Manky Monkey Motors

well - shaun popped up here this morning and dropped off the axle and traded some of my junk for it - always a winner

not to mess around got the axle off and just start mocking things up - the box will be full width with the mudguards bolted to it and hopefully nice big radiused corners if i work out how to do it

about this sort of wheelbase i think - looking at a short trike and reasonably narrow, although it looks wider with it being short. full box on the back to i can carry all manner of s**t about in it. it ill be a parts hauler / camping rally crap etc thing a fun toy basically

intend to convert the pop axle to a chain drive and run a short jackshaft to line up with the gearbox

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/100_0885.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/100_0890.jpg)

Ooh, I do like that! That's gonna look fabulous.
-not sure what the MSVA guys will make of the cardboard box though.  :)

wont be a problem  just tell em its a crumple zone! ;D

very nice Sumo :)

I have been farting about wondering if the pop wheels would look good on mine. I have to have them if I use the bedford axle. Otherwise I'll have to find a reliant axle again.
The pop wheels do suit it, Sumo. I got the pic from the Virtual Indian site. The mudguards were bought in from the US.

haha - it looked really wide without something there so i threw the box on just to fill a gap, the plan is to have the box stepped so it goes down at the back.. ahh sod it - not explaining very well - like this... so the number plate and lights will be built into box back below axle level in a compartment - it works well in my mind - we will see when i get round to making it if it works or not

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/trike/172e_3.jpg)

and on this occasion the sva man can sod off on a tea break coz i dont need to go see him anyhows

registered bike, bolt on trike conversion.... i thank you

Nice to meet ya Sumo ;D  Manky an MSVA won't be needed as the trike conversion is removable/bolt on  ;D ;D

It does look good mate, is the axle up against the rigid Panther rear? and I think the box suits it ;D ;D

yea - good to put a face to a name

and yea - axle is just pushed up against the long jon rigid section, was using that as a wheelbase guage. worked out that it is pretty much right with it like that

cheers fella

yep it looks spot on, see you at the Dragon next year then ;)

Just a personal taste thing, but I prefer your mock-up, with the box perched up above the axle. The Harley one looks too low & bulky for me.

Love it,love it,love it  :D :D

had a ride on what is possibly the worlds first Panther trike on Friday, 1931 engine with a hand change gearbox ;D ;D ;D no photo's just yet but I will ask the owner if I can put a taster up for you guy's ;)

dropped mine off with neil this morning so hes on with the frame - should be ready when i get back from my jaunts

 :o :o :o :o better get myself into gear I think ::) ::) ::) :P

im aiming for the national [but bear in mind i have never hit a deadline yet on anything i have built haha] that gives US till the end of july   ;D

hey shaun - is this long johns?

grabbed it off pembrokshire panthers site so if not then theres another out there - common as s**t these panther trikes haha

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/DSC00250.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/DSC00256.jpg)

thats the kiddie ;D ;D built for a 6 foot 6 chappie and ridden by a 5 foot 7 midget ;D ;D 8)

Do you have a link for the PP site?

I'll find it for you mate ;)

Shaun.
I googled it and went straight there. Cheers.
I'm interested as I used to live in Haverfordwest for a long time.
Liked all of them but this was brill.

just got back this afternoon

got some pics while i was away off neil of progress hes made, as ever he's spot on so far

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/15-04-09_2140.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/15-04-09_2141.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/15-04-09_2143.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/15-04-09_2142.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/16-04-09_1951.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/16-04-09_1952.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/16-04-09_1953.jpg)

Some lovely workmanship there.

 :o :o :o looking good Sumo, boy is that guy talented 8) 8) 8) how was the trip :D :D

he can sure sling a mean welder

was a good trip - ill sling up a couple of pics when i get a chance

went and go the trike back from neils shop yesterday all frame work done for me and its bloomin lovely

still an ass load to do but its on 3 wheels now at least

made up the starts of a template for the box today, will be making a female mold and then making it out of glass-fiber when i have ironed out the shape, all very square and clunky at the minute - will be made with huge radius corners when in glass. just getting something on there so i can get a feel for seat area / where jackshaft / brake rods etc can run

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/102_0922.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/102_0928.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/102_0929.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/102_0930.jpg)

