My economical gas powered personal commuter trike

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 พ.ค. 2024
  • It's been a few years since creating my life long dream. I've made some changes since then. I want to thank Kirsten Dirksen of Fair Companies for letting me use some of her footage for this video.
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ความคิดเห็น • 651

  • @TakeTheRide
    @TakeTheRide หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    I love your ingenuity. I'd be painting it fluorescent orange with regenerative electrical lights all over it so that people would see me. They run over each other in trucks. People are staring down at their phones.

  • @braxtonperry1981
    @braxtonperry1981 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Paul
    Keep Living the Dream

  • @elDoober
    @elDoober หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I always love Kirsten Dirksen's coverage of you and others.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      She is the one person that I follow on TH-cam. I've gotten to know her and Niko and family. They've sacrificed a lot to bring us amazing content.

  • @glike2
    @glike2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    DIY excellence 👍, "Flintstones reverse" 😅😅😅 I love it. Aptera's 400-600 MPGe is hard to beat but costs 25K, and is compatible with Openpilot, and solar charging.

  • @mikebruhn4482
    @mikebruhn4482 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Paul , This is Mike brruhn my brother steve was in the Vetter milage competition, it's great to see you still working with your project, brings back a special time in my life listening to his storys . Thank for sharing. Have fun keep up the good work

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you Mike. That was a great venue for the average JOE or JANE to compete in something that was way more than just speed.

  • @Cowboy684
    @Cowboy684 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    for future reference, autozone offers a free rental tool for spring compression. I wouldn't recommend compressing suspension struts with ratchet strats to my worst enemy.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Indeed. It's like cocking back a bow and releasing the arrow. Not the best solution, but thanks for that advise. Didn't know.

    • @grunwode
      @grunwode หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@paulwelkinsdiy HF has them for $35, as well. Cheaper than an urgent care copay.

    • @charlesknight3204
      @charlesknight3204 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Paul … You are simply amazing!!! I thoroughly enjoy each and every one of your videos!!! Hope all is great and good with you and your family!!! God bless!!! Chuck Knight formerly from Buffalo, Texas and now from Atascocita, Texas. 😵‍💫👨‍🌾😉

    • @m.gardner6173
      @m.gardner6173 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I grew up on camano! Lol

    • @douglundy5755
      @douglundy5755 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I know, I nearly lost an eye compressing a valve spring with tools.

  • @MerwinARTist
    @MerwinARTist หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I really think this idea is the way to go .. possibly with a small "pickup-truck" bed in the back for carrying some groceries or something that doesn't just fit in a small space. Very important to be ahead of the wave!

  • @ButterflyMatt
    @ButterflyMatt หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I like a man who appreciates the difference between squashed and squarshed.

  • @dieterjosef
    @dieterjosef หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I would love to see a modern Honda Cub engine used in this. Injection, a katalysator and hugh fuel efficiency. And a better muffler I guess.

  • @gabydewilde
    @gabydewilde หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thanks for showing some of the process. Until now I've only seen finished things (well kinda) from you.
    To keep the weight down I was pondering inflatable structures wrapped together with steel cables. Zeppelin people got a lot of interesting ideas.
    Good luck!

  • @jasonnealey8325
    @jasonnealey8325 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Hey Paul , I'm super impressed you rock . I just bought a vintage velomobile and I live in Seattle. I'm rebuilding slowly but don't have anywhere near your skill level . Your gas Trike is the most slick cool vehicle I've ever seen from a home builder .
    Bravo 👏

    • @vladimirhrebenyk6111
      @vladimirhrebenyk6111 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes!

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Are you talking about my old PAVO that I made about 15 years ago? That was my favorite to ride around in, getting about 25 mph with a 2hp briggs motor and 6 gears.

  • @LeesChannel
    @LeesChannel 24 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    I'm glad to see this project again! Now that you've extended the wheelbase, you can also extend the tail to improve the aerodynamics and give yourself more cargo area!

  • @cezaryantonczyk1181
    @cezaryantonczyk1181 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Tylko dzięki tak szalonym ludziom nasz świat jecze istnieje

  • @Pyromancers
    @Pyromancers หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Aptera is doing this at the mass produced consumer level. Sweet to see this build!

    • @douglundy5755
      @douglundy5755 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I stopped hoping Aptera Is would ever build a car years ago.

