Installing Steering on the - Home Made Mini VW Baja Bug!! - Part 9

In this video we are building a Mini Baja Bug using a Polaris XLT 600 two stroke snowmobile engine and a go kart fiberglass body of a VW bug.
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[@cameronf1460]

You definately are deserving of a "here's my new shop" video. I've no idea the type of money you're making from KZbin but I feel you've earned it buddy.

[@ashwilliams5123]

1 - get yourself a diesel heater like the ones used in camper vans 2 - build a "rally light pod" onto the bonnet ( hood ) , hollow it out and use the space for your feet and pedals 3 - keep up the good work , it's always good to watch your channel

[@mariolavergne5258]

I agree with the camper style diesel heater! “ Chinese version or the espar or webasto heaters” I have a espar D2 airtronic diesel heater in my garage and works well!

[@myopinion69420]

@@mariolavergne5258 yeah, the other episode he said he did not like diesel heaters as I was going to suggest it, did not even occur to me that this is the type of diesel heater he had tried. my dad has one of those cheap Chinese ones on his boat and it is excellent, uses next to no fuel and heats up his boat super quick. sure in the use case it will use more as it will have to work harder, but still, it will be super cheap to run and you can get them with a full kit for like $150.

[@brsrc759]

Diesel heaters also can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. He should not be using any kind of gas heaters indoors. Electric only!

[@StoicaVladIoan]

Those chinese ones are shit. It works for a month and then the pump craps out or some wire unseats itself from the plug.

[@myopinion69420]

@@brsrc759 the caravan/camper style have an external exhaust and if installed correctly should have no way of having carbon monoxide issues. the combustion chamber is completely separate from where the air flows. they have 5 connections. a diesel line in, an intake for the combustion chamber (can be plumbed outside if your really worried) and exhaust that HAS to be plumbed outside, an air intake and an air outlet for heating the room air. once installed correctly a bigger issue would be things like his argon tank leaking etc as that can do the same as co2 if it displaces enough oxygen.

[@kenjohnson5498]

You need a small wood stove in your shop that will keep you toasty. It's natural lol

[@ManiacRacing]

When thinking about your seating position, keep in mind how it will feel when you are being hammered around on bumps and logs and rocks. I'd strongly suggest a rethink on overall dimensions and find a way to stretch or widen and give yourself some room. The beauty of fiberglass is how easy it is to modify. You can easily keep the body looking realistic while gaining badly needed room

[@BIGWIGGLE223]

I think he's way past the point of return. But I agree that modifying that body would have been super easy. Just gotta equally widen and lengthen and so long as you didn't go crazy no one would have been the wiser. Sure, something would have looked different, but most would never be able to put their finger on exactly what was done.

[@ManiacRacing]

Hell you could even make it look better if done carefully. And I think he still has time to make some changes. After all, its still just tacked. He COULD add a few inches here and there fairly easy without a total rebuild. But not for much longer. I fear he is building a rocket that he won't able to drive comfortably for long. @@BIGWIGGLE223

[@stephenweston2973]

I was gonna suggest he raise his seat and put steering wheel outside the top and also his shoulders out as well... with just the head out the cage part isn't helping him anyways.. but raise the seat to see over the front when wheeling also adds more room for pedals and such. Would really be less to modify from what he has now.. it would look like a power wheels car with wheel on top.

[@BIGWIGGLE223]

@@stephenweston2973 yeah, that's a thought, but would it look nearly as kickass as being hunkered down in the machine??

[@johnblaze5553]

yup. stretch body and chop the top. honestly, I've lost interest in this.

[@Kurt-tq6ew]

Put a rally car style light pod in the bonnet which would give you space for your feet and pedals upfront. Also get yourself a cheap 12v 8kw diesel heater. It will heat your shed no problem. I run several of them. Even got one heating my house 👍🏻

[@scottwright388]

I was thinking he could fabricate a cowl/scoop to raise part of the hood.

