To the wealthy ATS members out there. SHTF vehicles?

Personally, I would take a Polaris, or a Gator.
Not the ultra fast ones, but the ones with the mini-bed in the back.
Arc-weld a few sheets on steel on, some plexi-glass window, build yourself a small cage around the bed of the Polaris, attach a few gas cans, and you've got yourself an easy on gas, off road, mobile command center.
As much as I would like to pimp a Bugatti Veyron, I'd have to say the roads would be full of abandoned vehicles.
Full of tanks of gas waiting to be emptied, all for the taking.
Just my two cents.

Btw, in case of said sh*t hitting said fan, I wouldnt recommend turning in one of those things to sharply, and the last thing you want is to be trapped under a souped-up golf cart, alone. Trust me, it isnt fun to flip them on yourself.

reply to post by ConspiraCity


I'm not wealthy.
Can you help with converting a diesel to run on bio fuels? Do you know of any cost effective tricks?

I mean, add it to this fine thread?
I have a solar to a/c conversion for taking cover, but when or if I need to bounce, I need the option of putting restaurant waste to good use.

Thanks.

Originally posted by loveguy
reply to post by ConspiraCity

 

I'm not wealthy.
Can you help with converting a diesel to run on bio fuels? Do you know of any cost effective tricks?

Just do it. I ran my Duramax with biodiesel (soy bean oil) for several years with no ill effects. You ought to add Stanadyne or something similar to aid lubrication, and there are issues with gelling in cold temperatures, but by and large it works fine. Lots of people think there are issues, but I'm living proof they aren't that bad. We can talk more about this if you want.

Originally posted by schuyler
Unless you're whole point is to confront the enemy and destroy I would think a stealth vehicle would be more appropriate. The Marauder type, while also expensive, is extremely heavy, gets very poor mileage, and has a top speed of 120kph, not quite 70 mph, so it ain't fast. I know it sounds really macho to stick a machine gun on the back of a pickup. Thee are called "technicals" and they're just great until they meet up with an M1A1 Abrams tank, in which case they are toast.

I would think that if survival were the goal, then something along the lines of a very suburban non-descript vehicle, kind of a soccer Mom on steroids that did not look at all formidbale, but still offered superior protection and storage in the name of survival, would be the ticket. The idea would be to sneak past and not call attention to itself. I'm not sure where to start designing something like that, but let's see if we can't come up with some particulars.

Edit to add: Diesel and big fuel tanks, of course. I store 200 gallons of diesel at all times. Of course, that means I would be pretty stationary. I just read where you can replace the standard 34 gallon tank in a Chevy Duramax with a 55 gallon one for about $1K. It fits so you can't see it. It's those kinds of mods I think would be worthwhile.

edit on 6/30/2011 by schuyler because: (no reason given)

While I do agree that slipping by undetected is a good option, I think if there is something there to see you.. no mater what you are in, you will be seen, so might as well be built to handle anything shy of anti-tank weaponry. However I do have a idea that would work, and would require EXTREMELY deep pockets to reach near invisibility. I also have a concept for free energy production, but once again.. that's only toys for elite builderburg wealthy.. and those aren't who I want to be helping!

reply to post by loveguy


For the most part a bio fuel conversion is pretty affordable and can be done on most any budgets (I met a homeless guy who did a bio conversion on his car that he lived in). To any one else feel free on chiming in with anything vehicle related as long as its "brown fan" related.

When TSHTF there won't be ANY fuel after just a few days. Doesn't matter how big your tank is, you will run out, and then you just have a really heavy, expensive roadblock.

I've got a big sailboat. Uses NO fuel. She's made of at least 1/4 inch steel, so bulletproof at least for small arms fire. I've got guns, but my main defense weapons are water cannons. I've got a pump that runs off my main engine, so it's REALLY powerful, and it's piped up to both sides and bow and stern. The water cannon could sink another boat in seconds. It will shatter windows and fill the boat, and sweep any crew off the deck like a hot knife through butter if they come within 100 yards.

I only have one cannon that I could mount in whichever location. If it really starts looking ugly, I will get three more and weld up some bullet shields for them so you could man it under fire.

OK, wait, I just realized that I still need fuel to run the engine to run the water cannon. But I've got a 900 gallon tank.

