[VW] New ancient old guy from Alberta

[BruceKoukalaka]

Just a bit about me and my new toy, I'm a retired auto /heavy truck technician and a couple days (as i write this) I'll be 66 years old, I've never owned or for that matter driven a trike unless you consider in the late '80s I took a short ride on one of those POS Honda ATCs (I don't). What I'm starting with is a 36HP VW engine, specifics are unknown so I'd appreciate any help with I.D.ing the little thing. As I don't have it here this is the closest to me even seeing it. As you can see it looks fairly complete and I couldn't complain about it costing $100. It's an hour drive from my home so I'll probably be getting it before the end of October.

 

[Gorilla]

welcome Bruce. We have a few VW members hope they will jump in and answer your questions.

 

[Marc H]

Welcome to Trike Talk Bruce!!!

 

[Zammy]

Hello Bruce, welcome to the forums.

 

[trike lady]

Hello & welcome to Trike Talk.

 

[pwhoever]

Welcome to TrikeTalk Bruce! It sounds like you're planning a really cool project. Make sure to post plenty of photos and do a write up along the way.

 

[TomyJ]

Welcome Bruce, My first trike was a VW 1600cc, but I bought it rebuilt and the trans also then the torsion bar set up to begin the frame. Good Luck, There's a lot of very educated VW people on this site so get started...

 

[ol' school]

Welcome to Trike Talk Bruce!

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Several things to consider.
That is a very old engine (1950's)
Not a lot of parts availability.
Not much in aftermarket or performance parts.
Mated to the correct trans it will not like 70mph.
The generator stand being cast in will mean it will have to stay 6 volt.....unless you spend the big bucks for an old style Porsche genny.

On the plus side.
36hp is enough.
60mph rural roads ok.
simple
you have it.

I would encourage a later model engine....like 73 and newer.
A 1600 dual port is what all the aftermarket and OEM parts are targeted for.
Even stock it can pull a larger gear (or taller tires) and keep up with traffic.

 

[BruceKoukalaka]

Thanks for the responses, I live in a fairly rural area so I'll probably be having fun with this on my 10 or so acres. At my age, 66, speed isn't really a concern so if the old thing decides that 60 is top speed that'll be fine. I'm just thinking on this as another retirement toy, after all the leading cause of death in us old retired people is retirement! nothing to do so we get bored.... As for the 6V setup, I think that will be more of the charm considering I'm just making this a toy (I have a '98 Sportster, '83 honda Nighthawk, and a couple old shitty cages for my main transport so I think this will be a fun project.)