[@joebufford2972]

You're a trooper for working in that cold shop. I live outside of Knoxville, Tennessee and we spent a week covered up in bed or on the couch covered in quilt Good job Chris

[@TorchFpv]

😂😂 funny I wait till the teens to below 0 to cut wood so I don't sweat to death funny how different north and south are.. I'll be in Cleveland in a few weeks visiting. I'll bring my shorts 😂👌🏼

[@mlindsay527]

Might get lost in the comments, but please consider a small hoop roll bar with some nice solid DOM tubing, not thinwall. If things get dicey, you don’t want your head/neck to catch the weight of the build!

[@hemidart7]

COME ON PEOPLE! SUBSCRIBE!! This guy deserves a new bigger shop

[@horacegray2417]

Instead of putting petals in it, you should make it like a Honda Odyssey, gas, and brake on the steering wheel

[@dougjohnson6265]

i believe he's doing it that way....the pedals that's going at his feet are for rear brake control from side to side....so he can steer while doing wheelies...

[@JustinDeckard-r9u]

I agree although he's the expert lol with the space constraint and no clutch that seams like it would be the best solution

[@garrettschenker566]

Invest in a small wood burner for the shed or a small resnor heater or mini split deal. Would heat that little shop up nice

[@bustinyanutz4195]

​@@garrettschenker566they make electric ones that hang from the ceiling like a Reznor does

[@ajlytle9351]

Deconstruct a cheap or free propane dryer and turn it into a compact 40kbtu furnace with the exhaust exiting the shed.

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

18:00 I would consider cutting room for your toes in the fibreglass body. If it is too uncomfortable scrunched in there, will you want to use it? I would cover the toe area, the front end with some fberglass, and hide it under a custom bumper with large round fog lights.

[@yoti-fab]

Get one of those diesel cab heaters. Cheap safe heat

[@ridgedbullet2420]

Put the radiator right behind the seat with wind tunnels on both sides of the seat to funnel all the air in

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks for filming Chris. 😁👍🏼

[@MrDeticus]

Maybe for your next build you should build an outdoor woodstove with a heat exchanger, piping into the shed to a radiator. Or just a big electric heater.

[@cannonwagner2560]

That's the rig i use no insulation shop tine can and it still flows its respected heat wave and won't get sick its all ambient heat

[@MrCiO0011]

Talking about heating the shop: have you ever thought about building a bigger and nicer shop, I think you have all the skills to do it and also it could be a nice series of videos to watch. You deserve a better shop! 😉

[@flemingfamilyracing]

If anyone on YT deserves to build a new shop it’s you man. Have you ever considered building you a really nice shop. You build some of the most quality builds on KZbin in the smallest shop ever. Trust me I respectfully appreciate the small inexpensive shop but man you deserve it

[@AllanCunningham-m9j]

Build a metal wood burner for your work shop ❤😊

[@TyinAlaska]

Oooo. Now that I would watch. So easy to quickly fab a wood jet stove.

[@laymanengineer7502]

Good idea for the channel! I'd watch that too

[@timmanning8166]

Love your builds!!! Just wish you would have stretched the frame or the body as well so you fit and everything else!! Keep up the awesome work!!

[@joshc6080]

Those diesel Chinese heaters are amazing! Usually around $100 bucks. I have 2 heating my garage and can easily keep it 70 degrees if wanting to at low heat setting.

[@myinterests5573]

A furnace for your shop - consider an RV furnace. Go to the local wrecking yard and pull a furnace out of a wrecked travel trailer/RV. It's fired by propane but since it works like the furnace in your house, you won't get fumes inside. You can put a thermostat on it, and you can use flexible metal tubing (think dryer vent hose) as your duct work.

[@optimalprimidius7295]

You should get a crash dummy so you can work around it positioned in your project.

[@gerekappo]

those are expensive asf.

