More on the trike build.

[sacc51]

Almost finished, added the fork stays, chain idler brackets today, gave it a bit of a grind and put it together to make sure everything fits and nothing fouls. Tomorrow I'll attach the front deraileur cable and give it a test ride. Don't have a good feeling about the push pull steering but, tomorrow will tell. Very, very comfortable. The MTB I canabalised for parts weighed in at 19 kgs, my goal was to get under that - fail, it is exactly the same 19kgs. Not too bad considering the MTB had an alloy frame I suppose. I have drawn up some more plans to save a kg or two - one day.
Test rode it today- brilliant. The lever steering is truly terrific but, I will add some more holes for adjustment. Amazing the difference quality cycle parts make: with Deore rear wheel, gear train, shifters and Tektro hydraulic brakes it is really nice to ride/drive - smooth and fast. If you're thinking about lever steering, do it! Now the hard part, cleaning it up. Unfortunately not being able to use my hands without three prong wrist braces I have trouble with the hand piece, can't bend or twist so the results are terrible. Almost all the welds have to be cleaned up, again difficult with these hands so might be a while before it's painted and on the road, can't wait. I have metalic silver which I intend using on to, the bottom may be black, haven't made a D yet.

[sacc51]

Nearing the finish line. Undercoating done and tomorrow, hands being ok, I'll hit the spray gun: black for the levers, stubs and seat, metalic silver for the chassis. I picked up some thin (1/8"), grey, yoga mat from KMart the other day with a nice patern, should look nice on a black background.


Very hand intensive spray guns, I have to use wrist braces, use two hands and then lie down for a couple of days to recover. Not my favourite job anymore. I saw the pain specialist this morning and he's prescribed some stronger pain meds so hopefully they'll work better than the other rubbish.


The braces have three aluminium strips running the length of them, I wear them pretty well all the time now, can't do a thing without them. Only problem is I lose a lot of the movement required for painting and welding. Thank goodness for grinders and bog!

[sacc51]

These are the Stubs for the trike. Lots of work here , lining everything up as they aren't identical.

[sacc51]

Well, almost there, frame painted and I've almost finished assembling. I can't tell you how disappointed I am though. Unfortunately, due to hand problems welding was an issue, an issue I went someway to resolving by bogging over some of the welds and darkening the silver metalic paint to a charcoal metalic. Looks alright from a distance, but up close it turns my stomach. Anyway a picture of some bits that came out halfway decent. I'll be looking at retiring from such endeavours in the future, way beyond me now. Damn!

[KBs PensNmore]

Tony, surprising what "problem welds" will hold. Looks good too, nice color.
Kryn

[pker]

sacc51 As Kryn said ,looks great and you have a definite talent for designing and building such projects, so I can understand your frustration . All the best and try to stay positive. chris

[sacc51]

Kryn, I haven't seen any pics of your new shed on the other forum, what's happening there?

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi Tony, I'm at the stage of emptying out the shed and only have 2 cupboards to move, plus wall cabinets, but have had a few M/H issues along the way. Hopefully around Christmas I'll have some time to get it done.
Can't rush these thing you know.:D
Kryn

[sacc51]

MH issues?? You should post your progress on the other forum mate, we'd all love to see a work in progress.

[KBs PensNmore]

Can't say that Mental Health issues are a work in progress!!!!!!
The other day I felt like stepping out in front of a truck!!!!! It was only chatting with a few online friends of both forums, that helped me through it.
Kryn

[sacc51]

Sorry to hear that Kryn, count me in if you need something, I'm not really as I seem on the forum. As you know I live at Aldinga Beach, I'm retired so available most days if you need somewhere to hang, play with tools or just vent. I've been where you're at and occasionally have return visits.

[sacc51]

I remember reading a while back that you've joined the diabetes club. I use Allan Borusheks book 'Calorie Fat & Carbohydrate Counter'. This book allows me to work out how much insulin to have for any given meal. I know you're probably on pills but, the info in the book may be helpful:

Just as a side note, I was on pills after being diagnosed but as they didn't work that well was moved onto insulin and insulin remains the single most effective treatment for diabetes. Using this book I'm able to control my BSLs extremely well. When out and about I consult a card I made up, from this book, which tells me how many carbs are in the common fast foods such as Maccas, Subway, Oporto, pies, doughnuts and so on.

My HbA1cs are usually around 6.8.

This book, along with a handful of jelly beans, is/are the most important thing/s a diabetic can have.

[KBs PensNmore]

Thanks for that, Tony, I'll try to find a copy, an Australian Version that is. Found one copy, with a review that said it was directed at the American Market.
Kryn