Corvair powered 3 legged Iron Horse .... Front mounted if possiblie

[Trike-Man]

Corvair powered 3 legged Iron Horse .... Front mounted if possiblie

The photo on the above is the look I'd like, but I can't afford the Springer !!! …​

Nope the one on the bottom, is what I want to build or a reasonable looking kinda Texas Outlaw looking trike …. I want to have Corvair motor mounted up front …. Making the overall bike shorter …. I want to use the Corvair suspension parts incorporated with GS 1200 Frame …. the Motor on the Car is held in with three bolts ….

I have this '64 Corvair Monza ….. The motor will need overhauled ….

​

I have a attempt at building a Trike from a VW. I have a Motorcycle shop, owner that's getting Me a Titled GS 1200 Frame. Now all I have to do is Cobble all this together into something I can ride & maybe carry a Passenger. I figure there should be someone Here who could advise Me one how to go about this ….

My Motorcycle shop man says use the Corvair motor, (rotates CCW) with the VW (motor rotates CW) Trans-axle, what I would like to do is, Mount Corvair motor forward of Trans-axle.

Here's a photo of the look I'm after …. Anything Yawl can suggest or help with would Be appreciated ….

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Here's what I'm thinking ….. ???

The Corvair total rear ASSY …. frame and all mounting pieces, motor & trans axle, Motor cycle man say's just swap direction of ring gear, in differential, that should work …. trouble is the old Corvair has a Automatic …. been setting awhile.



I bought this the other day for $100 bill …. I figured the tank, front forks & wheel, and VW standard tranny was worth the price ….. That being said I'm concerned about the Texas registration law on Home build's ….. I've checked the law …. couldn't find anything derogatory …. I'll read more later …. Must go to work ….

 

[Trike-Man]

Ok Here's my thinking on the Rotation problem .... Use conversion plate to mount Corvair motor to VW tranny

Then with VW trans-axle flipped, shaft - inboard with Corvair mounted front of VW trans axle …..If I do this will the CCW motor turn the CW trans axle in the forward direction ….. I must get the Assembly out of Car and have a look ….



This part would be all I need …. except the rear taillights they should be used ….

 

[Trike-Man]

Ok Here's my thinking on the Rotation problem .... Use conversion plate to mount Corvair motor to VW tranny

Then with VW trans-axle flipped, shaft - inboard with Corvair mounted front of VW trans axle …..If I do this will the CCW motor turn the CW trans axle in the forward direction ….. I must get the Assembly out of Car and have a look ….

View attachment 64443

This part would be all I need …. except the rear taillights they should be used ….

So in what I've read here on the Forum is that I just have to pull axle shafts and flop the Trans axle ….. this sounds too easy ….. I must go outside and play some …..

I must get this straight in my head as both trans axles turn towards front of car ….. but VW motor goes CW ….. if I can flip corvair trans-axle over & face the clutch to the front of bike ….. it should run 4 gears forward with the CCW rotating Corvair motor ……

 

[Trike-Man]

I think it'll get hot in a parade situation but moving down the Highway it shouldn't be a problem ….. I do plan on have cooling fan operational with Baffles don't think it would be any hotter than a Harley powered trike …. just with motor hanging off the back you'd need wheelie bars …. mid engine gives more weight on front wheel …. I see photos of these all the time with the open cylinders (Jugs) it could be Hot … this is the reason I'm here to plan this build and get some knowledge on how to get - R- Done …..

 

[vwbug72501]

If you're in Texas I'd strongly recommend that you check the current status of the registration restrictions for "Assembled or Homebuit" vehicles before you invest any more time or money on your project. Search the forum for the post about this issue. I don't know if it has been updated lately.

Texans, any current info?

Here is a link with info about midengine Corvair installations: http://www.corvair.com/user-cgi/catalog.cgi?show_page=OTTO-33 Click the next page link to get all the info.

The Corvair auto trans may be problematic. You may be able to use it if you can find info on the 61 -63 Pontiac Tempest auto transaxle. It was very similar to the Corvair but powered via a torque tube connected to a front mounted aluminum V8. This may be like looking for the proverbial Hen's Teeth!

