Register now to get rid of these ads!

Cyclecar Build-So Cal

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Kris Blake, Oct 7, 2017.

  1. Kris Blake
    Joined: Sep 19, 2017
    Posts: 8

    Kris Blake

    Hello, I'd like to welcome me to you.

    My name is Kris. I am man. I am handsome and I have been told I am the songbird of my generation (by my mom)

    Anywho, I am fresh to the scene. I have spent numerous years collecting 1930s bicycles and pre 1945 motorcycles. I am transitioning to automobiles (sorta). I have stumbled across this site many times over the years due to the bad assery of vehicles posted.
    After I saw the 1938 TROG single seater on here I had to become involved. (I love that build) Hope the next owner doesn't do a damn thing to it :)

    I am currently building a 1918 Harley Davidson Cyclecar. I don't consider this a rat rod nor am I trying to fool anyone. I am combining all the attributes of things I love from other cars into this one.
    I welcome your thoughts but be gentle, Im sensitive :)

    Dan Orabona of Taylar Motorbikes is my chief Fabricator. Okay, he is the only Fabricator. I have worked with Dan for many years and he is very well-known for building THE best tribute cycles on the planet.

    I have been pondering the build for several years and have designed and researched every aspect of building this cyclecar. We actually started 3 separate times in the past but plans got watered down. This time she was a GO.
    upload_2017-10-7_9-32-56.png
    Started out with an early model T front end and frame. I then purchased a belly tank to cut up for the tough radius points. After realizing the frame would require a ton of work and welding to it would be tough, we decided to use new steel for the frame. We also decided to not cut up the belly tank and use steel for the body.
    upload_2017-10-7_9-35-27.png
    I rebuilt the front suspension. I used massive 30x3 Kelsey steelies and switched the Sturmey Archer hubs to fit model T spindles. I mounted some Coker tires and they stand 32" now.
    After dialing the frame in to .001 or less we mounted a Harley 1200 twin cycle at 5 points.

    We removed all the unnecessary frame/front end. We then cut the wishbone and added long radius rods. Dan fabbed a panhard bar to reduce the frame swing. (There was a lot of left/right movement due to the single rear wheel).
    upload_2017-10-7_9-38-4.png

    After resolving all the tracking, toe and camber issues we mounted a vega box and Dan made a belly pan. I used pallet wood to mock up some of the floor. I made a seat from a 1918 Ford Tudor. We used model T pedals on a custom shaft and bar linkage.
    We will be finishing the seat perch/rails then work on building the buck to shape the body. when finished, it will sit evenly at 6" off the ground. Body will be 25" wide and 30" tall (36" from ground)
    I will post more as work progresses.
     
    moparboy440, ClarkH, 35cab and 6 others like this.
  2. Kris Blake
    Joined: Sep 19, 2017
    Posts: 8

    Kris Blake

    Here is another pic.
    The original design was to seat 2, cockpit style. The design was too retarded. The cab was way too forward and the tail looked like a tadpole at 2 weeks. She will only seat 1.
    upload_2017-10-7_10-19-15.png
     
  3. Kris Blake
    Joined: Sep 19, 2017
    Posts: 8

    Kris Blake

    20171013_182227.jpg 20171013_182301.jpg Spent another day working on her. We finished the brake linkage and seat perch/rails.
    Next step will be shaping the rear deck lid then mocking up some buck pieces to have laser cut. Should be taking shape soon.
    Going slow but doing it right :) I think.
     
  4. Kris Blake
    Joined: Sep 19, 2017
    Posts: 8

    Kris Blake

    Working on the rear tail piece, we started with a late 30's Chevy hood. We spent 2 days on the English wheel. 20171018_100719.jpg


    We were able to shape it without making any cuts. How is that possible???
    20171020_154325.jpg
     

  5. Hey Dude,,,This is the forum page for INTRODUCTIONS,,not builds...READ THE RULES
     
  6. Kris Blake
    Joined: Sep 19, 2017
    Posts: 8

    Kris Blake

    Hey dude, sorry for the error and not "reading the rules". (That is usually the FIRST thing I do when I find a new forum!)
    I am new and couldn't find where to post a build thread.
    Thanks for letting me know so nicely.
    Sorry I offended you by posting in an inappropriate location on your site.
    I will try and find where I am supposed to post it.
     
  7. Rad build!

    Where in SoCal? See, now I'm offended... that you didn't invite me over to work on it.
     
  8. Kinky6
    Joined: May 11, 2003
    Posts: 1,765

    Kinky6
    Member


    Kris, this is usually where guys say, hi, i'm so-n-so, from hereabouts, and a couple of members say hey back to ya. Your build thread can go on the general discussion forum, or, if you want, do a search for the Cyclecars thread. They'd be interested in this. K6
     
    slv63 likes this.
  9. slv63
    Joined: Aug 4, 2008
    Posts: 151

    slv63
    Member

    Keep sharing! I’m interested to see where this goes.
     
