do you think it would be possible to build a single seat tube buggy that weighs under 1000lbs without a driver or a full tank?

here is what i am thinking.

suzuki 7" axles, shaved for GC
BMW shaft drive motorcycle engine
shaft goes to a gearset that is mounted perpendicular to the chassis rails, a short chain connects this to another gearset with a front and a rear driveshaft flange mounted on each side of it.
driveshafts attach to axles.

small (6-8" travel) coilovers at each corner
some kind of link suspension

i would run no wheel brakes, but instead custom fab up a pinion brake for each axle. and i would then run 29x8.50 Interco Vampire EDL ATV tires.

maybe a 55-60" wheelbase?

as little tubework as possible.

this would NOT be for competition or really heavy trailuse. the sole purpose of having this rig would be because a lot of the cooler trails around here are closed 8 months of the year to rigs over 1000pounds. (IE snowmobiles only)

so it is doable???

build it.......

Originally posted by SeaBass44
build it.......

trust me i will when i get a tube bender/notcher and have the cash to buy the parts. everything for it should be cheap except the motor.

Wouldn't it be easier to buy and a build a quad?

Originally posted by ramv
Wouldn't it be easier to buy and a build a quad?

i dont want a quad- not stable enough and i like the more reclined driving position better. besides, i want to BUILD something, not buy something.

and a quad wont do 70mph on the fireroads and handle like its on rails like i would try and build this to :D

Hey fair enough, interested in your reasons. A guy here at work has a built Raptor that will do 70 though, and with wider A-arms, rear axle and new coilovers, I gues it handles pretty well too.

Really cool idea i don't think you can get it the light with zuke axles and any sort of framework to hold it all, some steering etc..

But hey... prove me wrong :-) good luck

Maybe you will be a trendsetter

-yag

Build as much as posible out of aluminum tubing and maybe independent f&r suspension with aluminum tubing for most of that too. Aluminum drive shafts and axleshafts. Or ti parts. Could it be done? Yes if you have the money to pour into it.:smokin:

right how with me sitting in it and when i have all 4 tires on it is at 650 pounds

only thing left is steering and drive shafts


that is a hi output 3.5 hp briggs with a 3 speed with reverse

Originally posted by flmanyj
right how with me sitting in it and when i have all 4 tires on it is at 650 pounds

only thing left is steering and drive shafts


that is a hi output 3.5 hp briggs with a 3 speed with reverse

BAHAHAHAHHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

lol oh man, that is definetly interesting... but damn UGLY!!!!! and IMo way too tall. what size tires?

and i also want a lot more power than 3.5hp, looking for more around 30-40.

what are you using for axles?

I believe what you are referring to is call a "Mongoose". (Or at least that is what I have been told.)
I have such a vehicle but it is not a 4x4.
-Single seat
-GSXR 1100CC motorcycle engine (140 hp) chain drive
-5 speed tranny(capable of +100 mph with right tires and a long flat stretch of sand.)
-Rear IFS w/ 10" wheel travel
-Front IFS equal lenght A-Arm with 12" travel
-uses 25" quad tires in back,
-Front spindles and Brakes are from a Banshee
-Full tube 1 1/4" chromemoly frame.

Overall weight with out driver +/- 950lbs.

There is a pic on this page of the "in progress" pic
http://www.geocities.com/bbuiltparts/photopage.html?998378459934

B

IMHO - it cannot be done.



My 1994 Polaris Sportsman 400 4x4 weighs in at around 580 dripping wet.


If you think you can add any kind of safety roll cage, steering, 4x4 axles, suspension links, change out for MUCH heavier wheels and tires, as well as coilovers - you will NOT be under 1k lbs.

shorten zook axles with wheel adoptors to 8 lug
tires are 36-12.50-16.5
frame is 3/4 conduit

ok i found a pic online of a mongoose type sand rail. do you think that this could be made into a 4x4 with solid axles and 29" ATV tires and still be under 1000?

http://bajoenterprises.com/images/gallery/purple_one_seat_lt_7.jpg

How about Independant front and rear, using bastardized IFS Toy parts?

