BUILDING THE HUMUNGUS MACHINE

Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:48 am

I had been considering getting an old Ford truck and trying to convert it to the Humungus machine. It really looks like just some sheet metal, two 55 gallon drums, a few accessories, and some pipes. I don't think it would be too hard to weld or bolt a third axle in there. But the sticking point would be moving the steering wheel, pedals, and gear shifter not only to the middle of the truck but also raised a bit too. Does anyone know how hard this is to do, or better yet, done it themselves?

As soon as I get the Humungus machine finished I'll start working out so I can look like Kjell...



Thu Jun 05, 2008 1:36 pm I had heard of the chain-drive thing; I saw an episode of Carpocaclypse (great freaking show!) where they did that. Doesn't seem very stable, but it does seem like the cheapest and easiest to do. If I ever get this project rolling, I might have to try that. But still, as for moving the pedals and shifter, I'm at a loss.



Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:20 pm

I guess I'll keep posting updates; I got a couple of old steering column shafts with U-joints that I'm going to weld together when I move the wheel to the center of the truck.

I've also made the two bodies Humungus has tied to the front. Instead of trying to get life-like rescue dummies that are waaaay to expensive and also very heavy, I made these from PCV pipe, a few screws, and duct tape. I have a couple of heads coming in the mail.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bodies1.JPG

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bodies2.JPG

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bodies3.JPG



Sat Jun 28, 2008 3:27 pm

Here's the finished bodies...

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bodies4.jpg



Jul 04, 2008 11:31 pm

I have a 1977 F150 lined up for use as a base vehicle, as well as a Ford rear axle to weld onto it. Can anyone tell me the technical info about what kind of wheels and tires the Humungus machine has? There is a place that has hundreds of wheels (rims) laying around, but all I know is that my axles take 5 lug wheels and the Humungus machine has wheels with the triangles around them, like the Interceptor. I need the technical info so I can find the right wheels and tires to fit them. Some help, anyone?



Jul 06, 2008 4:11 pm

The truck has been bought, and I pick it up in a few days. I have to figure out how to weld/bolt the third axle onto it. I'm pretty sure the driveshaft is going to be in the way, too, so I'll have to somehow work around that. Also, finding places to mount the shocks and leaf springs... let the fun begin! That's not even counting the hard stuff, like putting together the steering column shafts and U-joints and moving the shifter.



Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:32 am

Thanks for the idea. But re-mounting the existing rear axle, shocks, and springs (assuming there are suitable mounts for all of that) and hoping to find a drive shaft of the right length seems like a longshot. I've been looking into getting some front spindles and wheels and just welding those on for the middle 'axle'. They will be right on the frame with no suspention, but I don't think that will matter too much and I won't be driving it all over anyway if it does.



Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:07 pm

Here's a picture of the base truck. Its a 1977 F150, 2WD automatic with the shifter on the center hub, and a 351W V8. I would have prefered a 460, but oh well.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungustruck.JPG

And here is a measuring wheel that I'm going to use for one of the fuel pumps. Instead of trying to find two real pumps, I'm just going to make some fake ones. I'm going to remove the wheel and use it for the pump.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humunguswheel.jpg

I'll take pics of everything and post them as I work. I'm a little concerned about this truck. The seller said it "starts and runs fine", but he hasn't used it in two years. (TWO YEARS?!?!) I'd hate to drive all the way out to where it is to have it not start up. Or worse, manage to get it started and buy it, and THEN it decides to crap out on me.

I've considered the middle wheels some more, and I'm going to get two front spindles and the upper and lower pieces that hold them on (don't know what those are called, anyone?) and weld some steel pipe into a few 'U' shapes to run through the upper and lower pieces. Then I weld the 'U' to the frame and the wheels will have some up and down movement. But I have to get a look at the stripped frame to see how well this will work, but I think I should be ok.

I'm going to start by taking off all the body panels, bumpers, and the hood. I might be able to use some of the bed, so that will stay for now. I know a place that can supply the steel for the horizontal side pieces, rear piece, and the 'hood', and I know another place that I can get sheet metal for the seat, rear spoiler, and the walls around the fuel drums.

I have some old aluminum door/window frames that I'm going to use to make a frame for the seat, and then screw the sheet metal to that. I've seen a few close-ups of the Humungus vehicle, and that's how they made the 'throne', at least.

Here's a question for you. I want a megaphone that works off DC power, so I can plug it into the cigarette lighter and not worry about power or the batteries dieing. The only places that seem to sell them are in the UK. So would an appliance that works on a UK vehicle cigarette lighter also work on a US vehicle cigarette lighter? Is there any difference? It might sound like a stupid question, but I'd rather be sure than plop down $150.00 for a megaphone that I can't use. I tried asking some of these companies, but no one has replied.



Thu Jul 10, 2008 2:28 am

I would just get a CB or police PA system, but I'm worried about hooking up all the electronics. With a cigarette plug in megaphone, I just plug it in and that's it. I plan on mounting some fake speakers on the roll bar and put the real one under the 'hood'. No worries about feedback there.

As for the driveshaft, I'm just going to put some wheels on shoulder axles in between the two existing axles. Or just weld together some kind of suspension and get two spindles (with rotors) and weld or bolt those to the frame.

HUMVEE Driver



Jul 10, 2008 2:35 am

After putting some 200 miles on my truck, the base vehicle of the Humungus machine is home. It sat for like half a year, and it started reasonably well considering. It had to be started with another battery, though. So I have the original battery charging now; we'll see if I can resurrect it. The truck seems to have some problems with stalling after shifting into gear; I'm hoping that some regular use and a tune up will fix that. The radiator has a pinhole in it, hoping to fix that too instead of replacing it. (You can solder that, right?) Some sort of fluid was leaking onto my trailer, didn't smell like gas and not thick enough for oil, probably trans fluid. Have to see about that. And the power steering whines, I'm hoping that just needs fluid. Lot of 'hope' involved with this, 'eh? The good news... well the shifter is just a half ass bar that you move to put it in Drive; no button to press. So I should be able to cut it down and hide it on the floor under the steering wheel, then put on a fake shifter next to the driver's seat. I was worried about putting together some sort of linkage for that. And with all the problems I wore the seller down an extra $125.00. Price wise, I'm still in the game. Continuing pursuit.

Looking at this eyesore sitting in on a trailer in front of my house kind of gives me that feeling that I've bitten off more than I can chew. Fuck it. I'm going to have a completely unique vehicle or die trying.

Damn thing started right up this morning with little trouble and after a bit it held an idle. I had the battery on a charger all night, so we'll see if its ok tomorrow morning.

Pretty sure its the trans that is dripping fluid, I don't know what I can do about that, if anything.

So I'm feeling pretty good about this right now. With you drivin' that rig sonny, we got it licked...

HUMVEE Driver



Fri Jul 11, 2008 4:03 pm

Well she started right up this morning and I adjusted the carb so it runs a little smoother. But... its dripping coolant nonstop. I tried finding the leak, and it looks like its coming out of where the oil pan meets the engine block. I can't really tell, and I haven't REALLY gotten under there for a closer look. Could it be one of the freeze plugs is loose? Christ I hope its not too serious.

Today I got two spindles and one rotor to be used for the middle wheels. (They only had one rotor) I'm going to fabricate some sort of flexable frame and run it through the spindles and then weld it to the frame. It will allow the tires to move up and down over any bumps.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spindle2.bmp

Now here's a technical question, the dealer just cut the I-beam that the spindles were on. So the grease fittings were still there on each spindle. (I took them off) There is also a threaded bolt (with no head) in the remaining piece of I-beam perpendicular to the spindle (the spindle bolt?). How the hell do I get that out? I'll post a pic of it tomorrow. I'm thinking the I-beam is made of some kind of softer metal. Thick, like lead. My sawz-all couldn't really cut it (but then it is like 2 inches thick) but I was able to drill into it fairly easily. Anyone? I made up a picture of what I want to do. As you see in the pic on the left, I need to get the spindle bushings and the spindle bolt out. (My spindles have three holes/mounts for pipe to go through, as I've added in the right hand picture) The jagged red line is where they cut the I-beam. So I make up my framework from pipes or rods (bold black lines) and weld it to to the frame (red marks). The blue lines are movable joints where the whole thing can flex. Gravity holds the wheel/tires on the ground. I hope I'm making some sense here.

I also am going for some exhaust stacks:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/exhaust.JPG They are 5 inch diameter and 36 inches long, which I think is just right.

I also started working on the framework for the seat made from aluminum door and window frames.



Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:57 pm

Here are some pics of the spindles I am working on:

Here you can see the jagged edge where they cut it off the I-beam. I put a circle around the bolt I can't get off.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spindle3.jpg

Here is the other side of that spindle. I circled the other end of the bolt. It doesn't have a head or a slot for a screwdriver, how the hell did they get it in there? Which way is it supposed to screw out?

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spindle4.jpg

And the other spindle. I just drilled through the bolt on that one, but I had to stop for the night.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spindle5.jpg

Tomorrow I'm taking the spindles to work and I'm going to see if I can use the Jaws of Life to get those pieces off.

And the base truck:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/base_truck.jpg

Here is the nozzle I picked up for the rear of Humungus' truck: And here is the right hand side of the frame I'm building for the seat:



Sat Jul 12, 2008 3:45 am

Thanks for the support, guys. I really do appreciate it. I'm going to try to tackle the coolant leak tomorrow.

Today I got two spindles and one rotor to be used for the middle wheels. (They only had one rotor) I'm going to fabricate some sort of flexable frame and run it through the spindles and then weld it to the frame. It will allow the tires to move up and down over any bumps.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spindle2.bmp

Now here's a technical question, the dealer just cut the I-beam that the spindles were on. So the grease fittings were still there on each spindle. (I took them off) There is also a threaded bolt (with no head) in the remaining piece of I-beam perpendicular to the spindle (the spindle bolt?). How the hell do I get that out? I'll post a pic of it tomorrow. I'm thinking the I-beam is made of some kind of softer metal. Thick, like lead. My sawz-all couldn't really cut it (but then it is like 2 inches thick) but I was able to drill into it fairly easily. Anyone? I made up a picture of what I want to do. As you see in the pic on the left, I need to get the spindle bushings and the spindle bolt out. (My spindles have three holes/mounts for pipe to go through, as I've added in the right hand picture) The jagged red line is where they cut the I-beam. So I make up my framework from pipes or rods (bold black lines) and weld it to to the frame (red marks). The blue lines are movable joints where the whole thing can flex. Gravity holds the wheel/tires on the ground. I hope I'm making some sense here.