    • @Pyromancers
      @Pyromancers หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @douglundy5755 now that the founders took back the company they look like they got it. The tooling is done for the body molds. They have alpha, beta, and gamma prototypes. A really solid design and a lot of world renoun auto designers on their team.

    • @murraymadness4674
      @murraymadness4674 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Pyromancers Naw. The body design has massive blind spots in the A pillars.
      And now they are going with direct drive (no gears) wheel motors inside covered wheels...can you say overheated motors.
      They are trying to Musk their way to success by huge over-promising and so far under-water delivery. 100% solar powered? Full Self Driving...right?

    • @murraymadness4674
      @murraymadness4674 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Not even close! Did you notice this is powered by a motor cycle engine? This one has all the disadvantges of a motorcycle with all the disadvantages of a car. If all you do is commute around the island at 40mph, a motorcycle is great, aero is not a big issue, get a fairing.
      And it fairly heavy frame. I mean its cool, but it isn't like the FUV, of course, it isn't $20k either.

    • @Pyromancers
      @Pyromancers หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@murraymadness4674 I think you should look into it more. The entire vehicle’s drag is the equivalent of the mirrors on a Ford f150. It gets 700 watts of power in good sunlight and it’s structurally built like an f1 car. Average daily commute for people is under 40 miles so in a sunny region it wouldn’t need charging. The hub motors massively reduce weight as they remove the entire transmission system, so strain on the motors is low. The motors have liquid cooling. Pretty sure if you can cool an engine burning gas in an enclosed chamber, wheel motor heat is a much easier cooling problem to solve. Heat is dissipated from motors in the belly of car. Aptera has never claimed bullshit like full self driving or even self driving at any real level.

  • @nagjrcjasonbower
    @nagjrcjasonbower หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This never ceases to be amazing! Your creativity is awesome. Keep it up!!!

  • @212caboose
    @212caboose หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love this build. I've always wanted to do a "big boy Velomobile"...

  • @vernontaylor568
    @vernontaylor568 16 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    Aerodynamics is a strange beast and like tuning engines for power, what seems logical doesn't always produce the expected results - I recall way back when the average drag factor of the average car was in the region of 0.7, the UK company BMC produced an economy family car styled by Farina and designated the A40 - A denoted Austin and 40 was the approximate power output of the engine.
    The performance was surprisingly good to say the least, in spite of being vaguely brick shaped. In an effort to economise on build costs and minimise the sale price the designer had eliminated most of the traditional chrome trim and reduced the size of the gutters and by doing so had accidentally produced a car with a drag factor of 0.47.
    That perhaps influenced Ford because in 1965 or thereabouts, their concept car, the Probe 3, was remarkable for having a drag factor of only 0.27, a reduction achieved in no small part by fitting the glass almost flush with the surrounding metalwork. Ford claimed the car gave a typical 1600cc performance from only a 1300cc power unit, though it wasn't until 1981 the concept car innovations appeared on their production cars.
    I expect those side protection bars and maybe a few other things are really upsetting the aerodynamics...

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  11 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      There's lots of improvements that can be made on this second version, but for a low cost project I'm pleased with the outcome. To do it again I'd spend more money and get the good stuff, IE carbon fiber, chrome moly frame and re-design the suspension and....

    • @vernontaylor568
      @vernontaylor568 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@paulwelkinsdiy I agree the low cost necessity is very hampering when it comes to one-off design and construction - if you had to do it again and chase the ultimate fuel economy, I think a different power unit would be advisable along with some work on different gear ratios. These days even some ordinary family saloon cars can return up to 60+ mpg (Imperial) even cruising at 70mph...

  • @perhapsasongortwo4812
    @perhapsasongortwo4812 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I've been building this in my mind for the past 30 years. It's all most people need.

    • @thesausage351
      @thesausage351 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      There was a 3 wheel car, I think an Elio, that was close to launch a while ago. I live in Australia and we are 10 years behind but I seriously would consider buying one if it was below $10k in my money new. My wife has a 5 door Focus which can hold all of us, I have 2 vehicles I use for work and I thought I would buy one of those for when I make small trips around town, to go to a friends house, or my mums, the doctors, etc. but unfortunately our economy cars are either Chinese rubbish, or too expensive, and to build my own car, even though I’m capable, it would never be allowed on the road without expensive certificates etc. but I really would like one of those Elio’s

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  28 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @@thesausage351 Me too. Too bad they were a sham.

