ProtoDie SS1000 build

**Linden318** · 10-15-2020 02:51 PM

NICE! That sure looks great. It is hard to see but what kind of angle is the u-joint on the steering rack operating at? Looks like it is fairly sharp but it may just be the photo angle. From experience, I have found that with the u joints at a high angle, you get a quick-slow motion while turning. Sure you’re aware but I thought I’d see how it’s set up! Awesome work.

I am looking forward to see how you set up the pedal assembly. I am looking for a throttle cable for my built that could run from throttle bodies all the way to foot pedal. The current setup I have I have found has a lot of friction and the pedal is heavy.

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**kustomfab2003** · 10-15-2020 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by Linden318

NICE! That sure looks great. It is hard to see but what kind of angle is the u-joint on the steering rack operating at? Looks like it is fairly sharp but it may just be the photo angle. From experience, I have found that with the u joints at a high angle, you get a quick-slow motion while turning. Sure you’re aware but I thought I’d see how it’s set up! Awesome work.

I am looking forward to see how you set up the pedal assembly. I am looking for a throttle cable for my built that could run from throttle bodies all the way to foot pedal. The current setup I have I have found has a lot of friction and the pedal is heavy.

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The camera doesn't help the angle appearance, but they aren't a mild angle either. some are just under being maxed out as far as smoothness of steering. I had to play with the support bearing angle quite a bit to eliminate any binding or "flip" associated with the angles as well as pay close attention to phasing in the universal joints. Time will tell.... I may have to spend son big $$ on the high end universal joints, but right now, with out power connected, the steering is smooth in both directions.

**Linden318** · 10-15-2020 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by kustomfab2003

The camera doesn't help the angle appearance, but they aren't a mild angle either. some are just under being maxed out as far as smoothness of steering. I had to play with the support bearing angle quite a bit to eliminate any binding or "flip" associated with the angles as well as pay close attention to phasing in the universal joints. Time will tell.... I may have to spend son big $$ on the high end universal joints, but right now, with out power connected, the steering is smooth in both directions.

Awesome! Good to hear. How have you clocked your u-joints? I took a guess on how to do this when I set up mine and this could be the reason I get a quick-slow Steering feel.

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**kustomfab2003** · 10-15-2020 03:21 PM

I did a google search on clocking or phasing of u-joints and received a bit of assistance. They recommend that if there is a bind pint, to turn the universal 2-3 splines in the direction that reduces the binding. I have also noticed the factory universals have been clearanced where the stock over the counter one have not been. I may take a Dremel and lightly buff out the edges where contact might be made, but right now there isn't any binding.

**Linden318** · 10-15-2020 03:25 PM

Yes that makes sense. I never did have any binding but I still find it steers quick and slow. We’ll see if I can find more info online about that.

Oh yes I did ur a dremel and slightly open up my u joint I had purchased also. I found the factory Nissan I joints were run at very high angles! I see you are finding the same thing with the Prius joints.

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**K-fab** · 10-17-2020 02:49 PM

Somewhere in the Mini-Raptor thread I addressed "porting" the u-joints I'm running. I got another 10 - 15 degrees of articulation by clearancing any place that the u-joints bound until they gave me enough. I can't find pix - know I have them somewhere. I'm definitely running over max design - saw dual u-joints after I got everything set up. I'd have put one on the top of the steering column and designed it to work around that but now that it's set up, the pivot point would be wrong so it's a no-go.

I need to do the spline at a time clocking check - have a tight spot and also have speed up/slow down happening. The little power steering box takes all the effort out of the system, though.

It's wild to go back through the MR's build thread. It's sitting there in the shop now, waiting on headers so I can take it out and start to play. I see pix of it from a couple years ago and realize just how much shit I've stuffed into that chassis.

**kustomfab2003** · 10-27-2020 10:31 PM

So, I've been bouncing around in my head what to do about body panels... The Mini Raptor conversions dimensions just didn't match up wheelbase wise and the roof line of this cage was really suited for that kind of bodywork. After much ADD inspired googlefu I settled on some Teryx plastics (partly because this is Kawasaki powered). I received my 2013 set from eBay today and proceeded to measure, cut, trim, measure and then massage the front end with the heat gun to make a fit I am pretty happy with. I also started on the rears, but still have much to go. Aluminum work will have to be done to tie into the body etc....

**jimmyg** · 10-28-2020 01:56 AM

Epic!

**lost26** · 11-05-2020 11:51 PM

Looks awesome!

**kustomfab2003** · 11-22-2020 02:20 PM

For those that don't follow on Facebook or are just looking for updates in one area, here are some of the updates of the body panel work I have started on the ProtoDie. This is my first attempt at making my own panels and I have lot's of room to grow.

Cardboard templates being cut to size and design layout:

Transferred the template to aluminum sheet and started forming with the slip roll:

Edges were bead rolled to add contour and tacking began:

Moved onto the door panel since I ran out of Argon to finish the welding up:

Some pictures of it outside right after I got the rear fenders mounted in place: