Fuel efficient reverse trike build (part-13)

Using reclaimed Campaign signs as test patterns, the trike is finally covered!

[@mattparker9726]

Fearless leadership in Reverse Trikes: Proven Results as a side panel. I'd vote for Paul.

[@Rouverius]

How to drastically decrease aerodynamic drag? Leverage the complete non-stick surface of campaign promises.😁 Thanks for series. It's been great following along.

[@ValiantSlantSix64]

😃😀😁

[@inmyopinion6836]

Clever analogy! And yeah, that! 😉

[@richardmorrison6134]

This was a wonderful series Paul. Thanks for letting us follow along. Would love to see a follow-up video with fuel mileage and top speed.

[@gbstudios7890]

Paul is one of those legends that made me find my passion in engineering and my love for building things thank you for giving me a hobby to enjoy, this legend belongs in history books for years to come.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Aw shucks!

[@Nighthawkinlight]

You can get near perfect uv protection just by painting the plastic. The backyard rollercoaster guy Paul Gregg did extensive tests on pvc and found painted pipe only lost at most 5% fracture toughness after 2 years in sunlight, as compared to something like 40% loss unpainted.

[@markthomasson5077]

No! You would lose the kool looks. Surely that graphics give uv protection

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@@markthomasson5077 I think the graphics are probably a transparent ink rather than an opaque pigment that would block uv

[@noneovyerbusiness4909]

Thanks for filming this series Paul! You're an inspiration to those of us who would like to build a highly fuel efficient vehicle that's easy to service!

[@VitalityMassage]

Some day people will see it in the "Paul Elkins believe it or not museum" .

[@DarkMoonDroid]

I would def travel to see that!!!

[@mattparker9726]

THAT EXHAUST FLANGE WILL MAKE THE WHOLE THING 10% FASTER. iT HAS FLAMES!

[@noname-jr1vo]

This will be the most useful thing any politician has ever done.

[@americanboathead5390]

I'd be imagining I was in a fighter jet the whole time! Lol. Great job paul!

[@robertallen6086]

I've never commented on any of your many inspiring videos throughout approximately the many uses for the campaign resource I'd been discovering the unbelievable results in my own projects from nearly completed mini house with barn style roof panels to exterior area on my current micro home/ work shop utility on site with private property owners who discovered my talents when I was a single onthropanuer out in the field with a.number of unsuspecting endings I never foreseen. None the less I've now once again have the privilege of seeing your latest project of the trike w faring in what I'd say is your finest use of the campaign abundant recorce till this day as far as I know is still unt

[@joell439]

A very cool ‘mess’. Loved the see-thru nose panel. It’s been a great series following along as you solve problems. 👍👍😎👍👍

[@garyllyons]

This is truly a work of art and I can't wait to see what kind of trailer you are going to build for it!

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

Paul for President!

[@BushImports]

It's looking good Paul, thanks for showing us.

[@josephdupont]

YOU NEVER FAIL TO INSPIRE US. THAT TRIKE IS SO COOL... IT'S LIKE RIDING IN A FORMULA 1 CAR.. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

[@mikemason4987]

Step on the siderail to get in cockpit easier. You could add a small, flat plate if you needed. Great build!

[@1302gl]

Loving the lazy boy in the background by the roll up door, some intensive engineering must've occurred there.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Not really but it's a comfortable chair to take a nap in!

[@gideonvaneeden2681]

Paul Elkins, the Michael Angelo of coroplast

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Aw shucks!

[@robertrussellmd]

Too cool by half. This is world class bodgering and in my family the fine art of bodgering is highly valued.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

LOL! Thanks Robert!

[@Kioskflippingfilms]

You're a big source of inspiration to me (and have been for several years) and I love this series! Oh, and wouldn't it be cool to have the indicators out on the front fenders, instead of on the roof? More safe too, easier for the traffic behind you to distinguish what way you want to turn in the dark. Cheers!

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Good Idea! I'll play with that.

[@wamplertube]

I think it looks really cool! It reminds me of one of the early solar cars from the engineering school competitions in the 90s.

[@zaphodbebelbrox4508]

A very nice project! With best regards from Germany.

[@thormcgee968]

We need more people like you.

[@mannyperez9789]

Awesome job hope you make plans for fun and cheap cruising vehicle

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

I might...

[@mikejordan9220]

It looks like a lot of fun to drive.

[@kevins1114]

It's coming along nicely. It's going to look great when the final paint job is done.

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

Since it doesn't have a name --> The Guvnah!