    • @thesausage351
      @thesausage351 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@paulwelkinsdiy oh were they? I saw a bit of press for them but then they disappeared and I wondered what happened! That would explain it. Damn.

    • @johnchristensen7785
      @johnchristensen7785 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      ​@@thesausage351Elio Motors collected 28 million in deposits, were gifted production facilities from the state of Louisiana worth tens of millions of dollars, and never produced a single vehicle. Would love a documentary about the Elio scam...

    • @thesausage351
      @thesausage351 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@johnchristensen7785 wow! Basically a repeat of that other economy car from the 70’s, was it Dan or Dave or something? I think the inventor had a sex change and everything.

  • @lynnef3297
    @lynnef3297 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    👋😄👍 Nice‼️ Be careful and do not get squashed like a bug!

    • @ziggarillo
      @ziggarillo หลายเดือนก่อน

      Unfortunately, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians suffer that fate daily

  • @knowone6214
    @knowone6214 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    keep a going Paul ......great build

  • @tomellis4750
    @tomellis4750 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    Surely you need a vehicle weighing at least two tons to get one person to work.

    • @stevenboelke6661
      @stevenboelke6661 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      With at least four empty seats, just in case.

    • @funkysod
      @funkysod หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It's called a bicycle 😊 Seriously I think most commutes made by people, alone in a two ton monster, are done in bike distances. But Pauls alternative is a cool thing!

  • @fosterkennel649
    @fosterkennel649 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Wonderful seeing you again, paul. I am the original owner of a fully enclosed motorcycle called a Pulse auto cycle built in Michigan in 1990. Blessings

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You are one of a few hundred who purchased a Pulse, Very cool. I was very impressed with the body shape. The builder I believe was an aero engineer who made these in a small production run. I give him credit for using the two balancing wheels approach. My question is how did the small balancing tires hold up to the constant scrubbing when contacting the road? It would seem the wheels would wear out fairly quickly.

    • @fosterkennel649
      @fosterkennel649 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@paulwelkinsdiy The pulse and prior to that The light star( Bede) mine 1200 Honda goldwing. outrigger wheels do ware.

  • @wisdomthroughaworldofwords1412
    @wisdomthroughaworldofwords1412 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    You built your own Elio...and didn't have to wait an eternity for one that you could drive.

    • @solosailorsv8065
      @solosailorsv8065 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ELIO is a great design. They should release it as a KitCar and let the competent people build them!!

  • @johnchristensen7785
    @johnchristensen7785 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thank you for another great video Paul! I always love seeing what you are up to and what's been percolating in that head of yours!!🥰

  • @Kognito72
    @Kognito72 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Any island that doesn't have stupid US trucks should look at these kind of cars.

    • @mikemaki7192
      @mikemaki7192 หลายเดือนก่อน

      When I was a kid even full size trucks were smaller than the overpriced behemoths they make now, and Japanese small trucks became very popular. The reason we can't even get such trucks now is entirely due to govt meddling in the car industry, big government is always harmful.

    • @murraymadness4674
      @murraymadness4674 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If he lives in Hawaii, why they have not banned gas powered vehicles is beyond my understanding. They have more wind and solar and huge elevation change to use gravity storage.
      If he lives in Bermuda...I'd say the same thing too.

  • @1chumley1
    @1chumley1 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    I think you just reinvented the Velorex.

  • @redbearrc6706
    @redbearrc6706 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    You are a re-trendsetter. This will be a hit, like your bicycle bike trailer. Perfecto!

  • @DeadCat-42
    @DeadCat-42 หลายเดือนก่อน +59

    The problem is everyone driving a cement Truck on their commute from their tax write-off alpaca farm to their city job.

    • @PonkyKong
      @PonkyKong หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      The only problem is people pretending there's a problem.

