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I recently retired and one of my day dream projects for years has been to build a trike using the motor and transaxle from a front wheel drive vehicle. I have been searching my area for VW Rabbits from 1976 to 1984 but they are extremely difficult to find in my area. Have any of you thought of this as a project? Any thoughts on what makes of models on late model FWD vehicles might be OK?
I could buy one of the Can/Am Spyders but I would prefer spending the $18K that the Spyder would cost building something unique and engineered exactly the way I want it. Because of exhaust emissions and titling issues I prefer going with the 1970's units.
I recently retired and one of my day dream projects for years has been to build a trike using the motor and transaxle from a front wheel drive vehicle. I have been searching my area for VW Rabbits from 1976 to 1984 but they are extremely difficult to find in my area.
Have you considered early 70's?
Audi used a VW transaxle for front wheel drive in their 100ls series. I am pretty sure you could bolt a air cooled VW engine on the tranny with no issues.
I had a 1974 Audi. The neat thing is the transmission is made to use a inline engine.
you're kidding right? FWD car, mount engine/tranny/etc... in a custom frame and you have a FWD trike (reverse trike). Not exactly rocket science.
I'm a MC guy, Trikes are abominations.. the worst of motorcycles and cars with none of the benefits. So, no, I have no interest in that kind of thing.
Sorry Brian but I am totally serious. I am 66 years old and have been riding two wheelers since I was ten. You may discover, if you live long enough, that eventually your joints wear out, your reflexes slow and cold weather is a lot colder in your sixties than it was when you were a teenager. I still love the thrill of a motorcycle however it may be time for me to switch over to something with more wheels. I could just buy a convertible but I have never liked having a windshield in front of me.
I didn't start this thread to discuss the merits of three wheels versus two. I would like to share ideas with others that have done this or would like to. Enjoy your years on two wheels.
Have you considered early 70's?
Audi used a VW transaxle for front wheel drive in their 100ls series. I am pretty sure you could bolt a air cooled VW engine on the tranny with no issues.
I had a 1974 Audi. The neat thing is the transmission is made to use a inline engine.
I wasn't aware of that ferretkona. Thanks for the idea. Scrounging parts for an Audi in my area (Eastern Nebraska) would probably put the kebosh to using Audi parts. I have considered using a VW Transaxle from a Bug and putting it in front driving the two front wheels. That would require quite a bit of engineering of the steering and suspension assemblies but there is a ton of after market parts for the old VW Bugs. That might be the least expensive building choice.
I want to build a gas/hybrid car using air pressure and electric power . A bike is more of a toy.
Let me know how that works out crestliner. I recently read about a small car made in India that is driven by compressed air so it is possible. Combing air and electricity is really unique. A few million of those as daily commuters would sure clean up the atmosphere.
GL2
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