Ted-Offroad Defender build

[ted-offroad]

Hi all,
I am currently building a Toylander 2 but with modifications to make it a defender.
Has any one built a defender bonnet and have additional molds or any tips for the design?
How do I up load pictures to this topic too?
You can see my build at www.ted-offroad.com/toylander.
The running gear is from an old mobility scooter. My first dificulty is getting the correct hubs to drive the rear wheels.
I am also looking into the steering in order to make it lighter via some sort of box - I like the posted ideas usinf a mini window regulator!
Cheers
Ted

[brian]

Ted, your link does not seem to be working.

Regards,

Brian.

[brian]

There are instructions on how to post pictures onto the forum in the topic "General Discussion".

The best option is the first option given, as this allows full sized pictures to be shown at the click of a button.

I now use "Photobucket " which if you "Google" it is a free application.

Regards,


Brian.

[ted-offroad]

Hi,
Not sure why the link did not work? Try this:- http://www.ted-offroad.com/Toylander
If not you can access it from my website www.ted-offroad.com
Really glad I found this site - tonns of new idea's for my build now!
Ted

[markh15]

Hi Ted,
I like the site, although I have visited it before.

You mention using a Mini window regulator for the steering box, the problem with this is that the unit is about 12" long by 5" wide in it's standard form, the second problem may be finding one.
Loads of other cars have 'Rack and Roller' systems on the windows, just type in 'Window Winders' in the Ebay search box, and have a look there.

I too used trailer wheels and hubs on Harvey's car, check out 'Towsure' (www.towsure.co.uk) for budget 'Pressed Steel' hubs, mine were ?10.50 each and do the job brilliantly.

My wheels came from MSA Wheels and Castors. They have an online shop on ebay under msawcltd (I think), or just search for MSA Wheels via their search-engine, worth a look as I got 4, 4.00 x 8 trailer wheels and tyres for ?60 quid!
You could check out my build website to see how I solved the rear drive problem, just click on the 'Globe' icon under my name on the top left of this reply, and it will take you there.

As for a 'Custom' steering box, both Quadra (Mike) and I used components from 'Technobots' (www.technobots.co.uk), who can supply gears, sprockets and other useful stuff, at reasonable prices.

Keep us updated with the build,
Keep Busy,
Regards,
Mark.

[ted-offroad]

Hi Mark,
I have seen the gear & chain system that you have used for the steering & it looks really good. I think that is a top idea and will look into using this method on my Toylander.
Thanks for the advice.
I will keep you posted on the build.
Cheers
Ted
 

[brian]

Is this the steering gear you are looking at Ted, if so, it is off my Toylander.

Regards,

Brian.

[markh15]

Hi Ted,
Brian is the one with the 'Chain' driven steering, mine is in the 'Toylander 2' section, in the thread ''Hi to All', and the steering box saga starts on page 2.

Just to clear up any confusion.

Regards,
Mark.

[ted-offroad]

Thanks Brian - Thats the set up I have been looking at!
Where can I get the small ball joints fron for the end of the tracking bar? I have the 2 required for the drag link made up from threded bar but need another pair to go from the steering gear to the hub/swivel housing.

Where can I get a speed controller too? The set up that came with the mobility scooter has had watert in the main PCB section & dosent work right so could do with a new set up? Will it be cheapest to buy another old scooter or am I best buying a new set up?

Thanks again
Ted

[markh15]

Hi Ted,
Most scooters use 8 mm, either Rose joints, or Ball Joints for the steering.

If you search on Ebay for 'Rose Joints', you will get a pop-up box offering different sizes (6, 8, 10, mm etc), just click on the size you require and there will be loads offered.

I found a place that does 8 mm joints for ?5 each with free P+P, and they were delivered in a couple of days.

Others offer cheaper prices, but with varying P+P charges, you pays yer money, you takes yer chance!

Regards,
Mark.

[brian]

 Ebay McGill Motorsports, they supply lots of bearings, rose joints etc at reasonable prices.

www.4qd.co.uk/contact/sales.html for electric controllers.

Hope that helps.

Brian.

[ted-offroad]

Thanks for the links... I'm am now awaiting shipment of the rose joints to start & manufacture the steering.
What did you guy's use for a wheel & the shafts? Not sure wether to use a solid bar slid inside a greased tube or use bearings? I'm thinking a cheap socket set will provide me with the steering UJ's?

Whilst I'm thinking (jumping ahead a little!) what have you done for the main head lights & side/indicator/brake lights?

Thanks again
Ted

[brian]

Morning Ted,  I got my wheels from Richard at Toylander and they come with internal bearings and, if specified, the driven sprocket as well.

They require a solid axle of 1" diam.  I found a piece of steel pipe which was slightly greater than 1" and had a near neighbour turn it down to 1" for the required distance from each end of the axle, this supplys a stop to butt the 1" washers uo against instead of having to drill for split pins.


If you have a local heating engineering Co. they will supply you with a small length of 1" heating pipe which is actually slightly bigger than 1".

Regards,

Brian.

[brian]

 Here you go Ted, good old EBay.

   Visit seller's Shop:
Bolt On Bits 01274 869955

Up for sale is 8 WIPAC lights

Lamps are 74mm in diameter

Kit includes:
2 WIPAC Clear Front Sidelight lamps
2 WIPAC Red Stop & Tail lamps
4 WIPAC Amber Indicator lamps
?19.99 +?3.95 P&P

He also does 5 3/4 diam headlamps at ?18.99 +P&P


You can even get a Defender complete bonnet as well, mind you, it is ?289.

Regards,

Brian.
 

[markh15]

Hi Ted,
As for headlights and such, ideally you want them to be about 3 1/2 inches in diameter, so either call Richard (at Toylander), who can supply two types....
 
Budget, which are Black, with a plastic grill across the lens (see my car), and go for about ?15 - ?20, or
Spun Aluminium, which are a bit more expensive ?30+, but look more like the real thing.
Check with Richard at Toylander first for up-to-date prices....

Or Visit a local Motorcycle breakers...Honda 50 / 70 / 90 'Step through's' had 4" headlights, and some of the other makes as well. Seeing as you're building a 'Defender', you could mount them from inside the wing, thus disguising the O/A diameter slightly.

If you are feeling a little flush, there are some 'Twin Headlamp' conversions for motorbikes / scooters on the market. These are in the form of a small oval 'Pod' (usually black), but I'm not sure how much they go for.

Indicators / Tail lights can be sourced from Truck / Trailer suppliers like TTC ltd. (www.ttcuk.co.uk) or Google them, Truck and Trailer Components, Cowley, Oxfordshire.
These are 40 mm in diameter and are intended as marker lights on larger vehicles. They come in either Red, White, Amber, or Green.
The manufacturer for these is 'Rubberlite', but they are quite pricey (about ?10 each), alternatively there's always Ebay.

I managed to find some (Ebay), from a 'Shoprider' Mobility Scooter, that did the job nicely, but if you can find a Breaker / Repairer for mobi'scoots in your area, you might just be able to get them cheaper.

The only thing limiting you is your imagination (and your wallet). It's surprising just how many different things there are out there, you have to think 'Latterally', and keep your eyes open!

Hope this has helped,

Keep Busy (and looking),
Regards,
Mark.