    • @zigabizjak9682
      @zigabizjak9682 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Problem is giants want it you pay for gas cause they don't care stupid really

    • @robinbrowne5419
      @robinbrowne5419 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      This would only make sense if everyone else was driving them. Otherwise it is a hazard to both its own driver and the other traffic. This is only practical for people who don't live in the real world. Who don't need to give anybody a lift, or who don't need carry groceries home. Back to the drawing board. 👍

    • @zigabizjak9682
      @zigabizjak9682 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @robinbrowne5419 sure sure but they also drive electric small scooter on roads and do you wana spend money on driving unnecessary heavy metals around all the time
      There is plenty of space on that tricar
      How much money you got for groceries

    • @zigabizjak9682
      @zigabizjak9682 28 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @robinbrowne5419 give a lift to bad people sure you I'll enjoy it😘
      .got any money to spare or I'll I have to force it from you?
      Gone of a bit shit

  • @joeclark7888
    @joeclark7888 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is a nifty project,great work! Thanks for showing us.🌞 Be careful,Sir!

  • @littlehills739
    @littlehills739 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    wish our laws in oz down under let us have a homemade class of single seaters

    • @ziggarillo
      @ziggarillo หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you check, you'll find that Home build trike conversions are perfectly legal in Oz.

  • @aerobaticdancing
    @aerobaticdancing 22 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Nice design. I'd paint it in high vis dayglo alternating striped colors and add reflective tape. Make the grocery compartment more accessible from the outside because you'll be using it a lot. Every trip I made I bring groceries home. Maybe make the cockpit canopy able to slide forward, backwards, or on a hinge, but not a big priority. The biggest problem with out of the ordinary designs like these are they are cop magnets. I like to tilt when I go through a turn, so I stick to motorcycles. But if I went electric I'd consider a three wheel design to support more batteries.

  • @gohachi5313
    @gohachi5313 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Very cool little machine you built. I'd love to own something like this. Aptera is as close as I'll get as I'm not really a builder. Great build though!

  • @cayminlast
    @cayminlast หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've always enjoyed watching your projects, fascinating and educational. The various shelters, watercraft and even the tree stump gnome home, thank you for sharing with us.

  • @misters2837
    @misters2837 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I have personally thought about this same thing, and have followed your build... I am a little heavier than you, so everything would need to be a little bigger built.... I would use a different engine, something out of a quad, as it has 5 gears Forward and 1 Reverse and is Semi-Automatic....Auto Clutch but you still shift it like a Motorcycle...... much more efficient than a CVT or something like that (The Biggest mistake of the HMV Freeway)....Even my short trip to work on my very inefficient ATV gets 57MPG (at 45MPH) so with some aerodynamics...and one less tire, and a LOT less rolling resistance = 60MPG at 60MPH doesn't seem out of question...Sure beats my pickup truck!

  • @GOBEF3
    @GOBEF3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I salute you sir from the bottom of my heart ! And wholeheartedly recommend you convert it into Electric power. To catch up with the zeitgeist + tap into the huge markets thirsting for it. If you need help, I'm a US expat living in China, and would lend a hand 👍

  • @bobbyduke777
    @bobbyduke777 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    They have suspensions now that lean into turns, that would be the cherry on top of this.

  • @Fixitall-ib6nc
    @Fixitall-ib6nc หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks for the inspiration !! You’re doing great things

  • @honeydavis5568
    @honeydavis5568 22 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    This is a beautiful job. Simple and beautiful.

  • @paulhelman3654
    @paulhelman3654 24 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    The Morgan setup greatly benefitted by wider front stance and independent front suspension.

  • @KiranDigavalli
    @KiranDigavalli 27 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Looks great Paul! I've long since had to shelve my own reverse trike, as I'm away at grad school and don't have access to my workshop any more, but I always enjoy seeing your creations on youtube!

  • @instantchow
    @instantchow หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Aptera is making its come back!

    • @robertfrank886
      @robertfrank886 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I would like to believe this, but when? They haven’t released an actual production model yet, just the prototypes. It looks good, but I fear interest will fade and so will the company if they don’t get these on the road very soon.

  • @user-lx8nc6is7m
    @user-lx8nc6is7m 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Excellent effort , viewing from 313 motor city Detroit Michigan USA 🇺🇸

  • @bobdebouwer7835
    @bobdebouwer7835 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    There is one teardrop car, the Aptera. And the Frikar Podbike is a nice concept.
    Problem is, the world doesn't care. Fuel is still affordable and voters favour the automobile so much that rules, laws and space is dedicated to it.

