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Rumble Seat Rambler


Here is nice looking wooden car project.
It is another of my own designs taken from a picture of an old toy.

First, download and print out the Adobe Acrobat file (pdf) by right-clicking on the drawing below. The drawing is full-scale. The body can be made from a 2x4 scrap but I suggest a good hardwood stock such as Maple. Start with a 1-3/4" by 2-1/2" by 8-3/4" piece. Cut out the side view template and tape it to the block of wood. Align the bottom edge of the template to the straight edge of your block of wood. Drill two 5/16" diameter axle holes in the positions indicated in the drawing.

The sides (dark wood) bring the width back out to 1-3/4".
Cut the front and rear seat areas out on a bandsaw then turn the block upright and trim a 3/16" slice off the side of the body from the back forward to area A. This is where the side pieces will fit. Use the template of the side pieces to cut one part from a piece of 3/4" stock then resaw it into two 3/16" pieces on a bandsaw. Test fit the pieces and shape to fit as needed. Position, glue and clamp the side pieces onto the body.
Cut out the roof, trunk lid, and three seat cushions using the templates then shape them on a sander. Position and glue the front seat cushions in place. Glue the rear seat cushion to the inside of the trunk lid then test fit the lid and trim as needed. Position the trunk lid in place then carefully drill a 1/8" hole through the side and trunk lid on a drill press or lathe in order to ensure the hole is true. Remove the
trunk lid drill the hole out to 3/16" to allow the lid to pivot easily. Use a 1/8" dowel to install the trunk lid but be careful to not get any glue on the lid itself. Cut one running boards from 3/4" stock using the template and
resaw it into two equal pieces. Drill a 1/8" pilot hole turn six wheels. With another piece of stock, turn two headlights and a radiator cap. You can simply cut them from dowels and dowel plugs if you do not have a lathe. Drill a 1/4" hole through the exact center of each wheel and attach the wheels with a 1/4" dowel leaving just enough play for the wheels to turn freely. You may wish to wax the axles before assembly. Position, glue and clamp the running boards into place. They should fit close to the wheels but not touch them. Locate the spare tires then drill a 1/4" hole through the wheel and into the body and mount with a 1/4" dowel. Locate and drill holes for the headlights and radiator cap then glue them into position. Cut and glue pieces of 1/4" dowels for bumpers for an added touch. Sand all edges to a smooth round shape then finish the project in a child-safe clear wood finish.

*********** WARNING***********
Read my page on safety before building this item.You do not need to print these in scale as all dimensions are given.
Materials needed:
9" long 2x4
3" long 1/8" dowel
2' long 1/4" dowel
4" x 9" plank 3/4" thick
1" x 2" x 3" scrap for roof
1-1/2" turning stock or dowel for wheels
Dowels/plugs for headlights/radiator cap
Childsafe clear wood finish