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Sept 12, 2005 9:42:34 GMT
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but I'm sure goaferboy was enquiring about driving one on the road. The majority built see far more road use than off-road use. IRS is a lot safer, and isnt complicated at all. If its going to be a fast bug/buggy then theres no reason to stick to swingaxle. Especially when the worst case scenario is the car rolling.
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Sept 12, 2005 10:50:52 GMT
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I built this a few years ago for under two grand all in, by buying secondhand bits etc. There's always an unfinished kit or two lying around... That's your best approach to getting what you want, I've helped friends buy buggies since and they've always had to change or sort out existing problems, which on something so simple means you might as well have built it yourself in the first place. Go for a shortened chassis, with a full roll cage linked into all four suspension points, this is imperative to make it handle in a semi-respectable manner. You see lots of buggies with single hoops or stays mounted on the fibreglass rear panel, this is pretty stupid and kind of pointless really. Seeing as most of them have got high centre of gravity and a light front end, flipping them can happen pretty easily if you're chucking it about. I could blather on about safety all day, as I've seen people loose limbs in open top cars without proper roll over protection. On the up side, buggies rule, they can be quick, made to handle and you'll never get any grief off anybody, ever. I've driven both Westfields and Caterhams, and they're great, so get the buggy right and you'll be alright. Get it wrong and you're regret the day you swapped... Phew...
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Sept 12, 2005 10:55:25 GMT
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Oh yeah, forgot to mention, as Keefy said IRS is much better. The reason why I picked the above picture is because you can see the contact patch on the rear wheels, and how the inside isn't in contact with the road. I've done 15K plus in it like that, but if you've got the choice build in an IRS if you can. Do it, go on, do it...
Cheers ;D ;D ;D
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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Sept 12, 2005 11:56:54 GMT
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cool buggy mate!! Looks hard as nails stickered up, and with the low screen etc! I presume you were kinda forced to put the rear view mirror there to be able to see?
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Sept 12, 2005 12:25:43 GMT
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You got it! ;D
Everything has just sort of evolved into what it is now as stuff has broken or didn't work as it was. I don't believe in weather protection other than a good jacket... But the 'screens' have been removed and I'm trying to get some sort of aerofoil to work on the bonnet to lift air and water away from me... Trouble is the engine is out too, so that might have to wait until it's running again for testing.
Cheeeears
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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Sept 12, 2005 15:51:37 GMT
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Trouble is the engine is out i have to ask - whats the size/spec?
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Sept 12, 2005 16:33:12 GMT
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I'm currently going through a very protracted engine swap from a mild 1600 twin-port to a fairly healthy type 4 motor, that's been dyno'd at 130bhp with Porsche heads, cam, twin 44s etc
The trouble is the extra weight, so I really should fit an IRS, then theres issues with tripling the power output and the rest of the build. I've now got the correct flywheel, but the box needs rebuilding and it goes on, and on and there's loads of other stuff in the garage that gets in the way first.
After this summer though, I have to get it back on the road for next year or I'll be kicking myself very hard in the knackers for missing another bunch of sunny days...
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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beach buggies?goaferboy
@GUEST
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Sept 12, 2005 22:07:30 GMT
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right just to keep eveyone informed. all thoughts of a fun second car are out the window. my first car (the golf) is doing my swede in so i need to get a reliable car first and then start saving again for a less practical second car.
thanks for the advice though
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beach buggies?arthurbrown
@GUEST
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Sept 13, 2005 6:47:19 GMT
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What's the matter with your Golf? I'm sure if we all knock heads we can help you out!
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