    • @IstasPumaNevada
      @IstasPumaNevada 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      The Aptera isn't in production yet, and so far isn't showing signs it will be, so I wouldn't say "there is one teardrop car". They already went bankrupt once, and right now they keep saying they're a year away from production, all they need is investors to give them several hundred million dollars or whatever the exact figure was.
      But yeah, I want it to be a thing. It's not just voters and affordable fuel at work, it's a feedback loop between drivers, advertisements, culture, and giant auto manufacturers. We need both an attitude adjustment _and_ legislation. Preferably shifting us away from a car-centric culture and into more public/mass transit.

    • @bobdebouwer7835
      @bobdebouwer7835 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@IstasPumaNevada true. A true teardrop car isnt available now.
      But we can already see consumers choices on things that are close. Likd the VW Lupo 3L edition that was made for mileage. People want space and power. So it failed a bit

  • @stephencurry8552
    @stephencurry8552 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    You built a truly nice vehicle. Impressive.

  • @stan5513
    @stan5513 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for sharing your fascination with your fellow earthlings. I had a memorable dalliance with wind-powered trikes and a saucy mig welder. Subscribed indeed!

  • @moosehand8721
    @moosehand8721 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are an inspiration Paul...keep bringing your dreams to life.❤

  • @rexluminus9867
    @rexluminus9867 21 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    👍 👌 Great job & hobby,sir.Ride safe & healthy. Thank you. 🇨🇦 😊

  • @rocpile
    @rocpile หลายเดือนก่อน

    Brilliant work on the wheelbase!

  • @tomarmstrong1281
    @tomarmstrong1281 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    There has to be a minimum with regard to personal safety. Cyclists know the risks of mixing with regular traffic. A first step would be dedicated cycle lanes.

  • @FeverDreamRemix
    @FeverDreamRemix หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love all of your creations.

  • @jozefbubez6116
    @jozefbubez6116 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Really I think we should have more cars like this rather than the 'tanks' we see today which are vastly bigger than the cars of the 60s, 70s and 80s with which I grew up!

    • @IstasPumaNevada
      @IstasPumaNevada 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      We need to pivot away from a car-centric society overall. And also, before/during/after that pivot, severely limit the size and mass of personal vehicles.

    • @jozefbubez6116
      @jozefbubez6116 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@IstasPumaNevada Absolutely! Back in the day there were people looking at motorised roller skates and the like. Not one of us seriously needs to be driving an automobile with engine output equal to half a dozen WW1 planes!

  • @jackoneil3933
    @jackoneil3933 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Very much enjoyed the update, and thanks for the inspiration. Since you started this project I've been designing some designs in Solidworks for an electric reverse trike. I've done some designs using Aluminum, Mild steel and a hybrid monocoque plywood-steel design, and surprisingly plywood comes out a lot stronger and lighter less costly than either Aluminum or steel using Solidworks stress analysis and modeling. If you might like to take a look at the concept and chat or work up some Solidworks designs I'd be up for that.

  • @MadRat70
    @MadRat70 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thats awesome you are still evolving your designs.

  • @bren42069
    @bren42069 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    you need a leaning/tilting front suspension so that it leans into turns like a motorcycle. it would increase stability greatly. do that and it would be the perfect three wheel vehicle
    check out the Wesll awd leaning quad

  • @jarikinnunen1718
    @jarikinnunen1718 19 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    The BMW Bubble type shape is best. It`s short and less wind affect. Lot of room. Small wheels are in body and cause less drag than open wheels.

  • @joshmo675
    @joshmo675 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Almost every car I see only has 1 person in it anyway

  • @RustyCigrit
    @RustyCigrit หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I remember watching the build

  • @Ryutai7
    @Ryutai7 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    awesome video for an awesome project. I hope someday to bring my dreams to life like this

  • @gjclark2478
    @gjclark2478 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This reminds me of the elf ( electric tricycle) and I love your ingenuity and creativeness.
    I think this would work in Europe under the quadricycle law as a hybrid, electric front hubs for town driving, and a small petrol engine for open road driving.
    Here in England you can build any vehicle for the road under " Single Vehicle Type Approval " which all kitcars and replicas have to go through...............

    • @bobdebouwer7835
      @bobdebouwer7835 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      England is great for that. I know Dutch people shipped their projects to England to get it approved and then ship it back and have it legal.

