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Post by smokinguitarplayer on Feb 28, 2014 2:59:11 GMT
Hey roger...do these things have reverse?
Sent from my XT1058 using proboards
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Post by roger32849 on Feb 28, 2014 13:48:02 GMT
Fred... It does not have any reverse, it it is easier to push than my scooter..
Roger
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Post by smokinguitarplayer on Feb 28, 2014 18:26:53 GMT
How do you backup when your in it??
Sent from my XT1058 using proboards
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Post by roger32849 on Feb 28, 2014 19:57:22 GMT
What I do is the same as I would do with my Victory XCT... Avoid situations that would require backing up, but.... That being said, a stock build is about 500 pounds and is very easy to push up a gradual incline. I also do not park nose in, onto a curb that is on a downward angle if I can help it. I don't do it with my Eco-Exo as well as my Tour Bike.
The short answer is: "You have to get out and push it backward" .... unless you are going to add the reverse option... That being,... asking a total stranger to give a hand while you stay behind the wheel. ; - )
Roger
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 2:22:28 GMT
I reinstalled the Tillett style seat today, and did a little touch up painting on the hardware, mounts, nuts and bolts. I also removed the 12.5" NRG steering wheel and replaced it with a much smaller one. It is 11.0 inches. I found the NRG horn button fit it like a glove, so why not.. I installed it. The wheel has some carbon fiber (graphics) and looks pretty nice. I took it out for a test drive in 17 deg F (-8 deg C) weather.. Got a dandy brain freeze doing that, but the steering wheel and seat matched quite well. I have sufficient leg room and can sit back and relax as I drive. Today's ride was about 10 miles in length, by then my fingers were numb and my sinuses were completely frozen by the time I returned. I don't know what the WCF is when exposed to those temp going 45 - 50 MPH... All I can say, it is darned cold!!! The Eco-Exo handled great though. I managed to dodge the winter pot holes and frost heaves and got home in one piece.. Frozen but none the worse for wear.
Bottom line is this, I tried two different seats at different angles and two different sizes of steering wheels. I found the Tillett clone Fiberglas seat works best for me, with it mounted semi recumbent. I also enjoy the extra leg height the smaller diameter steering wheel provides. I am more comfortable and have 100% control of my driving using the 11" steering wheel. It all fits together for my leg length and body size.
I hope the guys/gals out there that are currently building their Eco-Exo take time to read the posts. There are choices to be made to determine among other things, your controllability of steering and comfort of seating. If something doesn't work, work with it until you find a solution, not everything you buy for your project is going to be "spot on". You need a seat and steering wheel obviously. RCI makes a good seat and they fit the operators compartment like a glove. If I were 5'-9" or less I would keep the RCI. However, I am tall and the Tillett (or clone) is a great choice for me. (I am 6'-0"). The RCI seat will match well with the 12.5" steering wheel and the 11.0" wheel works best with the Tillett (clone) semi recumbent.
Note: a lot of Go-kart seats are shaped similar to the Fiberglas Tillett brand seat. I bought a Clone of a Tillett for about 25% of the real thing... No complaints, it is heavy duty and is an XXL. It "just" fits and mounts nicely to the seat adjuster...
