The following instructions should be sufficient to build a simple soapbox car with
- a simple steering system for the mobile front axle and
- a symmetric braking system.
Main ideas:
- Use a transport cart wheel, remove the wheel put in a plank, attach axle [Example for transport cart wheel]
- Use steering rod with simple pulley system to move the front axle [Instructions, Video with German explanations]
Note: Use some pulleys or hooks to re-direct pull on the string to the same plane in which the axle is turning. - Symmetric braking system using rail system to put equal pressure on both wheel
- Improvise based on available parts at home (eg construction wood, screws, nuts) and at local hardware store
Tools:
- Electric drill to create holes in wood and metal with drill bits (8mm)
- Hand saw to cut wood and metal (eg screws/rods which are too long).
- Screwdrivers, electric screwdriver and bits as needed
- Knife
Main Parts:
- 1 x Main wooden plank
- a few boards
- somethings which can be used as a seat
- 2 x axles (80 to 100cm, cut as you like)
- 4 x wheels + 1 x wheel as steering wheel
- 1 x threaded rod (Gewindestange) for steering rod, M12 diameter, 1-2m long
- 1m strong metal bar (for braking system)
- 1m thin metal rods as rails (for braking system) and tranmission, cut as needed
- about 10x set rings (Stellringe)
- about 10x pillow block bearing (Stehlager)
- 4x right ankle irons (foot rests, stabilizers)
- 2m strings
- various wood and metal screws with nuts
Fotos:
Figure 1: 12 man-hour version
Figure 2: 8 man-hour version