Looking good Sumo  ;D

I'm reet jealous, mate. :)

looks the bollox mate, axle width is spot on 8) why the chuff did I get rid of that axle ::) ::) ::)

Ohh yea, almost forgot ::) ::) I have that chain drive dif ;D ;D :-*

Proportions look spot on when you're aboard it Sumo. Proper hillbilly trike.  ;D

who you calling a hillbilly?!?  ;D

 :P   ;D

maybe tiz the dungies that give the game away  ;D ;D ;D ;D smart lookin moti ,sickle sumo  ;) 8)

Nice ....  I like the "Banjo" rack on the front  ........   ;D

  ..  Hagar  ..   ;D

Only just sen this build thread ...looks cool as ! Love it!

nice lines Sumo lovin it m8 ;D

looks far better in the flesh, Neil's work is spot on Sumo. That box is going to be perfect ;D ;D making me rethink mine now  ::) ::) ::)
Thanks for the offer of BBQ grub, glad I headed back when I did though as I missed the bank holiday tossers I mean public clogging up the M25  ;D ;D ;D 8)

but you missed bbq and then apple pie with cream AND ice-cream for pudding....

thanks mate - im dead chuffed with how it looks [and a more than a little drunk now haha]

Apple pie & cream? Id've had Shaun's share if he didn't want it.

Gutted  :'( :'( :'( :'(

well - thats the hard bit done...

crown wheel holds the bearing on a pop axle, sent home with dad coz its toughened and my lathe wouldnt cut it [only a small lathe down here]

so teeth machined off, a sprocket will bolt onto the shoulder behind the bearing and its that easy [hopefully] we spend half a day drinking beers in the garage and coming up with crazy complex machining plans for this last weekend, then a few more beers in i spotted how we could keep it simple like this - happy day, still on target for finish date

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/CIMG0024.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/CIMG0025.jpg)

oh - he laced up my new rim that arrived last week too - well chuffed

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/CIMG0026.jpg)

That's a very handy ol' man! Nice.

nice work Sumo, knew I shouldn't have got rid of that axle  ::) ::) ::) mind you I wouldn't have a clue doing any of this  :-[ :-[ :-*

and we have a working chain diff all put together. now i can relax a bit - this will actually work for sure now, its no longer an on paper it looks ok

jackshaft parts arrived today so this weekend i recon i can get that all drawn up ready to machine. then its prodominantly frippery like wiring, rear box etc.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P6040003.jpg)

Love the scrumpy -essential for workshop creativity?

i love scrumpy too  :)

its the closest ive found to proper farm scrumpy, speeds things up for a while then slows stuff right down to a standstill

You could probably run the Panther on it too!

Hey Sumo, could you possibly measure how tall those 17inch rear tyres are please  ;D I am going to fit a pair of Ford Y wheels on my trike and want to see what size front wheel i will need to match/suit the height of the back. Its all about ascetics, got to have a tyre that is as tall or taller than the rear's, can't have a smaller tyre on the front :o :o that just won't do :-\ :-\

will have a look this weekend but im pretty certain they are 27" dia

i ordered 30" mudguards and seem to remember having 1.5" gap, its not a complete guess haha

good to see you are starting thinking planning your trike

i wanted a set of these - way cool but too bloomin expensive for my taste

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/tipple%20run%2009/P5300006.jpg)

(http://www.blockleytyre.com/images/a1piccyonly.jpg)

coo they are nice mate, wouldn't mind something like that myself ::) but will prob make do with standard cross ply's 8) 8)

well as you said Sumo, I have most of the trike stuff except the tubing so it would be silly not to do some planning. I can work on this up the barn when I run out of parts/steam with the Pop. Be good to have something to turn to when you get one of those "brickwall" moments when nothing goes right with the Pop.

Ooh, I get lots of those.  :(

I might have the same problem. I have these 17inch Pop wheels but the tyres are perished. I looked online but I could only find them from vintage suppliers for 90 quid each.
You lot know of any cheaper?

North hants tyres and there is a guy who does the autojumbles who has yellow flyers. Ill dig out some contacts. Im going to need 4 for my pop wheels on the volksrod, maybe we should do a bulk order!

count me in, I need 4 ::) ::) ::)

Paid about 70 quid each for mine from North Hants Tyres a few months ago, but have been told the prices have gone up by a third since then. Need to find a set of radials to use for the SVA & MOT tests.