Roger
Worcester Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 18:49:04 GMT
 The new tie rod adapter that I fabricated and installed was done AFTER the alignment was accomplished. Note the Tie Rod End has only about 1/4 inch of threads showing and the adapter to the steering knuckle end has no threads. I also substituted the 1/4" wide jam nuts instead of the 1/2" nuts. Edward Van Belkom is using chrome/moly but 1/2" cold roll is what I made these from. He has something similar installed on his Eco-Exo-R, and it just makes good sense to have as much thread used as possible. |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 18:56:13 GMT
  The small Cycle Sounds speakers fit comfortably in each corner of the drivers area. They are directed at the driver to optimize the volume. I use an iPod for the music source and with the aftermarket remote control, it makes listening to music easier. Naturally I have to wear a helmet and then there is the wind noise, but around town and going 50 MPH or so, it isn't bad... Good In fact. Note how the speakers tuck out of the way at each side. |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 19:04:18 GMT
 A TIllett seat runs upward to nearly $300.00 including shipping. I cannot fault the quality, but it is something expected at the price. I found this seat which is sort of a Tillett clone. It was $55.00 plus $30.00 shipping. It is HEAVY fiberglas and came with the carpeted seating. I smooth sanded the exterior and gave it a gloss black paint job with a couple of coats of clear on top of that. The mounting adapter was made by welding 1.5" X 1/8' flat stock in an "H" configuration and mounting the seat to the cross member of the "H". Each leg was then mounted to the seat adjuster. I do have it semi recumbent but it is quite comfortable that way. |
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Post by erik on Mar 5, 2014 19:09:24 GMT
NIce progress here! Don't forget to grease the extenders to prevent rust. Placing shrinking tube over it is a great dirt protector. You may have to look at those ball link protecters I have. They keep the dirt out the linkage. Nice to have the tillet clone back in it. Looked pretty sweet back then  |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 19:09:55 GMT
 In an earlier post, I referred to this steering wheel as an 11 inch diameter. It is actually 11-3/4", It is an NRG knock off through Ebay. I don't know how they get away with it, but obviously NRG either doesn't care or doesn't know. It isn't a bad wheel for $35.00 and it allows for increased leg "HEIGHT" when I remove my foot from the accelerator pedal to apply the brake. It handles as well as my "Genuine NRG" but is it a much larger wheel. The Remote control at the 6 O'clock position is for the iPod music source. It changes channels, songs selects, fast forwards, and skips Genre. It keeps my ability to focus on driving rather than fiddling with the iPod. Nice view of the clock huh?? |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 19:16:10 GMT
 The turn signals are from a 2013 Honda Ruckus. They were donated by my Brother Terry when he upgraded his scooters light system. The headlights are from "DRAG" motorcycle accessories. These were designed by Arlen Ness and are DOT approved 5" lenses. If you are wondering what the brown tape is for on the steering knuckle, it is simply a reference point to measure a 10 inch distance between the tie rod groove and the edge of the tape. This is a ballpark adjustment that is very close to being dead on aligned. If you look you can see my Brake Reservoir beneath the odometer housing. The reservoir is from an early Honda GL1000 Goldwing. It was for the rear brake system. It fits good in this location. |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 19:20:56 GMT
 Here is where I mounted the rectifier. It is out where the wind can cool it down, and with the temps being in the mid teens, I can tell you, it doesn't overheat at all. The connections are behind my seat and are weather sealed from the factory. This is also my Throttle body intake filter (Thanks Ed) The PCV hose and air temp sensor are inserted in the fabricated intake tubing. It runs just fine and has plenty of acceleration. No problems yet, but we will see when the weather warms up to summer temps. The drain hose is for my radiator recovery system. |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 19:24:08 GMT
 I moved the parking brake to the right side. The angle of the seat allows the mechanism to be engaged with plenty of room to spare. I am working on a vinyl cover for it. |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 19:28:30 GMT
 I have been doing some testing.. Suspension and so on during the cold weather here in Massachusetts. They treat the roads with salt to melt the ice and naturally, bare metal (treated or not) starts to corrode. When the weather allows, I will get out my Dremel tool and small wire brush and do some corrosion control and then clear coat the bare metal nuts and bolts. Until then, it has to wait... |
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Post by roger32849 on Mar 5, 2014 19:34:54 GMT
 My Garage is looking like the last scene of "Dr Strangelove" Between the snow removal stuff and the pellet fuel and of course my projects, it looks like a bomb hit it. Clean up is on my "TO DO" list, but way down at the bottom... I will be installing the gauge shield tomorrow and then putting the wiring cover back in place beneath the bonnet. I am expecting some 1/2" heat shrink tape tomorrow in the mail. I will install it over the tie rods and then do the alignment all over again. "So go goes the Battle"... it is all fun work and I like something to do that I "LIKE" to do... Roger Worcester, Massachusetts |
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