Building a Velomobile!!!

[RicksRides]

Well the WLA is finished and the Pennysworths' paint is about done. So I just had to start a new project.
I will build a Velomobile this time around.
I found a moped, that with some minor cosmetic mods will pass for 49cc. We hacked it in half and will incorporate the rear section of frame into our Velo frame. This will be a 2 seater. I'm hoping for 40-45 mph & 65-70mpg, when I'm done regearing it. I'm about half done with the frame and it looks like a cross between a funny car and a gokart.
I'll post some pictures when I get a bit more done
Rick

 

[silverbear]

Just gotta be differnt, dontcha? Ha! Looking forward to photos and following along on the build.
SB

 

[wheelbender6]

You may be building the first motorized bicycle with full bodywork.

 

[fasteddy]

That will be a nice break from building motorbikes and motorcycles. Better get photos on here quickly or the gang will turn ugly in short order as I found out.

Looking forward to seeing it myself of course. If it has three wheels and pedals you have a motor bike.

Steve.

 

[RicksRides]

1st pic is the WLA at Dads where it belongs. Here's some pics of the frame in progress

 

[RicksRides]

here's some more pics. Pic #2 is my cousin Steven being the nut he's always been. Pic #4 shows the way the body opens up to get in and out

 

[RicksRides]

Ok, heres how it sits as of this evening. I broke my last band saw blade and will have to go get another one (I did get over a years worth of cutting out of it).
Although I dont know if it actually qualifies as a velomobile as there are no pedals
As always let me know what ya'll think
Rick

 

[fasteddy]

Rick,
That build is a peach. Will the front axle have springs on it or will it be a go kart style axle? Wheel type?
Also are you going to make a body for it?

I can see it as a nice alternative to using the car. With three wheels it probably could be registered as a motorcycle. Does the donor bike have a transmission? Man, that is a nice build indeed.

I've been told that our family has a cousin Stephen as well. Could be why I haven't heard from any of them in almost 50 years.

Steve.

 

[silverbear]

Rick,
You don't fool around, do you? What is the donor moped? Looks right serious for a moped...
SB

 

[RicksRides]

Steve,
Its being built as alternative transportation for my cousin. He's lost his licsence and his wife cant drive due to medical reasons. So he can use this in the rain and snow, when a scooter wouldnt be ideal.
The front end will have independent suspension. For the wheels I picked up a set of Trailer tires on 10 inch rims. I'll use 20ga. sheet metal to make the body panels.
It will get a complete body package and convertable top (canvas) and will have a complete interior including heat, CD stereo and complete instrument panel. Basically a 3 wheel car without the government's excessive fees.
The scooters tranny/clutch is similar to a CVT. It wont require registration as it'll appear to be a 49cc scooter.

SB,
The donor was a 150cc scooter

 

[fasteddy]

Rick,
That is going to be one sweet ride. Forgot that with the 49cc motor you're cleared to ride. A perfect way to get around on the quiet and easy. Really interested to see how you put it all together.
This will be a velocar in the truest sense of the word providing economical transportation.

Well done, Sir.

Steve.

 

[RicksRides]

Worked on the velo a bit.
Put in the floor and beginnings of a seat.
There's Steve grinding out some welds on the hood.
OK the dash is wired, just got to clean up that mess ,I mean harness.

 

[RicksRides]

built the dash. We salvaged the complete wiring harness from the donor including all the switches.
The cushions and material (pleather) were removed from a couch waiting for the trash man we passed on the road a couple days ago.

 

[RicksRides]

heres some general shots of the velo. Bit by bit its coming along.

 

[RicksRides]

got some more done on the velo
Mounted some lights that we converted to LED (30 bucks for both!!)
steering assembly was swiped from a club car golf cart
so the velo now has rack and pinion steering, independent leaf spring suspension.
More to come

 

[silverbear]

Lights look good. Harbor Freight?
SB

 

[RicksRides]

Lights look good. Harbor Freight?
SB

yup harbor freight

 

[RicksRides]

Re: Building a Gas only Velomobile!!!

well , I did a little more on the velo. Heres some pictures of recent progress
got the steering colomn and pedal controls as well as the rear section of the body

 

[fasteddy]

Looking really good Rick.

Steve.

 

[RicksRides]

took her for a drive today 10 miles or so.
still have some bugs to work out but all in all pretty pleased