Protodie new buggy design and build FXT630

[ProtoDie]

Time to start a new build thread.

I was working on this design last fall when I parked the design to build the 2 seat Vegas buggy


Our MXT buggy is great for kids and fun for adults,,, but kinda small for adults and limited suspension 5-6" with the motor mounted on the swing arm which is just fine with limited travel.

I wanted a slightly larger version of this with more suspension and performance more for the dads than the kids.

this one is called FXT630

55" wide 102" long 56" tall
11" travel dual A arm front suspension
11" travel swing arm
1 1/4" dia tube roll cage and swing arm
Honda 21hp V twin
CV-tech CVT clutch set up

no reverse in this one

almost done with design, plan to start making prints, cutting steel and ordering laser plates Friday
We are building 2 full turnkey

This size model and performance has been on my list forever

couple teaser pics

[ProtoDie]

FXT chassis design pics, first frame and jigs are going well.
most of the frame / rollcage is done and I dig it

Laser cut parts showed up today,,,,,we will probably be testing in less than two weeks before they go to powder coat. Building 3 turn key right now,,, then more. One for me :-)
I went fancy laser crazy in this one to increase performance, reduce weight while maintaining strength,, save build time,,, and just look cool

I'll share some steel frame pics tomorrow

[tazmannusa]

Nice
Going with solid swing arm?

[ProtoDie]

yes, swing arm on this model.

simple and works good on our MXT buggies.
unlike the MXT buggies the motor is mounted in the frame and not on the swing arm , so suspension will work even better

I have designed and built articulating straight axles that work well , and independent dual a arm in other models , but do not see the need or additional expense in this one.
Yet I have enough room in the rear hoops to put different motors or suspension setups if someone wants that



we started cutting steel for this new model build on Tuesday, frame almost done by Saturday with building jigs and fixtures too,,, busy week.

probably test driving it in a week or so :-)

[tazmannusa]

Looking good
Yes I agree solid swing arm is the simplest with the least maintenance

[ProtoDie]

Thanks Taz

steering, seat mounts, front A arm mounts, front A arms complete


fuel cell will be tig welded 1/8" aluminum
created cad files for fuel cells, body panels, dash , vent plates , spoiler and bead lock rings (simulated, so just beauty rings)
sending the rest of the files to laser tomorrow

more parts clutches, shocks, seats, rear hubs, axles, and engines should all be rolling in this week

more pics later this week

[ProtoDie]

on the rotisserie for weld

[ProtoDie]

update and picture time.
current scale weight is 472lbs. projected finish weight is 550lbs

wheels and tires are just temp old ones for test drive,,,, probably in 3 days or less

nuff talk, pics

[ProtoDie]

first test drive yesterday :-)
everything worked great right out of the box,
the Honda GX630 motors are sooooo much better than the Predator 670, instant start and run smooth
gear ratios are good at 7:1 with 20" tires

started the test drive with a burnout out of the shop, then drifting around the driveway loop,, then on to the race track,,, real fun

Track needed work and had to grade it before more testing,,,, plus too dusty.
luckily rain came last night and watered the track for me.

more testing today and will try to get some video footage.
it will be a few days before I can get any video edited and uploaded on line.

test days are fun :-)

[NinjaRaptor]

Hey Protodie, that looks like fun! What are you hoping to get for speed with this setup and how's the acceleration?