  • @AtimatikArmy
    @AtimatikArmy หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Paul, what about vacuum forming the body with one continuous sheets of clear Lexan? You could make form out of wood in your garage taking care to give all the complex curvatures a true tear drop shape deserves. You could even heat the Lexan yourself and suck it down onto the form using a couple of shop vacs with a little common sense and ingenuity. Right up your alley I bet. You could have the beautiful showroom floor shape that I am sure you have been dreaming about. By the way, RC car bodies are made the same way and are incredibly durable.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I've seen this done before when investigating blown windscreens, and remember the basics when working in a sign shop. Not sure I'll get around to it. I'm into simplicity and fluted plastic really helps speeds up my simple prototype builds.

    • @AtimatikArmy
      @AtimatikArmy หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paulwelkinsdiy Yes, that makes sense. This may make more sense if you were going into production and/or really wanted to reduce the aerodynamic drag forces as much as possible. For one off, prototyping & proof of concept, the coroplass is pretty awesome.

  • @kevinmurtagh3434
    @kevinmurtagh3434 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Fantastic, loved all the history

  • @christopherbrand5360
    @christopherbrand5360 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I'm sure you know Aptera, and Elio, and now Aptera again are trying to bring something in this vein to the market. There are probably more I don't know about. I hope someone eventually figures out how to sell efficiency to the general populace. I love this Paul!

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thank you! The Lean Machine was a GM high mileage leaning enclosed teardrop trike prototype that hit the Worlds Fair in BC back in the 80's. It was the answer, but corp. leaders probably voted it down for a production run. It was way ahead of the curve.

    • @drubru1969
      @drubru1969 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I thought the Elio was a great idea. Basically a Honda Civic cut in half lengthwise with 3 cylinder engine and open wheel front end. The promise was to build it with all off the shelf components to bring it in at about $7000. Too bad the leader completely turned it into a scam.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@drubru1969 Is that what happened? I always told my wife I'd buy a trike that met my expectations, and the Elio came real close. I too was waiting for production, but when an outfit asks for money up front from customers, nefarious dicks usually come out of the wood work, Eh?

  • @jackdernorsek7986
    @jackdernorsek7986 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I would love to build a project like this. I know you don't do plans (I understand ) but if you could put some form of details into a list... such as tire size, type of suspension parts used, type of motor, wheel base (now), etc. it would really flatten the curve for my project. Thanks

  • @MHLivestreams
    @MHLivestreams หลายเดือนก่อน

    Good fun, and definitely worthwhile experimenting.

  • @rp6782
    @rp6782 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Paul is literally the coolest guy ever!

  • @princeoftheblues
    @princeoftheblues 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

    What a lovely execution! I have one that is bigger, electric, and shaded by solar panels. I will make a video soon. Yours is simply beautiful!

    • @peterpiper487
      @peterpiper487 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Would like to see yours but I absolutely LOVE the gas-powered vehicles. Hope you will consider make a gas-powered vehicle as well.

  • @Njf4192
    @Njf4192 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love it when Paul makes a video on his genius project

  • @gavinwatson344
    @gavinwatson344 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I did nearly the same thing in the early 1980's I used a snowmobile frame and used a 60CC Yamaha motorcycle as the back end. I drove it around a bit but never tried to register it. I was motivated by the oil embargo in the 70's and some articles I read about cyclists and that 80% of the energy at 60 MPH that a cyclist generated went to overcome air resistance. I figured that if you could make something more aerodynamic that even with a very small engine it would work just fine and would burn hardly any fuel. I have since owned a Corbin Sparrow and I am a reservation holder for an Aptera so I am still hoping this idea comes to pass.

  • @Ron-yj4rh
    @Ron-yj4rh หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Useful information. I draw a lot of things like this on Sketchup and put them on my channel. Subbed.

  • @softdorothy
    @softdorothy 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    With the right paint job on your trike, and you cosplaying Boba Fett....

