A little project I would love to start...

[ghsnu]

Seeing as most of you love Top Gear, I assume you all know the Peel P50 (if not, then search it).

I would love to have one of these cars, but not having the $20,000 or whatever the price is to get a replica, and being 16...I was thinking of tinkering with some wood, bronze, or steel and creating my own little car.

I might be able to buy an engine off my autoshop teacher, but I have sort of a weak spot in electronics, and could use some help there. I could find wheels at Ace or Home Depot, and maybe scavenge a junkyard for other parts.

I'm sort of limited on space too(sucks being in a residential area -_-), but I think that won't be a major concern.

The help I need from fellow GTP members: concept ideas and electricity/parts help.

Sure it won't be a thing for the street, but it would be a fun project and would be me away from the TV for a few hours a day...and who doesn't want everyone looking at them wondering "WTF....?"

 

[Omnis]

Bro.

 

[astrosdude91]

It sounds like you're just making a go-kart, which 10 year olds with parental guidance make every day. So it should be pretty easy. Good luck, though. Sounds like it would be fun!

 

[NapoleonMikey]

The electrical side of a project like that wouldnt be that hard. Its not like a modern car which has a computer installed in it. A basic wiring harness would do just fine like this. as long as you know how to attach connectors to wires and plug the wires in to the right place (all the wires are labeled and if thats to complicated it comes with a book. trust me ive used there wiring harness its very simple).

I think your biggest problem would be building a frame and body. I hope you know how to weld. If not pay a local metal fab shop to build the frame for you, but that isn't exactly cheap. Especially if your trying to build this whole thing from scratch with no real plan to go to, this will be a pretty expensive project for a 16 year old.

 

[BrutherSuperior]

The help I need from fellow GTP members: concept ideas and electricity/parts help.

Cannibalize something.

I'd suggest an old 80's Japanese motorcycle or dirtbike...even better if it's air cooled. An old Honda 360cc thumper is what I'd look for, but don't pass up a deal if someone is selling their 125/250cc 2-stroke. Simple is good and an old bike is a good place to start. Even modifying a go-kart might not be a bad place to start.

There's plenty of go-kart bits available for DIY-ers, even a chassis. The parts bin for this sort of project is probably bigger than you think.

 

[lbsf1]

Get an old go kart rolling chassis ( £100). Then as someone said about a bike engine ( 2stroke 250cc) don't go for a proper racing kart engine cause they require lots od maintenence, just any old bike engine. Now bolt the engine to the kart (you would need to alter the chassis quite abut to fit it in.) if you want you could use sheet aluminium to make a body shell. And finally enjoy.

 

[MistaX]

but I have sort of a weak spot in electronics, and could use some help there.

Make the car electric. For one, your weak point will become your strong point.

For two, it will set you up better for a future career.

For three, paint it green, call the newspaper, make national TV, ???, profit.

 

[Rey-FD]

If you're interested? lol

 

[Omnis]

Lol. That's like the race mod version of the PD gokart.

 

[Lizard]

If you're interested? lol[/QUOTwan
I want one.

 

[Soullessvessel]

For the love of god don't take it on the road though.