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Here is another
project we call LIL 32. We've built some pretty diverse
projects here. A customer saw this miniature 32 Ford body on
a shelf here recently and inquired what we did with them. I
explained they were used to make pedal cars and strollers for
infants. He wanted to know if we ever put a powered drive
train in them. I said no, but was willing to give it a try.
This is a mock up with wheels to get an idea what it might
look like. |
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| We built
a 1x1 inch square tube chassis that followed the shape of the
body. The front axle is a stainless bar with home made spindles
that pivot in the middle on a large heim joint to allow the
wheels to stay in contact with the ground on uneven terrain.
Small bars with rod ends parallel the frame to look like old
style hairpins that are used on many real straight axles to
locate them. |
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The
crossbars shown here help to support the running boards as
well as mounting the fake exhaust pipes that double as crash
guards. Stainless bumpers are also mounted front and rear to
protect the expensive fiberglass body from damage. My guess is
the 4 year old this is being built for has little or no
driving experience. |
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| Purple
powder coat covers the chassis as the owner wanted a show
quality finish for this project. The rear axle shown here is the
power train from an adult 3 wheel scooter. It runs on a 24 volt
electric motor and brakes automatically when the power is
removed. This makes it easy for even a youngster to handle. |
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| The
batteries are mounted under the driver’s seat and yes they will
be upside down when it is on its wheels. They are a gell cell
design that allows them to be mounted in any position as they
cannot leak. Custom made adapters were built to mount the racing
go cart rain tires and polished aluminum rims. |
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| Just at
the bottom of this photo is the drive axle, above that the
batteries and above them is the printed circuit board that gives
the car all its functions. The control panel mounts a power key
and a simple spring loaded switch for forward and reverse. A
speed control is mounted below the rear bumper that allows Dad
to manage the pace as the driver’s skill increases. Very simple
tiller type steering connects the handle bars to the front
wheels with miniature rod ends to allow suspension movement.
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| Flames
that match the powder coat colour were applied to the raw
fiberglass and outlined with a light green pinstripe. The
quality of this body is so good that it is used with no
preparation or paint. Operational chrome headlights, LED
taillights, stainless front and rear bumpers and a polished
aluminum checker plate floor add to the hot rod look we were
striving for. |
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| Big and
little tires, imitation gauges and door handles all combine to
give that old time hot rod look so common on real cars. |
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Kids are kids no
matter what size or age they are. Here a fellow Rodfather who
shall remain nameless (it’s Dave Paddle) load tests the finished
car before delivery. Regardless of who it’s designed for now, it
was meant for adults and will really haul a*# if asked to.
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| This is
the new owner, 4 year old Carson with his younger brother
eagerly awaiting his turn behind the wheel. Give them both a
couple of years and the sidewalks of Toronto won’t be safe to
walk on. My next project will be to talk Dad out of those SUV’s
and into a real hotrod of his own. What do you think Joe, a full
size 32 of your own? Call me we’ll talk. |
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