I also am going for some exhaust stacks:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/exhaust.JPG



Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:57 pm

Here are some pics of the spindles I am working on:

Here you can see the jagged edge where they cut it off the I-beam. I put a circle around the bolt I can't get off.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spindle3.jpg

Here is the other side of that spindle. I circled the other end of the bolt. It doesn't have a head or a slot for a screwdriver, how the hell did they get it in there? Which way is it supposed to screw out?

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spindle4.jpg

And the other spindle. I just drilled through the bolt on that one, but I had to stop for the night.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spindle5.jpg

And the base truck:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/base_truck.jpg

Tomorrow I'm taking the spindles to work and I'm going to see if I can use the Jaws of Life to get those pieces off.



Sun Jul 13, 2008 3:26 am

Here is the nozzle I picked up for the rear of Humungus' truck:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/nozzle.jpg

And here is the right hand side of the frame I'm building for the seat:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/frame.jpg



Jul 14, 2008 1:49 am

Yep, they were wedge pins. I used the Jaws of Life to pop them out, and then a hammer and driver to pound the spindle bolts out. Tomorrow I start putting my custom spindle 'suspension' together and taking the body panels off the truck.

More fun.

The gas tank was on Empty, so I put 5 gallons in it. Turns out it leaks.

I was planning on using the 55 gallon drums for show, now I'm thinking about just ignoring the old gas tank and making the drums functional. I think I'd have to move the fuel pump..

So where is the fuel pump located? If it is in the tank, how do I get it out and then how do I mount it in one of the 55 gallon drums? If it is outside the tank, can I just run a line into the bottom of one of the drums? I'd appreciate any help with this.



Jul 18, 2008 12:29 am

This project has suffered a major setback recently.

My ultimate goal is to have it fully registered, licensed, insured, and legal to drive. (I've looked it up: all possible) But with every thing I repaired on the base truck I'd find two more things that were broken.

-Oil pan leaking/crumbling
-Rear trans seal leaking
-Freeze plugs rotted
-Needs new power steering pump
-Motor mounts rotted
-Shifter unreliable

That's just what I know of. One thing is for sure: the truck is not safe to drive. Guess that's what I get for going with a 29 year-old truck. Hey, I was trying to be authentic.

So, yesterday I sold it to a junkyard. They paid a lot for it, considering, but I am still about $100.00 in the hole. Oh well. Lesson learned.

I do have another truck to look at tomorrow. It will be a newer vehicle, but much more reliable, and the frame hasn't changed all that much, so I don't think that will matter.

On a happier note, I got the exhaust stacks yesterday and they are PERFECT.



Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:37 am

I got four wheels for $10 each and they threw in the tires for free. They only had one 33 inch tire so I got four 32 inchers. I still have to paint the wheels black. What do you think?

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/tires.jpg

Tomorrow I go to look at a '84 F150. Its an old lady who is selling it, and she wasn't able to tell me much about it. If it doesn't have a 351 I'm not buying it. I'm hoping for a 460, but I doubt it. Wish me luck.



Jul 19, 2008 10:40 pm

Great news!

I bought the '84 F150 today, and its a great truck. I hate to say it, but the old lady selling it really didn't know what it was worth. She should have been asking for twice what she said, and to top it off I even talked her down some. I feel like a bastard. But, she wanted it off her lawn and she didn't even haggle with me. So, the truck is mine. It has a 5.8 351 V8, and the spare tire is the correct 'wagon wheel'. So I have one more wheel and two more tires to find. The truck started up right away and sounded strong. I drove it home, (about a 30 minute trip) most of the time on the highway, and it ran fine. I'm very happy with it.

Today I also got two 55 gallon drums in great shape for $10.00 each.

So now the plan is to dismantle the truck and try to sell the parts in order to make up a little of what I spent. I found a great place that deals in used truck parts and I should have no problem getting what I need.



Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:14 pm

I put the wheels with 32 inch tires that I'm going to use on the base vehicle today:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/base_truck2.jpg

And I took a pic of the heart of the beast:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/heart.jpg

Today I picked up all the pipe and steel I will need to weld together my custom third axles. I also got four 15x10 wagon wheels. They are rather deep, and I'm wondering if I'll have to get any special tires to fit them, or if regular old tires will work. Anyone?

Tomorrow I hope to trade some of the cast-off tires and wheels I don't need for a brake rotor and some more 32 inch tires. Then I can start on fabricating and mounting the third axles.



Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:02 am

I finally found some more wheels and tires, so now I have four 33 inch tires and two 32 inch tires mounted on 6 correct 'wagon' wheels. I put the 32s on the front. I've also been welding up my custom third axles and they are close to being finished. All I need is one more stinkin' front brake rotor! Ford used the same kind from like '77 to '92, and no junkyard has even one! I refuse to buy a new one. The search continues...

One good thing about this project is that I've basically traded the truck's wheels and tires for the ones I need. I really haven't bought much at all.



Jul 26, 2008 2:18 am

Test fitting my middle wheel and custom suspension... I found out I'm going to have to pretty much take the bed off to get a good idea of how it should fit. No big deal, because I had to take the bed off to do the welding anyway.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/wheels.jpg



Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:36 pm

I finally got that brake rotor, for $5.00 too! I had to find one in a junkyard and take it off myself, but no big deal. Now I have to take the bed off the frame and measure up where to weld the middle wheels.

I've also been working on the frames for the seat:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/frame2.jpg

The lawn chair is just there so I can get an idea where the actual seat will go!



Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:11 pm

The frames shown are made of aluminum, and the rivets hold everything together well. When I add the sheet metal they will be ever sturdier. Since they are only going to be sitting there not carrying any load, I'm going to leave them as is.

The seat is a seperate frame. I actually just finished it. The seat is made of steel pieces bolted together, and I see no problem with it holding my weight, even after I bulk up like Kjell.

Thanks for looking into that bayonet. A Spanish Mauser, hmmm? A quick look on Ebay showed some going for either a lot or not much at all. I'd appreciate you getting one for me, but don't pay too much. Since I need two, see if they'll give you a discount for buying two at once! I'm going to keep looking for some cheap ones myself.

My middle axle suspension is just about done. All I have to do is measure and cut the distance between the wheel and the frame. (but first I have to get the bed off)

I've looked at this long and hard, and I think my design will work. All that I realized I needed to add are some stops to keep the wheels from folding under or outwards, but I would have to hit something or take a hard turn for that to happen. So they should just flex up and down. Wish me luck...

Oh and I talked to my insurance people and after I explained what I was doing they said it sounds like they can cover me. (I asked for no fault) But they want a picture of the completed vehicle with all the modifications... should be an interesting day.



Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:49 am

Those frames aren't solid metal, they are like a 'U' shape. They are actually door and window frames cut to size. Their 3-D shape gives more structural integrity than if I just used flat pieces.

Yes, the shifter will be on the left hand frame, but I plan on making a separate frame for it (out of steel) that will sit inside the aluminum frame. I'm going to make that bugger rock solid, believe me. If the measurements work out I hope I can weld it right to the truck frame. Now, setting up a linkage or cable or whatever to make the shifter work once I move it... well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Ditto with the gas and brake pedals. Those should be the hardest part of this whole thing.

I'll make sure my seat frame is welded solid, and secured tight to the frame. I think it will be near the front of the truck bed. At any rate, I'll be reinforcing the heck out of it.

I've looked into the laws and talked to a few cops... it seems that as long as you have headlights and brake lights you are pretty much ok. I've read that if you don't have a windshield then you are ok with wearing a helmet. (I'm planning on putting together a Bad Cop outfit for when I drive it) I think the no windshield thing and no seatbelts thing falls under the laws like a motorcycle, or even a dune buggy. I'm really going to have to research this better and get some solid footing. I'm also thinking about using a pic of the beast when it is not quite finished, and hence not quite so menacing. The insurance people I talked to seemed very optimistic with what I told them... I just hope that I'm not fooling myself. Just my luck for me to finish this and not be able to drive it.... I'd hate to have to show them the Vengeance of the Lord Humungus!

Today I got some 'cowhide' cloth for the seat. Tomorrow I get the seat cushions and some sheet metal.

Now I need some info... any idea where to get a spoiler like that? How about six NO2 or oxygen bottles? I've looked all over the internet with no luck.

HUMVEE Driver



Wed Aug 06, 2008 3:39 am

Some updates:

I made the cowhide seat cushions and got a good steering wheel from an old Mustang. Its very close to a replica.

I gave up on finding a replica tach; I'm just going to print off a high quality image of Humungus' and stick it on a different tach.

Soon I'll begin cutting up the sheet metal and rivetting it to the frames.

I've figured out how to make some cheap NO2 bottles.

After a long search on the net and contacting several collectors, I should be getting a replica, working mic. Apparently it is some kind of military mic.

I have a vehicle mounted PA system that is powered by the cigarette lighter; I might need some technical help in wiring it all together. Its Ebay item #130241312507, if anyone wants to take a look. I plan on mounting the speaker underneath the 'hood' and having other speakers on the roll bar for show. This setup will avoid any feedback. Anyway, here is what the seller said about hooking it up:

It is plug and play! You can set the unit on the floor of your auto, thread the speaker cable through a convenient grommet in the fire wall, bolt the speaker to something solid up front, plug the 1/8" phone plug into the speaker jack on your transceiver, and plug in the microphone, plug the cigar lighter plug into the 12 vdc negative ground in your dash, turn the switch to "radio" or "microphone" and you're going to be heard! Outside of mounting brackets, if desired, there's nothing else to buy.(The other knob controls microphone volume; the volume control on your radio controls the level sent to the outside speaker).

Any idea what the boxes on the rear on either side of the vehicle are from? I think they might be some kind of battery boxes, or maybe tool boxes. Anyone?

HUMVEE Driver



Sat Aug 16, 2008 2:42 am

I started cutting up the sheet metal and bolting it to the frames. I still have to trim down the seat cushions a little bit.

The bones are going to be used for the trident weapons used by Humungus.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/seat1.jpg



Sep 04, 2008 1:15 am

The past few weeks have been preparing for and attending DragonCon. There were FOUR Maxs from The Road Warrior there! Very cool!

Saturday my sawz-all gets a workout. I'm taking the bed off the truck then. How's that for an update?

The plan is to keep the rear brake lights functioning and in one piece. I'm going to put each of them in a metal housing with some magnets on the back. That way I can put them on (nice and legal-like) when I'm driving on the road and then just stick them underneath when I park it for display. Same idea for the side view mirrors.

Thanks for the interest, I haven't forgotten about this!



Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:55 am

Ok, I know I said I'd be taking (cutting) the bed off the truck. But first, I need to take it to a car wash to power spray all these layers of crud that are back there. But before that, I need to have it registered and insured so I can drive it. I've got it insured, but to get it resgistered I have to make a trip to the DMV with my proof of insurance, which I should get in the mail soon. Oh, and I'm getting a vanity plate, "HUMUNGS". Or should I go with ROADWAR or something? So that should all happen in the next week. In the meantime...

I've hit on a cheap and easy way to make the six NO2 bottles. Take two plastic club soda bottles and cut the end off of one. Crazy glue them together. Take a Slurpie top and glue the club soda bottle cap so it covers the hole. Then glue the Slurpie top to the bottom of the club soda bottle. Fill the whole thing up with that stuff you spray into cracks in walls to give it some weight and stability. Sand down the rough parts and spray paint the whole thing blue. Print off some red decals that say NITROUS OXIDE in black and put them on. Get some garden hose spigot knobs and attach them (I haven't done that yet; should be easy) Rinse and repeat five times and you're done. I don't think I'll be spending more than 7-8 dollars on each one.

Here is the first one, yet to be painted.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/no2.jpg

I also got a spotlight for that single bigass headlight on the front.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spotlight4.jpg

Its from an old boat; 10 inches across. I'm going to mate it to one of those police spotlights that just plug into the cigarette lighter.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spotlight1.jpg

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spotlight2.jpg

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spotlight3.jpg



Sun Sep 14, 2008 1:33 am

Here are three of the Nitro bottles I'm working on:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/nitro4.JPG

I have all six almost finished now. Just some sanding and touch up paint, then I put on the knobs and decals. (Its just a bad pic; my decals aren't fuzzy at all)

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/nitro3.JPG

Also, I think I'm going to go with the vanity plate "ROADWAR" instead of "HUMUNGS". I think "HUMUNGS" is too confusing.



Tue Sep 16, 2008 3:49 am

More work on the nitro bottles:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/nitro5.jpg

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/nitro6.jpg



Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:46 am

Hey Humvee, Not sure if these will help but I thought I would post em anyway...

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/bluesubmariner/MM233.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb238/bluesubmariner/MM234.jpg

I dont think I have many more of the Humungus machine but I will have a look. Cant wait to see it finished.

EMIL



Sat Sep 20, 2008 12:43 pm

Wow, thanks, Emil! Yes, those pictures certainly help. I can use each and every pic you have. I want to try and get as many details right as possible, so bring them on!

I can't say how much it means to me to have your support (and the support of everyone else) I truly appreciate it.

Regards, HUMVEE Driver



Sat Sep 20, 2008 5:39 pm

I've completed the bottles, except for the copper tubing that will go on when I have them mounted to the vehicle.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/nitro7.jpg

batmax5, I found these loudspeakers on Ebay for $12 each. They are very close to the originals.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/speakers.jpg



Sun Sep 28, 2008 7:14 pm

I finally got a day to myself where I had time to do some real work.

Last week I got the beast's insurance paperwork in the mail and I went and got it registered. The vanity plate will be "ROADWAR".

Last night I took it to a do-it-yourself carwash and sprayed all the crap out of the bed.

Today, I cut off one side of the bed, cleaned up the site where the middle axle will go, and partially welded it on.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bhumungus1.JPG

Cutting away the first part and grinding away the rust

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bhumungus2.JPG

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bhumungus3.JPG

And the award for ugliest weld of the year goes to... HUMVEE Driver!!!

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bhumungus4.JPG

I took off the bed and the emergency brake mounts with a combination of my sawz-all (and a whole lot of blades), my cutting torch, and a crowbar. Then the angle grinder cleaned up the site. I spent a lot of time getting the tire perfectly positioned and I was about to weld it, when I realized the front two tires were partially down my driveway, and so the beast was on an uneven slope. Whew! So I backed it up and got the tire in place again... only to realize my welder couldn't reach! So... back up the truck again and I was all set. I got the axle welded in, and I'm resisting the temptation to test drive it without the rest of the suspension in place. I'm just taking a break now. I still have to measure and cut the rods for the upper part of my custom suspension, and then weld them in place. It's all coming together...

"I can feel it! The dice are rollin'!"



Mon Sep 29, 2008 5:55 pm

Here is a pic of the finished setup:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/bhumungus5.JPG

And it didn't work.

On the test drive (a very slow cruise down my street) it fell apart and I ended up with the tire under my rear axle. I'm not sure what happened; the tire had some shaking but it smoothed out, then when I turned it really started binding up (like making a slow turn with a vehicle in 4 wheel drive). Then it broke off. So, I'm not happy. An engineer I am not, I know that, but I thought this would work a little better. The wheel didn't have to support any weight other than its own, so I figured the pipes, rods, and the welds holding everything together would work.

Mad Maxwell, where were you yesterday? I appreciate your input, and I know you want to help out, so no offence taken at all. Just the opposite, I need the help! I kind of half-thought this might not work, but I was hoping for more than what I got. Hence, the slow test drive. Now, back to the drawing board...

If anyone has some ideas about this, I'd love to hear them. I spent all day yesterday working on this and now I'm like WTF? Better yet (though I know its a longshot) how did the original makers do this? Damn that George Miller and his million dollar budget!!!

Oh and mack tanker, my welder is a Miller Thunderbolt 225.

I've been looking for some Ford shoulder axles that would fit the rotors I have the wheels on, but no luck so far. If I got some I'd try putting some holes in the frame and bolting them in place. In the meantime I'm going to consult an engineer buddy about this. If he can't help, I guess I'm just going to try something similar to what I did before, but reinforce the hell out if it. Maybe even take it to a professional welder. I'm pretty sure that I'm an amateur at best. Wish me luck.

I did finish the front headlight, except for the wiring which has to be installed after I mount it on the 'hood'.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/spotlight5.JPG



Wed Oct 01, 2008 2:08 pm

I'd like to thank everyone personally for their input. It is truly appreciated.

I'm going to look into the trailer axle idea, but there isn't much clearance under the gas tank. (The tank hangs lower than the driveshaft) Aslo I'm going to consider batmax5's idea, but as a last resort like he mentioned.

I've been talking to my engineer friend. I sent him this message with these pics:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/truck111.jpg

The truck has a twin I-beam layout. It has two independent I-beam axles (one for each side) suspended by coil springs. As you can see in the pictures truck5 and truck6, the I-beams overlap, one in front of the other, and then they are connected to the frame. But the top of the I-beams is 30” off the ground, which is at least 6” too high to clear the gas tank. So just mounting an entire front suspension in the rear won’t work.

Now, I was thinking, if I cut off the I-beams where they cross the outside of the frame and put a hole on them there I could then use that hole for a bolt that would then fit into a mount welded to the frame. The bolt would be horizontal, so then that would give the wheel some up and down movement. The coil spring and the shock absorber are both almost perfectly vertical; one right in front of the other. The top of the coil spring is 17” off the ground, which will fit. The coil spring and the shock both (truck4) are mounted on the same housing (or whatever you call it) and I THINK I could modify that to fit on the frame where I need it. With the coil and shock in place that would eliminate the bouncing we talked about. I would just remove the struts you see in truck2.

Then I’d have to cut each tie rod in the right spot and put together a secure way of attaching them to the frame at the right spot (in order to keep the tire facing forward at all times) I’d also have to allow some up and down movement in my tie rod fixture point for bumps in the road. So I would have up and down movement on the ‘natural’ assembly of the stock suspension (as in: very stable and without any ‘wiggle’ room) and the coil/shock would keep it stable. The tie rod would stabilize it for the back and forth motion, I think. That is one point I’m not entirely certain about. So what do you think?

HUMVEE Driver



Mon Oct 06, 2008 11:15 pm

Thanks to everyone for all the pics. Yep, some of the shots are flipped. The shifter should be on the left.

Tomorrow I pick up some shortened I-beams from a Ford truck. I'm basically going to mount the I-beams as they came stock. I have to cut/drill a hole in the I-beams and then put a big-ass bolt through them. The bolt will be the pivot point to give the wheel up and down movement. Then I weld up some heavy duty mounts to bolt to the frame and mount the I-beams to them. I'm going to use the existing coil spring mounts for shock absorbers, and use the tie rods for some front and back stability. Cross your fingers.

I cut off almost all of the bed, and now I'm going to try to take the metal to a scrap dealer to try and get some cash for it. Any idea what it might go for?

Also, I'm trying to get some accurate measurements on the 'throne' pieces and the rear spoiler parts. The only measurements I know for certain are from the 55 gallon drums, which are 23 inches in diameter and 34 inches long. Going from that, anyone care to take a stab at how big everything else is?

HUMVEE Driver



Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:15 pm

Yesterday I began modifying the I-beams. I think I could finish that today, and then get to work on the mounts. It looks promising.

And I got this in the mail:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/roadwar.JPG



Fri Oct 10, 2008 1:03 pm

Work continues on the custom axles and mounts. I'll post something when I actually have something to post.

Does anyone have some experience with sound systems? I have a PA system with a speaker, mic, and cigarette lighter plug-in for power. It was obviously made for use in a vehicle. I have the speaker about 6-8 feet out in front of the mic, yet I still keep getting feedback when I try to use it; even with the speaker sitting on the front of the hood and the mic in the cab. I've tried aiming the speaker different ways and adjusting the volume, but I didn't get much improvement. Any help?



Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:42 pm

Ahhhhh... I am testing it inside my garage. I have the door open and the speaker near the open air, but I'll give it a try completely outdoors.

There is a gain knob, but no bass or tremble. Just the one speaker. I'll try playing with the gain when its outside too, and if all else fails, that clown nose idea. THANKS!



Thu Oct 16, 2008 10:02 pm

I've been doing a lot of work on the axle mounts, and I finally have something to show for it:

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus7.jpg

This shows the major pieces set basically where they will go. I still plan on reinforcing the #*@% out of it with more struts welded/bolted inboard to the frame.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus8.jpg

Side view here; I made the mounts so they are lower than the gas tank and driveshaft. I plan on putting two long pieces of angle iron parallel connecting the two axles.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus9.jpg

Top view; a heavy duty case hardened bolt goes horizontal there that will be the pivot point for the wheel's suspension.

I am feeling very positive about this. I hope its not just me fooling myself, but I think it will work. (I know I've said that before) I'll just say I'm cautiously optimistic... VERY cautiously optimistic. That light at the end of the tunnel is very dim and very far off... but it's there.



Tue Oct 21, 2008 7:07 pm

It works, Mother F*ckers!!!

