The Wasatch Snail:Test Run

[trackhead]

Took the Snail out for a test run on the east side of the Wasatch.

Throwin' down a mean 35-40mph average up Big Cottonwood.

Quick stop at Guardsman's to see if anything rattled off yet.

Pulled The Snail off the main drag for a little stroll through the woods and fields.

OMG, it's another Samurai rolling over!

He was driving most of the day.

Little D-bagger wanted to drive up on a rock, because he said that's what people do here.

Drank some milk, turned around and went home.

Everything seemed to stay where it belonged. Each day will build confidence that it isn't going to self destruct. Bear Lake is next week.

 

[Kiel]

This is pretty cool, any specs on the camper?

 

[trackhead]

This is pretty cool, any specs on the camper?

Lots of fiberglass and foam, and a lifetime's worth of sanding. Still have a bunch of work to do on it. Probably needs either "add a leaf" in the back, or airbags. It's pretty much a stock Samurai with some lifted springs and gears, that's about it.

 

[Herzog]

That's a cool rig. Very unique.

 

[airmanwilliams]

very nice. cant wait to see the pop top and the inside work when its done.

 

[trackhead]

Up at Bear Lake for six days. Screwing around with the Samurai. Seems to be holding up well and should go just about anywhere I want. Maybe next year I can get a rear locker.
..

Small campers squeeze in tight spots.

Put some air lift suspension on the rear axle to help out with future loads. Took some tweaking, but they are working well now.

 

[Greg]

That thing really is neat, such a change from the norm! If you had the funds & means, a VW turbo diesel would be a great match.

 

[Johnny4X4]

what a cool little rig. great job on the fab work!!

 

[trackhead]

That thing really is neat, such a change from the norm! If you had the funds & means, a VW turbo diesel would be a great match.

Ultimately I want to put Tatou tracks on it for winter use. That was why I originally went with such a light vehicle. Hopefully that will happen next year.

Diesel would be cool, but I'm trying to keep this vehicle as possible. Cheap is the appeal. No worries about abusing it.

 

[Greg]

Ultimately I want to put Tatou tracks on it for winter use. That was why I originally went with such a light vehicle. Hopefully that will happen next year.

Diesel would be cool, but I'm trying to keep this vehicle as possible. Cheap is the appeal. No worries about abusing it.

I completely understand... cheap means more money for gas. I'm looking forward to seeing the tracks, should be real fun in the Winter!

I had a VW 1.6 turbo diesel not too long ago, I had a hard time deciding how to use it. One idea was a stretched Sami with a pickup bed and a 2 seater cab, like the rare factory Samurai trucks. Perhaps one day I'll get to follow thru on that plan.

 

[trackhead]

Did a fun loop on the east side of the lake today.

Took a break to stretch the legs.

Can't wait to finish the pop top snd sctually use this goofy thing on a trip. Testing it out up here has been great.

 

[SmokinCamel]

I saw you driving north on west 215 a few days ago. I thought it was a WWII era jeep or something. Then when I got onto the ramp for the EB 201 I saw it was a samurai. Very cool.

 

[trackhead]

I saw you driving north on west 215 a few days ago. I thought it was a WWII era jeep or something. Then when I got onto the ramp for the EB 201 I saw it was a samurai. Very cool.

Killin it at 55mph

 

[SmokinCamel]

I remember those days. Heading south on 15 at the point of the mountain. Got passed by an old bug and a few semi's. Lol

 

[jevyguy]

That is awesome. It looks great

 

[lenny]

Do you have a spot for spare tire location?

 

[airmanwilliams]

on previous pictures its mounted in front of the grill. so in this case trackhead do you have an electric fan in there in case you overheat from the tire blocking air coming in?

 

[trackhead]

on previous pictures its mounted in front of the grill. so in this case trackhead do you have an electric fan in there in case you overheat from the tire blocking air coming in?

Plenty of air available for cooling. Just finished up 500 miles with it, with plenty of time spent in 4L going up steep hills. Temp never rose above mid-point on the dash thermostat.

 

[sixstringsteve]

does it feel like it wants to wheelie when going up hills? It's probably just looks, but it seems like there's a lot of weight in the top rear of the vehicle. A huge applause for being unique and building such a cool rig.

 

[trackhead]

does it feel like it wants to wheelie when going up hills? It's probably just looks, but it seems like there's a lot of weight in the top rear of the vehicle. A huge applause for being unique and building such a cool rig.

All that weight is 1" foam and two layers of glass. If you were to compare it to a stock tin top, it's pretty negligible.