Top Fuel Dragster Skateboard
I want to learn how to make things. And one way to do that is by making something. So why not a longboard rebuilt in the spirit of a top fuel dragster?
This project took several years from start to finish, at probably less than an hour per week, not counting thinking about what to do next while away from the shop. Actual wrenching time had to be used super-efficiently. Since learning was the main motivation (I was never under the illusion that I will be cruising around town on my Dragster-board...), the planning and designing was the main purpose. I learnt a lot, and everything worked out much better than I ever expected.
Inspiration
Drag racing is cool
- and top fuel dragsters are the top of the line. As much as
possible, the board was made to reflect the look and style of a
real
Top Fuel Dragster.
Design
Big rear wheels and wing, long front with smaller, "pram-style"
wheels and formula one style wing, RWD and a wheelie bar.
Stock
This is a skateboard just like the one
that I will be modifying, with son+dog for scale (heads removed by
the
The Gimp).
Mockup
With the front wheels mounted on the temporary wooden block,
and the rear wheels loosely slid onto the trucks, you get an idea
what the final thing is going to look like. It's already clear that
close attention will have to be paid to clearance, and also, if you
imagine wings and a wheelie bar, this is going to be a lot cooler
than I imagined. :-)
From a bit
further away, the proportions are easier to grasp. Also, you can
see that the board is resting comfortably on the ground, but then,
if the mockup was perfect, it wouldn't be much of a mockup.
With
the firstborn for scale, it becomes clear that the front truck
frame out of wood was definitely not a good solution.
Construction
Each part of the project took months to design and even more months to implement. Here's a short, more or less cronological overview of what went on.
Front Wheels
Board Reinforcement
Rear Wheels
Wheelie bar
Purely decorational, since there is no way we're doing wheelies. The wheel was harvested from a repurposed skateboard, with bearings that will just about turn if they have to.
Front wing
At the speeds we'll be going, no need to worry about aerodynamics and downforce. It will be crucial to ensure that the front wing does not dig into the ground in sharp turns. Also, if there's any way to not murder people with it... No sharp edges.
Rear wing
Another defining feature of top fuel dragsters is the outrageous rear wing. Very tall, very far back, very big, and with sides panels. The challenge will be to make something that looks enough like the real thing without adding lots of weight.
Chute
More decoration, and this thing will of course never deploy. I'll know it's there though, just in case.
Engine
Will probably be an electric skateboard deal... some fabrication/wizardry will be required to get the power to the ground.
Considering that there is no safe way to add an engine worthy of the "Top Fuel Dragster" theme, an engine might never happen. This would also help keep the board legal to use in Switzerland. I might go full show on this anyway, in which case it won't be going on the street. It would be fun to find a small petrol engine somewhere.
Kill-Switch / Dead man's Switch
In the very likely event of a wipeout, it would be nice if the fire-breathing engine would shut down.
Brakes
If there's a section called "Engine", there should be one called "Brakes" :-) - but seriously, since mountain boards are used to go places where you can't necessarily swerve, there are optional bolt-on brake kits available.