Billy Cart #2

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 28th April 2009, 06:15 PM

OK, here's what I think is the easiest way to improve what's there, using what you've already done.

Replace the top board (that the steering column goes through) with a full-width, longer one that extends over the top of the front linkage.

Bolt it in place, as it'll be taking a LOT of load... The longer the overlap of the two boards, the stronger it'll be. I reckon a coach-bolt or similar with washers at each green X should be about right. I'd put the heads underneath, with the nuts on top to improve ground clearance and stop the threads from burring over from the inevitable impacts with gutters, etc.

Use U-bolts or similar at the red X's, to convert the linkage into the fixed cross-member... packers can be used between the board and the cross-member if you want extra ground clearance.

Of course, this means that what's currently your fixed cross-member will now need to become the linkage and must be able to move freely, so you'd need to cut the existing slot wider in front of and slightly behind the axle, and maybe a mm or two deeper. (the pinkish bits in the picture.)

Once assembled, pack this channel with grease... it'll need it!

Finally, I'd cut off the part of the steering column that sticks out the bottom (again, to improve ground clearance) and move the string to roughly where the yellow lines are. It may take a bit of rethinking about where you run the string - and perhaps a roller or two - but that's only a minor detail.

Voila! A trailing axle, with the stub axles in the right positions and it should take the weight of even a fairly beefy kid.

**mick59wests** · 29th April 2009, 02:05 PM

Skew,

many, many thanks. As they say, a picture paints a thousand words and I even understood your crow-bar simile. I can see how your design will make it much stronger. I am just going through a second childhood doing things I missed out on the first time through!

Don't look back too soon as I have just promised my daughter to build a worm farm and I have started on a coffee table. Wose than that I have to go back to full time work next week!

Thanks again

Mick

PS: What software did you use for your drawing over the photo?

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 29th April 2009, 05:15 PM

Glad to have helped.

I reckon it makes life easier when you understand the "why" of things, rather than just being told "this is better."

Originally Posted by mick59wests

PS: What software did you use for your drawing over the photo?

RGS-AvancePaint, a free download (2MB) from http://users.belgacom.net/rgs/avancepaint.htm.

I've only just installed it myself, so haven't put it through it's paces, but it seems to be a well thought out package. Now I just have to learn how to use it properly...

**mick59wests** · 25th June 2009, 07:37 PM

It has been a while since I took Skews advice and adjusted the steering on my billy-cart. As a picture says a thousand words, below is the new and improved model. I still have to find someone to do a test drive to see how long it lasts before I have to get into the repair cycle!

Mick

**AUSSIE** · 25th June 2009, 09:03 PM

Looking a lot better now Mick, Is it easy to turn the wheel?

**mick59wests** · 25th June 2009, 10:18 PM

Aussie,

I thought you might be the next person on the post!

Whels are good to turn (although a longer axle would have allowed wheels to turn more) but I have not had someone riding and turning at the same time. Once I find a volunteer I will let you know how it rides. If nothing else, it has been an interesting learning experience.

cheers

Mick

**AUSSIE** · 26th June 2009, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by mick59wests

Aussie,

I thought you might be the next person on the post!

Whels are good to turn (although a longer axle would have allowed wheels to turn more) but I have not had someone riding and turning at the same time. Once I find a volunteer I will let you know how it rides. If nothing else, it has been an interesting learning experience.

cheers

Mick

Hi Mick.Can you put up a full front view from down low please.?
You weren't asking me to be a test dummy were you?

I won't do it-- only because I am over 6ft tall and won't fit.

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