New build almost complete!

[usnavy8084]

I started my build on May 5 2012 and am 95% complete. Need to replace mock up tires/rims and add aluminum diamond plate for the "deck". Thanks to all on this site who helped make it happen......especially Rob Bourne who provided some very good info when I was stumped. I now know it looks easier than it really is to build a trike from ground zero. But, you'll never have the satisfaction of watching your own creation come to life and it sure beats making loan payments from a store bought trike. Not perfect by any stretch of anyone's imagination, but it's mine!! It's raining today, so I had to take the photos inside the garage.

Tried to add photos, but I keep getting error messages. Will try later today.

 

[eagle1]

make sure you have all the receits when its registration time. great project& nice job

 

[usnavy8084]

I have every receipt (literally) for all of it including every nut, bolt, washer. Made an Excel spreadsheet and have $4,751.oo invested for all engine/trans/parts and another $1, 280.00 for special tools, welder, etc. I'll post the photos of build from various stages later this weekend. Had a blast building it.

 

[Nana]

That picture looks great! The error messages probably mean the rest of your photos need to be resized down to medium resolution. Then they should load fine for you

 

[Bikerbozo]

Looking great. Good luck with it.

 

[saab9k]

Good job.

Have been thinking about to build one. have some of the parts.

 

[Doug D.]

Great job on a slick lookin' ride! Enjoy!

 

[beastonthemoor]

Hi, just a quick question on your rear guards/fenders, can you let me know how they are fitted ,bolted to, and a picture if possible, and anyone any ideas on mounting guards/fenders to vw rear end, thanks.

 

[matman1972]

I have every receipt (literally) for all of it including every nut, bolt, washer. Made an Excel spreadsheet and have $4,751.oo invested for all engine/trans/parts and another $1, 280.00 for special tools, welder, etc. I'll post the photos of build from various stages later this weekend. Had a blast building it.

When We built mine, I had a binder with every single receipt organized by part use, etc... The guy who was inspecting it thumbed through it, barely glancing at any of it. Now, I'm glad I still have it as I use it for ordering parts, maintenance items, etc. I like not having to wonder... "now what size slave cylinder did I use on the clutch??"
Good luck on finishing the build!

 

[usnavy8084]

All dimnensions are US SAE sizes. I used 1/2 inch od tubing which has an ID of 3/8 inch. After determining the location of the fender, I welded the brackets to the frame and drilled 3/8 inch holes. Next I calculated the distance from the mounting bracket to the edge of the fender (3 inches) and added 4 inches to the overall length for a total 7 inches. The 4 inches placed the end of the tubing into the center of the fender. I then cut 3/8 inch threaded rod to a length of 8 inches (additional 1 inch is for the nut and washers to secure the fender to the frame mounting bracket) and inserted that into the tubing. I then drilled 2 holes through the tubing and into the threaded rod 180 degrees apart in 3 locations then "plug" welded all six holes to secure the threaeded to the tubing to keep it from turning. Next I drilled 1/2 OD holes in the fender, inserted the tubing/threaded rod assembly. There was an 1/8 inch gap between the bottom of the tubing and the inside of the fender, so I cut a piece of 1/8 inch flat stock 4 inches long and welded it to the the tubing and then to the inner fender. Hope this helps.

 

[classicfins]

When We built mine, I had a binder with every single receipt organized by part use, etc... The guy who was inspecting it thumbed through it, barely glancing at any of it. Now, I'm glad I still have it as I use it for ordering parts, maintenance items, etc. I like not having to wonder... "now what size slave cylinder did I use on the clutch??"
Good luck on finishing the build!

I have a buddy of mine that did the same thing when he built his '37 Chevy street rod. All his buddies thought it was silly. Now, 28 years later, he is rebuilding it from the ground up and can look in his book and see EXACTLY what the driveshaft came from, what master cylinder he used, what the part number is on the front ujoint, what the swing pedal came from, and how he modified it, etc. I should be so smart next time I build something, but if I know me I won't be.

 

[usnavy8084]

With my memory I need to have all of the reference material available. Especially when you have spent alot of time figuring out what does and doesn't work. Plus I think it helps to close the deal if you decide to sell the trike.