Automatic trike

[Fowler]

So the Doc says I need a new left knee and the right knee is getting to that point.

I built and ride a VW tirke now but the clutch is getting hard on the knee.
I could probable figure out a hand clutch but I have wanted to build a automatic trike anyway.

What is a good donor vehicle for a automatic trike?
I have been eyeing by sons s10 but he will not let me have it

I want something that has power but still good on gas mileage.
I would like a V6 but would go for another good engine if I got my hands on the right one
I would like the donor to be a rear wheel drive. I like the look of the rear axle but I would consider others
I would like fuel injected but need something that will not be to hard to wire up. I don't want all the extra computer crap. Just enough to make it run good.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

 

[Sidecarbill]

Get the knees fixed and you can ride what you've got. Just a matter of time before you have to do it anyway. Anyway can't recommend anything. Fuel mileage will be late model stuff. My s10 is a 2.2 and it ain't no roarin ball a fire. I do have a 66 chevy 283 motor sittin in the barn. Don't know it status but for you special deal just come and get it. I don't think it will fit in one of those flatrate boxes.

 

[J.T.M.]

If you stay with a small block chevy v8 parts are plentiful and cheap. You can get aftermarket computers and about anything you might need.

 

[stinger608]

That really sucks Bob!!!!!!

After all the time, effort, and money put into the Heathen to then have to start all over!

 

[Sidecarbill]

I suspect Bob just likes buildin stuff. If he can build another trike just because he wants an automatic, well I suspect he could make something work with his present ride.

 

[stacebg]

So the Doc says I need a new left knee and the right knee is getting to that point.

I built and ride a VW tirke now but the clutch is getting hard on the knee.
I could probable figure out a hand clutch but I have wanted to build a automatic trike anyway.

What is a good donor vehicle for a automatic trike?
I have been eyeing by sons s10 but he will not let me have it

I want something that has power but still good on gas mileage.
I would like a V6 but would go for another good engine if I got my hands on the right one
I would like the donor to be a rear wheel drive. I like the look of the rear axle but I would consider others
I would like fuel injected but need something that will not be to hard to wire up. I don't want all the extra computer crap. Just enough to make it run good.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

guess you are itching to build another.... but a vacuum brake booster would be a simple modification to existing ride.. either way have fun

 

[butchvoss]

So the Doc says I need a new left knee and the right knee is getting to that point.

I built and ride a VW tirke now but the clutch is getting hard on the knee.
I could probable figure out a hand clutch but I have wanted to build a automatic trike anyway.

What is a good donor vehicle for a automatic trike?
I have been eyeing by sons s10 but he will not let me have it

I want something that has power but still good on gas mileage.
I would like a V6 but would go for another good engine if I got my hands on the right one
I would like the donor to be a rear wheel drive. I like the look of the rear axle but I would consider others
I would like fuel injected but need something that will not be to hard to wire up. I don't want all the extra computer crap. Just enough to make it run good.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

I built a v6 auto trike with a 350 turbo trans with lock up converter. Had to build a leading link because of the front end weight. I call it the grocery getter. used a 4.3 and carburetored it along with an HEI distributor.. used a ranger rear and narrowed a little.. Lots of work but i do luv not shifting. still working the bugs out..lol

 

[Fowler]

you all hit it on the nose
I itching to build another trike.

Until now the Ol'Lady would not give up her side of the garage
Now she says if I can find a good starter vehicle she will give her 79 MGB to her son and give me the other 1/2 of the garage

I like the idea of a hand clutch but I do have hand issues also. Not as bad as my knees though
I'm an old fighter, I trained and competed in boxing then on to Muay Thai for years when I was younger and I took some hard shots to the legs and have beaten the heck out of my hands and fingers. I still train now but just for fun.

So I could go with a hand clutch now but it my not be the best for me in a few years

 

[Sidecarbill]

Well if the mg is an automatic, there ya go start cuttin, an it probly has wire wheels b perfect! Buildin this stuff is like disease, you just are always lookin 4 somethin else. Tryinn 2 down size here. Guy just pulled 3 rack bodies full of scrap metal outa here. So in the process of tryin 2 get rid of stuff don't ya know I just saw a new welder may just have buy!

