Manky Monkey Motors

Hi has any one got ant info on  how to build a Swedish style trike/VW mid engine trike, plans or a project some one selling ::)
thanks

There used to be a site called Swedish Trike Garage Terry, but I can't seem to find it. Type that into Google though & it comes up with photos of a few examples of the breed.

I've done that Andy, got some info on engine and gearbox layout,  but cant find any thing on the frame set up   

I'm sure there are photo's on the old section of the site.

I started planning one of those. I'll email you a mountain of photos if you like.

You planning on mid engine or front engine ( spaced out transmission ) Terry?

yes please if you look in the member list under my user name there's my email. if there's a problem pm me thanks

Hi Dave a front engine some thing like this set up  8)
looking for more detail on frame build

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2gvspox.jpg)

 Like building most car engined trikes it's probably best to get the engine/transmission and forks sorted then design the frame to suit those and to get the look that you are after.
There are drawings to suit VW rear engine trikes on the net but I have not seen any for front mounted.

I know mate don't like rear engine, there was some one out there that made these frames ??? its this or a v6/8 on the same lines small and compacted  8)

ther is a mob in the states that claim to build these
http://badasstrikecompany.webs.com/

Two of my mates built front engined VW trikes waaaaay back. One was back in around '75 or so ,Terry Howell ( Hoot) who also worke dfor Cutom City ( Jagos bike side ).

Pete Wells ( bike was called Electric Blue ) later built another but without the long forks , put on the road back in 79/80 . He used to live down in Havant not far from the Wheelwrights but I haven't seen him in years.

From memory you have to turn the crown wheel and pinion around ( just a spanner procedure ) , it's used the same way in Split buses with wheel transfer boxes .Both ended up with reversed gear pattern, think  sitting in the front seat but facing the rear window  for shift pattern.

Anyway, main point was they just laid them on the floor and built frame to suit . Rear ends were very basic.

Terry.

I bought a vw gearbox with swing axle last summer, and have been thinking about some sort of vw/Reliant hybrid.
Either rear engined or Mankey style front.

I have seen a few grass track and whatever with the mid engine to VW gearbox, I seem to remember if you used early van box you did away with the reduction gears on the end, but someone just turned the box over on a newer one, the linkage was now at the back and the drain plug at the top, easily sorted I would have thought, they were running a V8 rover in the middle of a beach buggy

Never fancied a rear engined trike - not only are they usually short of luggage space but they wheelie to easily!

Found a couple of related VW trike pics. that came from the MM site orig. Morrag

Quite like the mid engine layout.  Means you can mount the foot pegs lower and no empty transmission case as a spacer. Also better weight distribution than rear engine.

It's what the old time "Motorcycle" and "Motorcycling" mags. would have called a "coby" look!! from memory! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.....Morrag

Warm bum as well!
You'need to be very tall or have long arms to ride that, but I agree, mid engine makes more sense than hanging out the back.
Huw