Today I got the case-hardened bolts I needed, and I put the whole thing together. The only adjustment I had to make was adding on a stop so the wheel wouldn't 'fold' under the truck. The entire set-up is very tight. There is almost no 'play' in there anywhere. I drove it around for a bit, turning corners and going at various speeds. No problems. It's kind of hard to believe I'm here... but the damn thing works!!!

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus10.jpg

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus11.jpg

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus12.jpg

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus13.jpg

I know I now have to do it all over again with the other side... but for today, I celebrate!



Wed Oct 22, 2008 12:42 pm

Ok, I drove it to work this morning (where I am now) and didn't have any problems. I made some three point turns and drove up to 50 mph over the 12 mile trip and everything seems to be working fine.

I'll post some pics of the vehicle as-is soon.

armourer, you make a good point. The weight of the wheel and the mount altered the height of the truck slightly once I put them on. I was able to compensate, but still, yes, its a factor. The truck bed I removed weighed about 250lbs. I'll be adding at least that much in sheet metal, frames, and the 55 gallon drums. Not to menton my fat ass sitting up there too. The simple solution is to just keep a bunch of weight on it as I do my work. I think I should be fine doing that.

About the crush tubes, I don't think they would do anything. I have the bolts through a squared pipe, the sides of which are like 1/8th on an inch thick. The 'pipes' are VERY tough... I don't think there is any way the bolts could deform that steel, no matter how much I torqued them down. Do I have that right; is that what you guys meant?

I really appreciate the input. Thanks, fellow fans!

HUMVEE Driver



Mon Oct 27, 2008 1:26 am

Last V8-3 wrote:Go you crazy bastard.

That just about sums up how I feel about this whole project!

PursuitSpecial, the wheels can swivel up and down. In this pic, I added a red line showing the bolt that goes through the wheel spindle and allows the up and down movement. I've watched the wheel when I went down a driveway and over bumps; it works fine.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus14.JPG

I've been welding together the mount for the other wheel and working out how the rear of the vehicle will go together. Once I get the other wheel on, I should have the rear constructed soon after. I just need to get a part or two first. I have a very cool idea on what to do with the gas cap and hose; more to come on that once I make what I have in mind and get some pics.



Mon Oct 27, 2008 12:52 pm

I see what you mean, but no. The whole truck would have to bottom out, and I mean BOTTOM OUT, for that to happen. I'd have to do some kind of Dukes of Hazzard jump to do that. Then again, maybe it's not that far-fetched... I'll take a pic of the wheel fully 'elevated' to show what I'm talking about.

Thu Oct 30, 2008 8:29 pm

I got the other wheel on. I'm not completely happy with how it is sitting, so I'm going to be adjusting it. Here are some pics; I set some of the other pieces in place to give you an idea of how it is turning out. Still lots to do, but it is mostly putting things together. I have most of the parts/pieces, my only real concern in that department is getting some some big sheets of 1/8th inch steel in the length and width I need.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus15.jpg

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus16.jpg



Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:58 am

Here's a look at what I'm doing with the gas fill hose. I cut a hole in the bed and repositioned the hose so it faces to the rear. I'm going to put an extension on it and run it under the 'armrest', up through the left side 55 gallon drum, and end up with the gas cap actually on the upper part of the drum. I think this will be a nice touch; and besides, I needed to put that hose somewhere. Anyone watching me fill up will think I'm putting the guzzoline right in the 55 gallon drums.

I discovered something about the gas fill hose: there is a second, smaller plastic hose inside it. Is that an overfill saftey thing or what? Will it matter if I take it out? I think I'm going to have to if I want this to work.