[@canerandagio104]

Green,is the best color for this veicle.

[@codycheney3401]

Hey Paul, You know there is several options you have for the bubble top. First the new roll bar could have been hinged so that the roll bar is locked down after entering the trike. Second if you don't want to change that hinge the tinted bubble to where it flips forward or to the side to exit and enter your trike. Third would have been taking and making a whole piece that encapsulates the roll bar and bubbles together that hinged and locked in place that was easily removable in case of any work that needed to be done or escaping in case of emergencies. Also I would like to know where you buy your corrugated plastic sheets in large sizes for future projects of my own, Keep up the good work

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Hey Cody. I might still play with hinging the acrylic bubble to the side. We'll see. Most Home Depots are stocking 4x8 foot sheets of the white 4mm thick stuff.

[@juanbrito5886]

Te escribo para agradecerte por las geniales ideas que aportas, estoy casi terminando un refugio, casa rodante, cuando lo tenga pronto lo comparto. Gracias de nuevo es un gusto ver tus videos y realizaciones, congratulations.

[@vcr210]

Fantastic engineering!!

[@simonbertioli4696]

Really brilliant. Well thought out.. I like it

[@volvo245]

I remember reading somewhere that practically all coroplast or polypropylene in general is UV stabilized. Adding to that if you source them used with full cover prints, (no matter how many empty promises, commercial or political) that print is still paint and will also help the plastic underneath resist UV degradation. I'd love to know in more detail from people who have built with coroplast alot what thicknesses and "weights" (grams/sqm or whatever is used) they prefer and in which places on a fairing.

[@G56AG]

For the long term, you need running lights on both front fenders so oncoming traffic can tell how wide you are at night. A rule of thumb from home airplane builders, plan on 3 tp 4 times as much room to exhaust hot air compared to the intake. This is absolutely needed to provide adequate air flow to cool an air cooled engine.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

How do you do that? The end that attaches to the cylinder head on my old muffler was used, then more length added. It's about the same size as the intake, one inch diameter tubing.

[@G56AG]

@@paulwelkinsdiy I think you misunderstood my post, I am referring to cooling air for the engine, not the muffler. I could have worded that better. 😊

[@scottmuench6855]

Nice work, it looked at home amongst the sleek boats

[@dandil]

covering the wheel spokes can net you more efficiency as well. tighter you can come in to the base of the tires with the cover the better.

[@jarekmace1536]

I understand and agree with the canopy safety issue. I wonder, however, if a sliding, locking canopy could work. I'm picturing something like on a P-51 Mustang that had a rearward sliding canopy. Sliding it forward could let you get in at the lower sill. Also, DO NOT PUT A FUEL DOOR IN THE HEADREST!!! That is the closest thing you have to a firewall in an accident! If you get rear ended (most likely accident next to being broadsided) this could rupture the fuel cell and coat you in fuel.

[@gildardo]

Great work, function over form. Looks great. Can't wait for the final video. I wan't to know it's stats, like center of gravity, MPG, top speed, etc.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Excellent -- looking forward to the electric conversion 👍

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

That would be someone else. The whole reason for this vehicle is to show the viewer how, with better aerodynamics and lighter materialsl, you can improve your gas mileage yet stay dry and safe in case of an accident. I made this on a budget. I could have used aluminum, chrome moly or carbon fiber to shave off more weight, but again I'll leave that for someone else to play with.

[@DustyTripleSix]

I haven't finished the vid yet but I really hope you have a fire extinguisher in that thing cause I really love you and your videos and don't wanna see you get hurt when the exhaust catches that chloroplast on fire! I may be wrong but that seems dangerous sir. Anyways I enjoyed the vid as always, I always tell myself I'm gonna make one of your "tiny homes" one day lol.. Have fun and be safe Paul :). Also I bet a significant layer of paint would greatly extend the life of the chloroplast in the sun, just a thought :)

[@GWmoore00]

You should use vinyl wrap. It would make it look better and seal up the gaps for aero

[@thormcgee968]

I almost forgot to commend you for your awesome work and video because you did so much amazing work I was distracted. Great job man!

[@quadbike3099]

Maravilhoso projeto. Muito inteligente. Parabéns! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@user-xr7qg4nq3r]

I like this approach

[@ManuelPerez-yn9yt]

Great design hope to built one like yours doing a canopy like a jet fighter would be great.

[@quietflight00]

Need some yellow LED lights on the side. Might be good to add reflectors or lights on your 2 front fenders too.

