Tonka Front Loader Conversion With Solar Upgrade

In this Instructable, I will attempt to show you how I converted a 1980's Tonka push toy into a working RC robot. Since the robot was assembled prior to the thought of creating an instructable, I hope this serves as a guideline when thinking of creating your own.

Step 1: Parts

When converting a Tonka truck, getting parts isn't the difficult task but locating the actual metal truck will definitely be a challenge. I had the best luck on Craigslist. I got four for a deal and started with the front loader.

Step 2: My Part List

Tires- the rear tires are bigger than the front because the batteries are held in the back.

The rear tires
Www.robotbase.cn product code rb-09m035

The front tires at Traxxas tires.
www.amazon.com Item number-tra7274

Motor driver- sabretooth dial 12a driver for rc
www.amazon.com part#2x12rc

Battery- I'm using two six volt maintenance free rechargeable sealed lead acid batteries. That i ran in series to create twelve volts. You can find them at Home Depot.

Motor- there is one motor in each wheel.
www. Robot base.cn product code rb-04m039

Actuators- I am using Firgelli actuators. www.firgelli.com
I'm using two-100mm actuators and one 50mm actuators all 100:1 gear ratio.

Step 3: Solar Hood

I made this cover out of regular steel. Attached two six volt solar panels (ran in series to create 12 volts), connected to a 12 volt battery minder with desulfator. Note: the solar panels does not keep the batteries fully charged during use but does increase run time significantly).

Step 4: Ending

Sorry I couldn't provide step-by-step instructions. But honestly the object to making a robot is creating your own. So hopefully this can be of use as a guideline to creating your own robot. I hope this really does help someone and you guys like it. Also I have a few YouTube videos of me running them... I hope you enjoy!

Step 5:

Comments

[seamster]

I love this! The idea of turning a vintage Tonka truck into RC is brilliant, and adding solar panels just ups the coolness even more. Very impressive stuff!

[sahirbray]

Thankyou and its a honor that you enjoy my work. I have a dump truck coming soon.