Introduction: Star Wars X-34 Landspeeder
This was my quick and dirty Landspeeder X-34 for my sons 6th birthday party. I didn't plan on an instructable, so the photos are a mixture of construction and deconstruction. (it took up ALOT of room, I needed the garage back) It's also my first instructable, so excuse the rough edges.
Step 1: Chassis
The first step is to find a suitable chassis. I used an "Original KettCar" that we already had. I know that they have several models and sizes. It's pedal powered, although some of the younger kids needed to get a little boost to get all of the mass moving. Once you have your chassis, you need to identify your mounting points where you can build your sub structure. this method could be used for any sort of bodywork, although it could get quite heavy the more structure you have to build. I'm not sure how much more the drivetrain could handle.
Step 2: Sub Frame
I Rested two 1"x10"x6' common pine boards on my mounting rails and measured between for my cross members. Once I had them tied together, they basically rested on the frame without any hard mounting points. I boxed in the steering wheel support at the front and the seat at the back to keep the sub structure from moving fore and aft. Once that is stable I added the 90 degree supports.
Step 3:
I attached the shelves, 1"x8"x6' common pine boards to create the horizontal surface or the deck structure. (no clear photo)
Step 4: Side Skirts
Using the crossmembers, create a horizontal structure that protrudes forward to support the deck up front, that has a vertical member that approaches the ground. the vertical member will be the foundation for the bowed side skirt. For the skirts/body, I had a stack of cheap paneling that was left in the garage. it has a very 70s wood printed on the front side. as you can see it's fairly flexible. this is a deconstruction photo so the skirt has some memory in the shape. it started out quite straight. first fasten the center of the skirt to the vertical member so that from the top the entire thing looks like a large "T". Over the course of 2 or 3 days, I used ratchet straps to slowly pull in the "wings" of the skirt until I could fasten them to the shelf structures on each side. This step looked like a large crossbow as the nose radius was slowly developed.
Step 5:
deconstruction photos
Step 6: Decking
Once the skirts are in place, time to deck. First fit the cockpit making sure you have enough room for the nose. Once the cockpit is trimmed flush to the pine vert pine boards directly adjacent to the seat, simply use the side skirts to trim the deck paneling. Do the same for the rear portion of the deck.
Step 7: Details
created the engine pods out of wood scraps and gallon or two flower pots.
Step 8: Final Detail
I felt that it needed a little something extra in the detail area so I decided to make a bumper sticker that I think any young Luke would appreciate.
Step 9:
make some light sabers for some epic battles. they make a good whap with a direct hit! Enjoy!!!
47 Comments
6 years ago
Totally amazing!
7 years ago
Looks great!
7 years ago
I'm saving this so that I can build it if or when I ever have kids. I admire your ingenuity, good sir!
7 years ago
I just imagine doing drive bys in this...
8 years ago
this is amazing I'm a star wars can so I love this
8 years ago on Introduction
Can I have one?
9 years ago on Introduction
Wow this is incredible. As a major Star Wars fan i really appreciate this instruct able great job.
10 years ago on Introduction
Liked yr idea so much, we did it.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Were you able to improve the design at all? I'd like to hear/see your take on the project.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
No, I cut corners by using cardboard on the front and attaching the flower pot directly to the body. Other than that we followed your instructions.
9 years ago
Will you try it with a 4 person golf cart??
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Anything is possible with time money and space.
10 years ago on Introduction
A story was in the Muskegon Chronicle in the State of Michigan on September 22, 2013. Good job.
10 years ago on Step 9
every kid should have a dad like you :)
10 years ago on Introduction
Wow! And I'm not a huge Star Wars fan - but I want one for myself!
10 years ago on Introduction
Your instructable was mentioned on CNET. Very cool.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57602288-1/star-wars-x-34-landspeeder-is-a-pedal-powered-win/
10 years ago on Step 3
maybe need this car : doors
10 years ago on Introduction
Yowza, the kid's going to have thighs like a power lifter pedaling that thing around!
Clever looking idea though.
10 years ago
This is great. Nice job.
10 years ago on Step 9
Good heavens what does it weigh?