[@SapioiT]

Honestly, some paint, and especially homemade paint with enough pigments, would make it last a lot longer in the sun. Boil a cup of flour, add a cup of used cooking oil (no matter how used it is, and how smelly it is, as long as it's filtered and let to rest so the precipitates can settle to the bottom and not be included), a few cups of water (you can add more and mix again before painting, depending on who much you want to distill it), and pigment (to give it the preferred color), mix that well while the oil and flour are still hot. You can even use dirt, ash, powdered milk, rust, sooth (from a chimney fire), water color paint (for kids' crafts), oil color paint (for kids' kids) or store-bought paint pigments. I think you should try it. You can watch different videos on paints, to find what ratios people use. But I don't recommend using acetone, medicinal alcohol, or paint thinners, to thin it, just water. The flour is added not only to make the paint stick to the walls, but also especially so oil and water can mix, so when the water evaporates, the oily later remains and makes the vehicle waterproof. Warm/hot rain could remove the paint, but that would just expose the corrugated plastic boards instead, so the vehicle wouldn't be damaged. Also, reflective tape goes a long way. You can use some zipties, some small plastic containers (even if you have to make them from plastic bottles cut into shapes and molten together with a long piece of though wire heated by a flame), and LED lights placed above reflective tape, and you have blinkers, stop lights, and position lights. Red tape for break lights, yellow tape for blinkers and warning lights (which you can place above the vehicle, so other vehicles are warned that it's a danger to the traffic), and white for positions and for reverse. The headlights you use to see forward would need to be proper bike headlights, and can't be done with a few low-powered LEDs. With a bit of handicrafting, you could even make a modern-looking or even futuristic-looking vehicle, with fancy lights and all that. Reflective tape might be expensive, but it's cheaper in bulk, and it can be used for a lot of lights. Or you could buy a bicycle lights system, which has break lights and blinkers included, and maybe expand it with a few more lights. And it definitely needs lights on the wheel covers, so vehicles in the dark know how wide your vehicle is. And please add mirrors, so you see behind.

[@DanTheFordFixer]

Been enjoying the build, steering looks fun.

[@donmoroz5502]

Paul, how about slanting your top semicircular front cockpit framing member about 10-15 degrees to the front and making your two triangular cockpit braces on each side a single curved brace and welding in three places to get your triangulation for rigidity. The front piece would likely need to be redone to match your existing body slope. This would give you a couple of inches to help with ingress/egress.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

I'm trying to keep from stare casing the windshield. I'm wanting a continuous arc for better air flow. Thanks for the 2 cents though Don!

[@driftlesshermit9731]

Awesome! Now you just have to figure out how to mass produce them so the masses can get 80 m/p/g in a personal transportation vehicle.

[@rossbrumby1957]

If you put "decorative" short wings on the sides you could use them as a step to get over that high cockpit side.

[@jarekmace1536]

He could reinforce the safety bars sticking out the sides and use those for a step.

[@bvisel4558]

Looks awesome, you did a great job Paul period

[@1Thatstrangeguy]

It would be really cool if you covered it in Dacron fabric and then epoxy coated it like a skin on frame kayak. Sound deadening might be needed because otherwise it will sound like a rolling drum set.

[@hirokawiti4932]

Excellent 👌

[@Hamdad]

Coming along nicely, isn't it.

[@handyhippie6548]

coroplast is an interesting product. i like it and have used it in a couple of applications. it really makes good range target backing, as it is stiff, and semi-self sealing. plus it is free after every election season, as you obviously know. edit; an idea just hit me, an ebike hub motor on one of the front wheels for powered reverse. just a thought.

[@wompstopm123]

all the recycled chloroplast makes it look like a real sponsored drag racer

[@johnarizona3820]

Big win, well done!

[@Pushyhog]

you are great with coro.

[@charlieredeemed]

That's awesome!!!!

[@vaterchenfrost7481]

I love the sound of the engine! Nice inspiring project. Also, it is good to hear your thoughts through the process. An unrelated issue: it is pity you had to remove your plywood electric boat video.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

It's still running as far as I know. Here is a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXrGeH-gn7SCmJI

[@vaterchenfrost7481]

@@paulwelkinsdiy oh, thx!

[@hydroalternation]

"not beautiful but i dont care" you are my hero

[@eelcohoogendoorn8044]

Nice; I like seeing the coroplast process in action. One thing I dont like about it is the rattliness of it though. Perhaps EPP foam sheet would be about as easy to work with; same PP, but the complete opposite as far as acoustics as concerned I would think.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

It's definitely increased in noise to my ears. I've basically created drums for the noise to bounce around, increasing the volume, and more parts are rattling around. If anything it's definitely gained personality.