Here's an interesting website about an amazing build by an ex GM engineer that touches on the transaxle setup. Sadly, he is deceased. https://www.corvaircorsa.com/V-12-01.html

 

[vwbug72501]

Here's the original Corvair trike by AEE from the 70's: http://aeechoppers.blogspot.com/2015/04/aee-corvair-trike-has-been-found.html

I believe that it was an automatic. There was a series of build articles about it in the 70's Chopper magazine.

Here's another trike idea: https://jalopnik.com/this-corvair-trike-is-a-cooler-deltawing-1625136847

 

[Trike-Man]

Here's the original Corvair trike by AEE from the 70's: http://aeechoppers.blogspot.com/2015/04/aee-corvair-trike-has-been-found.html

I believe that it was an automatic. There was a series of build articles about it in the 70's Chopper magazine.

Here's another trike idea: https://jalopnik.com/this-corvair-trike-is-a-cooler-deltawing-1625136847

I've tried replying to this thread all day …. I had everything typed out …. and bang the computer just turns itself off ….. if this ever happens to you … clean the Heatsink on your Microprocessor …..

Thanks for the links ….. I like the 1st one …. the second one is a three wheeled Corvair ….. great job though ….

Now I talked to a policeman about getting a Home-built trike registered in Texas …. and He said that all Trikes are home built …. and said He didn't think it would be a problem to get it legal.... Now I went outside and stood by the trike frame that I have, turned the input shaft CW (VW) direction and the wheels rotated in the forward Direction ….



So I'll turn the tranny around 180 degrees …. then when a CCW rotating (Corvair) motor is put on front in midship …. the wheels will rotate Forward …. I'm ready for springtime in Texas ….

 

[stacebg]

I've tried replying to this thread all day …. I had everything typed out …. and bang the computer just turns itself off ….. if this ever happens to you … clean the Heatsink on your Microprocessor …..

Thanks for the links ….. I like the 1st one …. the second one is a three wheeled Corvair ….. great job though ….

Now I talked to a policeman about getting a Home-built trike registered in Texas …. and He said that all Trikes are home built …. and said He didn't think it would be a problem to get it legal.... Now I went outside and stood by the trike frame that I have, turned the input shaft CW (VW) direction and the wheels rotated in the forward Direction ….

View attachment 64608

So I'll turn the tranny around 180 degrees …. then when a CCW rotating (Corvair) motor is put on front in midship …. the wheels will rotate Forward …. I'm ready for springtime in Texas ….

just the fact he said all trikes are home built.. wouldnt take a cops word for something like that... unless he is the one doing your inspection / registration

 

[Trike-Man]

Yes I know, I was just thinking a positive sign, I will check some more on registration …..

Thanks

 

[vwbug72501]

"So I'll turn the tranny around 180 degrees …. then when a CCW rotating (Corvair) motor is put on front in midship …. the wheels will rotate Forward "

True, but you'll be applying power to the "coast" side of the hypoid gears in the differential. (Not ideal) This will shorten the transaxle life. The Clark's Corvair link has some information on this.

In the picture you will see that one side of the ring gear tooth is almost vertical and the other side more slanted. The vertical side is the "drive" side and the slanted side is the "coast" side. Applying power to the drive side generates less side thrust forces due to the near vertical alignment of the gear faces. Applying power to the coast side will generate much more side thrust forces due to the increased angle off vertical of the gear faces. High side thrust forces aren't good for the transaxle housing.



Not sayin it won't work. Just be aware of the longevity issues with this approach. Good Luck and keep us updated!

 

[Trike-Man]

I don't see where anyting would be different the Power will still be applied to the same input shaft, except the input would turn the oppisite direction unless I have to flip ring gear ..... let me study the pic's tanks by the way for the input .... I see what your saying the input shaft would be turning the oppisite direction .... which effective dosen't work like puting the car in reverse ..... I'll see what John Clark says .... about it on Wednesday ….. when I talk to Him ….. Thanks !!! VWbug !!!

Ok …. I see what your saying can the ring gear be put on oppisite side to accept CCW rotation …. I know they do it …. there's too many photos on the net with midship Corvair motors on trikes …. other than maybe turning the Corvair motor around and mounting on back of motor somehow (GM used front of Motor to the transaxle) ….. As soon as it stops raining in Texas I'll get motor out of Corvair and I'll be able to see things better …. last time I looked at a Corvair motor was High School auto mech classes ….