[@optimalprimidius7295]

@@gerekappo True....but think how much fun it would be and look like if you DYI the dummy! LOL

[@drsnapid]

Great idea, he could no doubt make one that's his exact size too

[@davebru8645]

For your diesel torpedo heater, try hanging a shop rag over the back of it. It'll help it get running when it's cold out. We have to do the same thing in Iowa when it gets very cold out. Be careful with diesel or propane heaters like yours. Rule of thumb is keep some windows or doors open for fresh air to cut down on carbon monoxide poisoning. I've had it several times and causes sever migraines and could also kill you. For a couple hundred bucks get a wall mounted propane furnace. Get one with a blower fan. They don't need an exhaust and are safe for living quarters. Keep up the good work though! Awesome fabricator, welder and machinist!

[@crewdawgpayne]

A 1985 Honda Odyssey FL350 buggy/atv had the brakes and throttle on a rectangular steering "wheel". There was also 2 brake levers...one on each side of the "wheel".

[@loudelvis610]

Would love to see a shop upgrade video....my life changed after covid in 2020..lungs didn't seem to work well in heat or cold... so transformed my shop to climate control...and the productivity and creativity increased so much ....working in Texas heat in summer just wears on you🎉🎉🎉

[@PennerFab]

Clough42 released a video yesterday on using a parting tool in the lathe. He was having the same problem as you and usually just resorted to using the band saw. He was given some advice on it, tried it, and was amazed by the results.

[@mathewmichuta5286]

This video should be in geometry classes nowadays. Give the kiddos come context for cool stuff that isn't boring!

[@landrelarose745]

Chris, what you needed to do was to cut it in half and put extensions between the two of them. In that way, you'll be able to fit inside of it much better. As it is, you'll be cramped sitting in that small buggy. There's another KZbin channel called cars and cameras. Several years ago, John and Isaac built themselves a Power Wheels Bronco. This was one of my absolute favorites of all the vehicles they ever built. The engine in it is a V-twin. They extended it. When you possibly build another one of these, you'll possibly remember this message.

[@matthewjackson9765]

It's really easy to fix those torpedo heaters. Your most likely need some new hoses for the air pump and fuel, clean the fuel nozzle. Very simple.

[@garagebuiltoffroad9432]

Hey Christine the build. I use an electric furnace from an old 2000ish double wide. They’re designed to blow down. I just have it in the corner of my shop laying on its back which blows the heat across the floor. It heats my 16x24 up from 20* to 60* in about 10 mins.

[@jamaicatvtv4215]

all good rather B

[@KIDSIXoo]

I heat my garage with a small furnace from an RV. It runs off of solar 12 v and propane and it doesn't stink or give off fumes. It will heat that shed with no problem at all.

[@la_plata3588]

We use the ductless gas heater looks like a mr heater but for household use super cheap no electricity

[@KIDSIXoo]

@@la_plata3588 I have seen where those types of heaters eat all the oxygen in a room. The RV furnace has an exhaust and intake that are vented to the outside and therefore no gasses or fumes make its way in the room. Just blown air over a heat exchange and its hot air.

[@KIDSIXoo]

@@la_plata3588 ok I understand now the kind you are talking about. Usually see them in bigger garages hanging up in the corner. You said mr heater and I thought the kind that the propane can snaps on the back that will starve a tent of oxygen. Seen it with my own eyes.

[@timon2wheels355]

I have a similar work shed and I use a Mr Heater Buddy propane heater. You can use an adapter hose to connect to the grill size tank. I also have half inch foam board for a ceiling for insulation.

[@dabosssr24]

If u have an old 4 eye 220v stove laying around or grab from scrap yard and make u a heater. Use the 4 eyes in a metal tube with a fan in the rear. Seen a KZbin vid on one and it looked like it worked awesome

[@colecovey1844]

For your engine those 2 strokes have two segments. The first one is your expansion chamber and required for your engine to run. The seccond one is a silencer and quiets the motor. You can straight pipe the motor after the expansion chamber if you wanted the only real requirement is not restricting the exhaust flow too much. The silencer provides some back preasure but all you have to do is retune the carbs.