Tell me some more about this free energy you've got?

And are you other guys saying I could run this diesel on McDonald's fryolator oil?

reply to post by ConspiraCity


To the Wealthy?

thats almost as bad as the thread a few weeks ago labeled "Blacks only"

If you are really denying ignorance you would know that many more people than wealthy people would have good ideas about SHTF vehicles

Much love bro

-Skerrako

reply to post by ConspiraCity


I'm just trying to help you out here with your marketing. Don't make the mistake of falling in love with your concept. If you want to sell to the upscale Marauder market, you've got competition from people who are already there. If you want to sell to the wealthy, you'd better be able to be sophisticated enough to do it. I'm suggesting there is another market that does not consist of macho vehicles and is instead along the lines I suggested. Plus, they're not as expensive. Use the concept of you want. If it doesn't excite you, okay. Perhaps someone else will do it instead.

I've always thought that the phrase "the customer is always right." has been misconstrued. It does not mean that employees or business owners need to take abuse from customers. It just means that the "customer knows what he wants to buy." All the original phrase means is that if you aren't selling the product he wants to buy, he'll go elsewhere. That doesn't mean that you ought to sell golf carts when you want to build airplanes. It just means that you need to evaluate the marketplace. The million dollar mansion is not selling too well right now. The $200K house is. If you insist on building million dollar mansions on spec, you will go bankrupt. See what I mean?

Far be it from me to divert you from what you want to do here if you want to concentrate on machine guns mounted on pickups. Sorry; it's your thread. But of you don't want to consider what I've sketched out, I'll move on, perhaps start a different thread on it, because that's the market that interests me. And yes, I can afford it, if that means anything to you.

reply to post by CaptChaos


I'd rather not say too much about the free energy generator, simply because I have put a decent amount of time into research and development and I'd rather not give it out for free. (it's my only hope of taking down the multi-billion dollar corrupt oil industry). so with all do respect id rather not dive into the details. I will however say that it absolutely 100% has potential of generating more energy then it consumes, leaving that extra energy for what ever you want. I plan on having a functional prototype made for myself so I can power and charge small electronic devices when there is no power anywhere. (I mostly brought it up simply for a freak chance that perhaps someone VERY rich stumbles upon my proposed creation and wants to invest)

I do think a boat is a great idea.but sadly I'm landlocked for MANY miles.

Originally posted by schuyler

Originally posted by loveguy
reply to post by ConspiraCity

 

I'm not wealthy.
Can you help with converting a diesel to run on bio fuels? Do you know of any cost effective tricks?

Just do it. I ran my Duramax with biodiesel (soy bean oil) for several years with no ill effects. You ought to add Stanadyne or something similar to aid lubrication, and there are issues with gelling in cold temperatures, but by and large it works fine. Lots of people think there are issues, but I'm living proof they aren't that bad. We can talk more about this if you want.

I'm one that would have to obtain an abandoned diesel. Kinda like "Mad Max." I'm more like the little wild boy than a civilized character though.

So long as anything diesel gets me from desolation to desolation.

Sorry to interrupt the thread, as I realize my posts are not entirely on topic.

Originally posted by Skerrako
reply to post by ConspiraCity

 

To the Wealthy?

thats almost as bad as the thread a few weeks ago labeled "Blacks only"

If you are really denying ignorance you would know that many more people than wealthy people would have good ideas about SHTF vehicles

Much love bro

-Skerrako

I'm sorry if it came out that way, I do not intend to make this for "only wealthy," however if anyone was interested in me actually building one, they would have to have some deep pockets that's all. sorry for the confusion.

What about tires? You could be in a situation where you are unable to replace a tire....

What about those tires that are solid rubber? I know they would be heavy, and maybe slow the vehicle down a little bit, but would they last longer and be more durable?

Could you maybe put some on a car or truck after a SHTF scenario or would it be worth it?

Originally posted by ConspiraCity
reply to post by camaro68ss

 

oh it would be a truck alright, with 2 1/2 ton axles on a 1/4 inch thick fully boxed frame, bulletproof windows, retractable guns that would pop out of the body, enough storage for all your survival goods and family. sky is the limit!

