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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
 Posted - 07/16/2009 : 14:16:56
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Well I finally got some time to work on our jeep. I found this old metal frame jeep in the trash a little over a year ago. It sat in our back yard and became a push toy for a while.
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Last month I made a serious effort to revive it. I hooked a charger to the motors to see if they would turn the wheels. The right side turned great, the other was easy to stop and squealed when stopped. After pulling it apart I found that the pinion was loose on the motor. As a test I glued the pinion on with supper glue. I cleaned and reassembled the unit and it was OK.
So I decieded it needed some color. The body took a beating in the sun for that one year, it was starting to chaulk and turn white. The hood was a little rough so I started there. I removed it sanded the rough stuff off and sprayed it with Krylon Fusion gum drop. It looked pretty good. I continued with the windshield frame and tailgate.
The next week I had some time to fully disassemble the rest of the truck. Everything looked pretty good. The whole family washed her down really good before it went for paint.
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After giving the jeep a bath, kids and dad too as you can see, We wiped it down and let it dry over night. The next day I started painting the body and remaining parts with the same Krylon Fusion gum drop color. I ended up using 3 cans on the body top and bottom side.
As the paint was curing, I ordered 2 12v 12AH gel cells from Battery monster on Ebay, shipped to my door for just under $55. I also ordered a used Schumacher Speed Charge charger. It showed up DOA!! I got my refund though. I am going to order the Schumacher SC-1200 soon. I could use it for the PW and my cars.
I started working on the wiring harness, the switches were in rough shape. One wasn't working I tore it down and cleaned out all the old spider webs and gunk, cleaned it with a wire brush and reassembled it. Worked fine since. I connected the harness to the batteries and tested with my meter. The harness operates just fine.
After 7 days cure time, I started to reassemble the jeep. I had some new bolts to mount the body to the frame in the center and bought axle nuts at Lowes. I really wanted to strip and repaint the frame with some paint similar to POR-15 but time was not on my side. I decieded that could be another project as there are future plans to belt drive this jeep.
The windshield was a total loss, it was so sun beaten that you could not see through it. I found some smoked lexan and cut a new window out, what difference that made!!
Unfortunatly I did not have the camera handy during reassembly but we took a bunch of pics post assembly, my wife thought it looked fantastic:
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The test drive went a little rough, more to come on that tomorrow.
So there she is... I think it came out pretty good for my first rebuild. I haven't really modded anything yet but that will come. The harness needs an upgrade and a bunch of other things are on my list including redoing the roll bar and getting that back on the truck. Keep watching..
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JR
Abby's metal frame "Princess" Jeep - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10659
Justin's Bigfoot - stripped for parts
Justin's Bigfoot number 2 - much better shape!! - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
Justin's mini Harley trike
Highway patrol trike
Silver Barbie Lambo - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16759
Peg 4 wheeler
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Edited by - JohnNY on 07/16/2009 14:58:26 |
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DaddyFixit
Journeyman Modder
phoenix
az
USA
156 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2009 : 15:24:44
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Awesome Job Johnny. Great way to get the whole family involved. She will definately appreciate her work.
What a great deal on the Batteries by the way. Will have to get a hold of them soon. |
Escalade
2 Fire Rescue Jeeps
Ken's Beach Ranger (WIP) |
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sdubb
Senior Modder
1661 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2009 : 15:36:04
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| Something has me confused. You have 2 12V batteries wired to this jeep right? Didn't this use 2 6V batteries? I would think that in High you are running 24V? |
"Time to take a ride on the information superhighway." |
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Divinar
Moderator
San Jose 95123
CA
USA
3057 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2009 : 16:10:36
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Looks great - I really like the windshield upgrade.
But I, too, question the batteries.
I don't see anything holding them down - The way my kid drives, they'd be on the ground within minutes!
I also don't see a fuse/circuit breaker.
I don't know enough about the old jeep's wiring to know if you're going to be sending 24 volts to the motors. If so, check the for-sale section to get new ones in advance  |
Escalade (Rubber tires, LED lights, Key switch, Remote Kill, wings. Wings?)
