Pac-Man Soapbox Derby Car

Each year I enter a local adult gravity race.  A gravity race is basically a soapbox derby.  Cars race down a hill powered only by gravity. Soapbox derbies on the moon are really boring.  For me, the derby is equal parts race and art exhibit. There is a tremendous amount of creativity in the cars.

For this year's car I had the idea to make a full size replica of an arcade machine. But the key feature would be to have the machine playable.  So I got a pile of wood, an old TV, and a plu-and-play Pac-Man game and locked myself in the garage for a few weeks.

This Instructable will walk you through the steps to create your own version of this car.

Step 1: Materials and Supplies

For this project you will need an array of tools and materials.  There are some craft-like elements and woodshop stuff too. So if you've never picked up a hammer before you should ask your dad for help. Wouldn't hurt if you knew how to weld either.  Before you make a supplies list you should finalize your design.

• Resources
  • Graphics Files: PACANAC
  • Steering Kits: HERE IS AN EXAMPLE
• Wood:
  • 3/4 inch plywood
  • 2X4 studs
  • 1/4 plywood
• Metal
  • two 36" 5/16 threaded rods (with nuts and washers)
  • two 36" square tubing
  • go-cart steering kit including spindles and brackets (check on eBay)
  • Metal Mesh or screen
• Hardware
  • Various screws
  • nuts and bolts
  • eyehooks
  • turnbuckles
• Paint
  • spraypaint
  • water-based enamel paints
• 1 sheet of eigth inch clear acrylic plastic
• There are a million different things needed for this project.  I'l mention them as I go along.
• Plug-and-play Video Game Unit

Comments

[andyrewgr]

this looks EPIC!!!!, I AM SO BUILDING THIS!!!!

[lmnopeas]

Very Creative! Looks like fun. We had similar races where I grew up. I was always a spectator, but boy would it have been fun to ride in this!

[mikeasaurus]

Whoa, awesome project!!

Though that old Rebel Alliance helmet looks cool, the new decal is a worthy successor.