An M2 is born from the ashes of a Fox! [Archive] - Atomic Zombie™ Extreme Machines Builder's Forum

jimFPU

07-03-2009, 04:04 PM

The (Not-so) Baby Fox has begun the transformation to a slightly shortened M2, for my son (10). After talking to him I found out he wanted something low, real low. He saw the factory trikes at the LBS, but the Blue Fox I was building wasn't nearly as low as those. So during a discussion while camping, he said he could learn how to ride a low 2 wheeler. Needless to say I finally purchased the M2 plans (instead of trying yet again to 'eyeball' it).

So from the ashes of a Fox to the smaller M2:

Removing the seat frame to get it lower:
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00257.jpg

Bending the frame instead of cutting and welding a new piece, only required 3 welds this way:
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00259.jpg

The suspension support:
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00258.jpg

And finally the crank tube parrelell to the ground (this is the shortened piece at only 12 inches-plans call for 17.) My jack stand is right at 11" tall and the brick is just under 4.5" tall-almost perfect to the plans!
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00256.jpg

SirJoey

07-03-2009, 05:06 PM

Very nice, creative work! WTG!
That's gonna be sweet!

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

gbbwolf

07-03-2009, 06:46 PM

Nice conversion work.

Can't wait to see it.

Nelson

Richie Rich

07-04-2009, 12:00 AM

I like it, Jim....!!!

You may have to crank up the spring tension to prevent bottoming out.
On the other hand, during night rides it might be cool to see sparks flying out the back...!!! :eek:

...Richie....
.

jimFPU

07-04-2009, 05:26 PM

Thanks guys, Richie come on now...the boys only 10 and maybe all of 60 lbs!!! I suppose he will be growing though. Anyway, built this one almost exactly as the plans call for, except for the BB tube length.

More eye candy:

The rest of the seat bracket fitted to my son:
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenix.jpg

BB and front:
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenix4-1.jpg

The very small kickstand, which may still be too long! My son really like this part!
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenix2.jpg

And the whole thing out in the sun, before some of the above additions:
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenix1.jpg

Man this thing is long! I thought my Infinity was long! I'll have to get side by side pics...

jimFPU

07-04-2009, 05:37 PM

The two together: Wow...loooooong biks!

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/InfinityBluePhoenix2.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/InfinityBluePhoenix3.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/InfinityBluePhoenix.jpg

SirJoey

07-04-2009, 05:40 PM

Awesome, Jim! Really! Man, your boy's gonna be rollin' in no time!
Love that lil' micro-stand, too! WAY kool! :D

That's similar to what I'm working on right now, but yours is lower & sportier! :punk:
I noticed you're using the very same rear triangle as me, too. Identical, in fact, except for the color.

20 & 24, like mine? Also, what's your axle-to-axle length?

This gives me more drive to keep movin' on mine, albeit slowly... :)

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-04-2009, 05:49 PM

Just measured 81" axle to axle.

savarin

07-04-2009, 09:15 PM

Looking awesome.
I just love my marauder.
Cant wait to get swmbo's trike finished to start on a super light marauder.

John Lewis

07-05-2009, 10:46 AM

Coming on great Jim.

Mine has been stalled at about that stage for ages. I must get back and finish it up soon.

If I recall correctly mine is about an inch under nine feet.

John Lewis

SirJoey

07-05-2009, 01:25 PM

If I recall correctly mine is about an inch under nine feet.:eek: Overall, or axle-to-axle?

I'm guesstimating mine will come in at 86" axle-to-axle, & 9 feet overall.
At least, I HOPE I can keep it down to that length! That's my goal.
As usual, I'll make it as short as I can possibly get by with. We'll see.

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-05-2009, 03:31 PM

I hope he likes it enough to ride with me when I get mine built!!! I think he will since this is the first bike he came out of the house to spend time in a (very) hot garage, and even get some welding time in. He'll be a great builder...start him off young like Brad!

jimFPU

07-05-2009, 03:33 PM

savarin

07-05-2009, 07:39 PM

OK, one question: does there seem to be a lot of wheel flop on yours? This one has so much I can see the fram cange height as the wheel urns all the way left or right...of course no steering hooked up yet, and I do have to e-check the angle, but I think I'm pretty close. Just curious.

My first try had heaps of flop, not too difficult to ride but no way a no hands job, fair bit of wobble till up to speed.
I reduced the rake till it got to 2.5" trail, that reduced the flop and wobble and over 20 kph I can do hands off.

