August 19, 2010
Roamin-Off Mark 4 Crimean Cruiser
2010
APOKILIPTIKA- Terminal City (Village)
Yes buckaroos, the Roamy returns in 2010 in a new configuration! In keeping with the promise to keep the little rig fresh every two years, the Roamin-Off will grace the playa as the Crimean Cruiser-- a doomy little steam- punkish Imperial Russian runabout with a slight gothic flare!!! The rig is narrower, lighter and will have better range. The heavy top structure has been replaced with a convertible Buggy-Style Canopy! It is capable of better passenger carrying with jump seats at the back.
As designed in March:
And- as completed on Aug 19, 2010
Construction History
Transformation 2010, begun May 15-16
By Killbuck and Espresso Dude
Below is a photo diary of the 2010 transformation into the Mk 4 Crimean Cruiser- a sort of Imperial Russian Steam Punk sport runabout. The photos were taken at People's Mutant Vehicle Factory 19 in Lemmongrad Nevada.
Getting the rig off the trailer after long winter storage. It is seen here as the temporary conversion done for the Nevada Day Parade as the Model 1862 Presidential Horseless Touring Couch. The tires went flat. One had to be removed in order to refill and get the rig off the trailer.
This tire actually still holds air after a bit of care.
After ripping off all the old structure, we got her back to her naked form. You can see the original steel deck for the couch and the floor width. We then set about narrowing the deck and floor. The batteries were removed for servicing.
New unistruts were welded on at the planned seat width-- which will eliminate the old heavy couch and be replaced with a bench seat and backrest of plywood with foam pads covered in upholstery material. A storage space under the seat will be a plus. The plywood floor was removed to be narrowed later. Carpet will be re-used.
After the seat was narrowed, we added a unistrut to each side to serve as the canopy uprights.
You can see the narrower width of the rig that is developing. The frame under the table was cut down to the new width as well. Later, the existing table will be cut to the new overall narrower width.
Within a short time, we added the new steel framing. Seen here is the new jumpseat frame above the battery deck. Since the front seats are now 2 seater, we needed to add a way of carrying passengers in a safe manner. Adding the jump seats will put passenger weight over the rear wheels for better distribution. Hand rails were added and unistrut braces. Side frame rails were added to the sides of the main seats.
The Buggy Style Canopy Frame!! After considerable contemplation, we devised a slightly different arrangement for the pivot points. A steel plate was added and drilled for the pivots. Espresso Dude devised and made an ingenious pivot system that allows the bows to stack when folded up. We decided to add an additional bow to the rear, and a fixed upright bow. This will provide more shade and make the set up stronger. The canopy will fold much more compactly. There will be lots of headroom, and allow the driver and passenger to be essentially upright when entering or leaving the rig.
Using this new canopy frame layout, I have modified the concept drawing to relate a good suggestion of the profile and set up of the canopy for the rig. This will provide shade also for jump seat passengers.
The next steps.
A rear, 4th bow will be added to shade the jumpseat passengers. The location is shown above. A foot rail and step will be added to the back to make getting on and off safe and easy. A plywood base will be bolted onto the jumpseat frame and later, foam pads put in place. In the center will be a small ice chest.
A brace will be added to keep the canopy extended. The brace will have a pivot bolt at the fixed upright, and will extend the front and rear bows out. Rings will be added to the body as attachment points for storm straps at the corners- to be used in the event of nasty wind conditions. You can see the high tech test seat we used to judge the height of the main bench seat. It worked pretty well actually, and therefore the seat box will be made 10 inches high with a 2 inch foam cushion.
Ok then Buckaroos, this is a great start!!!! In a very short time, the new body panels can be added on and the canopy cover fitted and sewn. After that it's the fun of dressing it out!!!
May 18
WOW! Lot's of work accomplished!!!!
Below are a few pics from the 18th. The main body side foundations are in place, the canopy frame and supports are done and the seating platforms installed. Lastly, the rear footrest and bumpers went in. Check em out!
I found that the old doors from the tank version were ideal to resuse as the rear side foundations!!! They fir just right and are sturdy. The sides next to the main seat went in nicely, and serves as a storage box. The removable jumpseat platform is installed as well. This will be covered with a padded cushion.
The canopy frame is exciting!!! E Dude did an amazing job of figuring out the brace locations. A temporary cover made from an old sheet is clamped in place to visualize the cover. That cover will be red vinyl with gold fringed edges.
Here you can see the rear coming into place. The problem with the rig before, was that it was difficult to carry a passenger or two. The rear jump seats will allow the rig to be more of a public conveyance. We want this to be easy to get on and off, and provide secure steps and hand holds.
An aluminum foot rest and step has been installed. Then, a steel bumper-step was put in place.
The bumper-step was then covered in a fitted piece of aluminum diamond plate... a swanky look and very secure footing.
The exposed tires will have guards over them soon, as an added safety measure.
June 28, 2010
There has been progress made, despite the lack of work space- a lot of projects at the shop. Since our last visit, the main structural elements were finished. The dressing out has begun.
Below-- the bat fins have been added. These are from 6 mil PVC plastic sheet-- light and easy to cut and shape. Split PVC pipe reinforcements added. The front end has been created too.
When the elwire goes on, it will follow the lines of the fins- like shown below.
