Three Wheelers - Your opinions and expertise wanted!

[KDIcarmad]

I said a few post back I was going to try and do an update of the Scootacar. A MK4 for today...



After a few goes I decided to use Google sketch up 8 (this can be download for free). As my attempts to draw it were going no-where. I know the above is not great, but it a starting point. I hope you see the Scootacar of the 1960's in this and a very current design. Please feel free to post your own ideas. I know I have not put lights or a door on this, I did not just forget them. This is just a design idea... A starting point. I hope other will consider this and wonder if they can update the Scootacar MK2/3 then have a go at doing their own Scootacar MK4!

This could be fun. I wonder what we will get.

Edited by KDIcarmad on Sunday 25th March 11:45

[KDIcarmad]

Above is a photoype of a new US three wheeler bening tested in Utah. Below a image from its builders Vanderhall motor works, of how they plan it will look when it goes on sale next year. By the way just one seat.

[Mistrale]

Hi there, I have thought for a long time that the best way to make a trike would be to mount a freelander differential between the front wheels and directly mount a motorbike engine/gearbox onto it. An electric reverse could then drive the single rear wheel or be mounted onto the diff. Final drive ratios might take a bit of thinking about but can't see why this should not work! Thoughts?

[KDIcarmad]

Mistrale said:

Hi there, I have thought for a long time that the best way to make a trike would be to mount a freelander differential between the front wheels and directly mount a motorbike engine/gearbox onto it. An electric reverse could then drive the single rear wheel or be mounted onto the diff. Final drive ratios might take a bit of thinking about but can't see why this should not work! Thoughts?

I cannot see why this would not work. My only question is are you steering these wheels? If you are would a FWD system from a car, use whole work better. As this is with a motorbike it may be that your idea does works better. Still never heard of it being tried so it is over to you lot.

By the way Mistrale what would the rest of the car/trike be like. What engine/s where you thinking of using? Take a look at this months CKC and the FRS three wheeler (you have until Thursday 31 May). A motorbike powered fwd kit car.

[Mistrale]

I always liked the Hudson kindred spirit so for me, something like that and kept as simple as possible. Hadn't thought of a specific bike engine but thought of using fwd hubs and driveshafts with the freelander diff, a four cylinder engine, or even a triumph triple would be a good start!

[KDIcarmad]

Mistrale said:

I always liked the Hudson kindred spirit so for me, something like that and kept as simple as possible. Hadn't thought of a specific bike engine but thought of using fwd hubs and driveshafts with the freelander diff, a four cylinder engine, or even a triumph triple would be a good start!

A friend of mine owners a Lomax he's trying to put a BMW flat twin into/onto. It has taken him 2 years so far, just to get the body off and measure up. That engine does give a nice low centre of gravity. As to the Hudson, I would want a weather protection of some type on any update.



How is this for a modern twin V engined car. This is the Merlin Roadster from Corbin. It is also FWD. Sadly it died when Corbin went out of business. A two seater version of would be a lot of fun. That front on a tandem seat car would sell I think. As to the V engined design if so most will fit. A twin V offer a lot, both in cost against four stokes and in low down pull.

[KDIcarmad]

This is a design from Peter Maier from about 1966. I personal like this car. Does any one have any more images as I do wonder what the front looks like.

[qdos]

You mean this one?




You might also be interested in Colani too this is his Street Ray

Edited by qdos on Thursday 7th June 22:03

[smash]

A three wheel Tuscan!

[slomax]

KDIcarmad said:

A friend of mine owners a Lomax he's trying to put a BMW flat twin into/onto. It has taken him 2 years so far, just to get the body off and measure up.

There are several in the citroen specials club. 2 or 3 pembletons have the BMW power too. I think the R80/R100 are probably the two eninges of choice. They are a MUCH bigger block than the standard 2CV engine and i think they are a fair bit heavier too. A lot of mods are needed to the bodywork and mounts etc etc. If you look at the more powerful newer engines you have to start worrying about your gearbox!

[KDIcarmad]

slomax said:

KDIcarmad said:

A friend of mine owners a Lomax he's trying to put a BMW flat twin into/onto. It has taken him 2 years so far, just to get the body off and measure up.

There are several in the citroen specials club. 2 or 3 pembletons have the BMW power too. I think the R80/R100 are probably the two eninges of choice. They are a MUCH bigger block than the standard 2CV engine and i think they are a fair bit heavier too. A lot of mods are needed to the bodywork and mounts etc etc. If you look at the more powerful newer engines you have to start worrying about your gearbox!

Yes it is much harder that it looks. Still 2 years seem a bit long to me.

[KDIcarmad]

qdos said:

You mean this one?




You might also be interested in Colani too this is his Street Ray

Edited by qdos on Thursday 7th June 22:03

Thanks for the photos. I have seen the Street Ray before and like it, bit of a Colani fan. I think his cars have a fun look to them. Is the Street Ray legally 3 or 4 wheeled? There is a similar two seater car design on the web


I like the look on the two blokes in the back ground. Not certain about the design, those front wheel covers, a bit...


Found this design on web is this relate to the Street Ray.

PS

Looked for Street Ray found this with same name...


a rotary engine and a great look... on
http://www.build-threads.com/build-threads/street-...

