3 wheeler, but not as we know it, Jim!

[Olds]

Very neat. Is that galv sheet you are using.

[morrag]

Yep, it is Dave, principally because it was available for nowt! having come out of the landing ceiling of a house my son bought some years ago! yeah, that's the truth! It appears it was used after WW2 to repair bomb damage, and as building materials were in short supply then, and there was a galvanised sheet plant locally, Bingo , well that's what I was told, and its proved excellent in use,being old style "hot dip galv," a little heavier than aluminium, but stronger, and definitely cheaper .....Morrag

[Olds]

principally because it was available for nowt!

A perfect reason. Some decent, zinc rich primer on the cut edges and it will last forever.
Gan ddumuno iechyd a hapusrydd I chi yn 2014

[hornet6]

Looks amazing...cant wait to see it finished 

[kapri]

Are you fitting a reverse gear ?

[morrag]

Many thanks for the seasonal greetings,in the language of heaven, Dave .Regarding reverse,well the jury is out at pres. as a reverse gearbox is both bulky and expensive, and the electrical alternatives don't appear too efficient,from what I can tell, though I have not ruled that method out yet, but initially I shall probably stick with the prewar concept of doing without, and just take care where I park cheers, Morrag

[mouse]

looking very nice Morrag 

[Olds]

With regard to the possibility of electrical reversing. My neighbour has a huge caravan, having friction roller drive motors, fitted each side acting on the tyres.
Not very fast (walking pace) but quite capable of 'driving' the caravan up and down the road. Being over centre, sprung loaded, it would be easy to engage/disengage via a lever/cable setup. Would however add weight to the swing arm.
Another alternative is a punting pole lashed to the side.

[Manky Monkey]

Surely it's the passenger's job to jump out & push it backwards when needed?

[morrag]

That roller idea is interesting, but re. the "punting pole" suggestion , I am giving that real consideration, using, possibly, a pole, swivelling of a chassis rail, through a slot in the floor, passenger side!why not? ...Morrag

[kapri]

With regard to the possibility of electrical reversing. My neighbour has a huge caravan, having friction roller drive motors, fitted each side acting on the tyres.
Not very fast (walking pace) but quite capable of 'driving' the caravan up and down the road. Being over centre, sprung loaded, it would be easy to engage/disengage via a lever/cable setup. Would however add weight to the swing arm.
Another alternative is a punting pole lashed to the side.

You've just given me an idea for my BIVA project , using those rollers but in an alternative method of drive, THANKS .

[Olds]

using, possibly, a pole, swivelling of a chassis rail,

Rollocks Rowlocks!

[morrag]

The mind boggles!! ............................These two pics show the offset prop shaft which creates a problem of seat space on the drivers side,with the drivers seat squab requiring channeling to fit over the tunnel, and the radiator, which required its in/out stabs. moved from one side to the other, as the rad, is now behind the motor as opposed to its original position, on the 'bike,ahead, but that's the nature of screwing "one-offs" together! Cheers for now, Morrag

[Manky Monkey]

Someone in the States was using rollers directly onto the rear tyre as a means of drive on Harley showbikes a while ago. Might be info on them out there on the 'net somewhere.

[minimutly]

Why not a brake disc on the prop - say on the diff nose, with a ring gear shrunk on. Bolt on a starter motor and bobs your uncle. Been thinking about this for my trike, less clutter from cables etc. What has the smallest dia flywheel? Reliant can't be far away?
Huw