[@thefixerman1]

Chris, I really do admire your amazing skills, and this is a very challenging project. Had you thought of handle bars with all the controls as on a motorcycle eliminating pedals. Just a thought. Brilliant project and video as usual.

[@loganzister9344]

It’s funny I’m a snowmobiler in Canada Ontario and the snow melted 3 weeks ago were I live . got more runs this year but it’s funny how it’s cold we’re u are and warm where I am lol

[@cbowenjr72]

You might have done it already but a good option is to build a steering brace going to the front with a bearing. Then use an extension release that will come off past the dash bar giving way more room to get out

[@M3itzi]

For heating I would recommend you to look camper van diesel heaters with seperate exhaust port.

[@dorightal4965]

As for the rear brakes, use heel brake pedals. That way you can have the toes rest and even mount the pedals to the outside of the feet, using lateral space instead of vertical.

[@noatec]

I'm really enjoying this build. Other things I like: - Choice of music. - Use of time lapse. - Minimal dialog. - When you're in the buggy, it reminds me of an Ed Roth Rat Fink illustration. - I'm learning a ton. Thanks

[@brooks9210]

Old mate your a true artist at what you do. And a pleasure to watch when I get a free minute.. Cheers Joel from Australia 🇦🇺

[@HakaniN1]

Was looking forward to this episode

[@papatomsthoughts]

Get some 1 inch insulation panels, put on walls and doors where possible. Gives you insulation and aluminum type backing gives reflection of heat. Find an wrecked RV and install wall heater from them.

[@MoondyneJoe]

You are astounding Chris, the projects you turn out from your work shops constantly get better and better. You speak of the cold, I we over here in Western Australia where I live have been living with 45c (113f) mostly and a few cooler 39c+ days for about a month now LOL there is always someone better off? 🤔 Than you are eh? Have you considered infused oil brass bushings on the appropriate areas instead of I think you are using dalron? Just a thought for you to consider. I can't wait for the day you get a property that is perfect for your needs and a proper workshop that is climate controlled as well. Keep doing what you are doing Chris you are exceptional. Tony from Western Australia 🇦🇺

[@MrKingdavis13]

That diesel heater just needs cleaned and adjusted. It is just a simple fan with an air pump on the back that forces air through the nozzle which draws fuel up out of the tank and sprays it into the area where the ignitor or spark plug can initiate combustion so we know it is getting fuel and spark since it attempts to light. I would take the rear cover off and clean or replace the air filters and try it again. I have to do the same to my diesel heater often and have found that simply hanging a loose weave cloth over the back as a pre filter greatly improves the overall performance and keeps it way cleaner.

[@skyfreakwi]

You gotta adjust the pressure on the back to get the "diesel" heater running. Also point of outside when adjusting... I've run a few heaters off of the shop air supply with an in line pressure regulator.

[@trevormiller1366]

Extend body and frame. Turning brakes are usually done by handbrake set up unless it's a tractor. Convert it to remote control just for kicks.

[@JETHO321]

You should build an ultralight plane.

[@travis8334]

Hey if you keep dealing with issues with heat in the shop install a mini split heat pump since you have no insulation in the building I would recommend purchasing 18k btu unit. Good luck!

[@sammcbride2464]

I think I would create a hinge from the rear or front to lift that whole body shell up and down to get in and out. Probably a front hinge is best to get to the engine and prevent the shell from inadvertently lifting up in the wind. Go with steering wheel brake and gas levers like a 4 wheeler. No peddles.

[@bmxdan1978]

Can't wait to see this thing launch off a jump! The suspension looks sweet!