Am I right in thinking there are 16 in Pop wheels as well? Are the tyres cheaper?

spent the day sorting jackshaft fitting, not going here i originaly planned just behind the gearbox, now moved it back about 8 inches, gives way better chain runs

as for tyres - im probably getting a pair of 450x17 Excelsiors at £80 each delivered, cant find the avon tourists anywhere

(http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/dbimages/0946571001230875875)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P6060001.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P6060002.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P6060003.jpg)

don't think you get 16 inch Pop wheels but early VW vans ran 16, 15 and 14 all in the wide 5 stud pattern and any of these will fit.
blimey Sumo, you must have posted that as I was writing my reply.
The jack shaft is looking good, also liking those tyres but a bit rich for me at the moment.
Spent most of today mocking up the Panther trike  ;D I know I should have been working on the Pop  :-[ but I needed to do loads of grinding and cutting and after seeing those pictures on here and BC of the disc inflicted injuries I thought I would wait until I've had my holiday  ;) ;)
I'll start a thread as soon as I can be bothered to get the pic's off the camera  ::) ::)

yea - they arent cheap but they are the cheapest i can find anywhere.

get you cam out and get some pics of your panther trike going - and you know you are going to end up with a box on the back of it  ;D

Ta. I will ask my local VW Nutter.

got the jackshaft mounting all sorted, now i just need to make up chain tensioners, rear brake and mounting for box, got a 4 day weekend next week so should get a load of jobs crossed off the list

also got the new tyres mounted and wheels sprayed black, not a bad weekend really

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P6140002.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P6140004.jpg)

Good work! That looks like some extensive bracketry!

ahh yes - over engineering is always a good thing - and completely in the panther spirit - have you felt the weight of a stock panther swingarm??

I've got Excelsiors on the Pop. No idea how they're going to handle, but they look good  8)
Good progress there Mr S.

looking good Mr Sumo sir ;D ;D ;D will it be finished when I return from my travels in France?

depends how long you are gone for shaun... what is it, about 6 weeks left till the national? thats still the aim, or if i miss that the france rally a couple of weeks later im tempted do

ok so this is 3 days solid work for me and dad

it needs a base and the lid cutting off and a fwe more things but really chuffed

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P6210004.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P6210003.jpg)

You should be. That's coming along nicely  ;D

any progress mate  :) :) :)

progress is my pan euro got stolen last friday, got it back on saturday but took all weekend to fix after their botched attempts at hotwiring and just plain old fashioned vandalism... so nope - no progress, back onto it on sunday [shovel mot and s**t tomorrow]

wont be making the national now - its blown my already optimistic schedule sadly

still working at getting it done asap though - may be able to make the france rally the month later

know how you feel mate, never enough time and the scumbags who nick things well  >:( >:( >:( >:(.
Good luck with the shovel tomorrow.
Is that Jolly Johns rally in France by anychance? or Jos's?
had hoped to get over myself but that isn't looking likely now, usual stuff like lack of money etc ::) ::)

jolly johns is the next deadline to miss

mudguards should be ready for monday moulds made and first layed up but will be at rufforth autojumble saturday so make second one sunday for ya

superb. looking forwards to them

sumo pm.d ya  re guards   cheers ron

excellent - so swanky new glass mudguards on the way down here soon, jackshaft done, am on final assembly of axle

only thing i have to show is the jackshaft though - crappy blurry pic on kitchen table but its done and ready to drop in this weekend. might actually have a roller for the last time this weekend, then onto the little odds and sods that need crossing of the list. like finish that bloody box off...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/CIMG0027.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/CIMG0028.jpg)

few odds and sods done like a nice simple shift rod, just turned some 10mm rod down to 8mm and ran a die down each end - nothing fancy but im pretty happy with its simple looks on there, jackshaft nearly fitted / lined up but not quite

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P7110002.jpg)

box is coming on - still a ton of filling and fitting to make it right but the bones are there, first coat of filler primer today to see it in a solid colour

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P7110003.jpg)

silencer welded up

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P7110004.jpg)

as ever - the standard unit of measure for anything of mine - the slab or half slab...

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P7110007.jpg)

looking good mate 8) 8) 8)

wot he said :)

nothing too major, odds and sods ticked off the list though - lots of filling on the box, exhaust now mounted secure, front chain tensioner in and chain on, forwards completed - spacer machined down with shoulders, plates drilled then welded in from the ends, dressed and smooth as a babys bum - they are super high like the old custom servicars in the 60s... we will see how comfy they are up there but they look cool

i think "all" i have left to do is complete / mount box, mudguards, wire it, brakes [front and rear]. im sure to have missed something but thats all i can think of at the minute

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P7250001.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P7250002.jpg)

real nice,  ;D ;D

yet MORE time on the box >:( but its getting close now started fitting rear lights mainly because im getting disheartened with sanding and it not looking much different for hours and hours of work. set of landy lights look good in their new home i recon. very pleasing evening

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P8040003.jpg)

getting to paint now

so this is me in my dust free, spraying environment with air fed mask blah blah... ok so it might be my back garden. 2k paint is fun - thats the final colour greeny grey. [moris minor colour from 1950s]

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P8070007-1.jpg)

Nice  :)
Is that the seat unit you're using too?
If you back-comb that beard you could use it as a filter mask.  :D

Christ  :o :o :o thats the biggest, pinkest potty I've ever seen  :o :o :o

Looking good Sumo, I think its going to look almost factory with a few custom touches if you know what I mean  ;D ;D ;D

you old flatterer you... im sure you read previous that is what im going for.....

had a bloody good weekend for a change

got right through to paintng and had a bit left in the gun, so ran iniside with pain the the gun, grabbed the tank, did all of 45 seconds prep and sprayed - it'll do for mow

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P8080002.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P8080001.jpg)

Ooh, that do look nice Mr S.

Bloody good job.  ;)

That box has come out a treat!

that IS one of the nicest trikes I've seen for a long time  ;D and I know thats the look you were going for but achieving it isn't always as easy  ;D ;D

its been one of the hardest things ive built yet - and its not done either - just to get the look right and not too fancy looking. having a couple of days off after the weekend to recharge then back to it probably tomorrow night.

i honestly think the twin panther will be easier all told

come up for a nosey sometime shaun - you know where i am and the beers at least kept in the shade...

your on mate ;D at the Hayride this weekend but will let you know when I'm free  ;D ;D

stainless steel rack for about £12 - ikea kitchen door handles re-assigned

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P8120004.jpg)

cool  ;D ;D ;D not going to make Jolly John's are you  ???

nope cant get the time off - boss has gone away so im in charge haha the fool

not too much this weekend - been out riding all day today enjoying the sunshine
got the lights in and front indicators, properly fitted rack, over center locks on the box.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/P8140003.jpg)

Now I spots what looks like a drag bike in this photo  ??? any chance of seeing what it looks like  ???

and just to let you know, I think the trike looks the bo****ks and like the rack, wish I had thought of that when I wanted a rack on the back of my bike. (Its long gone now)

It really is dam fine workmanship.

thanks but im just another hack that like spending all his time and money in the garage

looking good Sumo, not long now  ;D ;D

well - next 3 weekends im off riding so its anchors on for a little bit bot then back refreshed and replenished

home this weekend, new york gypsy run next week, tipple run after that

all good fun and what its about - riding the things not just building em

yet more hours spent on the box thi weekend but its there now. just needs wiring up and the box is done, then brakes to sort and a couple of bits - im getting there

managed to get it out in the sunshine on the floor for the first time too

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/38a5b8b2.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/fe43d1fd.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/bf2695b8.jpg)

That's stunning Sumo.

Really is a lovely looking thing Sumo. Looks like it could be a factory option. Even the little rack on the front guard balances out the back end perfectly. Like that a lot.
I'm sure Shaun's already collared you for a write up for Brit Chopper magazine, but would appreciate us being added to your media appearance list please.

thankyou thankyou - thats the idea. man its been hard work getting the look [and not done yet] - way more than building a bike. i went in a bit eyes shut assuming it would be similar in time / effort to a bike - how wrong could i be. with the box now done except the wiring i have worked out theres nearly 250 hours in that alone. never mind the diff and other bits and pieces - i now have a new respect for what goes into a trike build

the little front rack is previous owner i cant claim that one, he went on a europe trip and the bike was consuming vast quantities of oil at the time so he had this little rack made up to carry an extra big bottle of spare oil. i just really liked it so left it on there

Bloody good job there.

Looks Stunning that Sumo.

Nice to see something different and so well built.


Smashing  ;D

Very tidy, a really excellent build!

I like it very much, as said, looks like it could have come from the factory like it.

you definately got the period look spot on sumo , excellent build and detail well done

that is cool my man  8) 8) 8) defo has a factory look to it  ;D ;D ;D

spent some time looking into the shovelhead and why its not running so a little slow on this the last few weeks. only thing that you can see moving forwards is the inside of the box. just been tidying up loose ends and little bits and pieces that take for ever near the end of a project. bits of wiring, odd little brackets here and there, seat mount etc.

i made an insert for the box that covers the backs of the lights so i dont smash them off with my tent etc. and it has a nice little compartment for a bottle of oil and a tool kit

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/e6ee0c9c.jpg)

Detailing makes all the difference to any build doesn't it. Lookin' good my man.

bloody tedious though when you just want it on the road tough isnt it  >:(

Brilliant job Sumo.

jus re-read this lot through and that panther is is the mutts m8 bet yer well chuffed  ;D

well - got the proper front wheel in there now with the front anchor made to accept 2 cables so i can run my handbrake there aswell, and yes -  i know - the build looks to be going backwards but the outside shot was just a prop together to

a] give me a kick in the arse to get on with it and

b] make sure i liked it on the floor

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/3a442353.jpg)

nope it definately pointing forward  :P

big day today - no pic but all drive line is in and working. now have power from engine to wheels via jackshaft / chain diff

it would ride now - just not stop.... hope to get rear brakes done tomorrow then the box can go on a final time.

its really not that far off being done

spot on mucka ;D

nice one mate  ;D ;D sounds like you had a better day than me   :( had to work from 04-30 to 15-30 as the buggers have changed my shift again  >:( >:( >:(

so you are home by 4 and have all afternoon / evening to work on your trike  ;D

drunk some wine and fell asleep  :-[ :-[ :-[

an equally valid answer.....

ok so - Front brake / hand brake all set up. and how many cables do i need to throw on the front end all made up to length today - dull  day but productive. clutch, front brake, hand brake, choke, decompressor, advance/retard. looking solid if a little busier than ideal

along with my sumo patent pending front panther clutch lever handbrake conversion [robbed off a quad] thats why the 2 cables down to front wheel

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/feeb8666.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/84e62115.jpg)

Fair bit of progress there.

Having seen this in the flesh it's so damn cool. ;D Just looks so right.

Nice to meet you the other  night Sumo.  ;)

 

Looking great sumo,I love that front wheel  ;)

ooh thats looking good mate, wheel does look nice all black with just the ally brake plate  8) 8) 8)

spent the day messing with bell cranks for the rear brake perch

think ive got it sorted now - we shall see

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i153/banjodave/panther/2c729542.jpg)

not put anything on here in a while. the crank above was wrong so changed the maths on that now

i actually took it a ride up and down the road yesterday ;D which is a pretty big landmark in any build

got back and one of the pop brakes has started sticking on so need to pull that wheel off and get a look at that today.

so i have 4 weeks till the dragon to get it wired, finish front guard and get it legal. fingers crossed, its doable as long as  can sort the dvla check thing in time

Hiya Sumo. Got any pics of it on the move? Can't wait to see this one finished!
And to get the write-up on it & the Dragon rally report for the site of course.  ;D

ok - little vid - so second test ride [was seeing if brakes would bed in any - they are only just better than useless] rear right also sticks on every now and then and does work well then...

also i seem it have some sort of issue that the gearbox moves 1/8" when i engage first from neutral [box is pushed by the shift]

it does seem to ride pretty nice and fit me well when its moving along the road though - i'll get there

http://vimeo.com/8514565

sounds awsome.

That's one very cool Panther mate.  8)

Beautiful sound!

 ;D ;D That looks so cool Sumo  ;D ;D

Can't wait to get mine finished although it's gonna take a little while longer to get to that stage.  ;)

sweet as mucka ;D

that is so cool mate  8) 8) 8) looks almost factory in style  ;D top marks  :D :D