    Rolfzoller likes this.
  10. Kris C Blake
    Joined: Apr 22, 2018
    Posts: 22

    Kris C Blake
    Member

    Hi Nathan,
    JUST read this! Sorry, I dont visit too often.
    You are welcome to come by anytime youre in the hood :)
    Kris
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  11. Kris C Blake
    Joined: Apr 22, 2018
    Posts: 22

    Kris C Blake
    Member

    IMG_20180413_202745050.jpg IMG_20180323_212508435.jpg Should be done in a month.
    Working on changing all the bolts to steel rivets, interior panels, grille and final welds. Cyclecar exhaust.jpg
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2018
  12. silent rick
    Joined: Nov 7, 2002
    Posts: 5,207

    silent rick
    Member

    nice work, we'll see if a moderator can move this to the main forum for you.
     
  13. Tin Lizzie
    Joined: Oct 19, 2010
    Posts: 1,663

    Tin Lizzie
    Member
    from Ohio

    Very cool indeed !!! Please post more information?
     
  14. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Cool build, I like it!

    What's your plans for reverse?
     
  15. Kris C Blake
    Joined: Apr 22, 2018
    Posts: 22

    Kris C Blake
    Member

    Do you remember how Fred Flintstone powered his vehicle? :)

    Actually, I will stand on the left side, facing the rear, and use my left hand to steer as I push the 1050 lb beast.
    If I am parked on a steep down grade then I will have to call AAA.
     
    Blues4U likes this.
  16. Kris C Blake
    Joined: Apr 22, 2018
    Posts: 22

    Kris C Blake
    Member

    I was born half retarded and semi stupid.
    Can someone tell me HOW/WHERE to post this thread???

    Thank you
     
  17. s55mercury66
    Joined: Jul 6, 2009
    Posts: 4,335

    s55mercury66
    Member
    from SW Wyoming

    Cool. Just keep thinking ahead, before the need for reverse ariseth. Are you running a belt or a chain?
     
  18. gnichols
    Joined: Mar 6, 2008
    Posts: 11,345

    gnichols
    Member
    from Tampa, FL

  19. Kris C Blake
    Joined: Apr 22, 2018
    Posts: 22

    Kris C Blake
    Member

    She is belt driven.
    I have a bunch of info and pictures but have no idea where I am supposed to post this. The site isn't friendly for the knowledge impaired.
    Once I find the right spot to post a real thread, I will :)

    Have a peachy day :)
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  20. Kris C Blake
    Joined: Apr 22, 2018
    Posts: 22

    Kris C Blake
    Member

  21. A moderator must have moved it for you. It is in the correct forum now (and has been for a while as I would not have seen it as I don't usually look at the intros.) Carry on!
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  22. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Dang, that thing is coming out pretty nifty.
     
  23. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,814

    BJR
    Member

    If that was at ride hight in the first picture in post #3, it's going to bump steer something terrible with the drag link running at that steep of an angle. Jump up and down on the front of the car and watch the steering wheel whip back and forth.
     
    Kris C Blake likes this.
  24. Kris C Blake
    Joined: Apr 22, 2018
    Posts: 22

    Kris C Blake
    Member

    Bump steer was of little concern due to the dimensions and having very little weight up front. When test driven it had nearly none.
     
  25. Kris, any updates? This is a great build!!!
     
    Kris C Blake likes this.
  26. Rolfzoller
    Joined: Apr 30, 2014
    Posts: 395

    Rolfzoller
    Member

    Congratulation to this build
     
  27. brady1929
    Joined: Sep 30, 2006
    Posts: 9,253

    brady1929
    Member

  28. Erik B
    Joined: Sep 4, 2006
    Posts: 1,959

    Erik B
    Member

    You can use a dedicated starter motor for reverse with some engagement pulley work. That's what the T-Rex uses.
     
  29. Kris C Blake
    Joined: Apr 22, 2018
    Posts: 22

    Kris C Blake
    Member

    Since my last post I have spent a few days with the patina.
    I really wanted a dark, almost black, rust. I couldn't get it past orange so I experimented with chemicals. It will do for now. I will sand it and try again later.

    I made 3 windshields but kept scraping them. A friend came by and handed me a '27 Essex windshield for free. I chopped, shrortened, shaved and bent it. I added 1/2" tubing and notched a channel for glass. Made post supports and rusted it. Added glass and a rubber glass/body seal.

    I also added a blister for fresh air intake where the cooling fan and oil cooler are located.

    Still trying to find out why it won't stay started....

    Everything works fine except once the starter button is released it dies. ?
    Gotta chase down the problem then it should be good to go!

    (Sorry, won't allow me to load pics for some reason....?)
     
    kidcampbell71 and Unkl Ian like this.

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.