 

[Fowler]

The MGB is a 4 speed manual. I rebuilt the engine on it a number of years back. I also completely required it with marine grade wire and put a Chevy alternator on it
The old Lucas wire was all dry rotted

I do have planes in my head to make it into a Trike but the Ol'Lady promised it to her son.

 

[vwbug72501]

Ahh, yes, "Lucas, The Prince of Darkness". Many an old Triumph rider has been seen on the side of the road kneeling in prayer to him.

 

[Fowler]

Getting closer to starting this build.

Made a deal with my wife
If I buy her a jeep she will keep it outside the garage and she will give the MGB to her son.
I have been looking around like crazy for a jeep.
Found a few that we are looking at this weekend.

Then the space is mine to build in

 

[peteg59]

Some food for thought:
Look around for a VW Autostick. These are really rugged transmissions and they eliminate a manual type clutch, subbing it with a vacuum diaphragm that uses intake vacuum to operate.
They are somewhat confusing to non mechanical types, but should be a breeze for you.
I'm almost positive the autostick will bolt into a standard type 1 chassis like what you're running, unlike the full auto's found on type 3's...

 

[stinger608]

I'm almost positive the autostick will bolt into a standard type 1 chassis like what you're running, unlike the full auto's found on type 3's...

Yep, there were many type 1 bugs that ran the auto stick. They'll fit with no problems.

Biggest issue I see, is finding one that is worth a crap at a decent price.

 

[peteg59]

Yep, there were many type 1 bugs that ran the auto stick. They'll fit with no problems.

Biggest issue I see, is finding one that is worth a crap at a decent price.

So true since the last A/S was made in/around 72?

 

[Fowler]

I want to build a new trike anyway
Been looking around for a donor vehicle but have not found one yet
Before when i did not have the space to do it I seen several of them
now nothing

 

[stinger608]

I want to build a new trike anyway
Been looking around for a donor vehicle but have not found one yet
Before when i did not have the space to do it I seen several of them
now nothing

Oh man, isn't that the way it always goes?!

Like me, always a day late and a dollar short. :laugh:

 

[Fowler]

Guy just pulled 3 rack bodies full of scrap metal outa here. So in the process of tryin 2 get rid of stuff don't ya know I just saw a new welder may just have buy!

and here I am wanting more scrap.
I just dont have access to much
it makes my "building junk out of scrap" hobby hard to do

Th Ol'Lady likes it when I don't have scrap laying around though

 

[Fowler]

I'm getting closer to getting the other half of the garage.
My step son is trying to work out time and money to fly to us and drive the MGB home
After that I can start
It still may be a while before he can get it out of here but I have been looking around for a donor vehicle anyway.

I seen this on Craigslist http://roanoke.craigslist.org/cto/5793685761.html

PLEASE give me your open and honest opinion on this. I would rather hear it now then after I buy it and then find out I bought something that will not work or will be crap


It fairly close to me
Its CHEAP !!!!!!

it should have a Chevy 4.3 EFI V6 engine.
I could use the engine, trany, rear end maybe some suspension and maybe more
I could cut down the harness for the ECM or buy a aftermarket one
Not sure what the seats look like but maybe I could have them redone in something that is water proof or go with something different for seating

I have been doing some checking and parts are easy to get. It also looks easy to work on.
The trany slips but that should be easy to get or I may be able to fix it

Thinking of this type of frame and suspension but I would build it myself and make some adjustments to the design http://www.macsratz.com/4saleV8Trike.html
Scroll down to see the pics

Once I get started on this project I think due to budget restraints it may take me a few years to build but I have the Heathen to ride until I get this one done

BTW doing a oil change and valve adjustment on the Heathen today

 

[Fowler]

Also I forgot to mention this.
I did buy the Ol'Lady a jeep
She got a 2016 Jeep Patriot with less than 10k miles on it
still has the factory warenty