Lil Wrangler (2WD, 12v, Lights), Dora Jeep (Super-6 @ 12v, lights), Jeep Enforcer turned Aftershock (18v, WIP),
Grape Gaucho A151 (24v, scooter controller, WIP)
KFX Quad (Remote Kill), Crushmeister! (Silverado), Limited Edition Jeep (Stock)
Kawasaki Mojave 250 (Stock), PP Gator (Lights), Home Depot Loader, Lightning McQueen (Stock) |
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2009 : 19:32:31
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Thanks guys. Yes it has 2 12v batteries, the stock harness runs them in parallel for 12v low and in series for 24v high. Abby is not yet allowed to even think about high gear!! The stock harness does have a thermal breaker in line with the throttle switch and motors. It has been working. The stock harness will be replaced with heavier gauge wiring sometime this summer/fall. I am looking at wiring up a soft start of some sort, this thing really likes to light up those rear tires.
I don't know how the motors will hold up, that remains to be seen. Pinions don't last that's for sure!! I plan on getting some steel pinions and possibly some Traxxas motors. I hear they make the 700 size for some RC apps.
As for battery retention, I have to put something together soon for that. I have some foam in there to keep them in place but a roll over would spill them. I need longer battery wires. I am going to place them both on one side and strap them down.
This project is not finished and will see some real mods soon. I wonder how it would handle a 2x shot of "nitrous"??
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I think I'll probably use just one if I do this at all, it would delivery 2X the juice. I would wire it in to discharge in series with the battery through a push button. This would deliver an additional 12V in low and an additional 24V in high gear 
This is purly a "Daddy" experiment I would not let the little ones try this!! My nephew on the other hand, he'd be all over that!! I'm sure the first set of stock motors will turn into two piles of steaming goo when this kit is installed!!
Anyhow, I will write up how our testing and initial runs went tomorrow
UPDATE 8/3: NOS/CAP idea has been scraped for the jeep, it just too fast as it is right now. I might try it on a lower/stock voltage PW at some point.
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JR
Abby's metal frame "Princess" Jeep - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10659
Justin's Bigfoot - stripped for parts
Justin's Bigfoot number 2 - much better shape!! - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
Justin's mini Harley trike
Highway patrol trike
Silver Barbie Lambo - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16759
Peg 4 wheeler
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Edited by - JohnNY on 08/03/2009 06:18:23 |
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 10:26:38
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Test Drive Results:
I finished putting the jeep togther late Saturday night. We took it with us to my brother in laws house to test it as we were planning on visiting anyhow. We unloaded and Abby hopped aboard. She was excited but I don't think she knew what to expect. I hooked up the batteries and the jeep tried to take off!! I thought she was on the pedal, nope, the throttle switch was struck. In prior testing the switch had functioned just fine. Needless to say , she was a bit scared and didn't want to play much anymore. The jeep sat for the rest of the day. I worked on the switch later that day and thought it was pretty good. We left the jeep loaded in the van and took it to my parents house on Sunday for dinner. Afetr dinner we got the jeep out and hooked everything up,no problems.... Abby was still excited about it but didn't want to drive. My 7 year old nephew was dying to drive it. Mikey is used to high powered gas quads and bikes so he was the perfect test driver. So he took the jeep for a spin. All this time I left high disconnected. My nephew thought it was pretty cool and much faster than his Peg 4 wheeler. Mikey took the rest of the kids for rides which worked out great for Abby. She was no longer afraid of the jeep after a few rides. Once he was alone I motioned him over and connected high speed. I told him about the hi/lo switch. He quickly put it in high and never switched back!! He was doing dougnuts and flat tracking the jeep sideways all over the drive way!! My brother and I were laughing so hard we couldn't breath!! Mikey's grin was from ear to ear!! He took off into the back yard cruised around a bit. On the way back he got stuck on a drain in the swell. It look like he had dug the wheels into the lawn. Upon further inspection, the left motor lost the pinion again and the right one was spinning in the grass. The jeep was down again. It was fun while it lasted and proved the jeep ran pretty well. I have to get some good pinions for it now.
