MrInitialMan

I found some trailer springs that were 1-3/4 inches across. I can work with this. I'm thinking of I'm thinking of using one of these for the rear transverse springs, and removing most of the leaves to make it softer and lighter.. I looked up how to soften leaf springs, and apparently removing the shortest leaves will do the trick.

Someone suggested a swing axle setup for the front, and I think I'll go with that. I know these are just asking for trouble at high speed--but I'm not going to be going THAT fast.


There is one other reason I want suspension: Some of the businesses in my town have driveways that meet the road at quite the slope, so either I'd have to make sure I was completely out of the driveway before turning (leaving me way out in traffic) or end up on 2 or 3 wheels momentarily (with major torsion stress to the frame) as I turn out of the parking lot.

UPDATE: The gentleman who built the Nephew of Fantom told me that his ride weights about 83 kilograms, or 182 lbs. That does, however, include an electric assist system, which mine won't have.

UPDATE 2: I'm lengthening the nose and rear by 6 inches each for better aerodynamics. I'll still look at that kayak skin you suggested, squirtdad. I found a video on it, and see how it hardens, and how sturdy it is. Maybe I could even use it for the floor. Can you use Tremclad paint on it? I want to paint this medium blue (I have reasons.)

MrInitialMan

Another design change. I realized that where I have my front wheels would result in EXTREMELY limited turning (the wheels could deflect a maximum of 8 degrees before hitting the body). I was looking around and found inspiration in pictures of hot rods, of all places--there's a type of front transverse suspension called a Bulldog Front End in which the front spring is actually in front of the chassis altogether. Because of my wedge nose, I can get far more angle on my front wheels, so I think I'll go with that.

squirtdad

not familar with trenckad,,,,but I would think you could do the urethane seal and then a color coat

MrInitialMan

Tremclad is a brand my dad used to paint his sheep handling equipment way back in the day--medium blue, to be exact. So, I hope to paint my velo the same colour.

And now that I know how much that velo weighs, I got an idea of how much mine should weigh.

Also, Rhoades Cars apparently weigh in the 100 lbs. vicinity as well.



UPDATE: I think I've hosed myself with buying that rear differential. Are 36-hole rims really niche? because those are the hubs I have.

repechage

For some ideas, google- Don potts my first car
left me gobsmacked as a kid.

squirtdad

may be of interest diy recumbent plans https://www.atomiczombie.com/

check out the

TriCruiser Winter Trike

LodeRunner Utility Trike

StreetFox Tadpole Trike

TimberWolf USS Trike

MrInitialMan

I'll check that out. Thanks.

MrInitialMan

After a few years, an update.

So, I abandoned this project for a while, due to depression and dissatisfaction at how this was going.

*Sighs* I've lost access to the shop I was going to build this in. My dad, who was going to do the welding, cannot weld anymore anyways. I don't think this thing will ever be built.

unterhausen

Thanks for checking back in, even if it's not good news. Sorry about your dad and your shop access.

RB1-luvr

hang in there. Hope you find other, simpler projects to bring you some joy.

Andrew R Stewart 

I also thank you for the update. I hope there will be more follow up as life and karma play out. My passions are hands on metal stuff, been this way since I got my Dad's old Erector Set as a child. When I had my bike shop a lot of this had to be placed on a back burner. I learned to come up with small projects that might only take an hour or three spread over a few weeks to keep my creative juices from completely drying up. Please don't stop trying to make stuff. Andy

MrInitialMan

I've resumed work on the design. My goals have not changed it:

- Weather Shell
- Cargo space (thus the big size)
- Stability (thus the four wheels)
- Comfy ride, including some protection against often rough roads.(thus the suspension)