  • @TreDeuce-qw3kv
    @TreDeuce-qw3kv หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm building a similar model with a monocoque carbon fiber body powered by an electric motor. The front suspension, steering and brakes are from a Quad in an IFS beam type configuration so I saved a lot of time on that issue. Rear suspension is single arm motorcycle from a dirt bike, so a few time saving shortcuts, though, the body has been a big involved project. Kudos on your more involved build.
    Engineering front suspensions is a science all by itself something I got involved in with several Sevenesqe(Lotus 7) type builds years ago. Just use Miata parts for those projects and benefit from the millions spent by Mazda on that engineering.
    Haven't been to Stanwood since I had an engineering project in Seattle back in 2010 and was looking for a building lot there. Wonderful area.

  • @davidemantovi6678
    @davidemantovi6678 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    It would be nice if aptera could make it in production. Everyone that understand will be very happy. The SUV will stay the biggest market, but at least it would be something to fight the common stupidity

    • @noyopacific
      @noyopacific หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I think this type of vehicle could be a promising project for an existing motorcycle manufacturer. Maybe Polaris would consider a lighter, more efficient trike. It seems like Aptera and other startups haven't been able to come up with adequate resources to bring a mass produced product to reality. I've even wondered about Harley Davidson giving it a try since the market for their cruisers seems to be sputtering. Unfortunately I think Harley is too deep in debt to attempt a project like this.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@noyopacific Judging from my recent experience with the general public who come over and ask questions about my trike, all comments are positive and thumbs up. I would think there'd be a niche market for a similar rig, especially with the oil companies continued increase in gas prices and the current inflation issue. And this rig is a thumbs up for SUV lanes. They are after all classified as a motorcycle.

    • @noyopacific
      @noyopacific หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paulwelkinsdiy I have wanted to build a California Commuter too after reading about it years ago. I even got a set of plans from Doug Malewicki but believed that it was beyond my ability. Thanks for the update video Paul. It looks great !!!

  • @_Manfat
    @_Manfat หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    12 months later, looks like your carrying a little extra ballist now Paul.... 😉 Jokes. Machine still looks great. Good work.

  • @ptonpc
    @ptonpc หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great to see the updates.

  • @GatorLife57
    @GatorLife57 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Looking good Paul !

  • @SooperToober
    @SooperToober 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Simply brilliant

  • @Tregrense
    @Tregrense หลายเดือนก่อน

    Amazing work.

  • @davej3487
    @davej3487 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hello neighbor, from 'Little Detroit of the West" Auburn WA. Always love your designs Paul.

    • @davej3487
      @davej3487 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I helped build a California Commuter trike back in 1984. We used a Honda 160 twin and rode it from Auburn WA to LA CA and got 85 MPG but we did more than 55 MPH with a few runs up to 90 MPH. If you keep the front nose light then the twin rudder steering works very well. 1984's Glass over Foam worked OK but modern technics are much better. 3D printing and Carbon Fiber is now something a home hobbist can do.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@davej3487 Dave.You are the FIRST person I've found who actually built a California Commuter from Doug Malewiki's plans! Would love to chat with you more about that experience if you don't mind.

    • @davej3487
      @davej3487 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paulwelkinsdiy Paul, I live down in Auburn so it would not be a problem of riding my Suzuki Burgman up to the Seattle/Everett areas for a coffee chat.

    • @davej3487
      @davej3487 หลายเดือนก่อน

      But I do not have any pictures of the build, all were given to the owner and I lost touch. I do have a set of plans that I bought 3 years ago so I am licensed to build 1 CC.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@davej3487 I too purchased his plans years ago.It took me several decades to pay the price he wanted. I'm on Camano Island. I use to commute to Algona Boeing facility from Stanwood. Glad that didn't last long. Give me an Email if you'd like to get together some time. paulwelkins@yahoo dot com

  • @cratecruncher4974
    @cratecruncher4974 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Cool project. Quality channel. Subscribed.

  • @JoeBManco
    @JoeBManco หลายเดือนก่อน

    It looks like a fun vehicle to drive.

  • @standardannonymousguy
    @standardannonymousguy 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Awesome build. Very logistical and smart. Its about time someone made a rational commuter vehicle. Now 345 lbs? Id like to think we could get that down to less than 259lbs... Carbon fiber anyone? Aluminum maybe? Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

  • @TheRattyBiker
    @TheRattyBiker หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    That's a great effort... How long till Paul makes an extended version that's also a fully kitted out stealth camper?

  • @billh9643
    @billh9643 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Look up a color called Jupiter yellow. Very visible in low lights. It is the color of football goalposts. I think in UV light it would really pop . The sooner they see you, the safer you are.