Trike-Man

 

[Trike-Man]

Thanks, as you all know it's been raining in Texas, but We had a few days of dry last week …. so I did a little to the frame I bought. …. Some photos below ….

[SUB][SUP]

[/SUP][/SUB]​

I removed the tank, I bought some rust stop from My local Hardware store. after a couple of days the rust is gone and this white coating was on it.



I then painted the frame with Rust oleum Gun meatal but she turned Silver ….



Now in looking at the welding Job ….. I've seen better so next I'll get the grinder out and smooth His welding out ….. I've welded a bit …. these welds suck ….. So they will be the next to fix. Still too wet in Texas to pull the motor out of the Corvair.

 

[Trike-Man]

Some things that are concerning Me, The shifter on the rear of trike, If I rotate the trans axle 180 degrees. I see sand buggies done this way …. My thoughts " There must be a work around "



As you can see …. to do a mid-ship I may have extend the Frame, I hope not. After moving Trans-Axle around, with input shaft facing forward, I'm hoping the differential ring gear can be turned 180 also … As the trouble with bad housing …. wouldn't be good.

One thing, I also have a 911 Motor which if not in bad shape, ( Given to Me by a mechanic ) He said " It leaks oil, could be a rod through bottom, I hope not.

 

[Trike-Man]

I've been working on this some, and it's still raining in Texas ….. there were a few days I was able to work on it …..





I know the Tank will cover this area ….. But I know it is there …. So I smoothed it up …..



These old controls are removed next ….. after my modification's to frame ….. I'll add some good looking brackets





There you go ….. both gone ….. a little clean up and it'll be great …. !!!











Above are other areas that have been cleaned up with a grinder …. then the rain set in again …..

 

[rhino 2]

I've been working on this some, and it's still raining in Texas ….. there were a few days I was able to work on it …..



View attachment 71933

View attachment 71934

I know the Tank will cover this area ….. But I know it is there …. So I smoothed it up …..

View attachment 71935

These old controls are removed next ….. after my modification's to frame ….. I'll add some good looking brackets



View attachment 71936

View attachment 71937

There you go ….. both gone ….. a little clean up and it'll be great …. !!!

View attachment 71938

View attachment 71939

View attachment 71940

View attachment 71941

View attachment 71942

Above are other areas that have been cleaned up with a grinder …. then the rain set in again …..

Those are piss poor welds in my opinion...Almost like wire welds..First hard pot hole hit one or many of them probably will crack/brake..........:Shrug:

 

[Trike-Man]

One thing though Below is the frame number …… does anyone know where to look this up ???



Thanks in advance ….

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[Sidecarbill]

Try looking up yamaha enduros. I think the 3r6 was a dirt bike from the early 80s.

 

[stacebg]

Those are piss poor welds in my opinion...Almost like wire welds..First hard pot hole hit one or many of them probably will crack/brake..........:Shrug:

there is nothing wrong w a wire weld

but a lot of them are not even piss poor ... some cant even be called welds... pic 99 for example

no trying to dis any one but these should be TOTALLY ground out an redone.. not just cleaned up to look pretty... you need to be safe some like below neck might be plated over to tie it all together and be safe

lets be safe out there

 

[Trike-Man]

Those are piss poor welds in my opinion...Almost like wire welds..First hard pot hole hit one or many of them probably will crack/brake..........:Shrug:

Yes, I know …. that's why I'm cleaning them up …. I plan on re-welding them when I get the motor out of the car …. since I plan on Mid-ship the Corvair motor I have lots of mods to do …. the front brackets I was able to break off with a crescent wrench ….. It just needs to stop raining at my house

 

[Trike-Man]

Try looking up yamaha enduros. I think the 3r6 was a dirt bike from the early 80s.

Ok thanks that serial number part could be off another frame or bike the tank has a chrome knight swoosh …. that reads 1300 …. I found the tank, on eBay …. Honda Shadow VTX 1300 ….. Now to find how bad my frame is ….. whole thing was $100 …. so I'm sure I got My money's worth ….

