ideas for building a new chassis?

I Ride Sand · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 5:27 pm Post subject: ideas for building a new chassis?

After finishing my rail and almost being ready to register it for the street, I now want to build another chassis because of a few issues with this one. On my current chassis, they clocked the torsion housing down to raise the ground clearance but... lowered the engine in the process. I drag the engine cage on everything.... the front of the frame is twisted about 3/4 of an inch. not bad really, but it annoys me greatly. the lower tubes of the chassis are kinda thin. this thing was build in 1974 and driven in the west desert of Utah and around the great salt lake, so that doesn't surprise me. It is a swingaxle, and I rather have IRS as it feels by far more stable to me, but I can live with it as long as it rides smooth. Don't even get me started on all of the sheetmetal screw holes and crappy brackets everywhere....

I want to build another rail from scratch and ditch this frame. I have done it before, but it was never driven because I had to sell it before it was done to pay for school.

I would really like some inspirational photos of others rails to help me lay out everything, and I mean everything. Gauges, switches, battery locations, turning brake location, even the goofy cupholders that someone has installed. Rolling Eyes

I like bending tube, so I don't want to buy a pre-bent chassis. However, the bugpack 2-seater has always appealed to me. I like the lines it has. however, I frequently use my rail to explore the desert, and need to haul stuff. so a cargo rack similar to this would be great. This is where I really need ideas.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Here are the goals for this new design:
1. short wheelbase (95-101 inches)

2. cargo rack (possibly pickup style?)

3. IRS or swing axle with spring rates similar to stock torsion setup for good ride. however the torsion is optional.

4. simple to build. I don't want super complex bends to make

5. cheap. dirt cheap. I can't justify doing this for more than 500 bucks. tubing will cost $300 and custom brackets are free. will be parting out the current rail for it.

6. street legal as Utah OHV

7. sturdy. it is a vehicle that's going to be in the desert, but not raced. it will see speeds of 60-70 mph frequently for prolonged durations. a solid roll cage is a must.

Heck, even if you have a radical idea that is kinda cool, lets hear about it!

VWSTORECHICK · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 6:04 pm Post subject:

Just because I saw this post I figured to post some information for you.

We build our frames in house and according to your information that you listed may be a really good candidate for your build.

The Scorpion is the frame name. Good solid construction made out of 1 1/2" x 120 wall tubing and within your wheel base. Roomy cockpit and etc.

We have a load of pics on our website that you can take a look.

You should not have any problems like your having with your existing chassis and good solid construction.

Any questions feel free to PM me or call.
570-371-6667

Website like is https://www.v-dubstore.com/Articles.asp?ID=138

Don't forget to click on the name "Scorpion" to open the page dedicated to that frame and all the other information on it. Remember all the photo's will open to full screen view for better viewing.

Misty

Mal evolent · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 6:22 pm Post subject:

probably not what you want to hear, but...

I wanted to add dual controls to my rail. motorcycle sprockets and chain to link the steering wheels, dual hydraulic controls, a crossbar linkage for the gas pedal. I would operate from the right, let passengers learn to drive from the left.

hey, you said ideas, not great ideas.
_________________
73 Beetle Baja, Ghia front brakes, Type 3 rear brakes, 2220 ( 94 X 80 ), Weber Progressive, Bosch SVDA, '97 Mustang seats

Baja Bugs for Volkswagen Virgins: Index

VWSTORECHICK · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 7:47 pm Post subject:

Remember if you don't have something nice to say than don't say it at all.

Keep on topic is all I have to say!

mkparker · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 5:51 am Post subject:

I'm not sure if this qualifies as nice or not, but there hundreds of rail buggy photos as close as google or your favorite search engine. You can also search the galleries on this site or vendor sites like posted above. Do some homework, find ideas you like and build a sweet buggy and show us pics.
_________________
Michael

Pit Boy 6163 Spec Trophy Truck

VWSTORECHICK · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 6:35 am Post subject:

mkparker The comment was really for Mal. I could have written something other than what I did. Just figured to make a simple & point driven comment.

I agree there are plenty of options out there for frames. Just figured to pass our frame on over to the original poster.

Our frame is designed a bit differently than most. And can be made from stock, mild, to wild. We designed this chassis after building & driving buggies for years. It offers comfort in the cockpit. Universal front end design. And alot of other features you won't find in the standard rail buggies.

That's all. Just wanted to pass on the information.

HERC · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:01 am Post subject:

HERC · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:05 am Post subject:

no1clyde · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:10 am Post subject:

This is my cargo rack I built for my buggy.

Ed

VWSTORECHICK · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:23 am Post subject:

HERC · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:29 am Post subject:

HERC · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:41 am Post subject:

mkparker · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 8:19 am Post subject:


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