Finishing the Rear Suspension - Mini Baja Bug!! - Part 6
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- In this video we are building a Mini Baja Bug using a Polaris XLT 600 two stroke snowmobile engine and a go kart fiberglass body of a VW bug.
ArcDroid CNC Plasma Cutter Affiliate Link:
bit.ly/3B6G7Px
ratherBwelding merchandise
bit.ly/2PF21Vf
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram....
help support me on Patreon - / ratherbwelding
#fabrication #bajabug
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsou...)
Hey Chris! I think you should go with the third option regarding your gas tank concern. Build a tank behind the seat, and have those two red ones on either side of the body as a spare. They also become really cheeky accessories on the Baja Bug. Greetings Dennis from Sweden!
Yes, that large 2 stroke will be thirsty….wonder what size tank was used on the snow machine he sourced the engine from
The tanks are like 10 gallons and you get about 100 miles in the factory snowmobile
What about a small keg type on the front behind an approach angle hoop or whatever they are called. Front bumper hoop?
whenever you upload a video of this project i just drop anything i'm doing to watch it, can't wait for the next!
The lathe work to attach the brake discs came out nice!
Yeah, could have cleaned the brake discs in the lathe as well!
I like the reserve tank idea. But i would definitely go for a tank as well.
I agree ... for example 3 gallon behind the seat plus 1 and 1 on each side as reserve you can even share if needed is much better idea than trying to fit some 5 gallon monstrosity inside ...
Mount two tank straps at the rear window to tie down a Quarter-Barrel Keg (7.75 gallon), a throw back to dune buggy days and give you some extended range too !
Or even the little mini kegs
I was thinking if you could make a tank up front. Basically right under the fibre glass above your legs, provided there is any space there. It might be a complicated shape but with all the weight in the back, you won't stop wheelieing that's for sure. It's gonna be a super fun vehicle once it's done.
Keep it up!
Cheers 🤚
Places to stow stuff on the nerf bars is SUPER handy! You can mount a tool box, camping gear, extra bungies, spare tires, jerry cans, extra battery for a winch. This is a super cool build man!
It is a safety issue. Only a tank behind the seat and no tanks outside the vehicle. If you roll over you are trapped, and then you do not want any possible punctures in a tank filled with fuel. Look at what happened to the shock absorber from your other vehicle when you rolled over. It is also much better for the center of gravity. I also recommend to install something to protect your head for when you have a rollover.
Very cool project. Personally I think it's your coolest yet. I hope your channel gets a big boost with this one.
Coming along really nicely dude. I'm liking this build more than I though I would
I’ve been watching a lot of Vw buggy videos and power wheels videos ,This is the ultimate combo
I love the idea of using the gas cans as reserve!
Exactly the content I like.
Good welding/fabrication with good music and just the right amount of explaining.
It is amazing seeing the progression of the work that you do and progression of your knowledge when it comes to this work over the years I’ve been watching since you built your first shifter cart. And the progress you have made is amazing.
the vehicle. If you roll over you are trapped, and then you do not want any possible punctures in a tank filled with fuel. Look at what happened to the shock absorber from your other vehicle when you rolled over. It is also much better for the center of gravity. I also recommend to install something to protect your head for when you have a rollover.
I love the way it's turning out and i think you should put a big gas tank in the baja but still put side bars on it andthe gas cans on the sides 😊👍. Keep up the great work and God Bless you and your family brother .💪🙂👍🙏🏼🙏🏼💯
Hi Chris I'm from Sweden.
I love your channel!
You are very educationally, you could be a teacher!
Your music is so relaxing!
You are building such cool things!
Keep on rocking!!
👍👍👍
Lookin' good....
I don't know if I said this before but the Baja Bug is perfect for the little people community they don't have much adult toys that fit there size they are always stuck with kid size stuff (wimpy power) or to big for them adult size
The old Baja bugs often had a keg-style tank in the back window. I love the reserve tanks on the side too!
For rust. Use Evapo-Rust. It's reusable and works 100 times better then vinegar.
