Author |
Message |
boomerang Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: Texas / Kansas
|
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:42 pm Post subject: Dune Buggy Golf Cart Project (with Hampton kiddie ride body) |
|
|
First, thanks to everyone on this forum. It was here I learned about the kiddie ride bodies for sale in Missouri. I tracked one down and bought it. I am planning to build a 4/5 scale Manx style dune buggy golf cart. I found that a golf cart is very close in track width & wheel base to the proper dimensions so here I go.
I'm in the collecting ideas & parts stage. If anyone has any ideas, I'd love the input. If I can figure out how to post pictures here, I will do so as I go. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lo Cash John Samba Member
Joined: February 06, 2004 Posts: 2246 Location: Jacksonville, FL
|
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 8:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
SWEET!! _________________ www.LoCashRacing.org
More brains than bucks...Believe it or not!!
If you actually drive your VW, you need www.AirMapp.com
My boss told me I need to work on my mutli-tasking. So now when I use the bathroom at work I surf The Samba on my iPhone. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
BuggyFaron Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2005 Posts: 441 Location: Canyon Lake, Texas
|
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
No doubt, I am looking forward to seeing this one! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
boomerang Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: Texas / Kansas
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 5:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
Preliminary 3D design in progress |
|
Back to top |
|
|
boomerang Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: Texas / Kansas
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 5:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
gr8cobbler Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2006 Posts: 916 Location: Midlife Crisis, Midwest
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 6:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
I like the idea and the project and appreciate that the step through sides makes it really functional as a golf cart. It doesn't do much for the illusion of a scaled down buggy unfortunately. It would e great if you could figure out a way to maintain the 'tub' and still achieve the ease of access a golf cart is designed for.
If you don't really golf, then problem solved....really cool small scale dune buggy! _________________ Gary
Being a cheap old fart is just a front for my actual lack of money. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Hot Air Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 664 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 6:50 am Post subject: |
|
|
Very cool, I have a Hampton buggy also . Do you have the top or do you know where I can get one.
This is my Hampton afer I restored it.
Before
_________________ 73' Bug
85' Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
boomerang Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: Texas / Kansas
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 6:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
gr8cobbler wrote: |
I like the idea and the project and appreciate that the step through sides makes it really functional as a golf cart. It doesn't do much for the illusion of a scaled down buggy unfortunately. It would e great if you could figure out a way to maintain the 'tub' and still achieve the ease of access a golf cart is designed for.
If you don't really golf, then problem solved....really cool small scale dune buggy! |
Here's the story on that. I would love to build a real & fairly accurate 4/5 scale Manx, but part of the reason I'm doing this project is my wife wants a golf cart. She does not want to step over the sides or open or close any doors. She wants a golf cart style entrance.
So here are a couple of options - 1) keep it simple with the open side 2) keep the tub sides that she does not want 3) compromise and make removable doors (when they are on, it will look complete, when off she'll have what she wants.
Also, to do a real 4/5 scale Manx I'd need to relocate the batteries, lower the seat height, change the steering column angle/length, etc. We'll see how it goes. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
boomerang Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: Texas / Kansas
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:21 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hot Air wrote: |
Very cool, I have a Hampton buggy also . Do you have the top or do you know where I can get one.
This is my Hampton afer I restored it.
] |
Hot Air,
Credit where credit is due - I've seen the pics of your Hampton buggy and am admitting that it played a part in my inspiration, right down to the metal flake paint. I even ordered the Roth color samples.
I don't have the amusement park ride top. If I ever come across one, I'll be sure to let you know.
I love the dune buggy aspect and think the amusement park ride part is also cool. But my wife doesn't share my enthusiasm for the kiddie ride part, so ours will lose the rows of flashing lights, 2nd row of seating, etc.
If you have any input on where to find parts (like tailights, etc.) please let me know. Also, I bet you have accumulated a lot of information about the Hampton body & original umbrella ride. I'd like to learn all I can about it.
