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Post by roger32849 on Aug 31, 2014 23:20:37 GMT
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Post by roger32849 on Aug 31, 2014 23:36:07 GMT
link  This picture was just for fun. I wanted to see what the trike would look like with a color matched seat and engine cover. These are just microfiber towels laid over the seat and bulkhead. It does add some color. About the scoop: It wasn't as easy to make as I thought, but not all that complicated either. Every trike has its little differences so I couldn't make one to fit exactly on someone's else's without having the trike present. The cover and scoop are made by layering 5 sheets of multi-bias fiberglass cloth over a plug. I used West brand epoxy and hardener. I used a little more than one US quart for both. For putty, I used the same epoxy and hardener with a compatabile filler.... in this case West Brand Fairing compound. I applied several coats of sandable primer filler and after blocking the pieces and finish shaping, both were given 4 coats of semi-gloss black paint. That's about it. ... Roger Worcester Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Sept 1, 2014 0:23:49 GMT
link  Here is a short video of the side cover and scoop.
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Post by Scott on Sept 1, 2014 17:41:59 GMT
Nice GRP work Roger, its not easy but you have done a great job,,,,
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Post by roger32849 on Sept 1, 2014 21:40:47 GMT
Thanks Scott... I did a test ride today to test the effectiveness of the scoop with the right side cover installed. Here is what happened: First of all, the Outside air temperature was 91 degree F. I went on I-190 at 70 MPH indicated for 20 miles. The temperature never got past the midway point. After that, I took a side road and cruised around 40 MPH. The same result... the temperature gauge remained at mid range. Mount Wachusett was nearby so I took the auto road to the summit.. 4 Miles of steep access road.. 20 - 25 MPH tops still at 91 degrees Outside air temperature. The temperature of the coolant was the same.
All things considered, the scoop works well and it works well with the right side cover installed. The cover was about a 3 day project, the scoop took 2 weeks due to the internal turning vane design and fit & finish. It was a much larger project than the cover.
If anybody has any questions I would be glad to provide as much information as I can.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by erik on Sept 2, 2014 19:24:41 GMT
Hi Scott, the scoop turned out great!
You may reconsider to shield some area of the rad because the oil may be a tad to cold. Like this the moist/sludge can never vapour out of the oil and wears down your bearings. The engine should run much nicer at 70-80C.
enjoy!
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Post by roger32849 on Sept 2, 2014 20:40:23 GMT
Erik, thanks for the good comments. I actually thought about running too cool, but the engine warms up as it always did and remains in the normal range. I will see what it does when the weather cools down a bit.. say October time. For now, it works well with the summer Temps being between 70 and 90 degree F. It would be a minor thing to partially block the radiator and keep the scoop.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Sept 3, 2014 21:44:21 GMT
link  Here is a sneak peek of my parking brake cover. It has 3 layers of fiberglass cloth using West epoxy resin. The cover is very rough right now but in a few days and more layering I will smooth out and wrinkles. I wanted to do a quick "fit test" before going ahead with the completed project. Since my rear caliper is located on the right side of the rear wheel, I placed the brake ratchet on the right as well. More pictures to follow (upon completion) Roger
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Post by roger32849 on Sept 4, 2014 18:53:29 GMT
link  Ya know, everyday I drive my Eco-Exo-R, I love it more and more....especially when I go to out and come back to find someone as nice as this admiring it. Yep, here I am at 65 and FINALLY have a vehicle that is a true " chick magnet" Now what?? Yea, Right!!!! Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Sept 6, 2014 13:00:21 GMT
link  link  Here is the completed parking brake cover. (And yes I put a nasty scratch in it) I will remove the cover after the paint cures and polish out the scratch. The photo makes it look worse than it really is. My plan is to move the ratchet forward about 2 inches and raise it about half an inch. Molding the cover wasn't bad, getting it to fit properly was another. I am still considering sewing a vinyl boot and comparing the two. Roger
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Post by roger32849 on Sept 7, 2014 23:51:38 GMT
link  I have been waiting for this years Rice-O-Rama swap meet for 9 months. I looked forward to entering my trike for judging. I got it all prepped, washed, waxed, polished and bug free. I detailed the small dings and went over the entire trike several times to make sure it was as good as it could be. It looked fantastic for the bike show. When I drove to the judging area and paid my entry for my category "TRIKE". I was promptly informed this is the first year the bike show discontinued the Trike category. I couldn't believe my luck. They offered to place me in the Custom Cruiser class and naturally it wasn't a good fit. I really didn't want to drive back to the grass field parking area outside of the fair grounds (where the event was staged) and leave my trike unattended. I took the spot in the custom cruiser class and parked my Eco-Exo right in front of main inspection area for the show bikes. I did not place nor win any trophies, but.... my entry caused a continual crowd of on-lookers with cameras snapping every second or two. It was probably the most photographed entry in the show. People were tossing questions faster than I could answer them. To have a bit of a break I had to walk away... still crowds gathered, looking at the features. A few were on their hands and knees looking at the engine. Everyone I spoke to was impressed with it even before they knew it was a kit. From the time I drove in to the time I drove out, it was gathering attention. You know, when you get a response like I got today, a trophy of any kind really would have been redundant. I had my ego fed for several hours by people admiring my trike. Even though I did the build, a good deal of credit in design and kit manufacture goes to the team in the U.K. When left the show, I was nearly at the exit gate (on a dirt and gravel access road) I floored the pedal and did a small left side drift. The rear wheel raised a curtain of dust behind me and I disappeared in front of it and through the gate and down Route 31 toward Paxton and on to my home in Worcester. It was a great day at the Rice-O-Rama swap meet and custom and vintage motorcycle show. Roger Worcester Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Oct 7, 2014 19:09:26 GMT
link  link  link  I wanted to add a little more color and comfort to my Tillett seat. I had SEAMLESS CUSTOMS in Leicester Massachusetts fabricate the seat pad and backrest. I wanted to do something to improve the comfort and Justin (the owner of the business) treated me like I was his only priority. Good to do business with.... anyway, the seat is much more comfortable and looks a LOT better. Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by edvb on Oct 8, 2014 18:52:42 GMT
Wow the seat look great Roger! It really makes the trike look so much nicer. Well done.
Edward
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Post by roger32849 on Oct 8, 2014 21:58:02 GMT
Gosh Ed.... how's it going. Long time no see. I see you are working on a VERY NICE seat for your trike too. Wow... I just had a seat pad made for the Tillett with a matching backrest, but you.... you really jumped on board with a dandy design. Ferrari couldn't have done a better job. Well done.
Roger
Worcester, Massachusetts
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Post by roger32849 on Oct 8, 2014 23:47:00 GMT
link  I went out today for a nice fall foliage ride. This is a very short video but the scenery is nice. Typical New England fall weather.... a little blustery but very enjoyable. On the road to Barre Massachusetts. Roger Worcester, Massachusetts
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