Radio Flyer Racer

[monkey-1]

Here are some pics of my Radio Flyer Racer. More pics on my site:http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/radioflyer

This is what I started with:



http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/DSC01977.JPG

Then, as more parts started coming in:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer2/dsc02016.jpg

I soon realized that the 3HP motor I was using for muckup was smaller than the 3.5 I bought to power this. I had to clearance the frame for it:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer3/dsc02041.jpg

Now this is what it looks like:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer3/dsc02053.jpg

I have since added foot pegs outside of the frame for more comfortable riding position as well as built a seat pedistal. I will update as progress continues. I have ordered some modified hand controls and will be making my seat this w/e. Next week will probably be when I disassemble and paint.

[Mike Bean]

Monkey-1,

How fast does that thing go?

I also noticed your steering column seems pretty thick where the shaft goes through. What kind of setup did you use? I am asking because on my BSR I simply welded a 5/8" washer to the top and put the steering shaft through that. But now I am getting a vibration/rattle at speed so I need to design something other than metal on metal.

mbean

[monkey-1]

mbean wrote: Monkey-1,

How fast does that thing go?

I also noticed your steering column seems pretty thick where the shaft goes through. What kind of setup did you use? I am asking because on my BSR I simply welded a 5/8" washer to the top and put the steering shaft through that. But now I am getting a vibration/rattle at speed so I need to design something other than metal on metal.

mbean



Im not sure how fast it is yet as I dont have brakes. It is going to be faster than my BSR and it would go over 35.

As for the steering, I took a piece of tubing and found some bearings that slip into it. They were some inexpensive bearings I bought at a lawnmower shop. Its a nice snug fit that makes the steering nice and smooth, no ratle and no metal to metal.

[monkey-1]

Here are some pics of my completed seat. I cant wait to get it installed. I foundsome aluminum diamondplate vinyl (as seen on Pimp My Ride). Let me know what yall think:

[docgreen9]

that'll look sweet on it :D I want to see a video of you guys riding that thing ... lol. Better do something with that muffler or your nuts are going to get toasty ... hahahaha

[monkey-1]

docgreen9 wrote: that'll look sweet on it :D I want to see a video of you guys riding that thing ... lol. Better do something with that muffler or your nuts are going to get toasty ... hahahaha


Yeah, I have thought of that and have something planned for it. I am going to get a chrome shipping cart and cut the bends out of it to build me a custom, chrome dual exhaust. I am still trying to find one that has been run over in a parking lot and they are going to toss anyway.

[monkey-1]

Updated pic:

[docgreen9]

Looking good!!! I see you decided to go with hand controls instead of rigging up foot pedals. What's left now just final stuff and then tear it apart for paint?

[monkey-1]

docgreen9 wrote: Looking good!!! I see you decided to go with hand controls instead of rigging up foot pedals. What's left now just final stuff and then tear it apart for paint?


Yeah, I really wanted the foot controls, but they are going to put your feet so close to the front tires i didnt think it would be safe. With the hand controls, I can move the foot pedals a little further forward and have a more comfortable riding postition. I have all of the little pieces ordered to completeand should be able to get it done this w/e. I am going to ride it for awhile and let a couple of others ride it before I tear it down for paint. Ialso bought somesuperbright red LED strips to mount to the frame. I have several leftover sirens from alarms I have installed and will put one of those on there as well.

[WarPaint]

Hey monkey where did you get the radio flyer tub. I have looked around and I can only get the wagon . I just want the tub. But even radio flyer will not sell just the tub. And hey love the seat.

[monkey-1]

WarPaint wrote: Hey monkey where did you get the radio flyer tub. I have looked around and I can only get the wagon . I just want the tub. But even radio flyer will not sell just the tub. And hey love the seat.



Yeah, I had to buy the whole wagon. I tried to buy just the tub, but were unable to find them. I got mine from Toys R US for $36.99, its a model 89. Here is a modified ATW that a friend of mine put together to pull his daughters with his BSR:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/forums/newagon.jpg



BTY, I have a brand new set of running gear, handle and tires off of a Radio Flyer model 89, never used. HaHaHa

[docgreen9]

Warpaint & Monkey-1, I called Radio Flyer customer service yesterday and they sell the #18 tub for $45.64 ( think it was ) and that was with shipping. It's the largest steel wagon they make. I was assuming that was the one being used.

http://www.radioflyer.com/steelandwood/sw_18.html

Phone:
1-800-621-7613
Brian

[monkey-1]

Doc,

I called them too and they told me that they would not sell the tub seperate. The #18 tub is a little larger(36" x 17 1/2" x 4 1/2" and the #89 is 34" x 15 1/2" x 4"). I wanted the #18, but no one stocks it and I didnt want to wait.

[monkey-1]

IF you buy the whole wagon, you can always build you one of these:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/forums/wagongrill.jpg

[docgreen9]

Ha ... Monkey-1 .....ok I give ... what is that?? Portable BBQ?? ....

