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This project has been on the table for many years. I have seen several versions of these little cars running around the display fields at engine shows. I first found the plans in a 1960 Mechanix Illustrated magazine and kept it all these years. I guess after 45 years of waiting, it was time to do the deed. Here is the 3/4 inch plywood body sitting in the barn. Notice the heater under the front. This was a Winter project in 2007. |
| I had to take several liberties with the plans as most dimensions were given, but critical facts were left out. The idea was, you were supposed to buy the full plans through the magazine. The magazine has been out of business for many years. So, details for the springs were not given. I chose to cheat and bought two sets of utility trailer springs instead of the full length of the body springs in the plans. I used a 3 speed transmission from a mower and a small Briggs utility engine. |
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Here the body and undercarriage have been mated. The wheels were the thing that I spent much time looking for. I finally found a set of welding cart wheels that I thought would hold up. It is important for good wheels. These similar wheels can be bought as imports for only $23 each. I chose better quality ones at $54 each and glad I did. A fellow builder had a very serious accident when one of his wheels collapsed after his brakes failed going down a hill. |
| View of the Olds in primer. More liberties had to be taken on the curved dash. The plans called for 1/8 plywood for the outside and 1/4 plywood to be kerfed and used on the inside. I could not find 1/8 plywood here and when I spent two evenings cutting kerfs to bend the 1/4 inch, it only would bend the wrong direction. So, I found some thin vinyl sheets to cover both the inside and outside. Next problem, how do you get paint to stick to it? I found a primer used for outdoor plastic furniture. That has seemed to work well. |
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Here is a view of the completed buggy. I did this in one Winter. Lost about 6 pounds from missing a few meals, but that was the good side. Actually, the horn was the first purchase before starting the project. I bought it at a yard sale for $5 in my old home town of Forest, Indiana. After finishing the project, I put it in the local festival parade and told the people I bought the horn from that I built the car around their old horn. |
| Here I am sitting proudly on my finished car. I have taken it to several engine shows and have drove it in several parades. But, mosly I like to just take an evening drive through the back roads near my home and let the wind blow through my hair, ha. It is good for about 22 miles per hour and gets good fuel economy. |
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