Transforming a Boring Bumper Car into an Insane Ride
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Flawed Bumper Car
- The Upgrade Idea
- Challenges Along the Way
- Troubleshooting and Modifications
- Searching for a Solution
- The 12 Volt Controller Boards
- Installing the New Controller Board
- Testing and Performance
- The Explosive Mishap
- Getting Serious with Rewiring
- Introducing a Simple DC Circuit
- Adding a Voltage Meter
- The Idea of Spray Painting
- The Rewiring Plan
- Making New Cables
- The Brighter LED System
- Preparing for the Paint Job
- Applying the Paint
- Installing the Terminals
- Cooling with Enclosure Fans
- The New LED Light Strip
- Completing the Upgrades
- Testing the Epic Ride
- Conclusion
🎢 Turning a Boring Bumper Car into an Epic Ride
The thrill of riding a bumper car is an experience many of us cherish from our childhood. However, what if I told you that I took a regular bumper car and transformed it into a mind-blowing, adrenaline-pumping ride? In this article, I will take you through the journey of upgrading a kid's bumper car, from identifying the flaws to implementing exciting modifications. Get ready for an epic adventure!
😕 The Flawed Bumper Car
When I received a bumper car from a friend, I was excited to see what it had to offer. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that it fell short in terms of excitement. It moved at a snail's pace, killing the thrill that should accompany a bumper car ride. Determined to make it amazing and add a touch of craziness and excitement, I embarked on a journey to upgrade this seemingly dull toy.
💡 The Upgrade Idea
Inspired by my recent Power Wheels car project, where I replaced the stock battery with a 20-volt drill battery, I decided to apply a similar concept to the bumper car. The idea was to swap out the measly six-volt battery with a more powerful 20-volt battery, giving the bumper car a boost that would leave anyone amazed. Little did I know that this project would come with its fair share of challenges.
🛠️ Challenges Along the Way
As I began the modification process, I encountered a series of obstacles. The first hurdle was disconnecting the original battery and connecting an adapter for the 20-volt battery. In my excitement, I overlooked the fact that the controller board was only rated for six volts. The inevitable happened, and the overvoltage fried the LED board, leaving me dumbfounded and frustrated. It was clear that the controller board might have also suffered damage.
Undeterred by the setback, I decided to press on with the modification. I mounted the battery adapter in the best possible spot, ensuring it wouldn't interfere with the child's feet during the ride. Drilling a hole on the side, I carefully routed the cables and sealed everything back up for a test run. However, to my dismay, it became apparent that the controller board was beyond repair and rendered the bumper car non-functional. This unexpected turn of events left the young rider disappointed, and I felt frustrated with my choices.
🔍 Troubleshooting and Modifications
At this point, I had two options: troubleshooting or finding an alternative solution. Choosing the latter, I conducted research and discovered that there were updated 12-volt controller boards available for purchase. These boards were specifically designed for such modifications and even came with a remote control, adding an extra layer of excitement for the young rider.
After plugging in the power input and motor outputs, it was time to test the capabilities of the new controller board. To my amazement, it not only handled the 20-volt supply but also provided 18.7 volts to the motors. Encouraged by these results, I proceeded to reinstall the parts onto the bumper car, acknowledging that the chaotic process of removing and reinstalling components was necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
😮 Testing and Performance
With the remote control synced to the car, it was time to witness the enhanced performance. The bumper car came to life, providing an exhilarating experience that surpassed all expectations. The ability to control the car using the remote added a new layer of enjoyment for both the young rider and myself. Everything seemed perfect, and the ride went smoothly for about 15 minutes—until disaster struck.
🧨 The Explosive Mishap
Without warning, there was a loud pop, indicating an explosion on the controller board. The bumper car abruptly ceased functioning, leaving me bewildered and disappointed once again. It was clear that relying on controller boards was not the solution. It was time to rethink my approach and take a more serious and reliable path.
⚡ Getting Serious with Rewiring
Determined to salvage the project, I decided to commit to a rewiring job that would eliminate the need for unreliable electrical management boards. By implementing a simple DC circuit and cutting out any unnecessary components, I aimed to create a more robust and dependable system.
To measure the battery's voltage accurately, I installed a DC voltage meter at the base of the bumper car. This not only provided crucial information but also added a cool and futuristic element to the overall look. The idea of spray painting the bumper car to eliminate the hot pink color also sparked my interest. But first, let me dive into the rewiring plan in more detail.
📝 The Rewiring Plan
After studying the levers and understanding how a double pole double throw switch functioned, I devised a plan to hook everything up based on a comprehensive diagram. The success of the rewiring process relied heavily on proper connections and ensuring that the motors received the correct polarity signals to spin in the desired directions.