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus17.bmp

http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus18.bmp



Tue Nov 04, 2008 1:33 am Inspection...? What inspection? We don't do no stinkin' inspections in the Motor City! But if I do get some cop giving me any trouble I think I can get out of it: #1. Its a cool vehicle. #2. There is always some car show or cruise going on around here that I can say I'm going to/from. #3. I'm actually doing a lot of work to make it as road legal as possible. #4. Surprisingly, a lot of cops that I've talked to are Mad Max fans, or at least car buffs. #5. I'm a firefighter; that has gotten me out of a ticket or two. Cops and firefighters tend to stick together. And... You're damn right I'm actually going through with this! I'm going to build it if it kills me. That kind of stupid, crazy, stubborn determination has served me well in life. So far the welds and everything have held up fine. I've driven it quite a bit, even over pothole-dotted roads, with no trouble. A lot of friends have told me that if anything was going to break it would have done so by now. The next step is 'raising' the rear part to give it some height. (Look at some pics of the vehicle; there is a lot of space between the rear wheels and the rear platform.) I'm basically making some metal 2x4s (hollow aluminum) and bolting them on top of where the frame rails are. Then some flat sheet steel (maybe 3/16" thick, $$$) gets bolted on that. Then the rear pieces (55 gallon drums, roll bar, seat, sheet metal, and truck wing) get bolted/screwed on top of that. I'll have to finesse my gas hose set up and the moveable tail lights, but that isn't real "work". Also I have to put together two fake fuel pumps, but that won't be hard either. After that... the rear will be finished, except for the painting. Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:49 am Today I got two steel plates that will be the base for the rear of the vehicle. They are 1/8" thick, 64"x46", with a 1" fold along each side. Here they are stacked against a wall: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus19.jpg I found a great company to make some of these pieces. The guy I went through is a genius at metal working; making the parts I need will be as easy for him as it is for you or me to fold a piece of paper in half. I'm going to get the front chin scoop or whatever the hell you want to call it made, and the rear bumper piece with the weird shape and the half circle holes. I measured and cut the pieces to raise the rear of the vehicle, and I cut some supports to run perpendicular in between them for more stability. I have to drill some holes and get some 10" bolts, then I can put all of this together. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus20.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus21.jpg Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:22 am I need a 4 foot piece of rubber hose to use as a gas filler pipe extension. I may have to get a radiator hose and modify it, or some other kind of hose like that. I've heard you have to use a hose that is made to have gasoline flow through it; does anyone know anything about that? Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:42 am Today I finished mounting the rails (or whatever you want to call them) that are raising the rear up a few inches. I put some cross members in between them for more stability. Next up was taking off the tail light mounts and modifying them to be moved from under the vehicle (for display) and set where they belong (when I'm driving.) I also gave my acetylene torch a workout and cut off the rear bumper. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus22.jpg The tail light wires are on top there. Then I put one of the 66x46 plates on there to see how it looks. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus23.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus24.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus25.jpg At the auto parts store I saw a exhaust pipe end piece that is the perfect diameter, length, and bend for my gas filler hose extension. So that piece is going where the existing one is now, then a four foot rubber hose running up through the 55 gallon drum, then the stock gas cap piece gets put on the end of that and screwed into the top rear of the drum. Monday I go to a junkyard to look for the rubber hose I need. They let you walk around and pick pieces out there. Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:22 pm I wanted to get a 4 foot hose rated to handle gasoline, but that would have cost some big bucks. So at my favorite junkyard I got some shorter sections. I connected them to a pipe I had laying around and my custom gas filler hose is ready to be put in. It is a lot more 'piecemeal' than what I had in mind, but it will work. Here it is shown on the outside of the 55 gallon drum: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus26.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus27.jpg Here it's inside the drum, and ready to be clamped to the rest of the custom filler hose: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus28.jpg The original gas cap, bolted to the top rear of the drum: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus29.jpg I have the rear bumper piece being made now, and I should have that in hand and bolted on in a few days. I had to take the sheet metal off the seat frames in order to put some bends in them. As soon as I get those back, I can bolt them on, then bolt on the rear sheet metal that holds the spoiler/wing, and then use some gas tank strap-type material to hold the 55 gallon drums down. I have some black outdoor paint for steel lined up, too. As soon as it's painted, all I have to do is fix up the tail lights and the rear is complete. Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:16 pm My custom gas filler hose is in place and I got the sheet metal for the seat back. I also bought some knives to put on either side if the seat, and two ammo cans to go on each side in the rear. The real Humungus vehicle had some kind of battery boxes back there, but my ammo cans are going to have to be close enough. Today I put some of all that together and painted as much as I could. I should have the rear 'bumper' metal piece in hand tomorrow. Here I have one of the knives on, and the two ammo boxes on top after being painted. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus30.jpg A look at the 55 gallon drum with the gas fill hose going through it. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus31.jpg The front part of the filler hose. I've left the sheet metal off the frame here because I'll need to get in there to set up the shifter linkage. Yeah, wish me luck with that... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus32.jpg Just another look at it. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus33.jpg Wed Nov 26, 2008 4:54 am The next major step will be relocating the trans shifter. And... I have no idea how to do it. I can fabricate any type of mount to hold the new shifter where I need it. But, I don't know how the shifter works. If I knew that I'd have a better idea of how to do the rest. I'm going to be getting a T handle shifter from a Torino or a Mustang, with the little button you depress to move it. What I need to know is: 1. What actually happens (mechanically) when you press in that button, or like when you pull the shifter on the steering column towards you? I know it releases the shifter so it can be moved, but how? Some pics might be helpful. 2. What is the best way to take apart the existing shifter (on the steering column) in order to move it? 3. Maybe I should have asked this first... but with little to no experience with transmission stuff, maybe I should take this somewhere to have it done? I can just imagine all the real mechanics reading this and shaking their heads... HUMVEE Driver Mon Dec 01, 2008 1:44 am Thanks to everyone for all their help and input! It seems that moving the shifter won't be too hard after all. I'm probably going to go with a cable when I'm ready to put it in... which should be pretty soon... Today I did some more work on the seat. The right hand side is just about finished except for the painting. I combined my PA system into the arm rest; just like Humungus, and I bolted on one of the knives I bought. I have the left side frame in place, but I am leaving most of the sheet metal off so I have access when I do the shifter. I also made the actual seat and put the custom foam cushions on with the 'cow hide' seat covers. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus34.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus35.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus36.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus37.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus38.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus39.jpg Wed Dec 10, 2008 2:50 pm I finally got the rear piece back and bolted on. I made the mistake of driving around in the cold, and now I have some rust spots to take care of. No big deal. The two brackets on each side are there to hold the tail lights. I can just slide them down on there when I want to drive, then take them off and hang them under the rear for display. I've been cutting the pieces for the rear spoiler. I can weld them pretty easy, but the only hard part will be bending the curves in the horizontal piece. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus40.jpg Soon I'll be taking the cab apart. That will be the point of no return. I'll have to finish this beast in my garage, because obviously I won't be able to drive it to a repair place. Once I get everything out of the way, moving the shifter should work ok. I just need to measure and buy a shifter cable of the right length. I have a good idea of what kinds of angles I can put into the steering column, and I hear they make kits for relocating the brake master cylinder. Slowly but surely... Fri Dec 12, 2008 5:06 pm Thanks to everyone who has offered to help out with the shifter, but I found one that is perfect... for FREE! I went to a junk yard to sell some of the parts that I've taken off the truck, and they had one there, just sitting around! So I traded the rear bumper of the truck for it. Awesome. The only 'thing' about it is that the little button you press when you shift is on the left side of the 'T'. When I mount the shifter, (to the driver's left) that button will face to the left. So I can't use my thumb to press it in, and there is no way I can do it with my pinky finger. Maybe I can just flip the shifter? Will the linkage to the trans still work if it’s reversed that way? If not, I'm in for some awkward shifting. I'm trying to do as much as I can to the rear before I take the cab apart. I've been building the spoiler, but if I put it on there it will be too tall to make it out of my garage! So I'll have to build it separate and then put it on. Also in the rear, there are two horizontal squared tubes just inside each spoiler support. At the end of each of those is a (about) 8" piece of vertical pipe. They wrap the fuel nozzle and hose around those. You can see them here: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus44.jpg And here: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus45.jpg So I made them up today. I also have parts to make up the replica fuel pumps on either side. I looked everywhere for some real ones but they are impossible to find, so fakes will have to do. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus42.jpg Here are the removable tail lights; that can be positioned where they are now, or stowed under the rear. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus43.jpg Lastly, I realized that the six nitro bottles are actually a little smaller than the ones I made up. On a closer look, they appear to be the same size as these 12" propane bottle. I had three lying around, and I found three more very cheap at a hardware store. I'll have them painted up soon. Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:36 am Death's Head, I would, but I am trying to stay as screen accurate as possible. Maybe I should just get an Aussie shifter. Now, nobody laugh! I said I can't find real water/fuel pumps so I put some together. As you can see, the one below is a little rough, but give me some time to dress it up! I still have to add a few things, move the big wheel, and of course paint it. Stop busting my balls about the fake cheezy fuel pumps! http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus47.jpg I also have been working on the spoiler. I have the vertical struts done, but I do have to shape them a little better. I tried bending the horizontal part... didn't work too well. I'll be taking that piece somewhere to get it shaped properly. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus48.jpg Here is a look at the rear with the hoses and gas nozzle in place, along with a comparison shot. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus46.jpg Thu Dec 18, 2008 3:48 pm I finished the rollbar with loud speakers (except for the paint) http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus50.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus51.jpg Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:26 pm One more thing... On eBay I saw one or two of the shifters I need. That is, the Australian version with the shifter button on the right hand side of the shifter. Problem is, they don't ship to the U.S. Are there any Australians who I could have one sent to, and then send it on to me? I'd pay for the costs, of course. Mon Dec 22, 2008 4:35 am You mean like this? http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus52.jpg What can I say, great minds think alike! I just finished them tonight. They do look 100% better than the other ones I made. I've also been working on the spoiler. I can't really find a good way to weld the sheet metal together. It's 20 gauge galvanized steel; and I'm aware of the problems involved with trying to weld something like that. So far I'm muddling my way through. Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:54 am Not really. I'd say the rear is 90% complete, but I still have to take apart the entire front cab. Aside from the three big hurdles ahead of me (moving the shifter, steering wheel, and brake and gas pedals) the truck may have some mechanical problems. I haven't REALLY investigated these problems yet; just looked around a bit. I'd appreciate any input about all of this: 1. Oil dripping/leaking onto one of the headers, causing smoke in the engine compartment after it warms up. I'm pretty sure it's a loose valve cover or a bad valve cover gasket. I bought some rubber gaskets and I'm going to try and fix that myself. 2. Power steering whines when I turn at slow speeds, especially when cold. I've checked the power steering fluid and it's ok. Ideally it just won't be a problem and I'll leave it as-is, though I hate it sounding like that. Worst case, I replace the power steering pump. (That's the problem, right? I think I can fix/replace the pump, but not sure if I can replace the gearbox.) 3. I get some kind of hissing sound from the brakes except when I apply the pedal. Not sure what that means, or what do about it. The brakes still work fine, but that can't be good though. 4. Some kind of fluid is leaking under the radiator. I know a transmission line runs up there, and of course the radiator is right there. I checked both fluids and they were ok. Again, I haven't really gotten in there and looked around. Just been too busy with the other stuff. Hopefully its just a loose hose or line. Good thing I've been working a lot of overtime to pay for some of this stuff. I'm considering taking the truck to a mechanic I trust and just asking him about those four things and getting them fixed in one fell swoop. Big thanks for all the support! I really appreciate it. Sun Dec 28, 2008 4:27 pm Thanks for the advise. I should start looking at those problems soon, so I'll keep everyone updated. I have the spoiler basically finished except for making it look pretty. I'm not completely happy with how it turned out. Some of the angles aren't perfect and the welding is ugly as hell, but it's done. It didn't need the 5 sheet metal screws on each side, but the real Humungus Machine has them so mine does too. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus53.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus54.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus55.jpg Next step: turn this beast around in the garage and start working on the front half. Dec 29, 2008 3:57 pm Yes, I still need a shifter. I've been checking eBay Australia once every few days. No luck yet. I've been searching for t shifters and Holden shifters. The shifter itself is just a chrome PRNDL t-handle shifter with the little button you press to move it. The button has to be on the right hand side of the shifter; so you can operate it with your left hand/thumb. Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:24 am She sucks nitro... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus56.jpg I still have to touch up the paint, but I wanted to get this on here! I know it looks really bright, but that's just the flash of my camera. Here's a comparison shot: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus57.JPG Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:49 am If there are any Mad Max related events east of the Rockies, then I'll be there! Remember, the Humungus Machine was the only one that beat the BOB! Yep, it's the 351 H.O. Windsor. I'm going to try changing the fluid... someone else said I could try that, too. I took a quick listen for that vacuum leak, but it's so hard to hear under the hood with the engine running and everything. I'm thinking I'll just replace the booster when I move the master cylinder. I still haven't gotten in there and looked at the leaking trans lines. I've been working a sh#t load of overtime for some extra cash, so I might just take it somewhere to get that fixed. Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:48 pm Nitro update: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus58.jpg I've got copper tubing for when I put them in place, too. I'd be doing a lot more, but it's just too freaking cold out there. When things warm up I'll have to kick it into overdrive. Walker 2008, I don't know about doing a hydralic setup; I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible. The less I alter, the less there is to break down. But thanks for the idea! PursuitSpecial, I think you may be right about the fire extinguishers. But I'd hate to try and track down six of them at a reasonable price. My propane bottles worked out great. Three dollars each, and I already had three empty ones just laying around! That's why I save everything! Mad Maxwell, ugh, believe me, I know all about "metal fume fever". It got me sick once and since then I've taken precautions against it. Thanks for the warning. MadMatt, I've considered the weight issue more than once. The full extra tanks are say 55 gallons each plus 10 more gallons in the jerry cans brings it up to 120 gallons of guzzoline. 120 x 8.4 pounds each = 1,008 pounds! And that's without the weight of the tanks themselves and any extra items. Granted, all that weight was somewhat centered on the rear axle, but still. It had to have a significant impact on the Interceptor's performance. Whatever the physics work out to, my vehicle will still be the one that beat Max! Thu Jan 08, 2009 1:23 am My mistake. At 6.2 lbs per gallon, that's 744 pounds. Yep, still a lot of weight. I changed out the valve cover gaskets. The old cork ones were in pretty rough shape. I let the beast run for a bit afterwards. After it burnt off the oil on the headers it stopped smoking. One problem down! I also took off the heater (blower?) motor in the engine compartment in preparation for stripping off just about EVERYTHING but the engine in the front. I just ran one of the heater hoses right back into the block. Easy enough. I also took off the radiator/windshield wiper fluid resevoir. I just plugged the little radiator overflow tube. That should be ok, right? Lastly I took off the shroud for the fan blade. Kind of scary; reaching over that spinning exposed fan to rev the engine... HUMVEE Driver Thu Jan 08, 2009 11:17 pm Anyone know what these are going to be? http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus59.jpg Wed Jan 14, 2009 5:41 pm Here's one of the new and improved fuel pumps: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus60.jpg And... I've been busy... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus61.jpg I'm trying to keep track of all the wires; just hope I don't run into an electrical problem. Fri Jan 16, 2009 12:26 am The soleniod has to be grounded, so a shaped a flat piece of steel, welded it to the top of the spring mount, and bolted the solenoid there. There was some other component that was right next to the solenoid (I don't know what it does ) but I bolted that there too. I made up a frame to hold the battey and bolted that to the truck frame. It started right up, so no problems there. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus62.jpg I spent most of today tearing off everything on the front and left side. I had to weld on some steel supports for the radiator; no big deal. I can't wait to measure for the big flat steel piece that serves as the Machine's hood! http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus63.jpg Have I mentioned the Detroit Autorama yet? It takes place in March, and I'm trying to have this beast ready for it. Wish me luck... Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:36 pm Thanks, mack tanker! Since I've been dismantling this thing I've come across all these parts and I don't know what half of them do. Good to know someone does! Bart, I've researched fabricating steering wheel shafts and u-joints, and I have a good idea of what kind of angles you can use. As long as the shaft is held in place with some solid supports, you can put some crazy angles in there. However, it looks like I may be able to get away with one u-joint: the stock one that is already there. I'll just have to lengthen the shaft coming from the wheel to the u-joint. If I have to I can add in a second u-joint but I'll have to figure out a way to make the whole setup stable. So I guess we'll see. Now, who knows where I can get two old, non-functional (cheap) turbochargers? Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:12 am Once again, thanks for everyone's support. I've been busy... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus64.jpg Tomorrow I order the next batch of plate steel for the sides. Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:20 am Hey, thanks, mack tanker! I truly appreciate it! For an update, I've been ripping/cutting/tearing/smashing off more of just about everything. (I didn't know that an axe could be used for working on your car!) I found a place that buys your scrap steel for $0.03 a pound... yeah. Anyways, I'm trying to strip this thing down as much as possible. A mechanic buddy told me I could take off the vacuum pump on the engine, so I did that. It was on a belt that ran from the alternator, so maybe the Machine will be that much faster. Now I have all these hoses and crap I've been taking off. I guess it had to do with emission control BS or some stupid crap. At any rate, I hope it doesn't mess with the engine. I accidentaly cut one of the spark plug wires while going crazy with my angle grinder, so the Machine got a tune up today. I was planning on doing that anyways, so no problem. (With all the body panels gone, it was the easiest tune up I've ever done!) I also got a smaller air cleaner. I needed a smaller one for some more of the modifications I'm going to be doing. I should have my next batch of plate steel by Tuesday. After I get that on I can get a better idea of how/where I'm going to re-mount the pedals and steering wheel. The gas pedal has a simple cable, so I'm not anticipating any big problem there. I think I'm going to need some custom brake lines, so we'll see about that. I'm hoping the steering wheel goes easy, too. Stay tuned... HUMVEE Driver Tue Feb 03, 2009 12:58 am Thanks, MMI; I'll have to take a closer look at them. I've been busy shaping and welding on the various pieces. I have the 'steps' on each side coming along nicely: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus65.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus66.jpg And I've already ordered even more pieces. Namely, the side fender-type parts. It seems that moving the steering wheel shouldn't be too hard. I need eight feet of steering wheel shaft, and the stock shaft is four feet long. I found another Ford shaft, also four feet long and with the U-joint still there, so I'm good. I'll have the stock shaft angle up and to the center of the vehicle, then connect the second shaft that will go straight to the steering wheel. Stabilize the whole setup with some steel bars and I'm done. The only tough part may be getting a perfectly straight weld at the connection point. But, having two sets of U-joints gives me some 'play' in there, so I'm not too worried. More to come in the following days. Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:37 am Big update this time. First of all I found this on Ebay for a good price. Big thanks to PursuitSpecial for checking to see it was the right one: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus67.jpg Then I got this little gem in the mail today. Thanks this time to Mr. Speed and Pacific Muscle for helping me locate the correct shifter: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus68.jpg Started putting together the frame for the center panels. I'm using heavy steel because it will be supporting the steering wheel and the pedals: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus69.jpg I got two of these from my sheet metal guy. I still have to fill in the gaps here, but damn do I smile when I look at them! http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus70.jpg I'm also putting together the steering wheel assembly. I welded a bolt to the end of one shaft: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus72.JPG Which will get screwed on to the stock shaft and then welded in place. I'm going to be removing the shifter here and the ignition assembly: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus73.JPG Lots of work to do in the next few days. I'm keeping at it... Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:45 pm http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus74.jpg I tried keeping it as straight as possible, but I needed to work around the engine. I think it should be ok. I really lucked out by having two shafts of the correct length. I tried turning the wheel, but without the power steering I decided to wait. Once I get the electrical straightened out I can start it up, and it will be one hell of a moment when I turn that wheel! Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:56 pm I have the steering assembly completed. I can heave on the wheel and the tires turn... hell yeah. I'm still concerned about the angles, but it all seems like it will work. (Crosses fingers) http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus76.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus77.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus78.jpg Here is the shifter welded in place. Very stable. I'm working out getting a custom shifter cable now. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus75.jpg I also finished the steps on each side: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus79.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus80.jpg And no laughing at my welds! More to come... Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:51 pm I was stepping up on to them, and stepping from one across the frame rails to the other, with no problem before I put on the second 'steps'. Now with the extra metal and welds in there I'm sure they can hold just about anyone's weight. But, no, I haven't jumped up and down on them yet. I'll let you know how that goes! Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:09 pm Newest update for ya: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus81.jpg Sun Feb 15, 2009 1:55 am Well even if I used one shaft instead of the bolt I welded there, I'd still have to weld the shaft. Either way, there will be a weld holding it together. I did try to weld that bolt as strong as I could. I went all the way around, trying to get the most penetration possible. I made extra passes, too. After hearing from you guys, I'm going to do more to it. I'm going to cut a piece of pipe down the middle and put that on, welding it down butt-good, or something like that. Since I've never done anything like this before (and I've found precious little info from those who have) I'm just trying to make it as strong as possible. I guess that's one of the pitfalls of doing something for the first time: you don't have any starting point for tolerances. I appreciate the feedback... yeah, I guess I don't want my steering to fail... HUMVEE Driver Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:59 am Been busy... I've successfully hot wired The Machine, and she runs fine. I decided not to use the big tangle of wiring left over from when I dismantled everything. That's because I accidentally cut or pulled some wires apart, and I'm not sure what does what anyway. So now I have a simple kill switch to give power from the battery to the coil and to kill the engine, and a push-button starter. This is good because it's simple and it works (and it was possibly what Humungus actually had). Also because it fits the post-apocalyptic theme of the vehicle. Bad because now I have no turn signal lights or brake lights. Not a big deal; after the Autorama I'll have plenty of time to figure that out. Also, when I started The Machine up, I tried turning the steering wheel... no problems. Thursday a friend is coming over to help me run the brake lines, and I've worked out how to make my shifter/transmission work. The gas pedal looks like it's just a simple cable, and I'm not expecting any big problem there. So now all I need are a few pieces of flat steel to make the radiator cover, and three pipes bent in the shape I need them for the hood. I'll be taking The Machine to a shop to have the custom exhaust put on. Other than those things, it's all just putting the pieces on and welding them together. I also got in touch with a weightlifter who will pose for my Lord Humungus standee that I'm going to have standing next to the vehicle. Looks like I'm going to make it! See you at the Autorama! Here are the two front pieces in place: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus82.jpg And here I'm getting the brake pedal and master cylinder mounted: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus83.jpg And here are the two pieces that are going to be the 'hood': http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus84.jpg Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:26 pm A view from the throne of The Lord Humungus! http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus85.jpg As you can see, I got the tach today, and I have the brake and gas pedals in place. My friend who was going to help with the brake lines bailed on me today, so we are going to try again Monday. I'm waiting for some estimates to have the exhaust stacks put on, and I almost have the transmission cable finished. "I can feel it! The dice are rollin'! Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:20 pm I used some cardboard for a mock-up of the bumper. I just placed the order for it. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus86.jpg I was unable to find out what kind of steering wheel the original one was, but this one is very similar. It is from an old Mustang (I think) and it has three 'spokes'. I sent some pictures of the exhaust work I need done to a shop, and as it turns out, he's a huge Mad Max fan. He said he could do it no problem. Score one for HUMVEE Driver... I'm still working on getting the transmission cable to shift right. As for the pedals, I really had to squeeze them in there. There is almost no way I could make them spaced apart any further. No problem, I plan on driving it using two feet anyway. Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:20 am Thanks, MadMatt! But I don't think I could get one in time. After the Autorama (when I have some downtime) I can fix the little things like that. The Humungus Machine will definitely be in the Woodward Dream Cruise! As well as the Gratiot Cruise and the Motor City Comic Con and whatever other shows I can make it to. I'm building this thing to use it, man! I'll drive it anywhere I can! I looked at bucket teeth for the 'bumper', but I couldn't find any that are long enough. I'm just going to make some from pieces of steel. Sun Feb 22, 2009 1:25 pm I suppose I should have said that I'm going to drive it anywhere I can drive it, meaning car cruises and possibly there and back to car shows. I bundled up all the wiring and I'm trying to hide it in the middle. The idea is to keep as much of it as I can so when I want brake lights and turn signals the wiring is still there. But at quitting time yesterday I tried to start it and it won't start. It's gotta be something electrical. AND... the transmission cable is kicking my ass. I can't get it to work right. The gas pedal cable is also kicking my ass. I might have to get a professional over to work those two things out. If it won't run and the pedals and shifter don't work I can't get it on a trailer. If I can't get it on a trailer then I can't get it to the shop to get the exhaust done. Grrr.... Work continues... Sun Feb 22, 2009 11:32 pm I've unf*cked the wiring problem and she starts fine again. I put on the nitro bottles, and I've started work on the two pieces that will be the 'hood'. I have the mount for the bigass headlight welded on there, so all I have to do it bolt it on once the piece is in place and painted. Still working on the transmission shift cable, and the gas pedal cable is still there not working too. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus87.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus88.jpg Wed Feb 25, 2009 3:39 am aussie muscle, the steering box and the driver's seat each have a different angle to them. MFP1, towing that thing out to Cali will be enough of a stretch; no way can I make it to Seattle! Justice, the mount for each extra wheel is held on by four 1/2" case hardened bolts, and the mounts themselves are 3/8" steel (possibly even thicker). I'm confident they can hold up to anything the road can throw at them. I got home from work this morning and got my ass to work in the garage. I've messed with the shifter cable to the point where I have Reverse, Neutral, and Drive, which is really all I need for the immediate future. I bent and put on the extra brake lines, then bled them, so now I have brakes. And I played with the throttle cable so now it works fine. I cleared a ton of crap out of the way... then backed The Machine out of my garage and drove it up on a trailer. I can't describe how good it felt to drive that thing even just a little bit. The Humungus Machine lives. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus89.JPG http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus90.JPG I left most of the panels off in case I (or someone else) needs to get in there. I picked up the front bumper piece, then dropped The Machine off to have the exhaust stacks put on. So now, for the first time in months, my baby is no longer in pieces in my garage. I should have it back Thursday. All I have to do now is get some pipes bent for the hood and buy some dark red spray paint. Next week, or possibly before Monday, I'm going to put on the various panels and other pieces. I'm going to have a buddy go over my welds with a MIG welder so they are all nice and pretty. Then just paint everything up... and I'm done. I'm going to miss having something this big to work on. I'm going to miss posting here, too. The support and encouragement I've had here means so much to me. You guys are a class act.

