New to me Tri-Cart Project

[dkesonset]

Fuel tank liner

Racer,

What kind / brand of fiberglass tank liner did you buy? Is it the two part? Or single air dry component? It's the last aspect of my restoration and I need a little direction. I also purchased a 3' x 9mm remote TV camera so when I do this, I can go into the tank area and have a look around to insure I've coated all areas. Only cost $126, and when I'm done, I can save money on my next colonoscopy

DKEsonset

[racerone3]

I use Caswell Inc. - Epoxy Gas Tank Sealer on all my tanks. steel, plastic, fiberglass. my oldest one is has about 7 years on it with no issues. the kit is a 2 part epoxy. get the tank as clean as possible, mix the parts and dump it in. slosh it around... (gonna be a PITA on a tri-cart) and dump out the excess. after about 20 min, stick a blow gun in the pickup tube to clear it out. wait 24+ hours and your good to go

[racerone3]

Finally the vision came to me, of how to make the parts I have work and I jumped back into the Tricart project last night. The 2 major problems were Hubs for the rear axle, and an engine that's just too wide.

The rear tires are well beyond savable, so I have to go a different direction for now. The easy solution would be to drill holes in the axle for a set of Attex hubs, but I really didn't want to do that. I found some Hubs from an old Bolens garden tractor that will bolt right on using the existing key way. Problem solved!

For the engine fitment issue, I had to think outside the box, or rather outside the body. the solution was to move the final drive outside the tub. That freed up a bunch of room for the clutch. I had to cut a hole in the body for the jackshaft to protrude through, then build a longer jackshaft. Initially I was concerned with the chain being outside of the body from a dirt standpoint, but dirtbikes and quads do it all the time. I still need to mill a key slot in the rear axle for the final drive sprocket.

Hopefully in the next week I can get parts painted and start getting the machine put together.

[amphibious drew]

Looking good race

[dkesonset]

I like the new concept

Racer,

Cool set up. My only concern would be not having any vibration absorbing mounts between the engine and the fiberglass. Not sure if the fiberglass body will stand up to the direct vibration of the B&S engine? On the front mounts, you could always invert the angle iron mount pieces to gain you the extra 1-1/4" you would need for a pair of mounts. The back end mounts would definately hurt your clearance issue by raising the motor mount plate though. But being an experienced fiberglass man, maybe you have already taken the engine vibration into account? Just my thoughts,

Dkesonset

[racerone3]

I really didn't worry too much about vibration. Perhaps a huge mistake on my part... only time will tell. I rarely use rubber mounts on my builds (old race car habit) but I haven't done too many things where the engine was mounted up to a fiberglass body.

Last Monday I made my first attempt at a test drive, but only made it about 40 feet (carb issues). I think I have that sorted out now, but the Cart has been buried in the back of the shop. I picked up a bass boat on the cheap a while back because the kid thought it needed major engine work. Cleaned/ gaped the points and she purrs like a kitten. The plan was to keep it, but I'd rather sell the boat than any of my amphibs, so....... the boat got stripped down for a fresh coat of shine. hopefully by Monday night the boat will be all back together and I can try the cart again

[Irish3wheeler]

Hi Guys,
I am getting ready to start my project late this fall. I an just about finished a 78 ATC90 and an 83 Christmas edition ATC 70, so as soon as the shop clears out Im bringing this little buggy in and getting it started. I have been looking around to try to find a coupl eof things, have bent poor Wildmans ear as far as it can go without being shot at and have seen everything there is to see on the web, but found this and havenot seen it before. Im sure you guys have but just in case this is a great interview;Who Invented the 3-Wheeled ATV? | ATV SCENE Magazine - ATV Reviews, News, Racing, Scene Girls & more, I have read it many times and just love it.

I am going to have to manufacture a seat pan, I will probably use reinforced fiberglass mat and some reinforcemnet of thin metal rods bent to the shape of the pan. Other than builidng a frame for the JLO to sit on I have everything except the brake lever, or however you actuated the brakes on this crazy contraption. I have also picked up a Tri Cub my mechanic bought and never did anyhting with, so I hope to start my own thread when I start the project. I didnt mean to hijack your thread, but though you guys might like this interview. Good luck on finishing up your Cart, I cant wait to do mine!!!!

[wildman]

Don't worry, Irish... my ear remains flexible for dialog about trikes, etc. Mix in too much political or religious banter and it becomes very brittle.

[Irish3wheeler]

Alright, no talk of ex priests changing parties and running for office. DEAL!!!!