Thanks for filming Chris. 😁👍🏼
I find it hilarious that you have to explain to people that your cv axle brace is just temporary!
I mean look at your A class fabrication and engineering on everything else why would someone think the axle brace is the finished product!!!😂😂😂
For the gas tank I like how GrindHard did it -- welding up your own custom shape, then you can fit it in a tight spot or even multiple tanks.
Buggy is looking great!
Use thick wall tubing for the side bars and use them as part of the fuel system connect the two cans to the bars and bars to each other.
Dude... You are a talented fabricator! You could make big money selling your designs. I enjoy watching your vids and can't wait to see this build finished and what you come up with next.
The proportions of this build are awesome!
Beautiful job...
❤
A gas tank being the seat and the 2 side tanks is a good idea, you'll always know you have enough gas to get back to base.
Tanks might not be big enough but having one tank be the main one and the other be the reserve would be nice so you have the same amount to get back.
One Tank . Looking Good! Nice Work
Quality fab skills and video editing. Thank you.
This Baja is amazing you should consider mass production I’m sure it would sell at market level! I had that same body on a go cart and my son loved it
i used a 5 gal plastic outboard fuel tank on a few projects .. they are cheap, also made them so i could easily remove them to take to get filled without taking the baja. great work sir 👍
Tank behind seat + cans = long range & just looks cool!
I was really bummed that you didn't get in and jump up and down at the end of the video, darn it! This build is awesome!
I can see the whole thing collapsing... I would prefer he wait until its properly welded
Loving this build.
I feel like a roll over hoop attached to the roll cage behind your helmet would be a nice safety feature. It won't look terrible, maybe disguise it as a light bar.
You are on an advanced level compared to some of your peers. Always enjoy the content
P.s. you're going places!
Can’t wait for the next video every time keep up the great work!!!!!!!!
Actually loving this build
been watching u long before u got a welder with gas, this my second count because i got a new LT. keep up the awsome job. more gas the better sir. thats my two cents.
Sik bro Sik I can’t wait to see you mini torque vector steering that miniature Baja race car.
You are amazing at whatever you build
I follow you here from Brazil, you are a great artist. I wanted to leave the idea for the next project, to create a formula 1 car. Hugs, you are a beast!
Hey , love the build . Yes I would put a tank behind the seat and install a gas cap and fill tub.
Now that you have that cnc plasma cutter, you should use it to make yourself some suspension adjustment wrenches to go with your builds so you can fine tune the suspensions without having to resort to a hammer and punch. Wrenches will help you make repeatable adjustments so you keep everything easy and repeatable.
Do one large one and try to get as uch capacity out of it as possible so you can actually fo out an enjoy it in the dunes an where ever else possible ya go! Love the build can't wait to see the final product!
Nice job. This thing looks like a fun ride. Maybe consider a tracked vehicle next build. Home made track system of course.
I have no used for the arcdroid, but watching you use it, sure makes me want to get 1!
Those axles will never hold up to the task! Haha just kidding guys. People commenting that in your last couple of builds, shouldn't even be smart enough to click your videos... 😂😅
Keep up the good work! It's always a good day when seeing that you post a new video! 👌
Excellent work as always
I love it when RBW pops up in my feed.... Makes being awake worth it. 😂
Edit: I'd just run 3 of those tanks as the gas tank(s)... 2 on the sides and one behind the seat should be pretty good but if you want a LOT of range then do a custom tank behind the seat, you can probably get a 2 or 3 gallon tank in there. 👍
I like the idea of horizontal cylindrical tanks on both sides mounted above and inside the tree kicker rails. Maybe make the of aluminum with rounded dome caps and a filler neck on aft top end. Could be 2 gallon on each side.
Coming along great as always, I believe a fuel tank behind the seat and the others as reserves would be a good idea. Also if you read this I keep waiting for someone to build a little Kubota engine in a "go cart"... Just an idea
if you want to pop easy and reliable wheelies having stiffer rear suspension will only help, you're likely going to need to reinforce the rear transfer axel a good deal with brake discs being so close either side of the frame rail you don't want it to be twisting under heavy acceleration
I mentioned that earlier when he was obsessing of travel. It's gonna have to squat before it raises the front.
Just a note, the lower shock mounts on the rear will need to be on a spherical bearing or bush. As when you tighten them on to that bush you’ve made, they will bind.
This thing is sweet! Awesome job!
one large gas tank behind the seat is what I would do , it is looking great , can not wait to see it running.
This thing looking sick bud love the look of the frame with Shocks , say the custom tank behind the seat depending on size of gas tank, what was on the snowmachine the side tanks look good for spares 😊
Just an idea, but maybe you could add a running board/step along the bottom of each side of the body. A 2’6” piece of 3x4” box iron on both sides would be about 1.5 gallon capacity so 3 gallons total. Anyways, keep up the great work!
Plus you get Smokey Yunick style points!
Tree kickers or Nerf bars as we call em here are a great idea, that prevents someone elses tire from getting inside and fliping your buggy. They were really common on Odyssey's and Quads in the 90's i would try to wrap the gas tank around the rear seat to keep the weight low. you can always cut the rear trunk latch for more room for motor and brakes.
Chris, what about having the gas tank either side of the seat in the floor and protected by a skid pan, you could link them together to act as one large tank and use a electric fuel pump for fuel delivery to the motor, that will give you all the space behind the seat spare for a small tool box ? the skid pan will protect the tanks from damage and you could add a fuel filler cap and fuel up from the rear quarter pannel in the body ( hole drilled and a filler cap installed).
the nice thing about the floor pan tanks, they are out of sight , yes its a lotta work to alloy weld up the tanks but it would look hella cool and be a talking point to.
Whatever you do will be amazing anyhow.
You just keep pulling these projects out of your ass man. It’s amazing I love it. Thank you.
I like the side-saddle gas tank idea. But maybe use something bigger (like a 5 gal Jerry can). So for example, a Jerry can on one side, and a tool box on the other, to balance things out. Just an idea. 😎
It needs a spun aluminum drum style rear tank. VW baja bugs look right with the rear tank and an obnoxiously large stinger pipe.
I’d say keep with the side tanks and also have the tank behind the seat. It seems like it would be a good weight distribution for the fuel. And you can never have too much capacity in a small compact rig. Keep up the good work brother
What engine is he using? Never mind found my answer. That's a thirsty engine. 2 gal won't go far. Also how do you cool a 2 stroke snow mobile engine. They use a heat sink instead of water. Not gonna fair well.
Dude so clean of a job 👌🏻👌🏻
Hello Chris look into a small reverse box like the Elite Racing Transmission or Quaife Reversing box or Extreme Engines EXT-RB1 Hayabusa Reversing gerabox or just use a FIMIC LLC. 75PRC61T-11 T-BOX 100Hp 1.1 6 spline With this T-box you can turn the motor 90 well keep up the cool builds.
Still hoping to see a head roll cage idea. Something simple like the 66' shelby cobra.
Fuel tanks on the side could rupture pretty easily brushing by something. Could be a very bad day if that happened. Not sure how good a basket to protect those would look either. Maybe modify one of those to be a tool compartment? Keep the look without the risk. Just my thought since this looks like it'll take a moment to escape when flipped or rolled.
Either way thing looks awesome! Great job squeezing in everything so far!
I think maybe build a medium tank, then have the 2 reserve tanks. Love the build, looks awsome!
I would build the gas tank behind the seat . I think it would also be cool if you built a hinged roof rack. It would look cool and give your head some protection just in case . Awesome build tho man
Love it so much keep it up as always 💘
I like the quarter keg idea but somewhere low 👍
How about a fuel tank under the seat? Surely there’s room? Nice chunky skid plate to protect from rocks and suchlike. Keeps the weight low also! Keep it up really enjoying this one!
The simple solution to your fuel issue..use the tree kickers as your tanks. Make them multifunctional. You can effectively make it boxed in and two tanks...and still all the room inside the car
This thing is coming out awsome
Cut the roof and back window area out. Put some triangular bracing in the front corners of the winshield, and mount some round side mirrors on the braces. Nomore peeking out of the roof, and no worries of your helmet smacking around in the opening. If it were mine I'd cut that sucker right down the middle and widen the whole thing also. I wish more people would do small scale cars that look and function like a full size vehicle, instead of the Power Wheels look. Love what you do though. The keg gas tank would be awesome too!
