NOTE: The original concept of this project was to build an antique-themed delivery truck, but due to certain circumstances we had to take a different route in the Inhaler Project, and I decided to pursue a simpler speedster concept on the existing reverse trike chassis. Sorry for the confusion, and I hope you'll stick around for the fun! - Todd
Now that my car, Schism, is firmly on its way, and also no longer suitable for use as a teaching tool, we needed a new project to mentor Team Inhaler's next round of interns and volunteers; expected from spring break through the summer. I don't quite know how but I landed on the idea for a miniature, single-seater, reverse trike, antique-themed, delivery van! It will serve as a teaching tool, and also as a marketing tool/revenue stream for the non-profit.
Amanda is the Team Captain for this project. Yesterday, we worked on the front suspension design. It's going to be a fabricated, tubular, interpretation of a dropped straight axle front suspension, but with much more adjustment potential, and more artistic flair. I provided the general direction but most of what this axle will be is Amanda's ideas, skills, and work. She is an ME (currently in the process of getting her graduate degree), and will be doing the actual CAD development.
To pave the way for that, I gave her a brief on straight axles; we measured the modern knuckles we'll be using; mocked up the front tires to determine the width; and settled on the basics of the design. We also checked to make sure the single-dually rear wheel idea would fit between the frame rails (yup!) - which all set the stage for Amanda to take the truck for its first imaginary spin around the block! I don't think the driver is supposed to be having this much fun! Knock it off Amanda, this is serious business!
I suppose my assertion that this is "reverse trike" could be questioned, as it will actually have four tires on the ground, with the "single-dually" rear wheel, but it is a reverse trike in spirit.
If the rear tyres are less then a foot apart then they count as a single tyre, over in the UK IIRC...
Works for me!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsmith
...When I get my drawing board into the office I will start sketching the ideas for my little truck as I still need to find a use for that 12" motor...
I am really looking forward to seeing that Woody. This project has Woody written all over it - reverse trike, antique truck, and I believe the single-dually rear wheel idea was also stolen from, or at least inspired, by your tow truck ideas!
Are the ice creams going in a front box?
Or a back box?
I am after a faster, pneumatic tyred version of Beryl, Arch's work truck. Beryl is only good for about 12-15mph on solid tyres.
I want 40mph and a load bed that can take 8'x4' sheet materials and 12' long timber (through the headache board and into the cab).
Back box. It's actually going to be an open cargo area. We'll eventually be able to use it for making parts/food runs, and for distributing samples at events. The "Ice Cream" part is mainly because it's fun and catchy to say. Here, in America, the sound of kiddie songs blaring through tinny speakers, and some type of delivery van stuffed full of frozen snacks - the ice cream truck - makes pretty much everyone smile and return to their childhood. It works for almost all ages and across every conceivable cultural aspect, so it's a great marketing angle. Of course we'll have to back that up and throw a cooler full of frozen treats in it occasionally.
The hubbub about electric vehicles being too silent also opens the door for us to play entertaining sound bites and songs in place of engine noise. All those goofy ideas and jokes people have apply here. Alex especially wants to have galloping horses, which I gagged at the thought of on my race-bred cars, but smile about with this project. Imagine being in an indoor, ballroom, event and hearing horses galloping towards you, only to look up and see an antique little truck full of goodies approaching.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsmith
...through the headache board and into the cab).
What the heck is the headache board?!
Nice pics! I invited the Team to become members here and engage with the DIY community about this project - especially since it will be their *baby*. I hope they do.
I think a runaround promotional vehicle is going to be great fun. Something folks can relate to outside of the high speed 'drag/race car' side of things.
Quote:
Originally Posted by toddshotrods
What the heck is the headache board?!
I think that's what they are called in the US.
Headboard in the UK. The strong vertical board at the front of the load bed that stops the load shooting forward and crushing the cab.
I was thinking of a lockable hatch through the board into a closed housing in the cab so that long thin items can be pushed through.
I invited the Team to become members here and engage with the DIY community about this project - especially since it will be their *baby*. I hope they do.
Welcome team!
Let us know you are part of Todd's projects for that instant warm welcome that we give to everyone regardless of any connection to Todd!
Headboard in the UK. The strong vertical board at the front of the load bed that stops the load shooting forward and crushing the cab...
Gotcha. I don't remember ever hearing that term before, but I could have just been daydreaming when people said it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsmith
We get this a lot over here...
Nice. I hope to visit England, and much of Europe someday.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsmith
...Welcome team!
Let us know you are part of Todd's projects for that instant warm welcome that we give to everyone regardless of any connection to Todd!
Haha! I hope at least one or two of them show up. I'll keep prodding them about it...
is the term that i've heard used in the trucking business, usually made of metal to stop a shifting load from coming forward thru the cab/rear window... What size tubing is that you used for the rails? Looks plenty stout.
is the term that i've heard used in the trucking business, usually made of metal to stop a shifting load from coming forward thru the cab/rear window...
I think we're going to have to make a removable headache board for the Ice Cream Truck now. Maybe it can serve double duty as a "show card"/"menu" at events. I set a few mandatory specs, features, and aesthetic cues, but try to leave them as much freedom as possible. The more I think about it though, this is really a good idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kennybobby
...What size tubing is that you used for the rails? Looks plenty stout...
2x3x.120" mild steel. It's the standard frame of our G-bucket chassis. It's overkill for a lot of applications, but comes in handy for potholes and/or elevated performance.
PackRat - 1909 Packard Gentlemen's Runabout (Speedster)
It will serve as a teaching tool, and also as a marketing tool/revenue stream for the non-profit.
) - which all set the stage for Amanda to take the truck for its first imaginary spin around the block! 
I don't think the driver is supposed to be having this much fun! Knock it off Amanda, this is serious business! 
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