Abby and I replaced the left side gearbox yesterday, it was easier to swap in the complete unit that I had on the shelf than swap just the motor. It was up and running again. Abby and Justin took the jeep for a long ride (~1/4 mile) to my aunt's house around the corner and back, it ran great. The neighbor kids saw it and wanted to drive it. They were bombing around for a while, many times with two of them in the jeep. The jeep probably had about an hour of use last night and then the switch started to act up again. At about the same time the left side pinion started to squeal again. I cannot win, that's two dead pinions now. Luckily it is OK with Abby's weight but not with the bigger kids so she can still enjoy it while I get better pinions and a new switch.
So that's the scoop so far, the jeep is at the point where it'll be used regularly once the switch and pinions are fixed. I am toying around with the idea of chain or belt driving this or more likely another PW, I have a selection of motors belts and pulleys. More on that another time. |
JR
Abby's metal frame "Princess" Jeep - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10659
Justin's Bigfoot - stripped for parts
Justin's Bigfoot number 2 - much better shape!! - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
Justin's mini Harley trike
Highway patrol trike
Silver Barbie Lambo - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16759
Peg 4 wheeler
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Edited by - JohnNY on 03/08/2010 08:13:03 |
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sdubb
Senior Modder
1661 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 15:48:37
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| Do you think the 24V is toasting the pedal switch? |
"Time to take a ride on the information superhighway." |
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
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sdubb
Senior Modder
1661 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2009 : 22:23:53
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| Okay just a thought. Can you post some video |
"Time to take a ride on the information superhighway." |
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RyanV
Apprentice Modder
holiday
fl
USA
83 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 11:24:06
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| that thing sounds sweet. i heard in other threads that 24v was no good. was the main concern over 24v just about burning up pinions or could it burn out the motors? if it does burn up the motors, would an RC car motor work? are there any motor upgrades available to handle more juice? any potential saftey hazards going from 12v to 24v? sorry for all the questions, im just very curious before I try to rebuild this jeep PW my wife found in the trash. =) |
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2009 : 08:20:22
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I'll have to post video soon, my wife took some a week or so ago, no 24V footage yet. The throttle switch has been a real pain, I just recieved a PWM motor controller and the pinions should be here any day now. The upgrades will be done really soon and hopefully most of the problems will be corrected. Seatbelts are also on my to do list!!
On a side note I picked up an old Bigfoot with the tub undercarriage for Justin. Not sure what I'll do with that one, probably clean, paint and keep it slow until he's old enough to handle it. If he wants fast he can ride in the Jeep with Abby. |
JR
Abby's metal frame "Princess" Jeep - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10659
Justin's Bigfoot - stripped for parts
Justin's Bigfoot number 2 - much better shape!! - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
Justin's mini Harley trike
Highway patrol trike
Silver Barbie Lambo - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16759
Peg 4 wheeler
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2009 : 20:06:51
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I have made some updates to the Jeep. I picked up a pair of metal pinions, no more stripped plastic ones. I replaced the pedal switch with one from the Bigfoot. I extended the black and white wires and was able to mount both batteries on the passenger side of the hood compartment. I cut some slots in the compartment and used a cinch strap to hold the batteries down. Most of the Jeep's issues have been corrected, it runs really nice now. I still have to look into some seatbelts for it. Pics of updates to come.
UPDATE 8/3:
Success!!! The jeep ran flawlessly at the usuall Sunday family gatering. The pinions were worth every penny, the bigfoot foot pedal worked great, and the batteries stayed put!! The kids ran the batteries dead in about 45 minutes to an hour, mostly in 24v. I don't think these rear tires are going to last very long. The kids learned that the jeep pushes really bad at 24v
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JR
Abby's metal frame "Princess" Jeep - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10659
Justin's Bigfoot - stripped for parts
Justin's Bigfoot number 2 - much better shape!! - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
Justin's mini Harley trike
Highway patrol trike
Silver Barbie Lambo - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16759
Peg 4 wheeler
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Edited by - JohnNY on 03/08/2010 08:34:14 |
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treebeme
Advanced Modder
Holtsville
NY
USA
3209 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2009 : 06:20:42
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I've run a number of vehicles now with 24v on metal frame jeep gearboxes/motor with zero reliability problems in terms of the motors and gearboxes. However, I did burn out a couple of switches trying to put 24v through them. The stock wiring is also a bit thin when running 24v, especially when just using an on/off throttle. I suggest moving to a scooter controller at some point. It will be more reliable, your kid will have more control (variable throttle) and it won't snap so wildly out of control upon launch.
