Fabricating Bonnet & Dashboard - Tracked Amphibious Vehicle Build Ep. 20

This time I'm handcrafting a bonnet/hood and instrument panel out of sheet metal. In the process of making the dashboard I also had to think about the placement of the switches and accessories on the instrument panel. I need the basics on the dashboard like ignition key switch, light switches, bilge pump switch, hour meter and so on. I would also like to add oil temperature gauge (only way to tell the temperature of my air cooled V-twin). On the very left end of the dashboard I mounted an emergency battery cutoff switch so I can disconnect the battery every time I leave the machine and nothing gets juice from the battery while the vehicle is left unused. I ordered a switch cluster online which has 5 separate switches with built in fuses. This cluster also features a voltmeter, a 12 V and USB power outlet so this should cover everything I need. On the backside of the dashboard in the engine bay I mounted a pair of winch relays just because I'm using two winches on the tracked amphibious vehicle, both front and back. The front winch switch will be mounted on the left steering lever so I can use it ergonomically while driving, for lifting plow and such. The rear winch switch is yet to be mounted somewhere on the dashboard. I will also install the remote control units so I'll retain the possibility of remotely operating the DragonWinch 12 V electric winches. They might come in handy in the swamp for sure. The bonnet's main job is to keep the rain out when stored outside. Don't know if I fabricate the cab just yet. Probably keep it under a tarp for starters and think about the cab design later. Although, a simple frame and a plastic roof wouldn't take too much time to fabricate. We'll see.
#donndiy #homemade #trackedvehicle
This video is part of a series of videos, check out the series here: • DRIVELINE TEST! - Trac...
Check out my other videos on my channel page: / donndiy
Soundtrack:
Pomade - Silent Partner (KZbin Audio Library)
Welding equipment borrowed from Spetselektroodi AS, Estonia:
Fronius TransSteel 2700 welder
Optrel Crystal 2.0 Welding Helmet
Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP plasma cutter

[@DonnDIY]

This video is part of a series of videos, check out the series here: kzbin.info/aero/PLkmF7FAZBzkWdzAxcrnz-WJbzSRyqrSBt Subscribe for more and check out my other videos on my channel page: kzbin.info Welding equipment borrowed from Spetselektroodi AS, Estonia: Fronius TransSteel 2700 welder Optrel Crystal 2.0 Welding Helmet Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP plasma cutter

[@ronaldwhittaker6327]

coming long Donn good work

[@danf4616]

Great channel. No annoying music, just ingenuity and craftsmanship. 👍

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers man!

[@jeepanimal2943]

Anyone else watching him bend with the hammer and angle iron, and think, dang looks cool! Like the hood scoop, matches the front end I think. Love the hole drilling. Been there, done that. But not sooooo many. Keep it coming Donn. Loving your work.

[@user-cn7ub8ru7u]

Любо - дорого смотреть, работает - как играет по нотам! Молодец - парень, чё - тут, ещё скажешь!

[@tomagodsey]

Well produced video. Technically outstanding. On top of that, you knew when to speed up and when to show detail. I am amazed every week of the work accomplished, keep it up.

[@Vinces618]

very nice i would turn hood scoop around so mud dont go into engine

[@agnusdei542]

it´s nice!

[@armando235]

I think it will be cool to fabricate something like "rewerse cowl" bonnet scoop. And practical too, less risk of flooding engine compartment when entering deep water. Thumbs up from Poland for great and addicting videos.

[@zungruitelbitladnaternoche7305]

I think the scoop looks great!... If you need more air, you can put a car radiator 12v dc electric fan with thermostat that would force the heat out to the sides in warm weather and another that would blow the heat in the cab in cold weather. I can't wait for you to take a test drive and check the speed, turn radius, engine compartment cooling, floatibility, running over obstacles, controls and see if you need to make modifications before you finish it up. Thanks again, it's been a long time and it feels great to get another video from you. It's a pleasure to see you work. You're the best!

