I did exactly what the original poster was suggesting, even though I know his kids are well grown by now. I put in a floorboard and firewall, so I wouldn't have to worry about kids feet getting drug while pushing it like a stroller. I built coil spring suspension on all four corners, and that has proved to be well worth the effort absorbing bumps. The key was figuring out the geometry on the front king pins and spindles. The spindle axis has to trail the king pin axis. That way, you can steer it like a shopping cart. I used Model A throttle/spark linkage as a tie rod and even made the tow-in adjustable. I preferred the look of balloon tires. They also soak up some bumps. They won't steer real tight because they hit the fender, but you can easily pick up the front (like a push mower) for sharp turns. The steering works great for slow turns or gentle coarse corrections which you always have to do while pushing a stroller. I could not figure out a way to control the steering with the steering wheel. With the geometry required for parental control, the steering from that tiny wheel would be difficult due to tire scuff. You don't want the kids steering the stroller anyway. TRUST ME! I made the steering wheel spin, but it is not connected to anything. The kids love yanking it back and forth, which encourages them to hang on and keep their arms inside the vehicle. I made the steering column spring-loaded to absorb impact in case of sudden stops or spazy kids, which they are.
Here's a look at my independent front suspension. and tie rod. The king pins move up and down sliding inside tubing.
Thanks man. I ended up setting up the steering similar to a cheap gocart style ha. Got it all working and painted and works great!
For the last three years in Utah we've had a little show in October where we get together, create some art to auction, and donate all the money raised to local children's charities. Each year we have a build-off from a couple of regional hot rod shops. First year was pedal cars, second beach cruisers, and this year was wagons. Here's some pedal car pictures:
what is everyone using for headlights in the pedal cars I been trying to find something that's about 2inches and can be frenched in ill post pics of my current project when im able to
{ A cool old thread } Here's a Custom Mickey Mouse power wheels roadster I got for my grandson. But first I had to de mouse it. I added a 32 grill, and some headlights. He's not even two years old yet. But he's a great little driver, and a natural HOT RODDER !
I just saw this free buck for building a pedal car - anyone in KS? http://allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=18188
Make sure your kids know the rules of the road before they get busted. My little buddy has a leadfoot
ZZ, The current full-size trend is to keep the outside as-is (patina) and update everything underneath. I'd find a source for all the parts you can first, then make a decision. Wheels/tires, trim parts (steering wheel, windshield frame, is that script painted on?) can add up quickly if you want original stuff or fancy upgrades. http://www.pedalcar.com/parts-by-model/ Looks nice!
Thanks I appreciate it. I was leaning towards putting on new wheels, front end and make it functional. Regardless I'm hanging it on a wall somewhere. Should I gently clean the body with WD-40? I use Howard's feed and wax on a lot of my antiques. Thoughts?
I have lots of junk with 'patina', but I don't attempt to keep it nice, if you know what I mean. I would NOT use WD-40, it's a solvent that displaces water and strips any oils. Stuff tends to rust faster after using it. I know the paint is thin and old, but would try to bring it back as much as possible. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/saving-original-paint.1113120/#post-12630428 Also consider removing the surface rust with evaporust and detail it carefully https://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html
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