New owner (hopefully) with some questions (Re: offroad mods)

[Leroi Jenkins]

Hi all!

I am really hoping to get a smart car for what you might think is an unusual use - I want to drive it off road.

See, I've had Hummers and Jeeps, and I'm tired of the expense of fuel, as well as needing to fuel up my tow vehicle.

I think I understand that these Smart Cars are well-engineered, and hope I can pick one up and modify it a little for some off-road work. I'm betting I can adapt ATV tires to fit, and four wheel drive isn't a problem - I've broken driveshafts plenty of times.

How is the space in these cars? Are there spots to mount recovery equipment like a winch and a Hi-Lift Jack?

Please don't flame me - after watching the inauguration I was inspired to do something better for my country and the environment. I can't think of a better way than by reducing my carbon footprint off road.

[jwight]

Here's one version.

[Orphan-Beggar]

Originally Posted by Obamalamadingdong

after watching the inauguration I was inspired to do something better for my country and the environment. I can't think of a better way than by reducing my carbon footprint off road.

You might as well also modify for water
amphibious cars - Google Image Search

[bigcritter]

Originally Posted by Orphan-Beggar

You might as well also modify for water
amphibious cars - Google Image Search

I WANT that motorhome!! :>)

[h20m0f0]

Originally Posted by bigcritter

I WANT that motorhome!! :>)

Double Wide with pop outs.... I would like a hover craft then I could go on the road, offroad, and the water...

[Paragon]

Originally Posted by Obamalamadingdong

Hi all!

I am really hoping to get a smart car for what you might think is an unusual use - I want to drive it off road.

See, I've had Hummers and Jeeps, and I'm tired of the expense of fuel, as well as needing to fuel up my tow vehicle.

I think I understand that these Smart Cars are well-engineered, and hope I can pick one up and modify it a little for some off-road work. I'm betting I can adapt ATV tires to fit, and four wheel drive isn't a problem - I've broken driveshafts plenty of times.

How is the space in these cars? Are there spots to mount recovery equipment like a winch and a Hi-Lift Jack?

Please don't flame me - after watching the inauguration I was inspired to do something better for my country and the environment. I can't think of a better way than by reducing my carbon footprint off road.

Wow!!! This is an uncanny coincidence - I just signed up to ask about the same subject.
I'm wondering if it would be possible to fab a winch mount or receiver(s) for a portable winch? Are there any CAD pics of the SMART's frame so I can decide how to proceed with this?

Obamalamadingdong, what size Hi-Lift were you thinking about using? Would you color match it to your car? that'd be very SMART looking.

[Leroi Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Paragon

Wow!!! This is an uncanny coincidence - I just signed up to ask about the same subject.
I'm wondering if it would be possible to fab a winch mount or receiver(s) for a portable winch? Are there any CAD pics of the SMART's frame so I can decide how to proceed with this?

Obamalamadingdong, what size Hi-Lift were you thinking about using? Would you color match it to your car? that'd be very SMART looking.

Well, Para I was sorta planning on it. Actually planning on re-painting the whole car in Obama's campaign colors.

I was also thinking maybe a mandrel-bent .075 tube frame jig and a Warn winch on front and rear receivers would be best. I live kind of close to the ghetto and removable would be so much better for me.

The best part is, I am looking at ATV parts and accessories which are much less expensive than these kinds of things were for my H2!

Shoot me a PM - maybe we can exchange ideas!

[Paragon]

Originally Posted by Obamalamadingdong

Well, Para I was sorta planning on it. Actually planning on re-painting the whole car in Obama's campaign colors.

I was also thinking maybe a mandrel-bent .075 tube frame jig and a Warn winch on front and rear receivers would be best. I live kind of close to the ghetto and removable would be so much better for me.

The best part is, I am looking at ATV parts and accessories which are much less expensive than these kinds of things were for my H2!

Shoot me a PM - maybe we can exchange ideas!

Great!!! I will. Aren't you so glad that a man of BHO's charisma and character is in the WH? I know I am.

Back to the winches...
So I'm thinking about which winch would be suitable for the SMART. Due to it's diminutive size I'm thinking I could get away with a using a Warn XT40. It's rated for 4000lbs, which should be more than adequate for a SMART. I'd really like to use a 9.5si M.O.S.F.E.T. , but the weight of the winch would probably ruin the suspension.

[Paragon]

Also, in honor of Obama, what color synthetic rope should I use? I'd like to use a black line in honor of his blackness, but blue might be better since he's such a beautiful Democrat. What do you think?

[jwight]

For the two new members here, welcome to the forums!

And just so you know, the following topics are prohibited on the forums:

Religion, Death Penalty, and Politics

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