[@2airtech]

Turn the scoop to the back so if water splashes over deck, it won`t fill the engine compartment. Excellent work, and you make it worth watching. A J

[@karlklops3810]

Wow it looks soo good. The air intake is a nice addition, but if it was bigger it would look better. More intentional, now it looks like a thing you added afterwards. Make it bigger😁😁 Very good series and video. You're craftsmanship is outstanding. Greetings from Germany

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

It’s looking gooder around there Donn!👍👍Won’t be long till it floats. Fantastic job you’re doing. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@DonnDIY]

Let's hope it floats. The Internet has told be it will not. 😆 Thanks for watching again. I really appreciate it. 💪

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

I know you have been using imitation metal that floats! The same kind of imitation metal they build ships out of 😉🤞! It’ll work 👍👍. Take care.

[@JTL-DK]

@@DonnDIY Seriously Donn DIY, screw what everyone else think! Making everyone happy is impossible, pissing everyone off is a piece of cake! ;-) Keep up the good work Dude, and prove all those damn Nay Sayers wrong! (Y) I know that I'm cheering for you! ;-)

[@ronnybe7994]

Looks great Elon approves 👍😏

[@fredericrike5974]

@@DonnDIY I'll vote for you, Donn!

[@bartonrobinson4266]

As always Donn, very well thought out and continued through the build. Going to be a real treat to see her in her environment making waves and chucking mudd !!

[@rhadden8976]

I find your skill with the plasma cutter amazing.

[@alasdairdavidgray7316]

I hope your cape town holiday was great, good to have a new video. 👍

[@big_ute]

Youve got way more patience than i do, bravo dude

[@brucemitch928]

Very precise measurements, grinding and welding, really taking shape now 👍

[@DanGoodBBQ]

I look forward to seeing that one on the trails!

[@barrywest3758]

Very interesting and soothing watching this project coming along. Great video and Cheers!👍👍

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers. Thanks for watching!

[@bubblewrapboy99]

My weekend isnt complete unless I watch your videos.

[@DonnDIY]

Damn, too much pressure. 😆

[@zungruitelbitladnaternoche7305]

@@DonnDIY This is what you have to deal with when thousands of people loves your work. You're a celebrity and a victim of your own talents... Good luck dealing with being famous! 😎 😁

[@thinleywangchuk4518]

Excellent and your innovation is highly solicited

[@JB-ol4vz]

You got some amazing skills man, I would turn the scoop 180°. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@DonnDIY]

Cheers, thanks for taking the time to watch the video!

[@everettnewtonable]

J B my thoughts too. Besides preventing water splashing in, it would match the hood line better.

[@Cyruscosmo]

Very nice project, well videoed and well produced. As for the hood scoop, this vehicle will not really move fast enough to make good use of it. Adding an electric fan under the hood as well will move more air into the engine compartment. Also, the motor has an oil cooler and filter. If you were to add a remote filter kit with a larger filter and a set of metal pipes welded to the belly you could drop a lot of engine heat into the frame and make it easier to change the oil. One of my buggies had a large section of the frame that the engine oil ran through. It helped a lot in keeping the temperature down in the summer months. In the winter I used a valve to bypass the extra cooling. Looking forward to seeing this cruising around the bogs!

[@gca259]

Excellent speeded up metal bending action at 11.55! Sorry you were not happy with the result....Fantastic project, beautifully crafted. Thanks for sharing it.

[@jamesdean9084]

Amazing talent! I don't know anything about welding or metal fabrication but this is addictive!

[@dozer1642]

An electric automotive fan mounted inside your firewall would help keep it cool. It would also give you a little warmth whilst snow plowing. 👍👍

[@killerswitch621]

Think I might have to fly you an the family to Australia to build myself one,awesome craftsmanship an pride in your work is spectacular to see.such .a great tradesman going about something he enjoys an is an amazing total professional on the tools ,problem solving,an your overall work shop management an tidyness is another sign of such a great professional àt there trade an doing what they love an enjoy,pleasure to watch

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@nloggraficas]

Nice video and great job!!! I would recommend that the fire wall was solid and the ventilation were placed in the same hood, with those beautiful grid hand maded and that the scope wasn’t placed like that because if you will plunge the cart into the swamp the water will easily enter to the engine bay soak the engine and make a lot of vapor... i would divide the hood to push air into the engine bay as well as pushing air out with some fan, id admire this project a lot i cant wait to see it running

[@LaDaveNCLa]

I enjoy watching you work. Nicely done.

