Kimjon's 50cc (then later ... 150cc and 400cc...then 1000cc) of awesomeness! Oh and a 2+1 wheeled machine...

[Kimjon]

So, the engine is too big. But rather than let that defeat me...10 cups of coffee and some head scratching...and an idea popped into my head. Lets turn it around and face it backwards! The gearbox is straight cut, so it won't care which way it rotates. So that's what I'm going to run.

This solves a lot of problems, but also creates some new ones. But I have a few ideas on how to overcome these issues. 

[Kimjon]

Just for reference, so you can see how much cabin space the motor took up facing the correct way. 

The seat needs to cover the motor, and it just wouldn't work. Plus exhaust etc etc...

 

So definitely going to run things backwards to solve these issues.

[Kimjon]

Bit of CAD design. This cardboard shows roughly how the connection between motor and gearbox/differential is achieved. There's going to be a chain drive in here somehow too.

[Kimjon]

Seat was next on the list. So once again I find myself painting a picture of something I've never seen. But I don't view this as a negative, quite the opposite as I get to make what I think looks good with complete artistic license to make it up as I go.

So here it is. Seat/engine cover done.

[Kimjon]

Now the big call. Am I afraid of cutting up a vintage Ape? Nope...ftw!!

 

[Kimjon]

And after a few minutes with a grinder...

boom! Done...I'm very happy I did. Im 6' 4" and about 110kg. Im not little. So extending the window so I can actually see out of it is great. It also eliminates 1m of welding in rust repairs. And I think it looks better-er.

[Kimjon]

Spare tyre and jack. Better to have and not need, than to...

[Kimjon]

Battery box/chain guard, gearbox brace. If "project binky" tought me anything at all - it's brackets are sexy, especially if performing multiple tasks. 

Filling up quick in that little engine compartment.

[sheepers]

The best thing about a stock ape is how you smash the shit out of your elbow every time you start it. 

Great to see you've removed the feature. 

Great work man!

[Kimjon]

2 hours ago, sheepers said:

The best thing about a stock ape is how you smash the shit out of your elbow every time you start it. 

Great to see you've removed the feature. 

Great work man!

It may get a token starter lever. But e-start all day.

[Kimjon]

Finished bracket.

 

 

[Kimjon]

Targa top...

No bracing as its already 50mm out of square from been rolled something in its dirty past.

 

 

[Kimjon]

Heavy duty internal structure to support A pillars and roof.

 

[Kimjon]

More rust removed...

[Kimjon]

Getting shit done...

Test fit looks good. Meters of welding can wait until another day.

[Kimjon]

Took advantage of the roof being off. Conveniently, it now fits in the English wheel, so I rolled out the golf ball sized dents someone had put in with a hammer. 90% of the dents are out now, and nothing a bit of filler or high build primer can't fix.

It actually came out much better than expected. And I think I retained the basic dome geometry of the roof.

[Kimjon]

DIY chassis machine. The left side was initially 150 further back. I got 100mm with a jack and blocks of wood.

This got me another 45mm, leaving it roughly 10mm out from one side to the other. I can live with that, as a lot of cars aren't even that close. And I'm starting to chase my tail, as I can get it in one dimension, but not the other (X and Y)...but if I get X right, Y changes etc. So 10mm ...meh...send it.

[Kimjon]

Now to fit a round peg into a square hole!

[Kimjon]

[Kimjon]

That's not terrible. The transition is harder than I'd prefer, but I'm sure I'll be able to lay some mig weld on the inside corners and grinder down the outsides to smooth it out a little bit more. Calling it a success.