Amazingly it is being build! There is another link to find out more...

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=159517&amp...

I hope you find this as interesting as I did...

Edited by KDIcarmad on Friday 8th June 20:25

[fuoriserie]

For those interested in the Velorex as I am, you can find some great images here:

http://www.velorexklub.hu/felujitas/

enjoy..

[KDIcarmad]

fuoriserie said:

For those interested in the Velorex as I am, you can find some great images here:

http://www.velorexklub.hu/felujitas/

enjoy..

Were most Velorex sold in that s**t brown colour! They also look very used and uncared for, when clearly they are being looked after.

Below is the Velore X and update...



I don't think this has a lot going for it..



no better from behind!

This was not the first attempt, here is the 1970 Velorex HOBA 350








Which do you like more? I like the 1970's Hoba, it looks more modern more car like, a bit like a certain Germany sportscar that also has a engine at the back. Round off the front a little and smooth off the side and you could see this on the road today.

Edited by KDIcarmad on Sunday 10th June 11:11

[KDIcarmad]

In about 1975 František Honc, living in Bakov ( Hoba - Honc Bakov ) designed a new body for the Velorex. He built 2 one on a 16/250 and the other a 16/350. As he worked at AZNP(Skoda) these were very well designed and build. The moulds for this car was sold on and an unknown number of Velorex were changed into Hoba.

In 1979 he built a second version the Hoba II, still based on Velorex ( or in this case Oskar ), but with a more modern design.





At first I disliked the Hoba2 but now feel it a very 1979 design, reflecting other designs of the time. Look at both which do you like?

[fuoriserie]

KDIcarmad said:

Were most Velorex sold in that s**t brown colour! They also look very used and uncared for, when clearly they are being looked after.

Below is the Velore X and update...



I don't think this has a lot going for it..



no better from behind!

This was not the first attempt, here is the 1970 Velorex HOBA 350










Which do you like more? I like the 1970's Hoba, it looks more modern more car like, a bit like a certain Germany sportscar that also has a engine at the back. Round off the front a little and smooth off the side and you could see this on the road today.

Edited by KDIcarmad on Sunday 10th June 11:11

I like both for different reasons, the Oskar is a basic and lowcost design and like it because it's very basic .
The Hoba is more of a car inspired design and more complex and expensive to manufatcure than the Oskar.

If I were going to choose what to restyle I would use the Oskar as a concept and update the engine option and rework the proportions somewhat, but it would make for a perfect lowcost 3wheeler kit...

[fuoriserie]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7965618@N08/with/6824...

Here is a very nice Velorex replica with a Honda Cx500cc engine...

[KDIcarmad]

fuoriserie said:

I like both for different reasons, the Oskar is a basic and lowcost design and like it because it's very basic .
The Hoba is more of a car inspired design and more complex and expensive to manufatcure than the Oskar.

If I were going to choose what to restyle I would use the Oskar as a concept and update the engine option and rework the proportions somewhat, but it would make for a perfect lowcost 3wheeler kit...

The Hoba is really just a bodyshell shell for the Velorex (original called Oskar). The Hoba II used an Oskar as a base. Funny how just putting a hard body make you see this as more car like. Out of interest you never said which Hoba design you prefer?

I like the idea of a using a "cloth" body shell on a low cost three 3wheeler. How about offering both, a cloth body for a low cost and a hard body opion at a little more for people who dislike the use of cloth. Thinking about the cloth idea, I saw a "mythbuster" a few days ago in which they cover jackets in "truck bed paint". The cloth once covered was so strong, and very stiff, a dog could not bite through it. Yes, I know painting the body would add cost, but it opens up the option for the cloth used.

Edited by KDIcarmad on Monday 11th June 11:05

[thescamper]

KDIcarmad said:

I like the idea of a using a "cloth" body shell on a low cost three 3wheeler. How about offering both, a cloth body for a low cost and a hard body opion at a little more for people who dislike the use of cloth. Thinking about the cloth idea, I saw a "mythbuster" a few days ago in which they cover jackets in "truck bed paint". The cloth once covered was so strong, and very stiff, a dog could not bite through it. Yes, I know painting the body would add cost, but it opens up the option for the cloth used.

Edited by KDIcarmad on Monday 11th June 11:05

You could almost combine two "mythbusters and use duct tape instead of cloth (they made a duct tape boat using a small diameter steel tube frame.

Should I get my coat now

Edited by thescamper on Monday 11th June 12:17

[fuoriserie]

KDIcarmad said:

The Hoba is really just a bodyshell shell for the Velorex (original called Oskar). The Hoba II used an Oskar as a base. Funny how just putting a hard body make you see this as more car like. Out of interest you never said which Hoba design you prefer?

I like the idea of a using a "cloth" body shell on a low cost three 3wheeler. How about offering both, a cloth body for a low cost and a hard body opion at a little more for people who dislike the use of cloth. Thinking about the cloth idea, I saw a "mythbuster" a few days ago in which they cover jackets in "truck bed paint". The cloth once covered was so strong, and very stiff, a dog could not bite through it. Yes, I know painting the body would add cost, but it opens up the option for the cloth used.

Edited by KDIcarmad on Monday 11th June 11:05

I do like the Hoba 350.