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man!

[@zackkasey]

Your videos are just about the only videos on KZbin that I watch from beginning to end. Love your fab skills! Keep it up!

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you very much. That means alot. You help to keep this train rolling. 👊

[@glassblastcollision]

When i was 19 i built a vehicle with ski's and used two master cylinders to help steer a set of dual tires on the back rapped in a snow mobile track. I like your design very rugged.

[@christianalegre9809]

La verdad ! Que está quedando buenísimo tu trabajo y ya le falta menos . Felicidades . Ya es un vehículo .

[@erichouser6337]

She is coming together brother love it.

[@Henning_S.]

You could build some kind of channel to guide the fresh Air from the scoop directly to the cooling fan of the Engine. You will never have any cooling Problems. If you do that, you can also mount the scoop with the opening facing backwards to prevent water/mud/snow from getting sucked in. I would also recommend to use some wire mesh instead of the drilled sheet Metal to let more Air and less debris pass through.

[@genefoster7238]

I hope your family are proud of what you are doing. If I was your dad or grand paw I would be

[@777queens]

What a beautiful machine you are building sir I have the upmost respect for your talent

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you!

[@allanrichards6448]

Another excellent video. For cooling I would use a fan just to keep the air moving in the engine bay. Perhaps mount it behind the scoop to pull air in. Also a flap to close the scoop when nosing into water. Can't wait to see this beast move on its tracks.

[@johnvro967]

Donn, thanks for the video, just a joy to see you come up with all these brilliant ways of getting things done. Two thumbs up my friend, I can't say enough about your skills. FANTASTIC ! ! !

[@DonnDIY]

Just sit around enough doing nothing - ways of doing things come to you. 😉

[@chattonlad9382]

Excellent work. Looking good.

[@morgansword]

More claimed the people..... more and this one cried more and wishes that he built it, so jealous of your talent Donn!! Looks oh so fine!!!

[@berndodin817]

that's insane ! a real artist with the welding machine and the flex 💪 👍👍👍👋👋👋🇩🇪

[@Mikefestiva]

Nice progress on your build 👍 Man that was a lot of holes to drill! That part turned out really nice. I have made good progress on my articulating dump truck build, I should have all my drive lines finished in a week or so and couple the engine to the transmission soon! Thanks for posting, and like always, you do great work 👍

[@danielboom26]

The project is going very well, friend. Greetings from Valledupar Colombia

[@DonnDIY]

Greetings from Estonia! Thanks for watching!

[@dodgeme1986truck]

Now you might just need a waterproof storage compartment possibly with 12vdc power port and or USB charging port (could be made out of an ammo can or something similar) as a safe place to put a phone or camera (and charge it) while driving. And save the 12vdc power port in the dash for things like air compressors, work lights, electric coolers, electric seat heating pads, small power inverters, jumper pack charging, and many other 12vdc accessories. You could also add front and rear remote battery connection points for jumpstarting/heavy draw auxiliary 12vdc loads

[@whoispriest]

a few thousand in metal, your boss must reallllllllllly Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cutsnake441]

I suggest maybe placing fins on the firewall to angle the hot air away from the driver. Great build by the way!

[@Northwestprepper411]

Its starting to take shape. Nice job.

[@horstszibulski19]

I wish I had half of your patience at work...all these holes... 8-0 I see a snorkel mounted and a bilgepump switched from that fancy control board! :-D Great job, as always! :-D

[@tomharrell1954]

Super cool video!! Love it! Great Music back ground don’t change!!! Put the hinges underneath the hood. You may want the grill holes facing the rear to keep mud out of the engine bay!

