.Anyway...thanks for the interest, here are some pictures of the completed project. My daughter was dead set on a Lightning McQueen paint job. My body work is wavey but why wouldn't it be, I didn't do anything to smooth it out.Full info can be seen here; http://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/201...cant-drive-55/Thanks for the comments!Gordhttp://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/
Reply:Nice work!You DO know what's next don't ya?Junior Dragster!!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Very good looking project , on a good start to the next Bigger build in a few years....
Reply:I like the seatbelt seat. It looks like its holding up well. Any issues with it? The tail pipes are a nice touch too.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterNice work!You DO know what's next don't ya?Junior Dragster!!
Reply:That's a soap box cart?????........never on your nelly is that a soapbox cart.........somewhere along the way the plot thickened and Dad got carried away with a project that he wanted to do and needed and excuse to do it......soapbox carts are made out of wood with pram wheels, no brakes and you use your feet to steer them with.Oh yeah I forgot, you build them yourself.......no compromise there, I made mine when I was 8, and it fell apart when I sat in it.One thing you learn as an 8 year old, a hammer and nails is the most valuable tool you can ever have.Ian.PS, you did say 5 year old daughter....bet the old man has the first go....LOL.