Tonka Conversion
 

I've had an affection for 50's a& 60's Tonka fire trucks since I discovered them, as a child. Although I never got one back then, I have finally filled that 55 year old void, with some eBay purchases.

Since discovering the world of RC trucking, I've had a desire to do a conversion of an aerial ladder truck. Everything I need to do seems pretty straightforward. The thing I'm struggling with are the axles.

These trucks are 1:16 scale and I need to find something with the proper width for front and rear. The only other obstacle is mounting the hard rubber tires to them.

If someone could get me started in the right direction, I would really appreciate it.

I would be using a truck similar to this one. the goal is not only to be able to drive it, but be able to raise and lower the ladder, extend, retract, and rotate it. for finishing touches, I would add lights, sound, and a rotating beacon

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...a/_MG_1760.jpg

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

That will be an awesome project! What width are you looking for on the axles? The front would be quite simple to make but the rear may be more of a challenge depending on width.

Keep us posted!
Reg

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Cool project although you might upset a few Tonka collectors, but who cares about them. Anyway, Scott (SmallHaul) did a conversion on a Tonka dump truck which might help give you some ideas or at least see how he did things.
http://www.rctruckandconstruction.co...ght=tonka+dump

I think there have been a couple other Tonka conversions on the forum too, just search and I'm sure you'll find them. Hope this helps...

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Thanks for your interest.

I don't see mounting axles as a problem, but maintaining the stock width is. The truck is made of pressed steel and its thickness is .035". Outside of the frame at the rear measures 3.250". Outside of the front is 3.625". The rear is narrower to accommodate dual wheels.

Both of those widths would be my starting point, but I don't know what else would affect the actual final width of either. I've seen straight axles for the front, but get dimensions of spindles to determine final width.

Any help with this would be appreciated.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Now wait a minute, I'm one of "those people", but I will remain anonymous!

I've seen many of them on youtube, so maybe my first stop should be with Scott. Thanks for suggesting him.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Since the rear width is so narrow, maybe you could use 360 rotation servos for a drive setup? That would eliminate the need for a driveline completely and leave the truck largely stock in appearance. Just a thought.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

That ladder truck would be cool converted to rc.

i use the axles from a mini giant rc monster truck but, they quit making them many years ago and rarely come up for sale on ebay.

But, if you only need rear wheel drive you might check out the tiny metal axle that rc4wd sells. It is a 1/18 t-rex micro axle. The axle is very small but it is all metal so, you could extend it to the width you need..

http://store.rc4wd.com/118-T-Rex-Mic...xle_p_438.html

Good luck and have fun.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

I looked at the axle you suggested. The width looks like it would work just fine. Now for another piece of the puzzle. I need help with is attaching the dual rear wheels to the axle and shaft. Did you drill your axle shaft and put the pin in it, or did it come that way?

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Can you take a dremel tool and make a slot inside of the wheel for the pin on the axle. And then when you put the axle nut on the wheel should actually drive.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

I don't have any problem doing that, I'm not sure if the axle shaft in the differential, is large enough to put the pin in.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

If you look at the pictures closely it appears that the axles are already drilled for cross pins.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

You know, I believe you're correct! Thanks for pointing that out to me.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

No problem!

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

This is how i attached the wheels on my first tonka conversion.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f...maxxin/P14.jpg

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

I saw this in your build photos. It looks like there is a brass bushing inside the tire, that is glued in? I looked at the axle you recommended, but need to know the size of the nut to put on the first tire and the next for the outer. also, I am waiting for a response as to size of the pin.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Yes, there is a brass sleeve glued into the plastic wheel to provide a hard/solid surface for the axle to sit in.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Can you provide me with any information on the fasteners you used?

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

i used metric screws, tamiya semi truck hardware, modified tamiya high lift springs, aluminum U channel, aluminum angle stock.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Sheesh,


Scott I remember at the NPS show this August, begging for information on your conversion and all I got was, "eh, ya, something like that..."

Just kidding! :p

Jim

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Watch it Jimmy boy,,,i'll throw dirt and rocks in your tracks at the next show!:p

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

:cop: Ok boys. settle down, or take it outside the forum!

I've been searching ebay for construction materials, and some of the basic parts I'll need for the build. I found some Tamiya TAM9808205 leaf springs, that look similar to those Scott used. I still need to find out what the thread size is on the 1/18 T-Rex Micro Rear Straight Axle is at RD4WD. Next I'll have to find a front axle.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Rsd,

Slow down on the build, would you? Where's the fire? :p

Jim

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Jim,

That reminds me, I need to get a reducer to go with the motor and transmission, I have yet to address!

Rob

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Well it IS a fire truck... :)

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

That it is, and still completely static!

Over the weekend, I ordered some aluminum channel, and material for the cross members.

I've been working on preliminary CAD drawings for the mounting of servos, motors, and lights for the trailer. That will keep me busy for quite a while, based on the number devices I'm looking at.

At the same time, I would like to get the truck conversion completed. My plan is to use as many used parts as I can. Right now, I'd to locate a motor, transmission, and reducer for the truck. If anyone has these, and is willing to part with them, please PM me.

Rob

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Got a motor and transmission, just looking for a reducer now.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Has anyone on here widened one of these 1/18 t-rex axles and who offers the parts to do it? I have one of these axles and I am looking to widen it.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

awesome donor/conversion truck!!

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Thanks.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Nice idea for an old school build. Can't wait to see it working.

Re: Tonka Conversion
 

Sorry to be 'that guy' and drag up old stuff... i like fire trucks and 'ruining' old toys by making them awesome.

Did this Ladder ever get any farther? What were you planning to run for axles?