[@ratherbehomesteading9739]

You can also get an old electric dryer and build a heater out of that. They work very very well. KZbin heater from dryer.

[@dylindambrosio8353]

I know your looking to add pedals to steer during a wheelie. What about pushing the pedals at the sides with your thigh/knees. You could make a comfy pad and mount the masters under the front wheel well while your feet stay in one comfy spot. Just a thought

[@peaceingaming5683]

You could mount the steering column outside the dash bar and have the steering almost 90° facing you

[@andersson.l.e]

Maybe you could make two bumps in the hood for the feet. And make them look like auxiliary lights.

[@Louisianacountryboy4426]

On your steering column use knuckle joint using that you can take the steering column off when getting out and in

[@ajrama1869]

Great job..I think you should lift the frame for the fibreglass higher so you are down inside looking out the windows...its way too tight in there... cut the tacks and lift the upper frame straight up should have a lot more room.

[@rickfreeman7414]

Hey Chris the diesel heater is a very easy fix, those do have a filter in the top of the tank or in the rubber line inside the tank. Also check the lines for cracks. U can clean & re use the filter

[@thecoolestcanadian]

You should get a chinese diesel air heater , mine is a vevor 8 kw one in one unit , running on a 110 volt power supply and a 12v battery backup ( incase power outage or trip a breaker ) the intake and exhaust is vented outside no worries about fumes. you should check them out . They are fairly cheap and run hot , there is lots of youtube videos on them as well. Love the build as well , very cool !

[@bigfootz8090]

You should consider using hand controls for braking and for the gas..it would free up space for your feet

[@kollincorkern2648]

do a baja style front bumper with the larger KC style lights. cut the front body where tour feet would need to be and let the bumper and lights hide the "ugly". this would be way more comfortable like you said and would help cover the cut front nose.

[@user-Random1]

You should make a little woodstove

[@mm3rik]

a easy way to make it easier to fit in , add 7 inches to the chassis cut the body and extend it , that should give you all the room you need

[@H.E.outdoors]

on the trophy truck, you should put a paddle shifter with servos that shift it

[@Sacred421]

Love the progress homie. You know it's a passion when you're putting up with cold. Gonna have to run some natural gas out there guy. Might as well seeing as you spend as much time out there. Or a lil wood stove will do a lot. (Would even make a cool video, upgrading the shop).

[@ducatistar1303]

Consider doing what they did on grind hard plumbing co. cut it in half in the middle and extend it a little bit

[@melickshma]

My Master Mechanic partner says to add 7 inches to the front of the front third of the Frame. AND.... Strrrrrrrrrrrrrretch the body to Fit .

[@Glens1965]

The diesel heaters are a good option as well as a Big Buddy propane. They burn so hot the fumes are way min. Great job. Learning allot.

[@shyancole2490]

I'm pretty sure to completely eliminate bump steer all you have to do is have your tie rod ends at the same length as your a arms in the same angle as your a arms I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's how it goes I've been in the hoppy grade RC cars for a while and I've done a lot of fidgeting with bumps steer

[@jimhowell4937]

The filter and pump are clogging in your “Propane” heater from burning diesel. Clean them and it will be fine. Get a Cab heater for Semis. Work fantastic.

[@FangOfTruth]

Yoke steering wheel is what you are describing. You always have a wood pile outside. So a small cabin wood burning stove might fit in your shed.

[@BUILDNIGHT]

Until you get your own place, you should put a Pellet Stove in your shop. Heat the place up like nothing. Cheap too. Tractor Supply.

[@kene6838]

Chris you need to look in to diesel heaters for RV’s , there cheap and put of a lot of clean heat the only downfall is they need 12 volts DC.

[@sunfishensunfishen2271]

Have you considered cutting the body between the rear window and ‘sunroof’ to allow yourself some legroom and the ability to slide the seat back?

[@thomasminnick229]

Looking awsome..

