Summer projects begin!!!

[hotbug1776]

So, I have my older children the first half of the summer this year, and to keep them entertained in the fashion that I was entertained as a kid, we are doing projects.
This weekend, we will be putting LED lights in the mirrors of my vibe, and wiring them into the turn signals. The kids will also be taking pictures, and each writing a how-to, which I'll put in this post, along with the other projects we do together.

I really wanted to make a soda bottle rocket launcher, but, it might be a bit complicated. It's not off the list though.

I'm thinking we may do a lot of little vibe projects like light replacement, and install. We'll have to see what they each would like to do.

Those of you attending the Erie meet will get to see their handy work in person.

[SecretAsianMan]

make a pneumatic potato gun

[KITT222]

Make a catapult, and mount it to your roof rack! Or get into hobby-grade RC cars! They're very fun and ultra-customizable. And just like cars, you can buy individual replacement parts. I'd love to have someone else to race around with. You and your kids could have LOTS of fun.

[hotbug1776]

Make a catapult, and mount it to your roof rack!

On a more serious note, get into hobby-grade RC cars! They're very fun and ultra-customizable. And just like cars, you can buy individual replacement parts.

Hmmmmm mini catapult and launch ping pong or tennis balls. As for the rc stuff. I really want a helicopter some day. I'll look into the rc cars though.

[tpollauf]

I like your philosophy Also it is beneficial to spend educational time with your kids so they learn skills and trades instead of just running around causing trouble. I too will be installing LED's on the mirrors of my 2009 Vibe but it will take a lot longer for me due to me making a mold of the entire mirror so that it looks OEM. That is the only way I mod things. It has to look like it came from the factory or I don't do it. My son (now graduating from high school) & I have done numerous summer projects and they all involved electronics/computers/reinventing the wheel, and it has helped him out immensely. Looking forward to our Erie meet

[hotbug1776]

I like your philosophy Also it is beneficial to spend educational time with your kids so they learn skills and trades instead of just running around causing trouble. I too will be installing LED's on the mirrors of my 2009 Vibe but it will take a lot longer for me due to me making a mold of the entire mirror so that it looks OEM. That is the only way I mod things. It has to look like it came from the factory or I don't do it. My son (now graduating from high school) & I have done numerous summer projects and they all involved electronics/computers/reinventing the wheel, and it has helped him out immensely. Looking forward to our Erie meet

Mine are going IN the mirrors and will hopefully be hidden as to glow around the mirror glass. I'm doing the mod like on MO. I wanted Amber LEDs, but, seem to only be able to find red, green, and blue in the stores. Therefore, it will be red lights in the mirrors, hooked to the turn signals, under the dash if it's possible.

[keithvibe]

Did you look at
http://www.oznium.com/led-flex-strips" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
For LEDs?

[MrHatchWagon]

Oznium superflux LED's can be had in yellow or orange.

[hotbug1776]

Oznium superflux LED's can be had in yellow or orange.

Hmmmmmm

Thanks guys, that site gives me a bunch of new ideas to work with for mods.

[keithvibe]

glad to help spend your money... LOL

[vibenvy]

It's great to hear that you will be spending quality time with your kids ! I can't wait to see the progress on your projects!

[Blueridge9]

"I like your philosophy Also it is beneficial to spend educational time with your kids so they learn skills and trades instead of just running around... "

Sounds like the idea at Waldorf schools where kids learn by doing things in the real world not just on the computer. I also like that you are paying attention to what interests them.
When they are done posting their pics and description they should get a Vibe Merit badge, like an Eagle Scout would for learning a new skill.

More ideas: Do your kids already know the basics of checking fluids, identifying engine parts, changing a tire? What about teaching some practical car math like.....calculating mpg, calculating car purchase price interest in monthly payments vs. saving up for a car and having a solid down payment. Some day they will buy their first car and you can help them prepare now to make a wise choice later. There are so many people that don't do basic maintenance on a car and have expensive problems.

These are lucky kids!

[hotbug1776]

Well, weather relegated us to non car projects for this weekend. We built a catapult!!! Its small, only about 24" base length. It shoots about 18-20 feet with a full pull. That's shooting skateboard wheels. I'm going to get a cheap package of golf balls or tennis balls. I'll try to get pictures up ASAP. Talk about a fun day.

[vibenvy]

Well, weather relegated us to non car projects for this weekend. We built a catapult!!! Its small, only about 24" base length. It shoots about 18-20 feet with a full pull. That's shooting skateboard wheels. I'm going to get a cheap package of golf balls or tennis balls. I'll try to get pictures up ASAP. Talk about a fun day.

Sounds awesome! Can't wait to see pictures!

[hotbug1776]

Medieval siege weaponry... scaled down

[KITT222]

That's awesome. Makes me want to build my own. Now mount it to the Vibe and throw flaming rat carcasses at bad drivers!

[tpollauf]

That's awesome. Makes me want to build my own. Now mount it to the Vibe and throw flaming rat carcasses at bad drivers!

When I was your age, back living with my parents, I cleaned up our backyard using a similar devise and fertilized the neighbors yards in the process Know I know why the trash no longer smelled AND why the neighbors gardens were always better than ours

[vibenvy]

Medieval siege weaponry... scaled down

Awesome!

When I was your age, back living with my parents, I cleaned up our backyard using a similar devise and fertilized the neighbors yards in the process Know I know why the trash no longer smelled AND why the neighbors gardens were always better than ours

(removed)!