One the wagon ... that's weird ... I called them yesterday and the lady was real nice and as soon as I told her what I wanted she spurted out the price including shipping. I probably want the 18 tub cuz I'm tall ( 6'3" ) and I need the longest thing they got ... lol.

[docgreen9]

WOW ... the bed for the #18 got cheaper on me ... I just ordered one and it was $35 including shipping. Ain't that some crap ... one price one day and cheaper the next .. lol.

[monkey-1]

Doc,

Congrats on the tub, they must have just started that. Like I said, they would not sell me just the tub, and I even have a business license and no go. If you are that tall, you probably need to call her back and get one of these tubs:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/wagons/de_3.jpe

This is probably the #36 tub (18 plus 18, lol).



BTY, I have a BUNCH of wagon pics. If anyone is interested let me know and I will put them together on a page so that everyone can get ideas from them for their own projects. I like to collect as many pics as I can for reference.

[WarPaint]

WOW ! That is cool doc . I hope i can get a deal like that on a tub. I called a few months ago and they told me they wouldn't sell the tub alone. But hey maybe from all of us calling them they changed there minds. And hey monkey post away man. I would love to see your wagon.

[monkey-1]

Here is a page that I put together of most of my Radio Flyer pictures. I have more on another thumbdrive and another computer that I will upload this w/e:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/wagons

If you have any to add, email them to me and I can add them.

[docgreen9]

HHHHoly Crap that's a big wagon... lol I'll take some pics of my tub when I get it in.

[WarPaint]

check out this radio flyer. A little off road .

[monkey-1]

I have finished the mockup (except the exhaust) and will be tearing it apart soon to smooth the frame and paint.Here is a pic:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer5/DSC02353.JPG

I made a few changes since the last pics were taken. I lowered the steering wheel for a more proportional look and took the foot pegs off. Iwas going to leave them off becauseI like putting my feet inside the wagon, but have decided to put some back on a little farther forward than the last ones. I also changes tires and wheels. Iput some Dunlop rain tires on it. I prefer the look of the fat slicks, but running in grass the rain tires give me way better traction. I will put the other tires and wheels back on there when I reassemble it for pavement. Overall I am very pleased with it. I have a couple of things that I would do differently, but it handles great and will get up and go. I am going to add some sort of a wheelie bar so I can ride wheelies, thats one reason I put the engine so far back.

Here are a couple of vids:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/vids/radioflyerdaniel.html

Yeah, he was ok and so was the wagon, HAHAH!!

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/vids/radioflyer1.html

This thing will scoot!!

More pics and vids:

http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer5

[Mike Bean]

Hey Monkey-1,

Very cool radio flyer. I like the stance you setup on it.

Hey the video was too funny when you tried to burn out and flipped it. Seemed like something I would do. :)

Take it easy,

Mike

[monkey-1]

mbean wrote: Hey Monkey-1,

Very cool radio flyer. I like the stance you setup on it.

Hey the video was too funny when you tried to burn out and flipped it. Seemed like something I would do. :)

Take it easy,

Mike




Thanks man! I had to modify the rear axle hangers to get it high enough in the back for the stance I wanted. I really wanted it to look like an old hot rod.

That wasnt me that flipped it, it was a buddy of mine. Its reall pretty stable, but leaning into the turns helps alot. I will post some pics after it is painted.



ALSO, you can go to http://www.walmart.comand buy the whole wagon for $22.44. Shipped to my house its less than $30. I am going to get another one and put some kart tires on it to pull behind my other one.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1151794

[docgreen9]

Monkey-1 how'd you make those front arms? Did you just plasma them out or did you have someone laser out an exact pair for ya?? Also did you use 3/16 or 1/4 inch material for those? Thanks ;)

[monkey-1]

docgreen9 wrote: Monkey-1 how'd you make those front arms? Did you just plasma them out or did you have someone laser out an exact pair for ya?? Also did you use 3/16 or 1/4 inch material for those? Thanks ;)



I used 1/4 inch material. I made a cardboard template thenandcut them out with an O/A torch. Then I tacked them together and used my grinder to make them exact. A plasma cutter would have been better, but I dont have one. It took me a while to get the template like I wanted it, but it all worked out.


Alot of people told me that I should weld he front end to the frame. But I figured that a hard enough hit would bend the front axle or the spindles and that would make it harder to repair, thats why its bolted. Also, when you build one, if you will put a few degrees of castor in your front end it will help with clearance and make it steer a little better.

[docgreen9]

monkey-1 ......... yea I agree with ya on the bolts. It's a heck of a lot easier to unbolt a bent piece than to cut it off and replace it. Accidents happen, heck yours has already flipped once... lol. I have a plasma cutter and I'll probably just make a template and cut each one out then tack them together to drill the holes. Thanks for the info. ;)

[mtchmutn_62]

Monkey explain exactly what castor is.

[monkey-1]

mtchmutn_62 wrote: Monkey explain exactly what castor is.


Castor is the relation of the axis of the tire and the axis of the steering. So if your spindle bracketsare straight up and down you have zero castor. IF you lean the spindle bracket back (towards the engine) you will have positive castor. This will aid in the wayit will steer and drive.Does this help?

