4th generation of my trike

[irondad01]

Yes , I was planning on lettering. TP30 on the fenders for tire pressure and 73VW4G for ID number. 1973 VW and fourth generation. Maybe star on the tank? I was toying with the idea A45200, that was Merle Haggard's number at San Quinten. Most of the lettering I've seen was in white. It might show up better.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I know this is a day late and a dollar short ... but ... did you give any thought to some kind of vent to help cool you and the engine in the lowers panels in front of your legs?

[irondad01]

If you remember my engine is in the rear so I don't get any heat from it. On the body, beside the passenger's seat, are 2 channels that will direct any trapped air back to the engine.



Looking from the front, the panel isn't much wider than the front end.



The panel will mostly keep any rain or mud from being thrown on me from the tire.

[peteg59]

Big Merle fan too.

Not sure many would recognize his prison # though, unless you did a face pic nearby to go with it?

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Looking from the front, the panel isn't much wider than the front end.



The panel will mostly keep any rain or mud from being thrown on me from the tire.

WOW ... It looks so much "bigger from the side ... the vents don't seem so necessary now ... guess my brain is stuck in the "Harley Heat Mode"

[irondad01]

A splash of color was added.



I have all the wiring done except the tail lights on the body. The front brake line is a little long because I had ape hangers on it before. I may try to reroute it a bit on the top to hide it better. The throttle cable is hooked up. I need to get some retro looking hand grips.

This is a trick I learned for fastening things.



Use a piece of plastic tube the length you need and thread the zip tie through it. When tightened it makes a stand off so things aren't rubbing.



I made this dash before. I piled plaster paris on the tank and shaped it the way I wanted then put fiber glass over it. When it cured I knocked the plaster out of it. Those are marine switches so they are water proof. I didn't have a horn stamp so I used an 0 a V an I and an I. The speedometer is an Acewell. It's worked great for 12 years.

The body is primed, probably paint it tomorrow. This paint takes a long time to cure. That's what I read about it but they say it's super tough after it's cured.

[TomyJ]

I love apes tall and mini, BUT! not on this, It is looking so cool this time around, Please re-think the handlebars???

[irondad01]

I think you're probably right. I had those handle bars hanging around so I put them on but they bothered me because they didn't look old enough. I'll have to shop around a bit.

I've been mostly waiting for paint to dry. Always exciting. I did get the gas line run and a few other small things done. I think I'll get the body on tomorrow then I can mount the tail lights.

[irondad01]

I got a bit done these last couple of days.



Body is on, tail lights wired, seat on. If I put a little gas in it I could fire it up and go for a ride, not legally with out fenders.



Battery is bolted down. The battery disconnect switch is hooked up. It will be hidden when the rear seat is on but easy to get to.



I have the tail lights wired so they are the turn signals too. While the fenders and lids are drying I'll break out my wife's sewing machine and work on the rear seat.

New handle bars and grips are on their way.

[trikeman]

Looking Good

[irondad01]

Thanks everyone.

I mounted a breather box for the engine inside the engine compartment then I worked on the seat.



That's carpet padding from Lowes. My brother had a roll left over and gave it to me. It's 1/2" thick so I glued 8 layers together to get the 4" I needed for the bottom. The back is 1 1/2" thick. It's pretty stiff. About like a Corbin seat. Softer foam lets you bottom out. You can't bottom out the stiffer stuff so there is still some give when you hit a bump.

The handle bars and grips just got here so I guess UPS is still working.

[Gorilla]

WOW I'm impressed. It is coming out very nicely.

[irondad01]

The rear seat is done. I have a lot of respect for people who sew seats for a living.



I used a dimpled material for the top and plain stuff for the sides to match the front seat. I was going to do the double stitching to match but didn't think I could pull it off without messing up. It's really pretty comfortable.

I got the storage lid and the engine lid on too.



When I was changing the handle bars I stripped the banjo bolt hole for the brake line in the master cylinder so I'll be repairing that. The handle bars are supposed to have the same bend as older Harley big twins. I like them a lot better, thanks TomyJ for the suggestion to change bars.

Fenders mounted probably tomorrow. There isn't a lot more to do to finish. Lettering whenever I can get to someone who does that. This whole Shelter in Place is sure putting a crimp in a lot of things.Oh well, we have to do what we have to do.

[TomyJ]

"This whole Shelter in Place is sure putting a crimp in a lot of things. Oh well, we have to do what we have to do". I hear ya Carl my wife will not let me out for anything but food, Sure am glad I am retired with steady SS income...

[wlivin2]

you have skills looks great

[irondad01]

These are the latest basement photos.







I have a fitting ordered for the front brake and I have to get some lettering done. Everything else is complete. Once I get that done and we get some nicer weather I'll pull it outside and take some better pictures. I have a 1/4 mile mud pit for a driveway so hopefully that will dry up and these travel restrictions will go away. I think it would be hard to practice social distancing riding this because people would want to talk about it.

[LarryA]

I'd say you definitely nailed " the look", a machine the Desert Rats could only wish for!

The length and heavier front should make for good riding and handling.

Well done, my friend!

[Motorcycle Mike]

I've really enjoyed watching this build, I'm kinda sorry it's over.

Nice work building a true one of a kind.

[Jack Klarich]

Looks darn good, thanks for putting together this thread with your build

[Zammy]

Looking good Carl, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the build, almost there !!!