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Great work Donn thanks for sharing 👍🇦🇺

[@zhas8881]

Человек занимается любимым делом молодец всё чётко 👍

[@ddl2k7]

It's getting closer! im sure lots of km will get drove in that, if it over heats you could put a fan an electric fan in it and flip the fan around to blow out heat for the cool days on the trails

[@BEX_prof]

Смотрю все твои ролики не перематывая!)

[@inspireonex]

The entire thing is hand crafted. That's why we want to watch.

[@germhigha]

If you kept the same intake opening but stretched the hood scoop back to where the hood starts to drop down (making the whole hood scoop almost the length of the hood), I think that would look really cool. Great videos and keep up the good work!

[@DonnDIY]

That's what I thought. I want to make that change. I just didn't have a piece of sheet metal big enough at hand so I just used what I had. I can always cut the opening bigger.

[@germhigha]

@@DonnDIY and if you cut the opening bigger, you will get a lot more airflow!

[@clydebalcom8252]

I see you are getting more comfortable with the plasma cutter. It's a real time saver. You're getting closer to your first drive 😁

[@richardgreen7811]

Very good work, and really well produced video work.

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you like it!

[@jonathantuttle708]

This is really taking shape. Good work.

[@ronimaulana3281]

I'm from Indonesia, thank you, I'm always entertained with your creativity, keep up the spirits !!! sorry, have you never laughed? because during the video I never saw facial expressions when you laughed, 😁😁

[@DonnDIY]

😆 It's the lack of sun. Nobody smiles in Estonia. 😆

[@ronimaulana3281]

Are you serious ? 🤔 😲

[@user-xt3nv5gg8e]

Finally, I began to worry about where it is, when the next series.The hood turned out super, you only need a hydraulic lift for it.

[@johnmay8887]

Can’t wait to see it all done 😍 wish I had this talent. Awesome work as always

[@rn3rav674]

Я ВАУ за проделанную работу обязательно жирный ЛАЙК!

[@DonnDIY]

Sposibo!

[@KenMrKLC]

Man I couldn't have the patience to not take this thing for a rip the minute it was able to drive. I would be doing the finishing bodywork after. But its cool you are doing it right for the first drive

[@philanaemic]

There was something strangely satisfying about watching that sheet being formed with the hammer at high-speed.

[@punkbloater]

It’s looking so great, love the scoop! 😊👍🏻

[@carlcarpenter507]

Love the way you make address even the smallest details, can’t wait to see what you are going to next.

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks!

[@itchyvet]

I'd change the scoop to be bigger, cut circular hole in Bonnet and instal electric fan with boost capacity, in case it's required. I wouldn't worry about cutting holes in the air intake, just leave it open, but guess that's up to you. Bloody good work so far mate.

[@Maubere-reac]

I never bored watch your video😂👍 very nice work

[@anthonygostling]

There is some nice work going on there..!

[@larrysperling8801]

you are a very talented young man. its been a lot of fun watching you construct this machine. i almost hate to see it end although i am anxious to see it perform.

[@trimaranchuck]

Very nice work!!! but so many holes, YIKES!!!

[@glassblastcollision]

Looking great Mr. artist!

[@jerryglen986]

Wonderful work. Very talented sir.

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day Donni great sheet metal work it’s now taking shape and congratulations it’s been terrific watching you at each step of the build, I always look forward to the next stage, good one and kind regards John

[@SteveGeremia]

I was surprised all the snow is gone... for now. If Estonia is anything like parts of Canada it comes back after a brief respite especially with spring so far away.

[@marcdwanyne233]

Got the same power panel for my boat 👍🏻 Works great

[@DonnDIY]

Cheer man, good to know. Did you use relays too?

[@tomlee7966]

wow, what a transformation in one video!! looks great

[@michelcohadon3163]

Superbe travail ! 👍🏼 J'ai hâte de le voir fonctionné Bon courage 😉

[@brendanshanley2459]

Greetings from Ireland! I have being following your progress since the beginning, and I always look forward to seeing each step of your amazing creation taking place. Keep up the good work, I can't wait to see this fantastic machine rolling through the fields.👍

[@DonnDIY]

Can't wait either.