As for the push, I suggest the BMX rubber tire mod on the front wheels. That basically involves cutting the metal rings off the sidewall of a couple of bmx bicycle tires and wrapping the tread over the stock tires. Some people glue the rubber in place but I use small screws.
As an overall guide, Super-6 gearboxes/motors (#3 gearboxes) can handle a maximum of 12v and even there the gearboxes may still fail. #7 gearboxes/motors can handle 18v but still may fail with a heavy rider or if the kid does forward/reverse slams. The metal frame jeep gearboxes/motors can handle 24v but your wiring and switches should be upgraded to keep them from getting too hot and failing.
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Screamin Demon (600 watt scooter motor, 36v scooter controller)
Red Harley (trike, 24v scooter controller, 13t MFJ gearboxes/motors)
KFX Quad (24v scooter controller, MFJ 12t gearboxes/motors)
Fire Rescue Jeep (24v scooter controller, 15t #7 gearboxes/motors)
Franken(berry)beast (24v scooter controller, 2-250Watt Scooter motors)
Grave Digger (21T gearboxes)
Super Shock
Razor MX-350 Motorcycle
Projects
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Jeep Wrangler (on hold)
Barbie Cruzin Tunes Jeep (24v scooter controller)
TCV Indy Racer (24v scooter controller)
Gator (on hold)
Silverado Dragster (on hold)
Apache (on hold)
Metal big wheel (24v scooter controller)
Jeep Aftershock |
Edited by - treebeme on 08/03/2009 06:25:55 |
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2009 : 09:31:10
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Yea, the contacts on the switches do take a beating. As long as the contacts stay clean, their resistance should stay low which equals less heat in the switch and longer switch life. I have been sourcing automotive switches to replace them with. So far I have found some decent ones for cheap.
I already have a 360W PWM speed controller ready to install, just no reverse with that. I'm looking into a way to acheive reverse without killing the controller.
I found a computer steering wheel/pedals combo for cheap on CL. I'm going to cut up the pedals and install one as a throttle for the PWM controller.
The wiring will be upgraded to either 10 or 12 gauge wire soon. I have a lot of both but only 2 colors in 10 gauge and at least 4 colors in 12 gauge. I don't think 10 gauge is really necessary though.
I never liked the look of bike tires on the wheels, I have a can of rubberized rust proofing for cars on the shelf. I might try that or get some of the rubber type bed liner stuff out there.
I took a few minutes and removed the tail lights to repaint them. I also put a custom license plate on the back with Abby's name on it.
The jeep has come a long way but there always seems like there's something more to do!! It's almost as bad as a real car!!! lol
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JR
Abby's metal frame "Princess" Jeep - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10659
Justin's Bigfoot - stripped for parts
Justin's Bigfoot number 2 - much better shape!! - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
Justin's mini Harley trike
Highway patrol trike
Silver Barbie Lambo - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16759
Peg 4 wheeler
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Edited by - JohnNY on 03/08/2010 08:45:54 |
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treebeme
Advanced Modder
Holtsville
NY
USA
3209 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2009 : 09:46:10
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I have reverse in most of my scooter controlled vehicles. All you need to do is add a DPDT switch to reverse the polarity going to the motors from the controller. If you want low-speed reverse, you can switch the motors to run in serial when in reverse.
Personally, I use two heavy duty DPDT relays to mimic the stock shifter. By default the relays have it in high speed forward. When the forward/reverse switch is put into reverse I send power through that switch to the coils on the relays which reverse the polarity and switch the motors to serial at the same time.
