M38A1.COM - Mini MB Project

I know, your asking yourself "Why in the world would anyone purchase a 1/2 scale metal jeep body with no running gear, steering, suspension or drive train"? Simply - because it's yet another challenge and sounds like a fun little project. And my dad and I like a good engineering project! :-) I had previously seen a couple of other small scale vehicles, primarily aircraft and really wanted to do a military vehicle to take along to the shows and parades. This seemed like the perfect little project. Some of the "vehicles" I've seen or located include the following:

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F4U Corsair	F105 Thud Bomber	Mini-MB (mower)	Terrang's MB	Tate Ostiguy's MB

Wings up 1/3 scale	20' long!

	Looking for more info...	Ani-Car	Cuba

So, with that in mind, I broke down and purchased the Mini-MB, complete with body tub, fenders, grill, hood, windshield frame, top bow and seat. The metalwork is incredible and the thickness is the same as the reproduction bodies currently manufactured. The scale is just about 1/2. Some items are 48% while others are 52% of the original MB. However, the wheelbase is an even 40" and the front/rear track is 24" or exactly 1/2 of the original.

When the body arrived, I set about to taking pictures to get an idea of what would be required. The more I looked at it, the more I wanted to fabricate all the little parts for it such as shovel, axe, brackets, b/o markers, headlights, bumpers, correct wheels/tires, floating suspension etc.


Top off the crate	Assembled and ready to begin		Top bows included

It's a "Slat Grill"		Area for pintle and rear bumper	Bottom

During the initial assessment, it became apparent that the engine/drive train combination would be the difficult part. I've seen pictures of these mounted on somewhat modified garden tractors (complete with mower decks) and that was the starting point. However, with my requirements growing, that may not be the best choice.

After looking at many pictures of others, I concluded that most people have strayed away from originality in tire size. I wanted to remain original which would leave an 8" rim, 14.5" overall tire diameter and 3" wide. I also began to look at drive train assemblies and to have an engine in the front bay area required a long chain and or belt system to transmit power to a rear axle of some type. This also made reverse a real nightmare. Braking remains simple with a disc of some type from a garden tractor or go-kart. Steering remains simple utilizing garden tractor components or go-kart components.

With the above floating around in my head, I started looking at an electric drive system. The batteries could be located in the engine bay and all that is required to the rear is a positive cable to a small electric motor. This would solve the long chain/belt issue as well as provide reverse and braking all in one mechanism.

02/21/2003 (Frame #1)


Rear bumper/pintle cross member	Rear bumper	Rear frame member, side rail	Rear frame mock-up with 45 degree forward member (didn't use this idea)

02/22/2003 (Frame #1 continued)


Rear sub-frame	Rear sub-frame	Rear sub-frame with seat area framed up	Mounted rear bumper and pintle intact	Rear side frame rail


Rear side frame rail	Underneath completed rear end	Completed front engine box, grill support and front bumper	Completed Frame #1	Completed Frame #1

10/10/2003 (Frame #2 - Better)


Rear box frame area ready to weld	Rear frame rails notched for new bumper	Mock up of a rear wheel/tire assembly	Rear	Mock up of the front engine bay

Front engine bay	Engine bay	Where the front spindles will mount	Utilized the first pintle assembly, scabbed it in Frame #2	From the front

	Side view	Engine bay	Rear view

11/12/2003 (mock-up)


	In place. Needs correct spacing	Yes, that's a 'fixed bale' WWII helmet...	Rear axle with tires

12/17/2003 - Rolling Chassis Completion!



Rear bearing hanger		Completed rear axle

Front spindle mock-up			Rolling Chassis!

	It's a ROLLER!	Frame and Body...
			I know... Your saying the rims and tires are too small. Well, the next size up is just a bit TOO big but there's room for them should I upgrade in the future!
6.00x13x6.00 tires with an OD of 13.4"	Next size is up is 16.4" OD which is more than half of the stock 29" AND it goes on an 8" rim	So...The 6.00x13's will do for now.	To upgrade would involve purchase of new front and rear hubs, wheels, tubes and tires for about $335