  • @kellylynn3211
    @kellylynn3211 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great Job. I think your onto something.

  • @rfiskillingussoftly6568
    @rfiskillingussoftly6568 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    In the 1950s shell put out a call to the people to build a car that could get 1000 mpg..the car that won it, got 1300 mpg! With a vaporizer!

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Was that the one that had the engine insulated along with a stripped down body?

    • @rfiskillingussoftly6568
      @rfiskillingussoftly6568 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paulwelkinsdiy I don't think so,it was a medium size car" I think it's on yt! I'm going to check!

  • @cheepwings
    @cheepwings หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I'll bet your a fan of the aptera.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Indeed I am. The only engineers who've taken aerodynamics seriously in their design from the start.

  • @SergeiNiclevich
    @SergeiNiclevich 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

    This felt like a really good though short documentary.

  • @bunberrier
    @bunberrier หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    FART CYCLE
    The cycle that sounds like a fart!
    FART CYCLE
    I'm jealous of this guy. Gets to live in paradise and screw around with whatever he wants to, building things. When I have free time I do the laundry.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      But I did the grind for 35 year before having fun.

    • @bunberrier
      @bunberrier หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      @@paulwelkinsdiy It makes me happy knowing somebody gets to live this way. Maybe I'll get there too. Have fun man

  • @crapisnice
    @crapisnice หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You can make it ultralightweight with curved plywood frame and hemp lashing and covered with cotton (fabric on frame, see mosquito and others) and use pedal only with diy pinions for climbing easy (oversized big rear pinions and small front pinion) or with sails, the shape of that body generates lift because the wing profile.
    See wooden trikes for inspiration

    • @jasonnealey8325
      @jasonnealey8325 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I agree and good suggestion .
      I saw a guy build a cedar strip body for a velomobile. It looks great reminiscent of a wood cedar strip canoe.

  • @mikethespike7579
    @mikethespike7579 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Cool. The only advantage this has to my motorcycle is that you don't get wet in the rain. But I also say that for cars and trucks.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have to disagree. From my experience driving this little guy, you stand out more than a motorcyclist. I think the peripheral vision of an eye is naturally curious, so when it see's something unusual you tune in quickly. It's called rubber necking.

    • @mikethespike7579
      @mikethespike7579 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paulwelkinsdiy Oh, yeah. It sticks out for sure.

  • @RustyCigrit
    @RustyCigrit หลายเดือนก่อน

    The few channels that has disappeared after uploading a video for years and u still click and watch just about everyone that pops up from time to time

  • @skipwalker3269
    @skipwalker3269 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice upgrades Paul.

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks. I still want to add a windshield wiper and re-configure the body panels for better weather protection.

  • @AlteredCarbons
    @AlteredCarbons หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    i would like more of this please...

  • @madeinfoxtrap5539
    @madeinfoxtrap5539 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very nice !
    Great job !

  • @emaglott
    @emaglott หลายเดือนก่อน

    Fascinating as usual!

  • @bake162
    @bake162 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Very cool! be to find an economical modern small displacement motor with fuel injection for better mileage, I’d want to investigate small turbos too

    • @paulwelkinsdiy
      @paulwelkinsdiy  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It would be a delight to meld minds with like minded people who have a better understanding than I of new fabrication tools and techniques like 3D printing and composites or race car design. There's got to be a ton of college engineers out there who competed in competitions of robotics or efficient vehicles.

  • @MilesCobbett
    @MilesCobbett หลายเดือนก่อน

    Looks like lots of fun

  • @chiparooo
    @chiparooo หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Amazing project! Is there anything you can’t do?! Thanks for sharing!

  • @alexgliddon5229
    @alexgliddon5229 21 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Messerschmitt KR200: Quirky Bubble Car Reborn Electric!

  • @roygardiner4002
    @roygardiner4002 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Well done sir, I too believe this could be the answer to many commuters dreams and have been working along similar lines (also for years now!). We should keep in touch if you like, always great to have a second opinion ! Let me know if you'd like to see my prototype narrow tilting car, it's based on a Chinese titling three wheeler (125cc) with a fibreglass shell I designed and had made, but the eventual (production ?) one will be electric of course.