To execute the plan effectively, I made new cables, splicing three 16-gauge wires together for each connection. This ensured a secure and robust electrical connection. I created positive-negative sets for the switches and power splitter cables, allowing for future component swaps without the need for extensive soldering.
💡 The Brighter LED System
As the original LED board had been fried, I had to find a new lighting system. After some searching, I discovered an upgraded LED system that not only provided brighter illumination but also offered the ability to change colors and patterns. The new LEDs were powered by a 12-volt voltage regulator, while the motors still received the desired 20 volts. This would create a stunning visual effect and further enhance the overall experience.
🔧 Completing the Upgrades
With each step of the process carefully executed, I removed everything once again, preparing the bumper car for the final touch—a fresh coat of paint. Before applying the paint, I sanded down the plastic surface to create a more textured area that would allow for better paint adhesion. Cleaning everything with 91% isopropyl alcohol, I removed the shiny black trim pieces, readying the car for its vibrant transformation.
🎨 Applying the Paint
To bring new life to the bumper car, I bought a can of paint, thinking one would be sufficient. However, I soon realized that a second can would have been beneficial for a more even and complete coverage. Nevertheless, I made the most of what I had, applying the paint meticulously and patiently. As I waited for the bumper car to dry, my new DJI Osmo Action 3 camera arrived, allowing me to capture the remainder of the installation process.
💨 Cooling with Enclosure Fans
Recognizing that the increased power supply to the motors would generate additional heat, I found two small enclosure fans to provide much-needed cooling. These fans required only 5 volts to operate but were linked with the voltage regulator throttled at 12 volts for the LED light strip. This setup allowed the fans to move a substantial amount of air, minimizing heat buildup and creating a cool humming sound in the process.
💡 The New LED Light Strip
With the bumper car now fully prepped, I proceeded to install the new LED light strip. Instead of simply replacing the old strip, I decided to go a step further and incorporate undercarriage lighting for a more immersive experience. Using a 16.4 feet spool, I had high hopes that this extensive upgrade would result in a super bright and visually stunning display.
🏁 Testing the Epic Ride
After snapping the LED guards back in place and connecting all the power cables and the voltage regulator, it was time to reinstall the control levers. Ensuring that the motor polarity matched the switches, I made sure that the wheels spun in the correct direction when inputs were made. Tightening and securing the wires for optimal cable management, I completed the assembly and prepared for the moment of truth.
🎉 Conclusion
And there you have it! I successfully transformed a mundane bumper car into a thrilling and unforgettable ride. Throughout this project, there were moments of frustration, unexpected obstacles, and lessons learned. However, I am incredibly satisfied with the results. If you enjoyed this project and want to see more exciting upgrades, be sure to like and subscribe. Don't settle for mediocre—turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. Remember, the sky's the limit! See you on the next adventure!
Highlights
- Upgraded a kid's bumper car to create an epic ride
- Overcame challenges and setbacks during the modification process
- Replaced the original controller board with an updated 12-volt board
- Implemented a simple DC circuit for a more reliable system
- Enhanced lighting with a brighter LED system and undercarriage lighting
- Customized the appearance by spray painting the bumper car
- Installed enclosure fans for cooling and a unique sound effect
- Tested and fine-tuned the modifications for optimal performance
- Captured the entire process on a DJI Osmo Action 3 camera
- Created a thrilling and unforgettable ride for the young rider
FAQ
Q: How long did the entire modification process take?
A: The process took approximately [insert time].
Q: Were there any other modifications considered but not implemented?
A: Yes, I considered [insert modifications], but they were ultimately not part of the final design.
Q: Can the modifications be applied to other bumper car models?
A: While the process described in this article is specific to a particular bumper car model, similar principles can be applied to other models with necessary adjustments and considerations.
Q: Are there any safety precautions to be aware of when implementing these modifications?
A: Safety should always be a priority. It is essential to follow electrical safety guidelines, handle batteries properly, and ensure the bumper car is suitable for the intended modifications. Consult an expert if needed.
Q: Can the modified bumper car be used by adults?
A: The modifications described in this article were primarily intended for a child's bumper car. However, with appropriate modifications and safety measures, it could potentially be used by adults as well.
Q: What recommendations do you have for someone attempting a similar project?
A: Take your time, carefully plan each step, and be prepared to troubleshoot along the way. It's important to have patience, research thoroughly, and seek guidance when needed. And most importantly, have fun with the process and enjoy the end result!
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