'Do
it
Yourself'
4WD
This is the descriptions of 3 different 4WD vehicles,
which I made many years ago.
4WD vehicle no. 1 was
built in 1977-79. It had full-time four wheel drive. There was
no suspension except for the seat and the 4 psi only in the tires.
No safety belt yet (1977).
The motor was single cylinder, 2 stroke, air blower cooled.
The rear wheel of the Vespa scooter motor was replaced with a
sprocket and a chain from a moped.
(1978)
The steering levers were connected to the brakes in both wheels
at each side. The skid-steering demanded 'full throttle' to perform
optimal. Safety belt was nessecary to avoid the driver to be thrown
off while steering. The brake cylinders and the rear axle assemblies
were from two Opel Kadett's.
The axles were welded together via rods to make a stiff frame.
When the original weldings of the frame broke, I shortened the
vehicle to minimum so I could transport it in my 1966 Ford Thames
Freighter.
Having just 'turned' - changing gears (1979).
The gears were changed with a control lever. Accelerator and
clutch pedals (like in a car).
Specifications - Villy's 4WD #1:
- Skid-steering with hand levers, using brakes
- Weight: About 200 kg
- Motor: Vespa, single cylinder, 2 stroke, air blower cooled, 125 ccm
- Max. speed: 30 km/h
- Suspension: Tires and seat
- Tires: 13", 4 psi
4WD vehicle
no. 2 was built in 1982. It had full-time four wheel
drive and articulated frame steering. The two rear axle assemblies
were connected by means of one single universal joint. The rear
axle assemblies are unusual due to the long distance from differantial
to drive shaft flange (Vauxhall parts).
Left front wheel is lifted 15 cm from ground (1982).
The motor was air blower cooled, single cylinder, 2 stroke
with constant speed control. The crankshaft was fitted with a
sprocket from a moped. The steering parts were from Volkswagen.
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Close-up photo. The chain is removed
for heating up the motor. |
The very first ride (1982). |
Later, a saddle and an 'ignition-off' switch were mounted.
Neither accelerator, brakes, nor clutch was ever mounted on this
vehicle.
Specifications - Villy's 4WD #2:
- Weight: About 130 kg
- Motor: Sachs, single cylinder, 2 stroke, air blower cooled, appx. 150 ccm
- Fixed speed appx. 8 km/h
- Tires: 12"
- No brakes
4WD vehicle
no. 3 was built professionally by me in 1990. It had
full-time four wheel drive and skid-steering.
Link to the description .
Link to Villy's
website: Further DIY vehicles (Beware: In Danish language).