Update on my other "hobby".

**Papee** · 05-15-2013, 05:16 PM

Guess I start a new thread since this thing seems to have found a home. I had planned on fixing it up some and selling it but the itch needs scratchin so I'm keeping it.

As some of you know, I use to race obstacle course with my modified Toyota 4x4 for many years. I gave it up when I had all the knee surgeries. I found this thing and it made that itch need some scratching again. I'll be racing some of the same races I did before but now I've gotten into the short course stuff similar to the Lucas racing series. After talking to Chuck on the phone today I decided to post a few photos of my finished project.

It is a VW powered racer built for short course racing. The first photo is what it looked like the day I picked it up. The others are photos I took today of the finished product. Well not finished but race ready for some of the races. I still need to do a few other things to it to pass technical inspection for some of the other tracks I will be competing at later on. Because of my blood clots I've had to find a substitute driver for now until I'm off the blood thinners. It's going to be hard watching someone else race the thing after I've put so much time in it.

**Papee** · 05-15-2013, 05:23 PM

More. I've found a new hot rod shop and very good motor guy so hopefully a new engine setup is in the future. I have a lot of hours in this thing, reworking the frame, adding more chassis protection, motor work, completely redoing the suspension. I hope racing it is as much fun as building it has been. Some of it has been a pain but very enjoyable for the most part. If only I were rich, I would change a lot more.

**buster** · 05-15-2013, 11:08 PM

Hey Papee,

You sure got that lookin' sharp compared to what you started with! I wish I was up to building and driving
buggys like I used to. Sure brings back some memories

Dave

**Papee** · 05-15-2013, 11:16 PM

It sure isn't easy to get in at my age, It's a lot easier to get out than in. LOL

I did put a quick disconnect on the steering wheel which makes it a lot easier.

**buster** · 05-16-2013, 11:38 PM

I've got an old homemade loader tractor like that, remember the AEID (airboat engine installation device)? Main problem is my buddy built it originally for his height, about 5'6", Then I end up trying to funnel my 6'2" frame into it. I've made some mods, but there is only so much you can do without starting from scratch!

**Papee** · 05-17-2013, 12:29 AM

LOL I do remember it. According to the rules that opening can't be any bigger than 24". It makes it hard for us "full framed" guys.

**buster** · 05-17-2013, 01:14 AM

I think you were right on about the age thing. A year or so ago I tried to get into a "Manx" buggy. I got half way in and that was all she wrote! Forty years ago I used to do that every day no problem, but my body no longer bends like it used to.

**Papee** · 05-17-2013, 08:49 AM

The only problem I have is my knees, they just don't move as well as they use to after all the "repairs". Those things like mine are built for short people, I have my seat as low as it will go and with a helmet on I don't have much headroom. I wish I had thought about it before I added the two extra bars up there. I could have changed them a bit and made more room.