Thu Feb 26, 2009 12:42 am PursuitSpecial, in those pics the shocks are pushed down a little as I have it clamped down to the trailer. But it is a little tight in there. I suppose for my next Humungus Machine I'll give it a few more inches of clearance. So guess what? I call the Autorama people because I haven't heard anything from them yet. They tell me my application got sent to the wrong people and they might not have room for me. They said they have to turn away a lot of people's cars. So after all this, my vehicle might not even be allowed there. This sucks. They said they would call by Sunday at the latest to tell me one way or another. (shakes head) I'll let everyone know as soon as I know. Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:06 am MadMaxImages, I sent in a couple of pictures when I registered; I also had a few phone conversations with them... they know what it is I have. Now, this might come off as me being a little full of myself... but if someone were to start a call-in campaign expressing disappointment at my vehicle possibly not being there... I'd be ok with it. I don't like resorting to this stuff, but I've been busting my ass on this project for the past month, I mean EVERY spare minute, trying to get it ready in time for the Autorama. I'm desperate, and I REALLY want to go. I'm sure if you looked up "Detroit Autorama" you'd find a contact number at the bottom of the page where you get a registration form. I'm just sayin'. Sun Mar 01, 2009 3:27 am I got a letter from the Autorama today... I'M IN. I also picked up the Machine with her cool-ass new exhaust stacks. Man, does she sound good; and so loud! Rockin'! I spent most of today at a friend's shop, putting most of the parts and panels on the Machine. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus91.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus92.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus93.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus94.jpg The angle of the front bumper is a little higher than it should be, or else I'd never get it up onto a trailer. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus95.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus95.jpg And, I had a weightlifter friend pose for some pictures. I'm going to have a life size stand-up image made up of him to stand next to the Machine. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus97.jpg Tomorrow I put together the grill, and if I have time I'll weld that on. I think I can also add on the headlight and the bodies for the front. Then just a few little odds and ends. The only 'big' thing is getting some pipes bent and painting her up! There are a bunch of non-essential things, but it sure does look like I made my deadline! Tue Mar 03, 2009 12:48 pm PursuitSpecial, nope, the stacks are on permanent-like. And yes, the dummies will be on for the Autorama. Armourer... um, hydraulics? That's a little too fancy for me... I've got to keep it simple & stupid. Besides, the front bumper piece supports the prisoner frames and it can't move. Big Bopper Bart, loved your comment! Ha ha! I spent a few hours yesterday getting the last of the pieces MIG welded on. Just about everything is there; I just have to touch up a few things and get her painted. Here ya go, metalalien... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus98.jpg Tue Mar 03, 2009 12:51 pm The Machine is parked like that in my driveway... just now a guy passed by my house, did a double take, and then backed up his truck up so he could take a picture of it! HUMVEE Driver patricke9 » Tue Mar 03, 2009 3:05 pm That is really cool, nice job, I bet it's a blast to drive! the armourer » Tue Mar 03, 2009 4:18 pm "Just needs paint" and about 100 pounds of Outback dirt. This thing is gonna be even more awesome when weathered. I don't think those people at Autorama are ready for this. Nightwalker » Tue Mar 03, 2009 7:44 pm That's just one mean looking machine you've build. A class job. MadMatt » Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:47 am That looks bad to the bone dude!!! Just need to run down a gravel road behind a big rig for a few miles, that'll dirty her up a bit! I bet the cops will love to pull you over in that thing! I thought my BOB was bad! LOL metalalien » Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:58 am hell yea!! wonderful car! Now you gotta hook up with someone that has a aged Black on Black from MM2 and take some pics on an empty highway! MaxMFP » Wed Mar 04, 2009 5:11 am Awesome, awesome job! It's been a joy watching this project come together. Thank you for letting us be a part of it! Paul 9 inch » Wed Mar 04, 2009 6:02 am absomuthafuckinlutely fanfriggintastic! congrats on an awesome machine! The stig » Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:59 am THE TANKS ARE FULL OH MIGHTY HUMVEE....AND ITS ALL YOURS cob115 » Wed Mar 04, 2009 10:11 pm Great work mate didn't think it was going to be finished well done ,looks the ducks guts ,one day it would be good to have a mega get together of cars people etc be a blest cheers pat Thu Mar 05, 2009 9:12 pm Well, this morning I towed The Machine downtown and set her up. Yeah. Rockin'. Last pics before the Autorama: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus99.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus100.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus101.jpg *I have the one wheel off because its much easier to get it on/off the trailer that way. An after-Autorama report will be forthcoming. Wish me luck with those prizes! Justice » Thu Mar 05, 2009 9:25 pm Looks very awesome! Nice to see the way those extra wheels are mounted too... And then he got pulled over at gunpoint for the "bodybags" nfpgasmask » Fri Mar 06, 2009 12:11 am Been watching this thread and all I can say is WOW. What a build up. Good job, Trab the armourer » Fri Mar 06, 2009 1:08 am Awesome, just awesome. I wonder what his neighbours think?.......and I doubt that there is much crime in Dave's neighbourhood,...at least from here on out. BlownV8 » Fri Mar 06, 2009 1:30 am I'd love to see the reactions from the people who see this. Bad cop » Fri Mar 06, 2009 2:24 am I'm blown away!!!! GROOOVVVYYY!!!!! aussie muscle » Fri Mar 06, 2009 2:59 am Looks totally awesome, dude Big Bopper Bart » Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:05 am Dave, from the movie pics you look like you need to add a sus lift to it a hair otherwise you have done the impossible my friend you are now not only a model builder but a REPLICA builder! Fri Mar 06, 2009 6:29 am Well done, Dave. Truly inspiring. UncleDrax » Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:42 am Bad ass.. can't wait to see this driving down Peachtree :] Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:24 am You know it, UncleDrax! You're getting a Toadie costume together? Awesome! Sheesh, along with Karol, are we going to do that whole scene?!?! Well, the Autorama was a blast. I didn't win anything; everyone else's cars were put together MUCH better than The Machine. I'd go into some of the fun fan moments, but I just got home and I'm dead tired, so you'll have to wait. But here are the first of a bunch of pics: Here's The Humungus Machine... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus102.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus103.jpg With homemade movie standee... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus104.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus105.jpg And somehow a pinup girl got tied to The Machine... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus109.jpg By HUMVEE Driver of course! http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus110.jpg Along with her two friends, a good time was had by all. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus106.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus107.jpg I suppose it wouldn't be 'me' if I didn't get some pretty girls involved somehow! http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus108.jpg Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:03 pm mack tanker, I'm not 100% certain that I am going to the Road Warrior Event. But if I do go, well I guess you should know that I stop for nothing but gas once I get driving. I'm considering driving the whole way non-stop. But if things change I'll try to stop by! One of my friends accidentally took my camera home, so I don't have any new pics at the moment. I'll post what I have when I get it back. The crowd response was incredible. In a show with lots of pretty 'museum piece' cars and very few 'famous' cars, mine really stood out. Just about everyone commented "Mad Max!" as soon as they saw it. Lucky me, they played The Road Warrior on TV Saturday night, so all day Sunday people were like, "Hey, I saw that car in the movie last night!" Almost all of the 30+ crowd recognized what I had made, and if the younger people didn't recognize it, at least they thought it was cool. I had fun inviting kids to sit in the driver's seat and play with the PA system (which also allowed me to test how loud it was in a crowd; very cool.) Sunday night after the show ended everyone was starting up their rides and heading out. The Machine was amongst the loudest. As I drove my way out I put on my hockey mask and commanded everyone to get out of my way or be crushed under my wheels, bow to Lord Humungus, etc. That got lots of laughs! And... get this. Last night 9:30pm there's a knock on my door. Two police officers are standing there. I had The Machine on a trailer parked in front of my house. I was planning on taking it to the storage yard today. So there it is, with the 'bodies' still tied to the front. Apparently, someone's kids were freaked out by The Machine, and their parents called the cops. Sheesh. I explained about the Autorama, and they were very understanding. They seemed to get a kick out of it. But, one said that when he first saw it he was a little freaked out, too. (I guess that's what I was going for, right?) I told them I'd take down the bodies right away and I'd have it gone the next day. So that was that. Not quite on the same level as the Texas Twelve, but still noteworthy! Next up for The Machine is the Motor City Comic Con and then the Woodward Dream Cruise. Maybe I'll see some of you there! HUMVEE Driver Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:48 am For now, The Humungus Machine is sitting in a junkyard wrapped in a tarp. At least until May for the Motor City Comic Con! Sat Mar 14, 2009 1:46 am I suppose saying "storage" would be more accurate, but it is an outdoor lot with a bunch of old cars sitting in it. The owner is kind enough to let cops and firefighters keep their jetskis/snowmobiles/Humungus Machines there for free. Free is good. HUMVEE Driver Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:32 pm And here she is, waiting to be covered up... http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus111.jpg At rest until May. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/humungus112.jpg Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:02 pm Well... I'm only going to be driving The Machine to car shows and for car cruises. Even then, I wouldn't be surprised if I get pulled over. Though the rules are pretty loose, (depending on the state) I know I am pushing the envelope. The Machine will have working brake lights (that's a BIG one) and a seat belt. It also has a headlight and rollbar. What it doesn't have is a windshield and turn signal lights. I figure I'm good with motorcycle goggles and helmet and using hand signals for turns. Questionable areas are the front bumper and visibility. But again, if a cop wants to write me up, he would have no problem finding loads wrong with my ride. I'm hoping to get by with: Responsible driving Knowledge that I'm driving in a car cruise and rides like mine are 'acceptable' Kindheartedness of cops from/near the Motor City who can appreciate what I've made and what I'm doing (maybe one of those cops is a Mad Max fan!) Playing the firefighter card and hoping I just get a warning Oh, and yes, I have a Humungus hockey mask and a functional PA system, and I know how to use them! I've heard about Aussie driving laws and how strictly they are enforced. You have my deepest sympathies. If they tried that over here they'd have a mutinity on their hands! HUMVEE Driver Wed Apr 01, 2009 9:36 pm Soon I'll be going on to 'Phase 2' of Building the Humungus Machine, which is mostly fine tuning some things and putting on the finishing touches. But there are two issues that I need some help/info on: 1. Brake lights. I have some magnetic trailer lights ready to go. However, I'm at a loss when it comes to hooking them up to work when I press the brakes. Now, there is a housing on a part that I think is called the Brake Compensator or Brake Pressure Sensor Manifold. That is the piece that has two steel brake lines coming to it from the master cylinder, and then four steel brake lines (one for each wheel) coming out. Sorry but I don't have a pic of it yet. So there's a housing on it that looks like it's for an electrical plug. Does anyone know if that is what your brake lights run off of? That is, it senses the brake pressure there and then sends a signal to light up the brake lights. If so, can I just get the plug for that, splice my trailer lights to the plug, supply it power, and I'm set? 2. I'm not sure if the alternator is recharging the battery. Remember, I basically tore out all the stock wiring and hot wired The Machine. I know I can just let it idle for a bit and use a volt meter on the battery to check if it's charging. I also heard you can touch a screwdriver to the back of the alternator; if it's magnetic then it means the alternator is working. I haven't had a chance to check this yet, but if the alternator is not charging the battery, how can I fix that? I really have no idea. Thanks (yet once again) to everyone all for your help. HUMVEE Driver Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:52 pm Today I took my voltmeter and I went to start up The Machine. I tested the battery first, and it was around 12.45. After a few tries she fired right up and I worked the pedal until she was warm enough to hold an idle. I went back and tested the battery again. It was hovering around 12.35. Then