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What makes ice fishing so great? For some, it’s the fresh air, the snacks you bring, and a chance to hang out with friends and family. Others see it as more of a hardcore fishing experience, and one way to deal with the long winter months. Whatever your reason is, getting to the perfect spot on the lake isn’t easy when there’s a thick layer of snow to navigate though. As you can see here, Dan has upped his ice fishing game by modifying this vehicle. Problem solved!
Great work, Dan! Thanks for sharing it with us!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83qXDF4VP9M
What is it? It’s a 1993 Suzuki Sidekick, which I added an over-wheel track system onto. The tracks give the Sidekick an amazing amount of traction.
The tracks themselves are made from strips of a used industrial rubber conveyor belt, with 1 in. x 1/2 in. channel steel for crossers to join the rubber strips together. Then I added cleats to the crossers for extra traction. The rear axle is made from 2 in. square steel and two stub axle/hub assemblies. The suspension was made from used rear strut assemblies off a Toyota Corolla. The front hitch receiver was originally on a Dodge caravan. I flipped it upside down, cut off what wasn’t needed and welded it the Sidekicks’ frame horns. I use it to mount the 4,500 lb winch that I bought at from PA. Most of the materials and equipment were all purchased from my local Princess Auto here in London, Ontario and through online orders. I received a lot of help from the store's associates. A big thank you to them!
What is it used for? I use the Sidekick for transportation out on the ice, when ice fishing on Lake Nipissing (weather and ice condition permitting). It also can easily tow the enclosed bobsled I built; loaded with all our gear and my fishing buddies inside. Very happy with the way the little girl (AKA Sally) worked out. Two feet of snow on top of the ice and she just plows through, like it wasn't there.
What is the main power source for your project? (e.g. electric motor, gas engine etc.) The original Suzuki 1.6 litre fuel-injected engine and drive train. I make use of a manual track adjuster, for track tension and alignment of the track.What design/build challenges did you overcome? Making the two tracks the exact same length and the frame of the tracks to be as light as possible, but still strong enough to manage the torque of the tracks. Disassembling the rear differential, as to be able to lock the axle, by welding the spider gears together.If you had to build it again, what would you do differently? Just add removable skis to the front wheels.Which Princess Auto location do you visit most? Wellington Road South, London Ontario