Dave's la(te)st buggy build...

I thought green Laning was like a leisurely spin on some back roads looks like your getting ready crackers and mad max.

Dirtbird wrote: I thought green Laning was like a leisurely spin on some back roads looks like your getting ready crackers and mad max.

Ah, yes, but if we go back to the very first post in this build thread -

"Ok, some history first, I've attempted to build a buggy five times, and always given up due to lack of time and.or funds. I've asked Father Christmas for a Polaris RZR buggy for the last few years, but apparently he can't afford one. And lastly, I've drooled over the Ford EX Concept vehicle for many years too -



And recenty I found this Brazilian buggy, more of an ATV size but more of what I was thinking of in terms of inspiration...



So, last year I started looking for a cheap soft-top to be a winter project to try and create a buggy inspired by the above two photos, but more for the British climate, so retaining the windscreen and front soft-top roof section for some protection from showers...

So the idea has always been to have something inspired by the above two buggys. mixed with a Polaris RZR and using a Suzuki Jimny for simplicity and my knowledge of working on them (Suzukis that is, as I'm a fairly recent convert from Vitaras to Jimnys). So they are easier to work on and spares are more readily available. And as my mate Gary (Wrench) pointed out years ago, "you'll get more ground clearance out of a Jimny"... (than a Polaris RZR)

Underneath there it's quite a basic Jimny, I've rebuilt and replaced nearly everything, but it's almost standard suspension albeit with a 1.5" lift, new poly bushes everywhere and every guard available in the JimnyBits catalogue! The transmission is fairly standard (at the moment!) with just HD rear shafts and a locker in the back. The diffs have been changed to regear for the bigger tyres, which gives most of the lift.

So it's built for some nice weather days greenlaning, fun in the sun, but yes, some of the 'lanes we drive are indeed "T&S" Tight & Scratchy, so hence the guards, and windscreen / body protection with the tube work and tree wires, and not forgetting the mirror guards!

(I have always liked the Mad Max films though! I believe there's a new one on the way!)

Dave ... off out to the garage to paint the body tub!

mlines wrote: Looking to book the BigJimny meet for 2021this week as Dave finishing a buggy must be worth a party!

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Yup, after five failed buggy projects... this one is going to get finished and see some 'lanes...

... and the BigJimny Meet 2021 of course!

All day in the garage today painting the body tub...

Plenty of photos, but no blurb today, I think they speak for them selves...



















Right... going for a beer in the shower

Dave

Can't wait to see it al finished.

Lambert wrote: Looking really good now mate!

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Amazing what a lick of paint can do

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Soeley wrote: Can't wait to see it al finished.

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Me too!
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Need to paint the area between the windscreen and bonnet black this week, and then phone the windscreen guys to come back..

Meanwhile I can start reassembling the lorry wheel arches, lights, etc... but not the snorkel as that might get in their way a bit!

That would be something to aim for Jimny meet followed by Safari Scotland. Thank frog this Virus’s nearly over.

Bugger - I'm on a driving holiday in Europe on 21st June 2021

Sorry! Not been on for a couple of days and missed this... it's getting busy in the shop and Post Office with Christmas fast approaching...

Great, date marked on calendar and confirmed with the boss... Damn shame my partner in grime is away that date

No work on the buggy today, I'm actually having the day off! Walked the dogs and a bacon butty so far, just about to start on Operation Christmas! Wrap everything and post cards and presents off...

Back to the Buggy on Sunday then!

See some of you in June then!