Can't build something under 1000lbs that will do 70 on a fireroad and handle well.

I got a lawnmower that'l do 82 says the gps on fireroads...

weighs around 180lbs

Good luck...might try rototiller axles.....there straight and have good gear but no brakes....

Why? Just to say it can be done?:confused:

When my little girl turns 4 or 5 I plan on building her a "mini-rig" to follow me on trails with. And I'm thinking even the hardcore trails. Thinking the same thing, shaved Zuk axles, maybe some motorcycle tires or some light truck tires. Haven't decided on a power train yet. The IFS thing may be an option, though. The IFS that came out of my Sidekick can ALMOST be lifted by one guy. It is just too floppy. Hell, I have even been eyeballin those used junior dragster chassis that go cheap at swap meets. A little "Assassin?"

I THINK it can be done ...

motorcylce weigh 300lbs then add 2 more tires 60 lbs then real axles 200 lbs then cage and misc junk.... yea... it will be close but you can do it..... if it is crutial for weight like every single pound matters make aluminum EVERYTHING>.....

Balsa wood :flipoff2:

If you want to get some ideas for the motorcyle-powered car, check your local race tracks for Legend or Baby Grand racing. Might save yourself a lot of design time. I just left Altamont, had a chance to take a close look at the Baby Grand cars in the pits. Quite a piece of work.

There are several classes that adapt big aircooled motorcyle engines to conventional rear-drive cars.

And oh, yeah, 55-60 inches is going to be way short IMHO. My kids gocart came in at 50 inches and I am lengthening it right now. Go out in the garage with some chalk and a seat. Start marking down where you pedals would be, steering wheel, etc.. Then add in the drivetrain. See where you end up.

Baby Grand Cars (http://www.babygrandracing.com/car.htm)

A rototiller axle is an interesting idea for the rear. They're a little on the narrow side but hey, mine's already got a cable locker from the factory! :D

These are the tires that you want to use. 31x15.5r15 Goodyear Terra XT

http://www.alaskaoffroad.com/images/memberstrucks/Daryl/terraxt.jpg

Try looking for a Honda Odessy. No not the mini van, the little dune buggy. Only 2wd, but not a bad place to start.

-Jeff

Take a look at some of these
http://www.sae.org/students/minibaja.htm

Motor Cycle engines are good idea, but I think you could probly do a VW engine cheaper and might even save weight. You can find engine blocks made from billet alluminium and you can mount any kind of tranny you want.

Although with the bike engine you can do a pretty good with also.....To make it easy on yea why not go with a SNOWMOBILE type set up Belt driven centrifical clutch......I think ifyou can find one of those "Mini Baja's" frames slap a IFS in it....you might just be good to go.


Good Luck and keep us updated...Might start a new trend, even a business hahahaha. I know my sone would love one

why dont you just use a segway

Originally posted by Chief Yelling Alot
why dont you just use a segway

I know that a "henway" about 5 lbs what's a "segway":p

Originally posted by SeaBass44


I know that a "henway" about 5 lbs what's a "segway":p

BAHAHAHAHA ROFLMAO

lol:p

worst thread ever.















so your building a sand rail, eh? buy a freaking snow mobile if thats what you want. this is the height of redneck technology.:flipoff2:

Originally posted by 9-Volt
everything for it should be cheap except the motor.

Never heard that before :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

This doesn't fit in your lightweight requirements since it's just added weight, but it would be interesting seeing one of these (http://www.4wd.com/Shop4wd/ProductDetail.asp?ProductSku=6464) on the trail.

Mini-MB Jeep® Body
Product Number: 6464

Your kids or grandkids will be the envy of the neighborhood when you build them their very own Jeep®. Don't throw away that old lawn tractor, save it as the starting point for building the ultimate toy for yourself, I mean the kids. The metal body kit includes: body tub, fenders, hood, windshield frame, top bow assembly and seat frame. The body is 59" long and 29" wide with a wheelbase of approximately 43". Mini-MB body is shipped by truck.

$795.00


http://www.4wd.com/shop4wd/images/catalog/products/large/GirlsittinginJeep.jpg

that thing is cool