The seat platform is finished now. Foam padding and some nice upholstery fabric will be added.
Let's not forget the all important doo-dads and construdences!!! Tubes, pistons, smoke stacks and pullys will be added on the sides to give the rig a nice industrial look- and yes, of course I'll add rivets!!!!
What's next?
The convertible top cover is being sewn. Dressing out will continue. The batteries will be refurbished and the wiring put back into place. I need to get the seat cushions in too. It'll be a tight schedule, but it's on track.
July 8 Report
My oh my!!!! What progress!!!!
Yes buckaroos, we are on track.
Here we see the completed cover installed onto the buggy canopy frame. It worked better than I had anticipated, and is very sturdy. The material is a light marine vinyl. It was pretty easy to sew too.
Below- the seat area is done. The seat back hinges forward to access space behind. The seat bottom hinges up to access a storage box . I love the look of the red and white stripes against the black structure!! I still need to add pads for the sides- I'll use cloth covered headliner foam. The foot rest is covered in rubber and edged in aluminum. A small first aid box will be attached.
Ok, my favorite part- detailing, texturing and adding construdeces. Once all the parts are added- including pistons soon, and selected parts given a black base coat of paint, I'll paint and dry brush areas and parts to give them an antique effect of iron, brass and copper.
Lastly, I re-did the table. The original was warped and splintered. A new smaller plywood has been added and vinyl covered. I'll be adding two plastic globes to each side fitted to brass ceiling fixtures with 12v bulbs. A cloth skirt will go all around the table top-- likely of a dark brocade material or a striped cloth of dark hues.
July 13---SETBACK
The Roamin-Off caught fire.
Only superficial body damage- easy to repair... but the entire canopy is gone
and the upholstery is a loss and must be replaced. The vinyl on the table
must be replaced as well.
It was very hot on Tuesday, and I was attempting to rig up a temporary shade
since there's no room in the shop. I used an old cotton bedspread tied on the
corners to the canopy. I tied it on with parachute cord- which kept slipping, so
I burn fused the knots. In the bright sun I had not seen that a fringe of the
cotton had caught fire. The cotton cloth caught fire rapidly and sent fire
under the canopy. The entire top went up all at once, and burned off the whole
jump seat cushion and burned the main seat. We employed a fire extinguisher-
which worked great but also coated the rig with a heavy yellow layer of powder.
The photo below shows the aftermath after I washed it down a bit.
I have to start over on these--- It's not critical, but I lost a good week's
worth of work. I'll just do it all over!!!
July 17
RESURRECTION!!!
The Roamin-Off is back!!!!
After a complete cleaning, a new canopy top was created and installed. All upholstery replaced, and several other add ons applied. She looks like new!!!! I'll be back at work asap to begin the wiring up and adding of elwire and lights.
PHEW!!!!
The Roamin-Off now has a marine canvas, UV resistant (and yes fire retardant) canopy. The fabric store ran out of the yellow fringe, but had lots of burgundy color--- I like it better.
July 20
July
The old ship's wheel has been packed with polymer glue and is tight again- soon to be painted. The various construdences have all been added and look great.
The front end and table are about done-- need to add globe table lights, reattach the headlights and paint the eagle design. You can see the skirting that goes around the table-- matching the new upholstery... a thin line of dark gold braid will finish the look.
20
Here you see the rear jump seat area over the battery box. It is covered in the marine canvas to bring the red of the canopy onto the structure. I like the look of the scrollwork, which is plastic ornamental garden fence I found at a thrift store. Another thrift store find is the leather belt which secures the seat top in place and serves as a tie down strap for things like evening coats etc.
Sat July 24
The elwire has been installed!!! The complex route of the wire took almost all day, but it works!!!! Red double core all along the main body features- and yellow around the table.
LEDs will be added in several locations. Head and tail lights to go on next. Wire it up.
I decided I liked the look of the brass tray, so added it to the front... it breaks up that big expanse of the table.
July 29
More Dressing Out.
Got under the hood so to speak, and sorted out all the original wiring- a lot of detangling, and marked the wiring ends. I need to replace a couple of the 12v led auto lights (red ones).
Oh dear!!! The ol' gal is showing her underwear!!!!!! Still pretty dusty under there, aint it?
I'm re-locating the speakers, and hoisted up the amp which was falling loose. I reattached the led under-lights that add a white glow under the front end, Reattached the headlights. Located the inverters. Lastly, I broke out the paints and added the much anticipated Russian Imperial Eagle to the front end!!
The APOKILIPTIKA symbol will be added to the red shield.
The old ship's wheel has been progressively packed with Gorilla Glue and GOOP to fill the holes and get it tight again. I added a few touches and it's back to ship-shape operation.
The batteries are on a trickle charge.... and frankly, I can't wait to get them back in and run this puppy around!!!!
Aug 19
Completion!
The Roamin-Off Mark 4 is ready for operation!!!
A great thanks to Dale Huntsman aka Mr. Fixit, for the use of his shop and space. Also thanks to Bruce Weideman aka Espresso Dude for his invaluable help in early reconstruction and in help with the canopy design.
Onto the playa!!!
The Roamin-Off in years Past:
2009:
2008:
The original Magnificent Roamin-Off Mark 1
2007
click here for a chassis to finish tour of the construction process