[WarPaint]

Here is another Radio flyer. There are more pics here.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4609708380&fromMakeTrack=true


http://i1.tinypic.com/n6dcug.jpg

[monkey-1]

Here are a couple of pics of the wagon as of now. I am FINALLY getting a chance to tear it apart for smoothing and primer and paint:

I have some time with a flap wheel and dust mask in my near future. Be sure to check back as I have a couple of changes (and some additions) to make to it before it gets assembled for the final time.

[Chevy2ride]

Howzit Monkey :me: Your ride looks awesome :thumb: Where did u get the material for the seat? I was looking for some like that for mine when I do my BSR. I'll be using the handle bar section where the neck shaft goes through from a 10 speed bike for my steering. It has the bearings and washers and nut already. I've been getting so many ideas from all the other BSR's that I see on this forum. So many variations and styles. It's great. I can use all the help I can get. Aloha from Hawaii :wave:

[monkey-1]

Where did u get the material for the seat? :wave:

Thanks! I got the vinyl from YourAutotrim.com. (http://www.yourautotrim.com)

[toadsdad]

mtchmutn_62 wrote:


Castor is the relation of the axis of the tire and the axis of the steering. So if your spindle bracketsare straight up and down you have zero castor. IF you lean the spindle bracket back (towards the engine) you will have positive castor. This will aid in the wayit will steer and drive.Does this help?


It will also help in high speed stability, the more you have the better it handles at higher speeds, up to a point. BUT, the more you have the heaver the steering feels at slower speeds. Depending on how wide your front tires are, you don't need more than 11 degrees. You can get a magnetic degree wheels from Home Depot or Lowe's to measure it.

Also, I have a question for you on your wagon, I built one and I can't get it to turn like I think it should. How wide is yours overall? Would width make a difference in handling? My barstool is the same width and it handles like it's on rails.

[monkey-1]

Also, I have a question for you on your wagon, I built one and I can't get it to turn like I think it should. How wide is yours overall? Would width make a difference in handling? My barstool is the same width and it handles like it's on rails.

Mine was like that at first and would NOT turn very well. I shortened the front end and added more castor and it will turn on a dime now and give you 9 cents change. I thought the front end was too long and the weight distribution was the reason, but it was the castor. I also have the rear hubs at the very outside edge of the axle, this helps with stability.

[toadsdad]

What degree of castor are you running and what is the width of your rear axle?

I'm running a 36" rear axle but I have my hubs inboard an inch or two. Some of my problem is that I'm running 'steamroller' tires front and rear. My rear slicks are 8.1 inches wide and my fronts are 7 inches wide. Looks damn good and I like the way it runs (about 55 mph!). I just don't like the way it turns. It's fast enough that I won't let very many people ride it. I had to make wheelie bars for it cause the front end will come up on it if your not paying attention.

Matt

[RUBICON]

Wagons are an interesting fabrication. My exposure dates back to Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Wagonmiester custom wagon. I do the Charlotte Motor Seedway Spring and Fall Autofair and Daytona Turkey Run @ Thanksgiving. All the auto parts fleamarket and swaps have a large showing of custom wagons...some are for utility..some are "outrageous"...some are extravagant...all are an expression of the individual...where can a guy walk around a crowd of thousands of enthusiasts for 4 days with their custom creation 3 feet behind them. My greatest satisfaction is visiting with the interesting people that have the nerve to stop me and ask about it...every year I add to or modify something major that is noticed by those that remember me each year...There are a dozen or so that are regulars that have wagons that people notice...I have pics of it elsewhere in previous threads..on the subject of cost...mine can be reproduced @ retail pricing for $3700.....cost me $2300....

[monkey-1]

What degree of castor are you running and what is the width of your rear axle?
Matt

I have a 28" axle. I am running 15 degrees of castor.

[Alley_moto]

will ur wagon wheelie from a dead stop?

[toadsdad]

Yeah, it will. I've got some weight transfer problems that I need to adjust. Mainly, my fat butt is too far back on the wagon and the front end will come up very easily. I need to shorten my front end and move everything (steering wheel, motor, and me) forward a little. This was my first try at building one, and if I sit forward far enough, it'll turn great and keep the front wheels on the ground. The only problem with doing that is that big jim and the twins roast from the exhaust! Oh well.... back to the drawing board!

[Alley_moto]

cool cause me and my dad are about to make me one and im putting a 5hp b&s engineon it and i wanted to put a wheelie bar on it and i wanted to know if it would wheelie! thx

[monkey-1]

Some old vids I ran across of my Radio Flyer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7BL53szCic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YspfhwCf6w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFKxGa3JV7Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgk4VA70uXE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5nhWev_4tA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMkUHFYLjRA

[wayfat]

Hey Monkey,
I really dig your page with all of the wagon pics. I am getting a little wagon fetish myself lately, motorized or otherwise. Really like the work you've done on yours. I hope to start a motorized one myself real soon, after I get some more work done on my Mini chopper. May even make it so I can set my pedal car body on the same frame and have a dual purpose vehicle.
wayfat