My Senior design project - a "Swamp Thing" tracked vehicle clone

[ArlyA]

I made up some track splice plates today. Thanks Arly for the suggestion of using these instead of alligator lacing to connect the rubber belts together.

Of course its not my idea, just how modern machine track belts are connected. With a impact wrench, when these clamps are used, tracks can be disassembled in minutes.

 

[Garauld]

I used some scrap Trex decking to make up 130 track bar filler pieces over the last couple of days and drilled 4 holes in each of them. To make the tracks, I just have to cut the 20" wide belting into 5" strips, drill 130 holes into each one and start assembling them. Here's what each assembled track bar will look like.

 

[ArlyA]

Thanks for keeping us updated on your progress. :thumbsup:

 

[Garauld]

Thanks Arly! Here's some more eye candy for you. This past week I finished placing the remainder of the Formica paneling into the cab, added the floor mat, repurposed a couple sets of airplane seat belts and got the shifter cable working. Yesterday, I laid out the cut lines on the conveyor belt so I can cut it up today. All the fasteners to assemble the tracks are on order and will be here next week.

 

[3Lfarms]

I am so glad this thing is getting close to the finish and you have done a beautiful job! I think everyone expected a halfass job since it is such a big undertaking. Thanks for keeping at it and posting updates.

 

[Garauld]

Thanks 3Lfarms for the kind words. I just finished up drilling the 520 holes in the four track belts using a 5/16" hollow punch. The 37 lb of fasteners from BoltDepot have not shown up yet so I will be working on the sunroof window assembly next.

 

[Garauld]

Fasteners for the tracks showed up today so I put a few track bars together. I'll be doing this for a while...

 

[airbiscuit]

How much will a finished track weigh?

 

[Garauld]

Approx. 181 lb. each

 

[Garauld]

I got one of the tracks assembled today and performed a quick fit-up check as shown in the following images. I made the belts long just in case I made a f'kup somewhere. Soon I'll cut the belts to final length and drill holes for the splice plate bolts. Once that's done, I'll start assembling the second track. :drink: