I took it apart. With wheels that small it was clearly not meant for driving around an extinct lakebed.
So I found a bicycle wrecking yard and got more parts.
Then I modified the wheelchair wheels so they could drive bicycle chains.
That's an aluminum adapter plate to mount stuff to.
After just a little bit of effort I had a new frame.
The idea was to mount the motors such that the modified wheels' sprockets would drive the bigger wheels, which I welder-modified to have fixed-gear hubs and large chain wheels. But I had my doubts about all the opportunity for mechanical trouble and then a more experienced mutant vehicle engineer looked at it and said it would never work. He gave me about a dozen good reasons. I followed his advice and changed everything. Got a new set of tires and wheels.
Modified the snot out of them so they'd attach to the adapter plates.
Hung the motors on top instead of on bottom and added all the other crap (batteries etc.).
So now the little fat tires drive the big ground tires directly, using friction. No chain lag, or chains jumping sprockets, or chains breaking, or any of that.
Works like a champ. Goes about walking speed (like a wheelchair).
Prolly will want something more comfortable to sit on than a two by four. But finally! Only three months after starting this project and a long eight days before departure, the silly thing actually runs! All's I need now is a recliner seat that comfortably fits two and an elaborate lighting system. And to gather all my other supplies, prepare clothes, pack, and other easy not-time-consuming stuff like that.
9 comments:
Look at that!!! Yay!
Will you experience electric love when in it?
Will you become ordained in the Jimi Hendrix Electric Church?
If not, you should.
"But are you . . . experienced?""
Will you drink Electric Kool-Aid while riding it?
(A little punchy and sleep-deprived today, sorry)
Oh, at least.
The Feds don't like drinking and driving so I may have to watch out but come ON, it's a WHEELCHAIR.
Figured out the seat last night, so tonight, unless I have to stay at work, will be more cutting and welding and pretty much finishing off the frame so I can give it a coat of Krylon. Then comes the fun part, like restringing the seat, adding a sun shade and tasteless amounts of lighting and wondering if I have time to install a stereo. (Won't, but maybe for next year.)
Try dosing and driving.
Heh. Good luck with all that!
Regarding the drunken wheelchairing, I remember about ten years ago we had a bachelor party in which we all got lit up pretty bright, we were naturally taking a Limo, but this one guy who was in a wheelchair, man he was drunk, and I just remember him yelling "Whoa!" and proceeding to whirl his wheel chair while vomiting. Dude achieved some optimal distribution, All I'm saying, Donny.
"but come ON, it's a WHEELCHAIR."
Not'ny more! It is now an Electric Loveseat, for generating heat, to feel the beat, and maybe get something to eat . . .
. . . I mean snacks you naughty, naughty boy!
Isn't it wonderful to feel inspired and see the work of your hands come to fruition? I haven't experienced inspiration that drives me in ages. Good luck with the finishing up. :-)
Post a Comment