Dump Truck Will Be A Favorite With Kids

Youngsters who love big, noisy trucks might want to test-drive this do-it-yourself dump truck.

Designed for kids aged four to eight, the truck combines several realistic touches - like a working steering mechanism and dump box - with smooth pedal-power and a sturdy frame. Its features enable the driver to pedal, steer and use a handle to raise and lower the dump box.

The materials include two sheets of conventional plywood, which make up the body, and a few pieces of pine or similar lumber. Three steel rods, some flat steel stock, six wheels, screws, nails, hinges, washers and cotter pins are also required.

Building this dump truck is a lot like building a go-cart. Once the pieces are cut (most are traced from full-size traceable patterns), assembly is largely a matter of gluing and nailing the pieces together. When that’s done, the steering column and wheel are installed, then the pedals and crankshaft and finally the pivot and roller for the dump box.

Simulated engine panels (cut from plywood), wheels and yellow, black and silver paint complete the job. The truck measures about 4 feet long by 2 feet wide.

The Dump Truck plan, No. 682, is $6.50 and includes complete step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patters, exploded diagrams and a shopping list.

Rugged kids might also enjoy a foot-powered military jeep, and a plan for one, No. 410, is available for $6.50. A catalog picturing hundreds of other do-it-yourself projects, many for children, is $3.95. Prices include sales tax, postage and handling.

MEMO: To order, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. Please specify plan numbers.