[@erichouser6337]

Looks good brother, boy it is neat to see you almost done with it.

[@DonnDIY]

💪

[@Mr.Stacey-L-SCC]

Amazing work as usual, and it is really looking fantastic, but you forgot to install the cup holders!

[@DonnDIY]

Forget about the cups - we need beer crate holders instead! 😆

[@uweploeger511]

@@DonnDIY don't drink and drive 😉🤔😁

[@iteerrex8166]

The finish line is showing in the horizon. Great job! Yes, the air intake doesn't match the rest. Maybe if it was lower but wider, so it has the same area. And the side profile not triangular but trapezoidal/trapezium.

[@DonnDIY]

Yup, that's exactly the design what I had in mind after finishing this horrendous scoop. 🤘 I will change it.

[@wpowerwagon]

Great work and thanks for sharing the details of your videos

[@DonnDIY]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@lloydprunier4415]

Way past my bedtime, but watched until you turned the lights off. Can't wait for the finished machine and maiden run!

[@DonnDIY]

Thanks man. I can't wait either.

[@MrCrankyface]

Yet another episode of great fabrication! I think the hoodscoop would look better if you made it longer, so the top is more parallel to the ground.

[@DonnDIY]

I think that too.

[@daveanderson2316]

Excellent. Maybe make the scoop lower and longer, perhaps wider in the front and narrowed in the rear. Love the build!

[@nospam4488]

Thanks for Ep. 20! Maybe add a fan to optimise the motorcooling? I hope to see Ep. 21 in a week or two.

[@DonnDIY]

I will work on next episode next week. So hopefully new video on upcoming Friday. 😉

[@nospam4488]

@@DonnDIY That would be great!

[@khalid_works]

@@DonnDIY I think if you make scoop behind headlights and winch with small fans for extra cooling and you remove top scoop it will be better looking.

[@tntx5174]

Excelente serie saludos desde Miami

[@damienescudey7011]

You are a very good maker 👌

[@snocrushr]

You may want to duct air directly to blower housing inlet from the fresh air intake scoop. Rather than just allowing the cooling fan to draw recycled air from the cyclone inside the motor compartment. Just an idea. 👍👍

[@Timberjack753]

До чего красиво ,работает человек! И монтаж видео на высоте.

[@DonnDIY]

Большое спасибо!

[@ShurikTu]

Дружище, всё суперр! Ты молодец!👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@_zzpza]

This is going to be awesome. I can't wait to see you driving it. :)

[@CMBProjects]

So cool! I made a similar air intake for my RC car, and the engine still need more refrigeration😅

[@paulmartin3340]

Another great installment of a great build. But you sir have way more patients than me !! ALL THOSE HOLES!!! I'd rather have my teeth pulled ! Cheers from a somewhat toasted country Australia!!🇦🇺🇦🇺🦘🦘🦘🇦🇺🇦🇺🐨🐨🐨🦔🦔🦔

[@roberthawthorne6515]

Can’t wait to see paint, nice work.

[@travismcallister417]

Your ability to make things is amazing. There is so much metal on there I wonder if it floats tho lol

[@DonnDIY]

We'll see. I think it will float without problems. 😀

[@francistheodorecatte]

A couple of puller radiator fans mounted to a perforated grill on the hood should be enough to cool the engine bay. Wire them up to an oil temp thermo switch and you won't even have to worry about remembering to turn them on. :)

[@DonnDIY]

Great points made. I will think about these issues when I eventually come to them. 😆

[@hammer1212]

I really like the hood scoop! but maybe put it on backwards? it would allow water to flow around the scoop,instead of channeling it into the engine bay,and it would not get caught up on brush as you are pushing your way through a thicket, just a thought. cheers Mike

[@MrBloodySerb]

Hope that you finish in time to see it against the snow. It looks really good.

[@lawrenceveinotte]

your doing a really nice job, it does look heavy.

[@alainbannier2096]

super l'artiste sa c'est du travail aux mains d'or bravo