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

[mykleh]

if your foot isn't trainable put it on the steering.. having two "fly by wire" snowmobiles they are awesome and remove thumb fatigue for my wife..

 

[Garauld]

I've thought my foot was trainable - my wife says the rest of me isn't. The tub frame is almost done as I have been adding some reinforcement plates and angles to it. After I paint it, I plan to start mocking up the cab. Here's some current snapshots showing the engine mounted.

 

[Garauld]

Hi all - I've got the lower chassis to where I can now roll it into and work on it in my basement - the mosquitoes aren't as bad there...

 

[MossRoad]

VVT - variable valve timing.... more computer controlled stuff to go wrong.

Nice looking build so far. Very clean. :thumbsup:

 

[The Fred]

VVT - variable valve timing.... more computer controlled stuff to go wrong.

Nice looking build so far. Very clean. :thumbsup:

Those engines are great with the exception of burning oil at high mileage and watch any oil sensors they start leaking and quickly drain the sump. Have replaced a few Toyota and Subaru engines over the years from faulty oil sensors.

If they signs of seepage just replace them.

Nice job any more thinking on the gearing issue?

Regards, Fred

 

[Garauld]

any more thinking on the gearing issue?

-> actually, I may at some point, install a two-speed transfer case and reverse it. There's plenty of room in the tub frame to do that. Anyone got one laying around they want to get rid of cheap?

 

[Garauld]

I spent this past weekend building a stick mock-up of the cabin frame. I plopped a seat in there for size/room evaluation. Based on the wood frame, I plan to lower the roof by 5" and widen the cabin by 2" to accommodate the 22" wide Echo seats and to ensure there is enough room for a center console. The prior weekend was spent mounting the front drive equipment. I'll get better photos after I place the second seat and roll it outside.

 

[farm boy00]

I spent this past weekend building a stick mock-up of the cabin frame. I plopped a seat in there for size/room evaluation. Based on the wood frame, I plan to lower the roof by 5" and widen the cabin by 2" to accommodate the 22" wide Echo seats and to ensure there is enough room for a center console. The prior weekend was spent mounting the front drive equipment. I'll get better photos after I place the second seat and roll it outside.

This would be kinda complicated but could you have a flatbed above the engine bay with toolboxes alongside the engine that swing out so you could service the engine while still being able to maximize space?

 

[Garauld]

I've given some thought to the engine housing area. Lotta options here but I got to reserve room for the gas tank, battery, fuse block, relay plate and a few more items. Once I get the cab configured with the dash, center console, service brake and gas pedal, I can devote time to the rear housing probably during the winter...

 

[davedj1]

Cool project, please keep us posted! I have always wanted to build a tracked vehicle.
Just a FYI Jeep Wranglers, Grand Cherokees and Cherokees all have transfer cases that are cheap and plentiful. Don't get the full time one found in some Grands. You want a 231J or C out of a chevy. Aluminum, chain drive, tough and simple.
Have you ever ventured over to Forum Forums? There is some good info on tracked vehicles over there.