4:52 I don't know why I laugh at the side of it just dropping randomly
When welding those axels you want to key them for longevity. Or cut them diagonally and it helps to sleeve over too.
I think one tank behind the seat. I don't like the idea of having external fuel tanks that close to my face. Depending on how much you fill them, with thermal expansion, and all the jostling around while driving, your liable to have the caps blow and get raw fuel in your face and eyes. Not to mention punctue risk (we all know your rollover track record 😂). A tank that conforms to the seat is the best option. Safer, more esthetically pleasing. I'm sure it'll be worth the work in the end IMHO. Looks killer either way.
I imagine you'll want some form of firewall or at least noise isolation from the rear engine, if a coolant line fails or something catches fire, even a tiny layer of metal can mean the difference between a funny scare or having skin grafts all over. I'd say, formed firewall directly behind seat, and any space remaining is your gas tank. Also, having the tree kicker as a tank is an option, too.
Stopping the cutting wheel by hand was crazy lol
Chris the vinegar idea works best when you use industrial vinegar .
Yes small gas tank behind the seat and your two reserves on the sides👍
You're definitely gonna want a skid plate to protect your rotors and chain drive. Honestly, it wouldn't be a Baja Bug without a skid plate that covers the entire underside.
This is one badass build Chris!!! Where did you find that body at? I know you said in the first video, but I'm lazy and don't wanna scrub through the entire first video to only miss it 7 times. Lol!!
17:39 you also have much more leverage on the rear than the front, so it’s probably just as stiff if not stiffer
I think small gas tank with the two reserves is the way to go. It will be reliable and look good!
You could get replacement parts for dewalt and replace that switch
I would consider a needle bearing or at least a brass/bronze/oilite bushing in the lower shock mount. Excellent build so far!!!!!
Go old school with the beer cage gas tank like they had back in the day? Mounted in the back some where.
Really digging the scale clean look of this so far. Not the biggest fan of slapping 2 rotopax on the side of it or massive tree kickers. Maybe just a raile alongside the edge of the fiberglass but thats it
When I did my cv axles I lathed a press fit sleeve and pounded it into one side tacked it, pounded in the other and welded both all the way around. I hope yours holds up with the varying strengths and harnesses in the shaft. That was my concern when doing mine.
so when mount shocks, the best way is to mount them 90% from the arm at full bump. if you watch yours they go past center in the last 2 inches.
I’d recommend a spun aluminum tank behind the seat with the fill out the rear window
This is my favorite build! It's going to be so cool! 🤩 I have a worry, is it going to be able to do wheelies with a open differential? Please tell me I'm wrong! Maybe a diff with a optional open / locked would have been awesome. Or maybe a torsen differential?
I’d say try to build about a 1.7-1.8 gallon wrap around fuel tank and use the 2 extra gallons as reserve. That way you know you can always get back to the trailer even if you have to go uphill.
When we are trail riding our RZR's, we typically use about 5 gallons in a good day. We have about 9 gallons capacity... Food for thought. I somehow doubt that ol' 2 smoke is as efficient as the 1000cc Polaris.
Large gas tank behind the seat 💯. Let’s go the distance!!!
He talks about a safety hazard with the angle grinder switch, but then grabs the rotating disc with his gloved hand! 😂
Great video. Do you think the differential will get too hot, since there is very little room for lubrication?
His original idea is to pack it with grease which would help some, I'm hoping he'll find a way to fill them with gearbox/transmission oil since he's both capable, and I'm biased, prefering oil over grease
The way he is using it, the bearings are outboard and the only time anything will be asked of the lubricant inside the differential is when the wheels are turning at unequal speeds. I doubt in this application he will have any issue with it getting hot.
@@isaacclark6749 I don't doubt it.
Like I said, I'm just biased about preferring gear oil over grease