John Lewis

07-06-2009, 08:36 AM

Joey, Mine is about nine feet less an inch overall. I did shorten it a bit. Won't take a much taller rider than me I guess.

Regarding wheel flop I don't like too much so I tend to go with minimum trail. I think most of mine are 1.5" or less. If you can see the frame moving up and down then I would feel it is too much for comfort. Brad seems to like more trail for some reason. I'm happy with my rides. The test coasts on the Marauder show it will ride no hands.

John Lewis

jimFPU

07-06-2009, 08:42 AM

OK Brad...what's up with the rake?

Compared to my Infinity it seems a lot more. I suppose it's just personal feel when handling? Will it make a difference in the turn radius?

jimFPU

07-06-2009, 08:46 AM

OK, another problem...I think I mounted the pilots head tube too low. When trying to fit the tube, it hits the BB and I can't connect it. ARGHHHH! So I may have to cut it off and try again. It's all good though...more welding practice. My son is getting excited too. I hope to have it at least ridable for testing this weekend, and it looks like I'll have lots of free time this week to get it done!!:punk:

jimFPU

07-06-2009, 11:52 AM

OK, I'm going to try this route for the steering control arm:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spincyclz/3389205180/in/set-72157615959238042/

I'll let you know (of course) how it turns out...:rolleyes4:

SirJoey

07-06-2009, 01:02 PM

OK, I'm going to try this route for the steering control arm:http://www.flickr.com/photos/spincyclz/3389205180/in/set-72157615959238042/
I'll let you know (of course) how it turns out...:rolleyes4:That's basically what I did on that LWB I built for my sister:

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1226/10controlarm5.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/440/dsc05679k.jpg

It worked out pretty well for me.

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-06-2009, 01:04 PM

Yes! I knew I had seen something like that somewhere else! Did you weld the tab or just use the bolt tension to hold it?

SirJoey

07-06-2009, 01:08 PM

Look close... you'll see the HAZ.

Actually, I figured the tension would've prolly been enough,
but I put a small bead underneath, to be safe,
especially since it was for someone else.

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

SirJoey

07-06-2009, 01:13 PM

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1132/06controlarm1.jpg

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/343/07controlarm2.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4913/08controlarm3.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/4562/09controlarm4.jpg

I would not have wanted to incur lil' sis' wrath, had her steering failed! :eek:

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-06-2009, 01:25 PM

Thanks. I'll report back when it's complete.

GregLWB

07-06-2009, 01:34 PM

Jim - I used Joey's idea when I built the Mom-Ridian. I made the tab just like normal though and welded it onto the side of a stem just like the other end then inserted the stem into the headtube and tightened just like normal handlebars.

I don't know if you can see it well enough in this picture. Hope so.:)
http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv301/gdfran0/MomRidian/Picture061.jpg

Greg

jimFPU

07-06-2009, 02:20 PM

Yep, got it. That's probably the way I'll go! Thanks guys.

BTW, where did you get those rod ends?

TheKid

07-06-2009, 03:29 PM

That's how I did mine. I think Brad may have used the other method so it would be possible to change the headset bearings. On the DW, it's so close to the boom that removal of the steerer tube is impossible without cutting the pilot tube.

SirJoey

07-06-2009, 03:49 PM

BTW, where did you get those rod ends?
http://www.mcmaster.com/#tie-rod-ends/=2mpztj

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-09-2009, 09:29 PM

OK, did something a bit different on the steering, but it works great! Pics of today's work, right before the traditional no brake-no chain test ride!

With my Infifnity in the background (looks like a MTB in comparison!):
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenix21.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenix23.jpg

Steering ends:
http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenix24.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenix2-1.jpg

The ride down the side walk and around the corner on a tiny test seat, wasn't even uncomfortable, except that the back is short (ftted to my son.) I can see how much fun this would be with a GEBE...heck, even peddeling is going to be a blast!!!

SirJoey

07-10-2009, 01:25 PM

I can see how much fun this would be with a GEBE...GEBE? Wutz a gebe? :confused:

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-10-2009, 01:38 PM

GEBE: http://www.bikeengines.com/

SirJoey

07-10-2009, 01:55 PM

GEBE: http://www.bikeengines.com/Ok, thanx. Yeah, that WOULD be fun!

Your bike is coming along nicely, dude. Looks good! Can't wait
to see a seat & chain on there! Guess you can't wait either, huh?