In addition I added a third relay for electronic braking. |
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Screamin Demon (600 watt scooter motor, 36v scooter controller)
Red Harley (trike, 24v scooter controller, 13t MFJ gearboxes/motors)
KFX Quad (24v scooter controller, MFJ 12t gearboxes/motors)
Fire Rescue Jeep (24v scooter controller, 15t #7 gearboxes/motors)
Franken(berry)beast (24v scooter controller, 2-250Watt Scooter motors)
Grave Digger (21T gearboxes)
Super Shock
Razor MX-350 Motorcycle
Projects
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Jeep Wrangler (on hold)
Barbie Cruzin Tunes Jeep (24v scooter controller)
TCV Indy Racer (24v scooter controller)
Gator (on hold)
Silverado Dragster (on hold)
Apache (on hold)
Metal big wheel (24v scooter controller)
Jeep Aftershock |
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
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MIKEF
New Member
34 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2010 : 17:49:19
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i had that same jeep growing up. at least 20 years ago now i bet. ive been trying to find one but no luck, my uncle might still have it sitting out back at his place. you just brought back alot of great memories for me |
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2010 : 10:59:55
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A little update, now that the snow has been gone and the kids are out riding the PWs more, the jeep has had a bit of a work out. Here's what I have found:
1. 24V does indeed kill stock foot pedal switches
2. The updated "HD" switches I bought were actually weaker than stock I have blown out the contacts on both so far. Relay time I guess
3. The "retreads" work great but wear pretty fast on the pavement. No big deal in the summer but I might need a winter set.
4. The retreads hit the body in a full lock turn, time for a small lift, just enough to clear the wheels. Maybe 1-3"
5. Retreads kill battery life in the turns, it really bogs down while turning
6. This thing really needs seat belts!
So next on the agenda for the jeep is to give it a little lift, install a relay (quick) or install a speed controller with a pot-pedal (not so quick), install a set of seat belts, add some lights and touch up the paint or doll it up so to speak.
We found a pink Barbie jeep just last fall, it has white roll bars bumpers seats and it has doors!! I might be swapping some stuff around to make this jeep a little more girl'ish. I really like the doors!! I wish I had found the Barbie jeep first!!
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JR
Abby's metal frame "Princess" Jeep - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10659
Justin's Bigfoot - stripped for parts
Justin's Bigfoot number 2 - much better shape!! - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
Justin's mini Harley trike
Highway patrol trike
Silver Barbie Lambo - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16759
Peg 4 wheeler
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 06/14/2010 : 07:58:16
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I finally did the relay upgrade to the Jeep. Funny thing is it doesn't seem to have the umphh it used to have?? The other odd part is that the circuit breaker seems to be working more often.
Anyhow, Abby took it out for a spin, I let her use HI for a bit. At that point the Jeep took her for a ride again. The relay had stuck closed!! I finally give up on the relay bit. I called my brother who owns a small engine repair shop and got a HD solinoid. I am going to wire up the solinoid and hopefully be problem free!! I have the harness drawn up and enough 10 and 12 gauge wire to build it. I also have a bunch of battery connectors from some old UPC units. It should be pretty bombproof. Dunno if I'll ever get to buying a speed controller for it since most everything I've picked up is free.
Also we cleaned and repainted the hood, it was looking a bit dull from sanding. The last coat went on really smooth!! I received the Solstice Princess decals from Mrbandit (THANKS) and put some of those on. Abby loves it!! Pics to come |
JR
Abby's metal frame "Princess" Jeep - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10659
Justin's Bigfoot - stripped for parts
Justin's Bigfoot number 2 - much better shape!! - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11033
Justin's mini Harley trike
Highway patrol trike
Silver Barbie Lambo - http://modifiedpowerwheels.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16759
Peg 4 wheeler
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Edited by - JohnNY on 06/14/2010 08:01:17 |
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JohnNY
Apprentice Modder
Rochester
New York
USA
70 Posts |
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Our metal framed jeep AKA Princess Jeep
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