I plugged the big front spotlight into the cigarette lighter, and the battery went to 11.45. I let her idle for about ten minutes, and the battery ended up staying at 12.45. So... this means the alternator IS charging the battery, right? Remember I was worried that I messed up the wiring during all of my 'custom' rebuilding and that the alternator would not be charging the battery. But after ten minutes at idle and under a load, that should mean everything is working at is should, right? I don't want to prematurely celebrate. Thanks for the input, HUMVEE Driver Wed Apr 29, 2009 3:20 am You know, I considered that and I'll try it the next time I fire up The Machine. So far, I've had mixed signals from people regarding the issue. With the info I supplied, some say the alternator is doing it's job as it should, and others say it's not. I guess simply disconnecting the battery will tell for sure. I did ask a friend about that a while back; he said that it's possible that the battery HAS to stay connected because it completes the circuit. I'll just have to do a live test and see what happens for real. Thanks for the suggestion! HUMVEE Driver Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:35 pm I came across a pretty cool article of The Humungus Machine at the Detroit Autorama. They have some better pictures of it, too. http://www.jalopnik.com/5167302 Yeah, that's me in the leather pants... HUMVEE Driver Sun May 03, 2009 12:14 pm Eh, screw them. They'd rather have a pristine car covered in bubble wrap instead of something fun and original. None of them told me they didn't like it. Everyone I spoke to had nothing but compliments. HUMVEE Driver Fri May 15, 2009 12:39 pm Thanks guys. It's licensed right now... but almost certainly illegal to drive on the road. I still have to hook up some brake lights, side view mirrors, and a seat belt. Even then, cops may not look too kindly upon my Machine. I'm only going to drive it in a car cruise or two, and I'm hoping to just get away with that. HUMVEE Driver Wed May 27, 2009 3:36 pm So there is a car cruise in about three weeks, and I started up The Machine to see how she was doing. Slow to start (as to be expected) but once she started up she ran without stalling. I checked the battery before I started her, as she ran, and with the spotlight plugged in. It always came back up to about 12.30 volts. Then I tried disconnecting the negative terminal, and she died right away. Same with the positive terminal. So is that proof that the alternator is not charging or what? (FYI, the alternator is turning and everything.) I'm going to do some work on The Machine soon, and have an electrician friend take a look, but I'm worried because of all the half-assed and hacked up wiring. I do not want her to die on me as I'm out there cruising. The Humungus would be gravely disappointed at that. Any help? HUMVEE Driver Sun Jun 21, 2009 1:40 am I've been busy with The Machine. A few weeks ago I took her out of the lot to get some work done. Some of the things on my list were: -Get the battery non-charging situation figured out -Get the shifter working better -Have some of my welds reinforced -Put on some working brake lights -Put some stabilizing angle iron on the spoiler -Widen the seat -Put on the holders for Wez's flail and the trident weapons -Put some mirrors on the exhaust stacks (didn't really need them; more of a safety thing so cops won't bother me) -More painting So I borrowed my friend's trailer and I brought The Machine to my cottage up north to work on it. I did get just about all of that done, except for the first two things. I'm just going to take it to a mechanic to get the charging situation unf*cked, and the shifter isn't that big of a deal. What is a big deal is not knowing how long the battery would last without anything recharging it. I felt safe with an hour or two, and that would have to be good enough. I was getting The Machine ready for the 2009 Gratiot Cruise, which is a pretty big deal here in my area of the USA. Gratiot is a fairly busy road, three lanes wide each way. The cruise was today, and I was up at 7am. I grabbed my MFP jacket, biker cop helmet, and biker goggles and headed down to the fire station where I had parked The Machine the night before. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t6.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t7.jpg My biggest worry (next to the battery giving out) was being stopped by a cop. No doubt, there were things about The Machine that could be seen as illegal. I think on a car cruise, with everyone bringing out their exotic rides, I would probably be ok. But, the fire station was five miles away from where the cruise was supposed to start. That was five miles of hoping not to see any cops, and hoping they would not see me. “Screw it,” I thought, “I built this thing to drive it whenever I could.” So I started her up and headed down Gratiot. I lucked out, no cops to be seen all the way down there. But what quickly consumed my thoughts was the feeling of driving that thing down the road. Even at the slow speed I was driving (never more than 40mph) the wind was constantly in my face. The sweet smell of The Machine’s exhaust was there too; not overpowering, just enough to remind me of what I was doing. And the view… the view from the throne of The Lord Humungus. I had a panoramic view of the road and the vehicles all around me. It was just a small taste of what Kjell did out there in the desert, but damn if it wasn’t exhilarating. But what hit me most was the sound of my machine. That big V8 just pumping out that raw, throaty, no-nonsense growl. I was in love. Soon traffic slowed me down, and truth be told I was a little disappointed that there weren’t more cars and sightseers out there. But I knew it was still early and it would soon get a lot more crowded. I smiled at every ‘What the hell is that?’ look that The Machine got, and believe me, there were a lot of those looks. I gave a big fist pump to every one who yelled out “Mad Max!” There were a surprising number of those, too. Then there were the cops. Yes, they saw (or heard) me coming a mile away. Yes, I know I was asking for trouble. My first test came soon enough. A cop pulled up next to me, eyeing The Machine without any expression. He glanced up and me, and my heart quickened, thinking that he would drop back and pull me over any second. I went through what I would say to him, about how I only drive it to cruises, how I made it as safe as possible, and how I would hope he was feeling generous and I could at least drive it straight home. He just gave me a half-smile and drove off. I whipped out my phone and took a picture of him once he was in front of me. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t8.jpg After that, every single cop I saw looked at The Machine in wonder. One even pulled up next to me, and (yelling over the exhaust) we had a talk about how I built it. All day, no cop gave me any trouble. I was worried over nothing (I think). Ya gotta love cops. I took another pic, a view from the throne: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t9.jpg Gratiot is divided by an island in the middle where they let people put down seats for better viewing. Once you got to the south end of the cruise you just went through a middle U-turn lane and headed north again. I went up and down, up and down for about two hours, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I drove back to the fire station to join the guys for lunch, and I wanted to check and see how the battery was holding up. I turned her off, then tried starting her again a few moments later. The engine turned slow, and then caught. A sign the battery was dying. So I shut her down and checked it with a voltmeter. 12.7 volts, still pretty freakin’ good. Still, I put her on a charger while I ate lunch. Before I headed out again I took some more pictures: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t1.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t2.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t3.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t4.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/t5.jpg When I got back to the cruise area it was PACKED. Just stop and go, all the way down and all the way back. I drove along there for three more hours. The Machine held up fine, and the mirrors were actually useful for changing lanes. But, I still had to use hand signals. I loved the cheers of “Mad Max!” I kept getting, and just the cheers in general for having a cool vehicle. I would rev up The Machine every time. Quite a few people asked me to slow down for a picture or two. I’m going to search the ‘net soon and see if I can find any. Also impressive were the cool nods I got from the hard-core motorheads out there. It’s a great feeling to be acknowledged for building something special. I look back on all the work, hardship, disappointment, resources, time, and money that I put into this, then I compare all that to today and all the upcoming days I will have in the future. Let me say for now and forever that IT’S ALL WORTH IT. The Humungus will not be defied! Here’s to every replica builder out there! We rock! Mon Jun 22, 2009 2:24 am torinoscj wrote:Round and round, like angry ants, mad for the smell of guzoline. Sounds like you had a Hell of a fun time. I wish I could be there cruising next to you. I can't wait until November, if it REALLY happens.Cheers,Bill LMAO I never even thought of that! How appropriate! And of course it's really going to happen in November! With Virginia and Vernon there, it's going to be huge! I hope to see you there! HUMVEE Driver Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:37 pm Bart, I know it should be a little higher, but I'd have to basically rebuild the whole thing. Maybe someday. I found these: http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/ht1.JPG http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/ht2.JPG Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:15 am Um... you DO know that is ME behind the wheel, right? I'm pretty sure I'm the only one crazy enough to drive it in normal traffic! I don't think I could let anyone else drive it anyway. I mean; she's my baby! Two more car cruises are coming up in August; look for The Machine there. Then its off to DragonCon, and then the Road Warrior Weekend! Life is good. HUMVEE Driver Tue Aug 04, 2009 12:40 am Yesterday I had The Machine out on the Gratiot Cruise. I felt a lot better with the charging situation fixed. But, the power steering is leaking like a mother f*cker and the trans cooling lines are leaking too. Just more things to fix. Otherwise she ran fine. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/truck2009a.JPG Next up is the Woodward Dream Cruise in two weeks! Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:39 pm Y'know, I'm still thinking about that one. I've been worried enough about driving it as is, but so far the cops have been very cool and supportive. I just worry that the bodies on the front might be too much. However... I'm leaning towards 'yes'. HUMVEE Driver Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:34 am Hey, thanks! I'm glad someone found some pics! I was looking for some too, but it is only one day later. As you can see, I did put the bodies on the front. I think those were taken as I was leaving for the day. Right behind me was Doug in his Interceptor. The cops didn't give me any problems, but he was pulled over... twice! They didn't like the blue police light in his Interceptor. Luckily he can just take it down and he didn't get any tickets. http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/truck2009b.jpg http://www.madmaxmodels.com/images/truck2009c.jpg .MAD MAX. » Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:57 pm It was funny watching peoples reactions to Dave machine and then when they saw my XB behind him. It was about a 700 mile round trip for the coupe with no probs at all except for getting pulled over twice in Detroit for having a blue light on the dash (was just told to take it down both times and no tickets) I'll post some pics shortly but as for pics of a replica from previous years, I think this was the first time a max car was at Woodward but I do know there have been a few coupes there before. http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs149.snc1/5536_267957845392_502185392_8367215_7617874_n.jpg Daz » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:08 pm Most. Amazing. Build. Ever. A Quick Fella » Tue Sep 08, 2009 3:31 am I had the privilege of seeing Dave's Humungus vehicle up close at the Dragon*Con parade this past Saturday in Atlanta. It looks just as good in person as it does in the photos. For the parade, Humungus was at the wheel, with Toadie standing behind the spoiler. It was a huge hit with the crowd. I remember hearing the cheers as it pulled up to the staging area and again as it hit the parade route. I wasn't able to take any pictures, but I'm sure there are a bunch on the Dragon*Con website at www.dragoncon.org. Big props to Dave for such a great replica. Doug Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:40 am Hey, thanks, everyone! PursuitSpecial, it's actually easier to work on the engine now. I gave her a tune up and replaced the valve cover bolts and it was the easiest time I've ever had doing that. But if I want to do something major, like replace the radiator, then yes I'd have to cut some parts off. There isn't even enough room to get the air cleaner off! Peter, yes, I suppose the cops over here are very accommodating. I am from the Motor City, though, and I think that may have something to do with it. Also, I never drive stupid and I've tried to make everything as legal and as safe as possible. But, if a cop really wanted to give me some trouble; no doubt he could. Here's a list of more videos:

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at 4:40, though you can hear the engine at 3:50!

brokenhill » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:24 am

ALL I CAN SAYS "IS GENIUS!!!!!!!!! you are a GENIUS DAVE.Thats one Extraordinary machine Man!

and note to self "check the hell back here more " Now all I have to do is sail across lake Michigan to see your awesome creation.

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