Keep the pics coming, they're inspiring! :D

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-15-2009, 10:09 PM

Kyle's first test ride!! No brakes, no chain!! All fun! (sorry about the video quality...camera is really old!)

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/th_MOV00257.jpg (http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/?action=view&current=MOV00257.flv)

And a still:

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00256-1.jpg

jimFPU

07-15-2009, 10:11 PM

Handle bars may be a bit high and forward, when we get the seat installed, we'll detail it.

trikeman

07-15-2009, 10:36 PM

Boy is he gonna have fun with that ride!

SirJoey

07-16-2009, 07:50 AM

Wow, THAT put a smile on my ol' face this morning! :)

Great job, Jim! Kyle is gonna have the koolest bike on the block!
Obviously, he approves; he's giving the thumbs up!

Since this one was "born from the ashes" as you say,
I vote for the name "Phoenix". :D

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-16-2009, 08:21 AM

Since this one was "born from the ashes" as you say,
I vote for the name "Phoenix". :D

Originally it was called the Blue Fox...we've already renamed it the Blue Phoenix! I think that was in the Baby Fox thread...

GregLWB

07-16-2009, 10:32 AM

Good Job Jim!

Now you need to hurry up and get that GEBE or he will be riding around you in circles.:jester:

Greg

jimFPU

07-16-2009, 12:14 PM

NO DOUBT!!! We went to Domino's (I get an employee discount) last night and they told me to keep the extra I was going to give them for sodas when they found out I took the money for dinner out of the GEBE fund!! Great Kids!

GregLWB

07-16-2009, 01:23 PM

SirJoey

07-16-2009, 05:49 PM

...we've already renamed it the Blue Phoenix! I think that was in the Baby Fox thread...Ok, I don't remember that.
Oh well, at least I was on the right track, eh? :D

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

jimFPU

07-17-2009, 11:43 AM

Yep! Great minds...

jimFPU

07-18-2009, 10:46 PM

We installed the seat, and chain today. Gave it a fair test ride-used neighbor kids to really test it!! Man can they crash a bent! One kid did get the hang of it a little bit, but my son was smokin' on this thing!!

The chain rubs the seat a little bit, but that will probably be trimmed anyway. Kyle said: 'The motor really sounds good on this thing!' LOL!

I'll have to work cables next...

OK, some details on the seat. I like Brad's idea of tabs for the seat, but decided to try something a bit different. I used some small square tube, 3/8 maybe? Forgot...anyway made some brackets instead of tabs, and then used blind nuts in the plywood:

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00080.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00081-1.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00078.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00079.jpg

jimFPU

07-18-2009, 10:48 PM

And the 'finished' view:

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/DSC00084.jpg

SirJoey

07-19-2009, 08:26 AM

Man, that's great! Lookin' better all the time!
I like the idea of using the blind nuts, too.

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

dakidd1

07-19-2009, 10:35 AM

I was thinking about this Marauder, M2 model, with rear disk brakes as my next adventure. Have been for awhile now. Looks realy cool, bet your boy will be the most popular kid on the block when done. Good job. Can,t wait to see the finall build.....

Locutus

07-19-2009, 05:45 PM

You'll probably want to brush some locktite onto the threads of your bolts going in to the blind nuts, or you may find them working loose.

jimFPU

07-20-2009, 08:24 AM

John Lewis

07-20-2009, 09:45 AM

Looking good there Jim. A nice project. Wish I'd thought of using blind nuts. Bit late now. Must get my Marauder finished soon. Only needs a coat of paint and cabling up but its sitting to one side quietly rusting while other things get done. Looking forward to seeing your finished project and the proud new owner riding.

John Lewis

GregLWB

07-20-2009, 09:47 AM

Good idea Loc.

After the final install I'll do just that! Kyle can't wait until it's done, and the test ride was just too much fun! He says it's really comfy and thinks with some padding it will be more so! Working on cabling now for in depth testing. have to buy some longer cables though, so may be on hold fore a couple of weeks.

Hey Jim - it's looking good. By the way those are called T-nuts and if you staple across the 'wings' of each one they are far less likely to ever push in when reinstalling the seat. I use them all the time.

