Toylander Geepstar rebuild! - something different!

oaktree11 · #1 15th April 2012, 07:35

Hi all,

As a bit of light relief from building my Marlin Sportster (which is a bit frustrating just now...) I have bought a secondhand and very sad Toylander Geepstar with a view to reconstructing it for my grandson to use in the garden.
Toylander are the "Rolls Royce" of electric model cars, take a look at their website!
Here are some pics of what I bought, I will keep updating with progress so far! Fortunately, Toylander's support is second to none. For £25 I purchased the build manual which has all the plans to construct a new body. Richard, who owns the business is really helpful and supportiive.

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IMG_0645 by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]

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IMG_0633 by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]

oaktree11 · #2 15th April 2012, 13:10

OK, I have started. I have to admit, my woodworking skills are limited. I am ok with mechanical things but dont have the skill or the tools for advanced woodwork. The way this thing is built makes it within my limited range! I stuck the paper plans onto 12mm moisture resistant MDF using a can of spray mount glue so I could peel the paper off later, and, using a borrowed jig saw started cutting. Actually easier than I thought and there is plenty of room for errors and their correction.
I am fortunate that we are having a new kitchen fitted next week so, as well as giving me plenty of excuse for junk food, it provides a great space for the build!
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IMG_0668 by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]

Then, using the very simple method of attaching battens and glueing and screwing into them, construction commenced!

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IMG_0671 by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]
You can see some of the cut out parts in the background...
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IMG_0673 by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]

And this is where I am up to now. Have to pause here to strip down the old jeep to get the hardware but work and other stuff will intervene so it might be a while before I continue.
So far so good. I have found the building easy so far. The structure is incredibly strong, no wonder they can last a lifetime!

More soon...... John

davecymru · #3 15th April 2012, 13:25

I'll be following this with interest seeing as i've just bought a set of Toylander 2 plans and i've just come back from picking up my 'doner' mobility scooter

I might have to post a 'build thread' on here as well when things kick off.....

oaktree11 · #4 16th April 2012, 10:10

Excellent Dave! I have learned a few things getting this far! The main one is get a bloody good electric screwdriver! Let me know how you get on, or better still, go for it - start a thread!

John

GreatOldOne · #5 16th April 2012, 10:35

For someone who reckons he's not a carpenter, It's looking very professional.

It looks like fun. I may have to get a set of plans and build one for my nephew...

oaktree11 · #6 16th April 2012, 22:13

Jason, trust me, it's really easy stuff but it IS great fun. These things are tough and will carry an adult.

garyh · #7 18th April 2012, 12:44

I have never seen a kitchen cabinet like that, very original...

oaktree11 · #8 1st August 2012, 21:31

Well, I am really sorry that I have not kept a complete build log. I do stuff then think that I should have taken photos! Anyway, as you can see I have nearly finished. Just on with the wiring. The colour is the MDF sealant which goes before the paint. The build is very easy really but mine was complicated by the fact that the builder of the original jeep took some liberties and since it was built in 1988 the design has changed in some ways. It was all overcome. Hopefully this weekend I will strip it all and do some painting. Black underneath and inside and pillar box red outside. Dougie, my grandson, seems to love it already. I have driven it up the drive and it is powerful and rock solid - I am 18.5 stones btw! These Toylanders are amazingly solid!
Busy weekend, I also want to pull the half shafts out of the 325i donor for my Marlin Sportster too. You can see it in the background.
More when it happens, John

IMG_0019 by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]

IMG_0018 by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]

IMG_0023 by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]

Chris Cussen · #9 2nd August 2012, 10:33

Nice project. May build one myself.

Just heard I will be a grandfather for the first time. With my build times I hope I finish it before he/she/it gets too large!

Patton · #10 2nd August 2012, 18:15

Hi another Sammio'er here (Hi Dave) with plans for a Sieres 1 landy for my grandson. I'm using an electric wheel chair with twin motors and it's control gear. perhaps the big cheese will give us a forum/thread "Toylander" (or "Grandads") . I like the Jeepster I've got a Jago Geep aswell, seeing this I must get on with it xmas is coming, Chris, you can always use it yourself Pat

rog8811 · #11 3rd August 2012, 15:47

Looking good, I bet the g-kids will love it, I have gone the heavy metal route with mine....more of a big boys toy really.

Based on the chassis of a ride on mower.

PaulC · #12 19th August 2012, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by davecymru

... my 'doner' mobility scooter....

Did you get salad and chilli sauce with it?

davecymru · #13 19th August 2012, 16:43

Kit Car Jim · #14 1st October 2012, 19:03

Reading the title through the lst I was certain a Toylander was a toyota I hadnt heard of so this was a surprise, and what a suprise, watching with interest.
Jim

oaktree11 · #15 1st October 2012, 22:30

I am sorry thread has fizzled out of late. To be honest I travel a lot (in Phoenix Az as I type) so I had decided that the little time I DO have at home should be devoted to getting my Marlin Sportster further developed.
Dougie my grandson will be old enough to drive the Geepstar next Summer so I will restart the work soon! Actually its nearly finished, I have all the electrics installed and tested and I have even driven it up the road in prototype form! I am 18st and it carried me easily!

More soon!

John