your thoughts/suggestions for a conversion..

[DblTrbl]

I have a 2009 Honda Fit for sale but have been having thought of using the engine and other parts to make a trike.

I have no experience in doing anything like this but was wondering if some of you would have any suggestions about a project like this. The Honda is front wheel drive and the engine is strong along with the 5 speed manual transmission. Really zips around!

Interested in hearing any input and or suggestions. I think this could be a neat project. Also wondering about the hassle to register this as a trike. I'm sure with the dmv will make it a nightmare.

 

[1dn5up]

Might think of a mid engine mount . The frame design would take up most of the engineering, then to design the body, brake system :gah:

Maybe if I had this mind in a 20yr younger body, I’d consider it. However some dreams come true :Shrug: Good luck.

 

[peteg59]

Honda power is usually pretty dependable, so it might be a good "base" for a trike. I'm not familiar with Honda's "Fit", but anything can be adapted with the right amount of willpower and $$!

Not to discourage you Dennis, but unless you're prepared for lots of 1 step forward 2 steps back in tackling this project yourself, you might be better off having a shop do most of the basic fabrication.

Then if you are into it, you can finish it the way you want it set up.

If I was to delve into another build, I'd start off looking for an automatic transmission "donor" vehicle just because there's less to "engineer" in a build, as well as less moving parts that need maintenance regularly.

As far as NH's DMV goes, they want to see bill of sales/title(s) for the various vehicles sacrificed in putting it together.

I saved every receipt for every nut, bolt, part, etc., along with bills of sales for the engine & frame & brought it all in a folder with me to the DMV. Turns out they only seemed interested in the engine & frame paperwork, but I figured I'd overwhelm them with the mountain of receipts just in case they wanted to do a "forensic exam" of the trike in front of them.

It surprisingly turned out to be a breeze at the DMV, when compared with the entire scope of building a trike from a pile of parts!

 

[LarryA]

The guys have got things pretty well covered, Only thing I might add, is you should like building, as much, or more than riding, These projects get long!!.....but the test rides are fun, maybe a breakdown or 2, along the way, then a few modifications. But a trike is a project that will hold your interest for years, I can attest to that. my .02 Larry