Greg

SirJoey

07-20-2009, 01:53 PM

...and if you staple across the 'wings' of each one they are far less likely to ever push in when reinstalling the seat.Mmmm... another good tip!
Hadn't thought of that. Thanx, Greg! :)

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

badcheese

07-21-2009, 10:45 AM

Working on cabling now for in depth testing. have to buy some longer cables though, so may be on hold fore a couple of weeks.

I'm at the same point with my High Roller. I asked my LBS about gear cable housing (the low-compression type), and they wanted to charge me almost $5 per foot. REI sells a 25-foot coil of low-compression gear housing plus 30 ferrules for $24. It's sold under the Novara brand, but it's made by Jagwire.

http://www.rei.com/product/737530

GregLWB

07-21-2009, 10:48 AM

I'm at the same point with my High Roller. I asked my LBS about gear cable housing (the low-compression type), and they wanted to charge me almost $5 per foot. REI sells a 25-foot coil of low-compression gear housing plus 30 ferrules for $24. It's sold under the Novara brand, but it's made by Jagwire.

http://www.rei.com/product/737530

BC - Good to know. Thanks for the tip.:)

Greg

jimFPU

07-21-2009, 11:30 AM

I have plenty of housing...I need longer cable...

Radical Brad

07-21-2009, 01:49 PM

Imagine how long the two brake cables on my New LodeRunner2 must be! Ok, they are 10 feet long each.

Brad

jimFPU

07-21-2009, 02:20 PM

Where do you get your cables?

schu777

08-03-2009, 03:29 PM

Hi Jim,

Love the step-by-step you've done so far in building the bike for your son - wish my son was older so I could have fun building a bike for him, but in due time.

Like your sig - people might call you weird living the way you do, but hey, I'd much rather be called weird than be in debt.

Michael (Step 5 & 6)

jimFPU

08-05-2009, 04:11 PM

Just back from Counselor Training, so I hope to get back to the build soon. Still working on Step 3 myself, but we'll get there. That's why my build is so slow though: working Domino's at night to pay for the toys!!

Been debt free (except the house) for just over two years now...

jimFPU

08-29-2009, 04:20 PM

Finally got the brake and shifter cables, and got one brake hooked up. Still need to hack some more cable stops, or buy some somewhere. Anyone know of a good supplier for these? Not a ton of progress, but something...

Had my son take it on a test ride with me on my Infinity. Round the block a couple of times, good run. Now just need to get the other cables routed and installed, either trim the seat front or re-route the drive side of the chain, and more testing. Should be paint ready in a few weeks at this pace! I I just get out in the garage and go, might be paint ready next weekend as I don't have to work the pizza job next Saturday!! Translation: 14 hours in the garage!! Woo Hoo!!

jimFPU

09-07-2009, 10:27 PM

Well it's all hooked up, except for no front brake...not sure if I'll put one on, but doing extensive testing and making some small mods here and there...kids around the 'hood are lovin' it!

jimFPU

10-19-2009, 07:16 PM

All testing has been completed. Started taking it all apart for sanding, Bondo, prime and paint. Still a lot of work to do, but it's coming along! Hopefully pics to follow soon.

jimFPU

10-24-2009, 05:18 PM

OK, with the exception of the finished seat, we're done.

The blue Phoenix (read back and you'll see why we named it that.):

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenixFin1.jpg

Side logo (used spray paint and plastic stencils...real old school!):

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenixFin4.jpg

Rear logo:

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenixFin2.jpg

The happy pilot (I got a 'You rock, dad' today!):

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r399/jnk6/BluePhoenixFin3.jpg

This build was not prefect, and if you look down the whole bike it looks like it got run over bay a truck, I mean it really has a wave...LOL! But, it seems to work great, and my son loves it. He picked out the colors and it turned out great!

trikeman

10-24-2009, 05:36 PM

When I was his age, I would have given my right arm for a bike like that - wave or no wave. Its awesome!!!

locolarry

10-25-2009, 09:19 AM

:punk::punk::punk:

Jim,
You DO Rock as a Dad!
Great Job!

The smile says it all....
Loco:sunny:

SirJoey

10-25-2009, 09:41 AM

Well it's about freakin' time! :jester:

Nice job!

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/49/signaturehalloween.jpg

jimFPU

10-25-2009, 03:16 PM

Well it's about freakin' time! :jester:

Nice job!

Inded...now the other one is asking about the Street Fighter...or a Kidde Kar...funny the SF were the first set of plans I purchased...:dunce2:

The M-Fighter is the net project. (M is the first letter of that childs name...she named it already so I have to build it...):party: