Doc's Diesel Weasel Mini Ratrod Mow-Kart! [2016 Build-Off Winner]

Alrighty, then! High time I got off my @ss and got into one of these build-off deals! So here's the scoop- I'm entering my mini build!

The basics:
I'm building a rat rod out of this vintage Eaton's Viking Holiday. It will be powered by my recently-aquired Yanmar L100 10hp diesel clone engine. The grunt will be delivered thru a Comet 40 CVT to a 1" live axle.

It will be constructed and finished in the style of a rat rod, and aimed towards being a fun and reasonably safe ride. It will feature a hydraulic disc brake. Rear bodywork and tires are not yet known, but will be selected to suit the theme. Included is a video to explain things in a bit more detail.

Naturally, we're talking custom air intake, custom exhaust, likely a custom fuel tank, and whatever other ratty goodness I can come up with. I'm gonna get it hunkered down nice and low, and probably push the front axle forward.

With a bit of luck, I can actually make this dino-burner fit in this dang thing, and be wrapped up by the end of the contest!

That hood an steering wheel looks cool.

Nice! How are you going to fit that big diesel into that tiny mowe? Also, Id love to know how you are gonna work the throttle setup that is on those engines?

@MatthewD wrote:

Nice! How are you going to fit that big diesel into that tiny mowe? Also, Id love to know how you are gonna work the throttle setup that is on those engines?

I have NO idea. Well, that's not entirely true. I have SOME idea.

The stock airbox, muffler, and fuel tank are pretty bulky. Removing them will buy me some space but it doesn't solve all.

As for the throttle, I'd figured a pedal and cable. But there's that pesky kill thing that I have to work on. If you let off all the way, the engine dies. Need to engineer a stop.

Dang looks like now im not the only one using a diesel in the buildoff! haha looks like a cool project Im having trouble fitting my diesel in my sears because its got the oil sump and I didnt want to cut the frame up for it so it should be entertaining to see you fit that engine in that tiny tractor haha!

This is going to be really cool! Are you going to try to make it as fast as possible?

@Rockinator wrote:

This is going to be really cool! Are you going to try to make it as fast as possible?

As fast as is reasonably possible. Engine will not be modified (well- not as far as this build-off is concerned- maybe later), and I have to play with the gear ratios. Too fast, and it'll be a slug off the line. I don't want THAT, either.

Yeah, i can imagine how big the 10 horse is, I have a 6hp one at home and it is massive. I think it's 300 and something cc. And heavy too. They have immense torque though, so you could have quite a high ratio and still be okay.

Looks like fun!

My friend has one of them engines, I keep tellin im Id be happy to dispose of it for him...

Do you know if these run veggie oil?

@TheBeal wrote:

Do you know if these run veggie oil?

I'm going to find out...

Got that big SOB engine in!!! Near ta killed me, tho.

@Doc Sprocket wrote:

@TheBeal wrote:

Do you know if these run veggie oil?

I'm going to find out...

Good deal.
Nothin like burning free fuel... that just happens to smell like french fries.

Very nice job getting it in there! As Marty said, "You're the Doc, Doc."

Neat little machine. Watched as much of the videos as I could tonight, pretty neat that steering column just fits back in there. What's up with that viking brand pretty much with the briggs emblem with their name in it?

I dunno why, but that engine looks at home in there. And doc, I'd love to see how you are going to make the stop for the throttle. You would have to make it adjustable or spring loaded to kill the engine.

@MatthewD wrote:

I dunno why, but that engine looks at home in there.

Yeah, I love how the hood covers the humongous valve cover to make it almost look like a flathead briggs. It really looks great.

Ooooookay, then!

After having NO build time for like the last MONTH, I have FINALLY managed to get something done on this!
Short version:
-rear frame extended a few inches, bearing mounts done, rear axle mounted up
-Front axle hacked off, front framerails extended, new front drop axle fabbed up
-Body tub hacked, whacked, and fitted.
-Steering butchered on temporarily for transport
-Sitting on 4 wheels. 2 permanent, 2 just to roll.

The long version:

Gunna brace the beans for the spindles up a little I hope, looking good!

@redlinemotorsportts wrote:

Gunna brace the beans for the spindles up a little I hope, looking good!

I'm sure there will be some reinforcing in there. I will finish setting up the chassis, first- By that I mean, mounting up the CVT driven unit and jackshaft. Then the engine's gotta come out so I can drill the mount holes and burn in all the welds there. Then I will likely address the brake mounting while the welder's still hot.

Update:
Got a little work done. Driveline, brakes (almost) and fuel system. Test ran the engine in the chassis, too. Details here:

Super cool weasel you got there doc! Really like the down pipe! Only if you could keep it like that or run it through the hood? Also maybe plan on adding tensioners on the chain... Seems like it might come a little sloppy on down the road

A tensioner would keep the chain tight when it stretches and definitely keep it from popping off the sprocket. That's a big chain and every time you hit a bump it's going to slap around and eventually pop off. A tensioner will keep it from doing that. The bigger the wheel on the tensioner, the quieter it will be. I put a steel one on my bike using a mower belt idler pulley. Did 34 mph with no problem from it.

Yes- the chain tension. While filming the video, I went into the tensioner thing- and then edited it out, along with a bunch of other stuff. Was getting a bit long. I am going to have to do something about that, because it may or may not be ok now, but it's going to stretch, for sure.

As for the exhaust- I have A few ideas to explore. It may not stay pointed down. Routing it under the floorboard it most likely- because I have a trick up my sleeve (it will all make sense), and if that trick fails, then I'll probably end up redirecting it.

And... Progress!

First a couple pics, then a YT video link.