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

Dave M7040 · Apr 18, 2019

Garauld said:
I wonder if vinyl fabric would reflect much noise or deaden sound somewhat if installed on the inside cab walls. It is rather inexpensive and would be easy to install. I don't expect much engine noise in the cab - the engine is located in a separate compartment at the rear. I would expect the most noise to come from the diff under the cab floor. There will be a rubbery floor mat covering the floor plates (12 ga - .108" sheet).

Instead of your 12 gauge floor rubber, consider a rubber product that is much heavier as the additional mass greatly helps sound deadening. TSC rubber mats for cows to lie on come to mind.

When insulating ductwork in critical areas for minimal sound intrusion, a heavy insulation was used that had a lead layer as part of the assembly. Of course I am now showing my age...

Using the same rubber product between the engine compartment and cab would also improve the isolation. Zero turn mowers by Toro have as an optional extra, a heavy rubber pad to lie where your feet go to block the sounds from the mower deck.

Cannot wait to see your project in motion!!
DaveM7040

Garauld · May 13, 2019

I've been working on the cab and cargo frame the last few weeks by adding outer sheet metal skins and insulation. I hope to get things primed and painted once the crappy weather here in upstate NY improves. I also started work on the driveshaft which will utilize an Echo axle and its CV joints with a piece of 1-1/2" sch 80 pipe used to connect them all welded together. If that doesn't work, I'll plan to re-purpose a Rav4 driveshaft and its U-joints.

davedj1 · May 14, 2019

You could put a product called Dynomat on over your insulation, it;s for sound deadening.
I haven't read the entire thread yet (You can bet I will) but what are you using for tracks?
Keep the updates coming please. I had always wanted to build a tracked vehicle exactly like you are doing except using generic junk yard parts. After a heart attack I have since given up on that idea.

davedj1 · May 14, 2019

Garauld said:
-> 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?

Look for a NP231 transfer case, they can be found in any Jeep (YJ, TJ, Cherokee, Chevy trucks etc) cheap, plentiful and lightweight.

Garauld · Jul 8, 2019

Even though yard work, the honey-do list and other tasks have eaten up a bunch of my prior free time, I have been able to get some more work done on the outer cab skins and front/rear driving lights. I also finalized a logo design and plan to have some decals made up.

Happy Gilmore · Jul 16, 2019

Cool progress, glad to see you moving along! I like the logo too.

Garauld · Aug 21, 2019

I've been making some progress on the cab. Today I cut up some .090 sheet for the roof using the plasma cutter and tacked it in place. Earlier this week I added the cab underside panels and final painted them. There's a chance I'll finish painting the cab exterior in International Harvester Flame Red later this week. I also recently received the windshield made from 1/4" laminated safety glass and test fitted it.

texasranger556 · Aug 27, 2019

Looking forward to the first test run video!

Garauld · Sep 28, 2019

Progress on the cab continues. I painted the first coat on it today. I hope to add a clear coat tomorrow.

Smokepole62 · Oct 1, 2019

Progressing nicely! We finally got some decent weather to work outdoors in.

Garauld · Oct 10, 2019

Here's the latest build update. I got the cab mounted to the tub frame and recently got the floor plates cut and ready to paint. The main and upper dashboards are also done and ready for installation of various switches, gauges & whatever. I hope to finally have the drive axles and driveshaft welded together over the next few days. After that I plan to remount the cargo frame and work on the wiring.

GolfAddict · Oct 11, 2019

Good progress! :thumbsup:

EddieWalker · Oct 11, 2019

Cab turned out really nice.

Garauld · Oct 14, 2019

I got the two sprocket drive axles shortened, welded back together and reassembled today. I should have the driveshaft installed by the weekend.

Garauld · Oct 20, 2019

I got the driveshaft assembled and installed today. I also placed the cargo frame back onto the chassis. Over the next week I plan to reinstall the fuel tank and battery and start work on the throttle, hydraulics and wiring harness upgrades.