And after maybe three tankfuls of gas you'll not be able to find any more, so it will just be one giant paper weight. I'd take a horse over a vehicle ANY DAY.

reply to post by schuyler


I apologize if any of my statement came out and sounded as if they where bashing your opinion (your opinion along with any one else opinion is relevant and of importance to me)

As far as a smaller, nimble, yet armored and secure vehicle. I do believe its a good idea, simply because there is a larger target market out there. I can also do that, performance and engineering is my passion. So would you propose a 4 seater that is low fast and nimble with ample storage? or a smaller armored 4x4?

No links here, you'll have to do the typing yourself (I'm tired and I'm lazy)
I'm thinking I'd like to be on or under the water when the SHTF, but if I had to be in a vehicle I'd contact these people..........
Streit Group- www.armored-cars.com
If you need to store it contact these people.....
www.greeneyetech.com
These guys are incredible, the Sultan of Brunei is a client..........
www.trascobremen.com
Check out the Knight XV.........
www.conquestvehicles.com

Originally posted by gimme_some_truth
What about tires? You could be in a situation where you are unable to replace a tire....

What about those tires that are solid rubber? I know they would be heavy, and maybe slow the vehicle down a little bit, but would they last longer and be more durable?

Could you maybe put some on a car or truck after a SHTF scenario or would it be worth it?

I would use tires like this... no air at all, not solid rubber. best of both worlds

Originally posted by CaptChaos
When TSHTF there won't be ANY fuel after just a few days....And are you other guys saying I could run this diesel on McDonald's fryolator oil?

Well, you COULD, but therein lie a lot of assumptions. One is that in a SHTF scenario it's unlikely McDonalds is going to be frying up a lot of potatoes. Secondly, people who are into this sort of thing have already canvassed all the retaurants for their old oil, so you're last in line. Third, you'd have to clean it up considerably. Potato pieces don't work well in diesels. Google biodiesel to get an idea of the scope of the problems. Buying clean, processed buiodiesel from a refinery is a much better alternative, but buying real, honest-to-goodness diesel is an even better alternative. That just brings up your point that you will run out eventually. But with a 900 gallon tank? I thought my 240 gallons was a lot. So you're sitting pretty good relatively speaking. Keep the tank full.

I figure that in a best case SHTF scenario (kinda funny) I could last 6 months easy and a year okay with no real deterioration in my life other than inconvenience. Any more than that and I would drop to the status of everyone else. Becoming completely independent would take a lot more work and, of course, there is always the possibility that the comet would fall right on your head so all the preparation you did would be a moot point. It's all a matter of assessing risk and how much insurance you're willing to buy before it costs you more than you're willing to pay.

Old school, Ford Bronco, Dodge Ramcharger, Chevy Blzaer, GMC Jimmy. Preferably with a standard trans and a removeable top! and a lift kit, decent tires and a shepard jack and I'm happy ! ! ! ! ! Money isn't really an option, reliablility and capability and that's were I'd spend my money ! ! ! ! ! Oh yeah, throw in a decent winch with that an maybe a sideband radio ! ! ! ! !

reply to post by Silk


I thought it was also worth adding a pic of this one... It has a big gun mounted on top!

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/b77a82bd093b.jpeg[/atsimg]

I still do not understand the obsession with a vehicle in a SHTF scenario... it will only be one way...and only good if you get there. And where are you going?

Frankly, only on the open plains or out in the desert would such a vehicle have a chance... and then only until spotted and neuttalized.

Anywhere else, you will need roads to a degree...and there in is the downfall. You can be isolated and terminated.

I still think a horse or pack mules cross country away from roads, bridges, exit ramps and road blocks and check points and backed up traffic stands the best bet for getting to a destination.

Plus gas, oil; spare parts, and all that money invested could be neutralized by a leaky radiator from a well placed shot or maybe something as simple as a water pump gone or even two simultaneous flat tires... which is the more probable undoing.

Nope...give me a horse or mule.... highly mobile, easy to hide in the woods, can eat brush and grasses for refueling, can actually ride or carry a load and lead... and if it gets bad...can be eaten. We have two horses for fun, but I have considered the other benefits of such and that is why I said yes when my wife brought them up years ago.