VW Build

VW Trike Re-Build

Hi, Never thought I'd be building a VW Trike as I've never really liked them, especially the “shop bought ones”. But with the “age thing” creeping up on me and not being as fit and mobile as I'd like, my days of hardtails are over :(

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Being disabled with osteoarthritis in hips (one really as the other is metal) knees/shoulders etc, what used to take me an hour now takes me all day, thats when Im up to it. Coming up to 53 but only 23 inside, I really thought that this,my latest, trike would have to be comfortable and, if possible, easy to build. Those where the two reasons I ended up with a VW as I thought that using the original rearend/suspension would make my life easier. Found a donor car with fairly good engine/g-box, with the help of a couple of very good mates It was soon introduced to my other mate Mr Angle Grinder who helped with the dis-assembly process. Having just the engine/g-box/torsion tube/rear suspension to take into “Roobarbs Shed” and I was ready to rock. I already had a design of the trike in my head, (plenty of room then you say!) I did a few quick measurements and laid out the bits on my work bench, which I had to build first as I cant get down to work on lowdown things. Cut and bent a few tubes and stuck them together to form the chassis. Designed and made the handlebars/rear guards and lots of other bits that were needed. This trike had to be built on a budget, so i just got on with it.

Those of you who know about my VW Trike will know that it was first built (that was when it was green/black in 2004/2005) with fairly high seating as I was awaiting the hip replacement and was in a lot of pain and couldnt sit too low, however we managed about 1500 miles that summer or the later part of it. Over the winter of 2005/2006, after my hip replacement, I made a few adjustments to the trike to make it a little more how I intended it to be along with a colour change, it's now gold/black. With my new hip allowing me a little more movement I decided to make the seating lower and also do a few other little changes whilst I was at it.The green/black trike had the original fueltank mounted under the bench seat so to make that lower I had to remove it which meant I had to get another tank. So taking the easy option again I though, mmmmmm I'll make one...... as you do ! The new tank would also fill up the big open space at the front under the dummytank/dashpod. Then I thought.... Im not sure about that dummytank/dashpod, so I scrapped it and made another one.... again, as you do.

I may be missing out lots of bits here but I dont really want to be sat behind this keyboard, I want to be riding, anyways its raining out :(

Back to the plot, as best I can..... The seats were made, onto my own seatbases, by Glenn Moger Motorcycle Seats, he is in Southampton area and can be reached on 02380 906115 or 077699 77906.

The new paint is Chrysler Inca Gold pearlescent done with the help of my stepson, Tony. Electrics where done by Moff who is a bit of a wizard with them, I did the original green/black trikes wiring but it was one wire at a time and mostly black, this time they are done correctly and all different colours with plugs/sockets and everything. Ive even got a cigar lighter tucked away for charging my mobile or the running the coolbox! Another mate, Nobby gave me the luggage for which I made some brackets to fit onto the stainless rear carrier/rack with came free of charge from Glenn via Moff. It sounds a little complex but all those that helped me get this done will know what I mean. Last but not least I must thank my Chrissie and our Emily. Chrissie has had to put up with a lot from me during this past couple of years, although she will say its longer than that :) All my tantrums and moody times, but bless her she still loves me, I hope ! (Chrissie also makes a very fine cake) Emily has introduced me to new/modern music which has kept me mellow when Ive really wanted to shout and scream with frustation and pain. It was on her insistance that the bench seat was made as she used to get left at home when we went out on my previous trikes as they only carried 2. I think Emily really enjoys our rides out now. Our first ride out on the green/black trike was for nearly 3 hours with only a screw coming loose on one of the light lenses, so that wasnt too bad.

Many thanks to all those that helped (and suffered) while the building was going on.

Ride safe, Ride Free, Ride Three.

Triker Pete

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