 

[Trike-Man]

there is nothing wrong w a wire weld

but a lot of them are not even piss poor ... some cant even be called welds... pic 99 for example

no trying to dis any one but these should be TOTALLY ground out an redone.. not just cleaned up to look pretty... you need to be safe some like below neck might be plated over to tie it all together and be safe

lets be safe out there

I believe they are a stick job because of all the splatter on unwielded parts, Gussets and re-enforcement plates are defiantly in the works ….. The guy that did this should have His license revoked …. The reason I can't proceed is I have a new Lincoln wire welder ….. I just don't want to weld standing in water ….. Poor bikers have poor ways …. Outdoors is My workshop …. I can see a pretty piece of Diamond plate on both sides of the neck area …..

,

 

[Trike-Man]

Duplicate

 

[stacebg]

I believe they are a stick job because of all the splatter on unwielded parts, Gussets and re-enforcement plates are defiantly in the works ….. The guy that did this should have His license revoked …. The reason I can't proceed is I have a new Lincoln wire welder ….. I just don't want to weld standing in water ….. Poor bikers have poor ways …. Outdoors is My workshop …. I can see a pretty piece of Diamond plate on both sides of the neck area …..

good plan

i would imagine he had no license!

been welding for over 40 yrs own business over 30 got a cert to do bridge work let it pass... never did any... no other licenses... got to be doing something right mostly repeat customers

 

[Trike-Man]

Duplicate

good plan

i would imagine he had no license!

been welding for over 40 yrs own business over 30 got a cert to do bridge work let it pass... never did any... no other licenses... got to be doing something right mostly repeat customers

So, what I did was to grind the 1/4" plate down to a 45 degree angle …. but I in your opinion …. need to completely grind weld off, then weld the bead back …. ??? …. Welding on top of another bead won't work ? the seam on top of large gusset plate looks strong ….

 

[stacebg]

So, what I did was to grind the 1/4" plate down to a 45 degree angle …. but I in your opinion …. need to completely grind weld off, then weld the bead back …. ??? …. Welding on top of another bead won't work ? the seam on top of large gusset plate looks strong ….

mostly # 99 those holes are full of crap wont be good to weld over it w/o grinding down past all the holes

yes you can weld over weld ..

 

[Trike-Man]

mostly # 99 those holes are full of crap wont be good to weld over it w/o grinding down past all the holes

yes you can weld over weld ..

Yeah, that's a very special area …. It's possible I cut this section off depends on when I can get the Corvair motor out and give a look to see how it will land on the frame …..

 

[joek99]

Collins Corvair trike

I have a Collins built Corvair trike that I bought in 2012. It now has a '65 110HP engine. I had the engine, trans (powerglide) and differential rebuilt. New Rochester carbs, one wire alternator, Pertronix ignition. I ripped out all the wiring and ran new color coded wires with a fuse block all in 2017. Still cheaper than some new trikes. I've done 3,000 miles, all local, since the end of April when I sprung it out of the shed. This never had a fuel gauge, the guy I bought it from suggested topping it off every hundred miles. Does anyone have any information on this trike build? Gas tank size? I use 1st gear only up to 20 MPH, second gear for all the rest. It does wheelie pretty easily.

 

[stacebg]

I have a Collins built Corvair trike that I bought in 2012. It now has a '65 110HP engine. I had the engine, trans (powerglide) and differential rebuilt. New Rochester carbs, one wire alternator, Pertronix ignition. I ripped out all the wiring and ran new color coded wires with a fuse block all in 2017. Still cheaper than some new trikes. I've done 3,000 miles, all local, since the end of April when I sprung it out of the shed. This never had a fuel gauge, the guy I bought it from suggested topping it off every hundred miles. Does anyone have any information on this trike build? Gas tank size? I use 1st gear only up to 20 MPH, second gear for all the rest. It does wheelie pretty easily.View attachment 75350View attachment 75352

nice ride u have

i would suggest make a new thread for a post unrelated to the original one

for the tank.. take a gallon of gas with you, ride till you are out of gas, put in the gallon, go filler up.

then put some more miles on and figure the gas mileage then you have an idea how far you can go before you have to fill up

course you could drain the tank at home but loose the ride

if you can wheelie that easy. you are pretty light in the front, which makes me think the front end might want to slide some on a "spirited" ride.. while wheelies can be cool id suggest getting enough weight on the front to keep the front end on the ground before you hurt yourself or someone else

not far from my hometown hollis center

respects

stace