slayer61 finally has a Dune buggy!

[slayer61]

So I'm at that part of the build that takes time & attention to detail...

Example 1). The gas tank is beautiful and ready to be installed...
I don't have any supports for the 'glass, rubber biscuits, etc. Back to WW!

Example 2). Wiring harness has arrived, fuel pump is installed... I don't have the fuel pump controller yet! Aaarrggghh!

When you are assembling larger components, it's easy to see progress. You can't miss a front beam, an exhaust system etc. Now I'm down to the fine hairs.

Motorcycles are like this too. the last 10% takes 90% of the effort/time.

At this point everything was progress, everything.

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[slayer61]

Update 10/17/22

It's time to wire up the buggy. All of the major components are in place. I got one of the 12 circuit kits from Speedway motors. It is "GM" based so ought to play nice with the similar steering column.

Step one was finishing up the fuel pump and associated components

Step 2 was fetching out the "FRONT" wires and getting them secured and routed to their appropriate locations

Step 3 Install the gas tank for (hopefully) the last time

Step 4 was installing conduits or raceways. My buggy doesn't have factory installed tubes, so I found some flexible conduit and straps at the local home improvement center and ran a couple of lengths under the side board and across the rear of the buggy

Then get the "REAR" circuits to the rear

Back to the front, dash, gauges, ignition etcetera, I decided to add a couple of terminal strips where I could break out multiple conductors on the same circuit... 12VDC+, 12 VDC-, switched 12+, Tach, etc. That way I won't need 5 wires landed on the ignition switch for example

Then I ran out of weekend
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[SteveM.]

Looking good!

[slayer61]

[slayer61]

Back from KCMO over the weekend and managed to get the fuel system sorted, a battery, and... found the motor was tighter than a Nun's... well, you get the idea! It didn't want to turn over in the bellhousing. After contacting the builder, I was instructed to back off the motor and prove that the problem had cleared... and it did!. Re-clearance the bellhousing and viola! The motor turns! Man what a relief!



Remove plugs and unplug coil, crank until oil pressure shows up. Put plugs back in, connect coil and... one more time she fired right up for the first time! It's so exciting. for the first time in over 20 years (according to the tags) the buggy runs! It was so tempting to drive it down the street

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[slayer61]

Update 11/21/22:

It's starting to wind down, & I think I have everything to finish it up except time!

Over the weekend & between honeydos I managed to get the front lights mounted up & wired...

The headlights are from Summit, and I must admit, they are of pretty high quality. Higher than expected in today's market.
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[Kafer_Mike]

Lookin' good.
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Kafer_Mike
Build 'em fast...or let 'em sit.

[slayer61]

[slayer61]

Gawd is this thing fun to drive!

The neighbors hate me tho!
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[slayer61]

So yesterday I made the first legit road trip complete with tags, license and insurance. Turns out that new tail lights don't come with bulbs! I only had one in the garage without stealing one from one of the other vehicles. I figured surely I wouldn't be the only guy out with a "burned out" tail light, so off we headed to the FLAPS for an 1157 and many looks.

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[joemama]

Congrats! They are fun to driv

[SteveM.]

Looks good Slayer!

New headlights are on my list too, I will check out Summit [havent thought of them]

Happy Holidays!

[slayer61]

Thanks guys. It's just a ball. Very entertaining.

On the maiden voyage I discovered that my steering was less than ideal. It just didn't feel right. Wouldn't you know the only part on the chassis I didn't recondition or replace, the steering box, needs some love now
Have you tried to buy a TRW box lately? It's like buying an 1 5/8" exhaust all over again... dammit.

From July of last year!

Would sure have been easy to do then, wouldn't it?
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[oprn]

Does it have lube in it? If it has some slack there is an adjustment to take it out.
How about the tie rod ends? Or is it more how it handles on the road. The car has a lot of rake, did you put castor shims behind the beam? With that rake you might need 2 sets of shims.
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We had the stone age, the bronze age, the industrial age and now we are in the age of mass deception and mind control for corporate profit. (The mass media age)

[EVfun]

[joemama]

As EVFun said, you can easily adjust the steering box. I also strongly suggest that if you have not checked your alignment, both front and rear, do so. When off, the buggy can have a tendency to wander. Caster shims have helped my buggy to track straight. Also, check that you pitman arm is on tight.

[slalombuggy]

Buggy looks like a blast. Glad to see it all come together for you. Well done.👍👍

[slayer61]

[slayer61]

[slayer61]