Hey guys!

[FastDoc]

Maybe Cheesy can set you up with some period correct pedals.

[SpudRider]

Your work is both ingenious and beautiful.

[wret]

Thanks SpudRider. I must say, I had no idea how many different skills and technologies would be required to pull this off. While waiting for parts I tried my hand at electrolytic etching to make a head badge. Not exactly what I anticipated but the antique look kind of grew on me.

[FastDoc]

You made that?!

How freakin' talented can you be?!

[Weldangrind]

Electrolytic etching is an interesting process, much like electrolytic de-rusting by concept. I've never tried it, but I'd like to.

[Daeouse]

Magnificent!!!!

[Krasi_BG]

Originally Posted by wret

My original concept was to keep it as close as possible to an early board track racer, complete with a separate pedal crank in a coaxial shaft at the bottom bracket. But I intend to ride this bike on the road and by the time I finish it will need all the safety equipment necessary to pass state inspection: lights, horn, etc.

Here's a pic of the most complicated part of the whole build; the coaxial shaft or "quill shaft". The pedal crank rides inside the drive shaft on a separate set of bearings.

If I ever get around making me a "motoped", this is the kind of setup I'm thinking about too. Glad to see that's actually feasible and the go-kart axle is great tip!

[wret]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the praise, but it'll only be deserved when this thing runs! With a bit of luck that might be this weekend!

The cool thing about etching is that you can take just about any digital image, print it on the right paper and transfer it to metal using commonly available materials. There are some youtube videos and instructables on this.

[katoranger]

Wow. This is one of the finest uses for a China engines I have seen.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by wret

Thanks guys, I appreciate the praise, but it'll only be deserved when this thing runs!

Of that, I have no doubt. We'll be able to guide you if you have trouble.

[FastDoc]

That's the easy part by far.

[wret]

Here's another thing I could use your advise on. The clutch lever seems not to move very far and the resistance is too light. I'm thinking somethings stuck. Here's a pic with the amount of travel marked. I've heard some of these motors get stuck sitting on the shelf. Any of you have experience with that?

[FastDoc]

That looks in the ballpark. I'd not do anything until you het it up and running, just be careful first shift into gear.

I assume you cannot move the lever by hand without some sort of toll, right?

[wret]

The lever moves very easily by hand with little effort.

[Weldangrind]

The lever (on the engine) takes a great deal of effort and requires the lever on the bars. You're not likely to move the lever and actuate the clutch by hand. What you're feeling by hand is only freeplay.