[@ducatistar1303]

You should try designing your own calipers they are a very simple design

[@evilbeetlekustomscreations4965]

I found the perfect engine for it ,there's a guy here on KZbin that made a 3 cylinder turbo motor from 3 Honda 5hp Honda's 😮

[@chuckjohnson1331]

Buddy it would so much better if u just cut the frame and stretch it 4,5 6 inches. Fiber glass work is not hard. You would have soooooooo much more room. Love this build for sure, keep up the good work

[@ericbollinger9321]

Love your channel, been watching for years.your mini baja looks like its getting heavy and cramped, hope you put a head loop in the cage, dont think your neck could take a rollover

[@mandrakejake]

Coming on nicely. You could make the steering throw adjustable, maybe like a chain tensioner? So you can adjust it in the field

[@scottvroegh1785]

Use a lever for you cutter brakes like a sand rail has. This way your feet are not needed to control anything

[@nobodycares85]

I think a detachable steering wheel might be a good option if you're able to do that. Also, I see some other comments talking about having controls on the wheel, they might have a point there

[@xpndblhero5170]

You should seriously consider stretching the frame a couple of inches and making a little body stretch too.... Definitely going to need a racing steering wheel w/ quick disconnect but this time make sure you cable it so nobody can move it out of reach again. 😂😂

[@henrylitjes5695]

As usual super fab work. Mr master craftsman.

[@MotoMattMania]

I just rewatched part 7, and then 10 minutes later, part 8 is out! 😂

[@UncleChester]

Hey hey.... Comedy! How does no one else notice this?

[@mrutherford8590]

Put a hood scoop to give you foot room

[@scottwright388]

That's what I said.

[@Todd_G_FPV]

A diesel heater for a rv or camper van would work well. Just make sure to run the exhaust outside, lol

[@matthewanderson7766]

I heat my 1 half car garage with a Chinese diesel heater no fumes and it sips on fuel works way better than I thought it would

[@taters7359]

Ditch the floor heaters, get a electric box heater to hang up 150 bucks, hard wire it to 220 thing will run u out of the barn with no fuel smells.

[@Jwachter146]

Gotta love building a completely custom one off chassis with completely cartoonish dimensions and yet still not giving yourself enough room to use it.

[@williamlohman4665]

A catalyst heater run on propane and no fumes. Safe to run in ur home. I use a big buddy. Never had any issue

[@SOLDADITO76]

Due a tune up on that torpedo heater and it should work fine. Make sure the flame optic sensor is clean, check the condition of the air filters, and make sure you have the right amount of fuel/air pressure at the pump. I have a unit myself to heat my garage and I will say I use kerosene instead of diesel fuel. When there tune and adjusted properly kerosene will burn very clean unless the intake air has fumes being ingested like paint fumes. Them it will be recommended to open a window for a cross draft.

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

Since you have 240v in the shop now you ought to consider getting a good electric forced induction heater. That puny thing you have would take hours to heat up the shop and probably won't keep up with the cold air coming in.

[@someone4you]

Hay man, good job you're doing, just chub it, cut it half and extended the length, make it easy and nice looking.

[@mtbdelovidelovi2146]

Add a mask that imitates large rally headlights. That way you will get space for your feet.

[@chrisridethatbloodything2044]

Good idea!

[@nickyarnot2132]

Pull the heater apart and clean it. Ours did the same thing just dirty. Also you could use karosene or you could get a bigger electric heater. What I would do is find a smaller wood stove and clear a space for it

[@simonpercival-f6r]

Great project really enjoying it - noticed you broke the parting insert there, Clough42 just did a video on parting off on a small lathe - really interesting

[@timau7664]

Some other comments on here already said.. get yourself a small diesel heater. Has an exhaust that you plumb outside/through a window. No fumes inside.

[@BIOMAXABLE]

On the kerosene heater 1st, Filter needs to be cleared and it acts like the flame sensor is not seeing the flame. Easy to fix.