Last edited by boomerang on Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:49 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
Back to top |
|
|
gr8cobbler Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2006 Posts: 916 Location: Midlife Crisis, Midwest
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
Understood, happy wife, happy life. Really cool fun project either way. Keep posting up your progress. _________________ Gary
Being a cheap old fart is just a front for my actual lack of money. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Hot Air Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 664 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 9:04 am Post subject: |
|
|
My plan is to make a mold of it and make a trailer to pull behind my buggy. I should have done it before I painted it but I will just have to be more careful..I want the top so I can inclose it.
Also wanted to make a go kart to run around the shows with.
Can't wait to see the progress on your build. Keep us posted.
The place that has parts is DALTON KID RIDES. I have the original brochures that were handed out. I will try and scan them and post pics
I PM 'd you _________________ 73' Bug
85' Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
boomerang Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: Texas / Kansas
|
Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 9:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I got the donor cart today. 2008 EZ-Go |
|
Back to top |
|
|
gr8cobbler Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2006 Posts: 916 Location: Midlife Crisis, Midwest
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 6:39 am Post subject: |
|
|
Pretty sweet donor material, love those wheels and tires. My donor car provided me a title, a transaxel and the need to renew my tetanus vacination. I think we run in different circles..... _________________ Gary
Being a cheap old fart is just a front for my actual lack of money. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
crack monkey Samba Member
Joined: March 12, 2004 Posts: 267
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 6:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
keep the full tub. nits not like the sides are that tall. Plus you could put side steps on to make the step easier |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GS guy Samba Member
Joined: December 03, 2007 Posts: 968 Location: Maryland
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 7:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
Pretty cool. A 4/5 scale "Resorter" style body sounds like just what you need to rebody that golf cart! _________________ 70's vintage Deserter GS buggy - undergoing transformation to Super GS! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
BL3Manx Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2006 Posts: 6767 Location: Northern California
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 7:34 am Post subject: |
|
|
I think you'll be sitting in the back seat. It all may need to be widened a couple inches. I agree, keep the full tub. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
boomerang Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: Texas / Kansas
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 7:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
GS guy wrote: |
Pretty cool. A 4/5 scale "Resorter" style body sounds like just what you need to rebody that golf cart! |
I've looked at several luxury golf cart bodies and wish someone sold a dune buggy body kit I could just bolt on. There are plenty available if you want a Hummer, Escalade, Jeep, Street Rod, Mustang, etc. I have not found anyone selling what I want, so I felt the need to make one. If I thought there was a large enough market, I'd consider producing & selling them. But I've decided that there probably is not enough overlap between people who love Manx style dune buggies and people who want a golf cart. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GS guy Samba Member
Joined: December 03, 2007 Posts: 968 Location: Maryland
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Often people don't realize they want something - until they see it or see someone else with it.
I've though about all the communities and resort areas that utilize golf carts for local getting around, grocery shopping, etc. It seemed like a natural to have a Manx styled version - EXCEPT it would have to be easy to step into and out of, not crawl over the side like a typical Manx. The rare Manx Resorter has that feature, and that body style seems like a natural re-body for a g-cart. Why not just pick up a beat fiberglass body or forgotten buggy project and start slicing and dicing the body to make it fit, adding the dropped sides of the Resorter? Just be careful with the proportions!
Hmmm....or would it be easier to design a chassis to work with the body? Might take some of both approaches to get it to look right when completed. _________________ 70's vintage Deserter GS buggy - undergoing transformation to Super GS! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
boomerang Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2012 Posts: 106 Location: Texas / Kansas
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 1:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
GS guy,
I just figured out what you meant by "Resorter". I was unaware such a body style existed. Though I like the original Manx style much more, this may be the answer to some of my problems.
So now I think these are my options:
1) Manx Restorer style door opening (front & rear fenders blending to a low sill)
2) normal height tub sides with a golf cart style door opening
3) normal height tub side with removable and/or opening doors (tub looks intact with doors on / closed)
This is great and helpful input by all of you. Thanks & keep it coming! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GS guy Samba Member
Joined: December 03, 2007 Posts: 968 Location: Maryland
|
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 2:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Courtest of The Samba Galleries:
Now maybe someone can photoshop that body onto the golfcart chassis?
_________________ 70's vintage Deserter GS buggy - undergoing transformation to Super GS! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|