Date:	Mon, 13 Mar 1995 23:06:13 -1000
From:	robert.pudlo@dbag.ulm.daimlerbenz.com (Robert Pudlo)
Message-Id: <9503140906.AA21685@dagobert>
Organization: Harvard University Office of Information Technology
Subject: self-made-buggies (RE: buggy plans wanted + Help with buggy from SK II)

Hi guys,

I'll try to give my one and a half cents worth to two postings dealing
with self-made buggies.

Alan Bizys wrote:

>I cannot afford to buy a shop made buggy,
>so I am looking for plans, or where can one obtain plans for a buggy

In Stunt Kites II (available in dutch, english and german, check the
archive for details) there are two very good plans for self-made buggies.

In the two german kite-magazines "Drachen-Magazin" and "Drachen - Sport
und Design) two different plans have been published. The plan in Drachen-
Magazin (have to find out the issue) should be o.k., while the plan in
Drachen - Sport und Design is quite incomplete as they sell (!) the
complete version for about 30$ (not a very nice policy for a kites-magazine).
I could find out the adress where to order the plan, but if I remember
rightly (sp?) the construction is limitted to a drivers-weight of maximum
80 kg, so I wouldn't trust it at higher speeds or extensive use.


Mark Henderson wrote:

>Has anyone actually built the three wheeled buggy from Nop's book Stunt Kites II? >If so, what type of Tires did you use, and where can I find an Axel that will fit 
>them...thanks.

In hardware shops, you should be able to find different types of wheels as
spare wheels for wheelbarrows. They differ in material, diameter and bearing.
They should be perfect for buggying, but some effort is necessary.
The most expensive ones I found are about 40$ each and have needle-bearings (SP?)
inside. The cheaper ones have no bearings, there is only a plastic-tube which
slides on the axle (sorry for bad technical terms, but I hope you understand
what I try to describe).
As good bearings are essential to reach satisfying performance, you would have
to add some ball-bearings yourself, which is not to difficult if you have
access to a lathe. The wheels with the neddle-bearings should work fine, but
as they are not protected against sand, water, dust and stuff, you will have
to encapsulate them somehow.
Axles of the right diameter and different lengths are available as spare
parts for wheelbarrows, too. 

I myself for a long time was unsure whether I should build a buggy or buy one.
After calculating the total costs of a self-build one, I found out that the 
price doesn't justify the decision, as the amount of saved money is quite small.
If you get good wheels, add good bearings, use good axles, choose good material
for the frame (aluminium or high-grade steel), you will spend nearly as much
bugs as for a second-hand (e.g. Peter-Lynn) buggy in excellent condition.
I doubt that the performance and (more important) security of a self-made
buggy could reach those of a bought-one.

If you have access to a lathe, to the best material and the technics needed
to join them (welding aluminium or high-grade steel is an expert's job) and
prefer a self-made design rather than good performance - go ahead.
One thing is true - building a buggy oneself should double the fun you get,
if the buggy works satisfyingly.

I'll be glad to help with further information (e.g. copies of the above
mentioned plans or adresses). Email me at robert.pudlo@dbag.ulm.DaimlerBenz.com
if something is unclear.

Robert.

... may you never become aware of the maximum durability of your buggy. 

Disclaimer: All expressed above is nothing but my own opinion and experiences.
            No relations to any of the magazins (only personally prefering
            one). I'm not a wheel-barrow-maker or spare-parts-supplier, I'm
            only a frustrated newbie in buggying who lives in an area, where
            wind is always one mph lower than needed. Have a wonderful buggy
            and hardly any chance to use it :^(((


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