[@eelcohoogendoorn8044]

​@@paulwelkinsdiy Glad to hear you are happy with it; though when/if I get around to trying my hand at something like this, im going to give the foam route a shot. I like the idea of just taping the seams. Some of that gorrilla-branded tape you can buy nowadays is absolutely indestructable.

[@itsruf1]

observation: I own a sign shop. That material is 6 mil (or so) coroplast or similar brand. Yard signs are temporary for a reason. That "substrate" will crack apart over time. it is amusing as a "skin" over his frame but wear a helmet for sure.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

You are right, and these are 4mm panels. I use 6mm for my motor boats. Great stuff! Explosed to the sun this wouldn't last but several years in the northwest, but I have a garage!

[@itsruf1]

@@paulwelkinsdiy nicely said. Research Alumalite and double thick Alumacore. I hand cut odd letters and shapes. They handle the 220 mph winds to meet sign code.

[@JENNISWISS]

WOW SO GREAT DESIGN🤗👍 greatings from jenni.swiss

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Jenni Swiss!! Coming from you, Thank you! I would definitely make improvements on a next generation build, but it's coming close to what I had envisioned all these years. I would love to see your version of an Eco minded, single person commuting trike. (hint hint!)

[@Smittyschannel]

I would make some adjustable vents in the front to let fresh air in. I imagine it will get stuffy inside on a warm day

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

The reverse trap door can be opened, and I have the front end screened and open. Soon I'll add an adjustable flap to keep out rain and cold air.

[@razifghazali007]

Awesome work Paul!

[@rayrous8229]

Take it out on the ice in the winter. I had a velomobile, and it was fun doing doughnuts on the ice.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

I wish it got that cold here! Sounds like fun!

[@numberq1134]

Maybe use some canvas and velcro for shade, rain and wind protection over your head? Could still be easy to get out of if it flips Or you could use some clear vinyl

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

I'll play with a few things. I've been watching the canvas and Titebond III weather proof glue vids (poor man's fiberglass) Maybe some prototypes using the acrylic dome as a mold to keep the curvature. We'll see.

[@macrumpton]

You could just add a little fold down running board to make mounting easier.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

More storage room for a bag of groceries. You'[re fortunate to have a ready supply of coroplast.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

I want to thank all the candidates who lost. Your signs went to a good purpose, unlike my new tax man who ran for an office, lost and ended up burning his signs. Real nice.

[@Wingnut_Stickman]

Very cool!

[@robertedge6902]

Add wings and fly. The evolution is such fun to watch.

[@curbshoppin]

Really nice fabrication I’ve enjoyed the process 😬

[@justins.1283]

Looks good! I'd just put a vent in the top back to release the gas fumes. Fix a latch for the gas door and do a rattle can paint job on it. Then drive the WEE! Out of it!

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

LOL! I might just do that!

[@SledgeFoot]

Some great points and inspiration. BTW, with a motorcycle sequential trans you don’t have to clutch on upshifts, just blip the throttle. Nonetheless, I’m now a subscriber, which means I’ve deleted someone else to keep the amount of subscriptions at a limit so as not to interfere with own projects. Nice job!

[@rushley5813]

I'd suggest either a removable ladder for easier access like has been mentioned in the comments already maybe make it dual purpose that way its not a waste of space in your machine maybe your headrest fuel door idea could double as your "step ladder" can't wait to see it all finished up and rolling

[@dreirad]

*I love tricycles😍*

[@danethanor]

You need to build a regular trike version with as much of the same materials and compare the two. Then you could really judge on which version is best for fuel economy and comfort. Bet it wouldnt take too long to build.

[@phillipa2346]

If the tape you are using to cover the screw heads are only for covering and not for reenforcing, flex tape I believe is a better option for environments that may get wet. Just an idea

[@volvo245]

The best thing about coroplast is that it isn't fibreglass or CFRP or kevlar or... You get the point. No nasty resin, fumes, sanding, mold making, sanding, dust, sanding...did I mention sanding?

[@stanleydenning]

Build, test, and re-do. That's the fun of it. Much moor to do.

[@ericanthony2754]

sweet ride

[@Wipsplash]

Even though all of these people running for campaigns aren't worth anything, I am glad to see their littering signs went towards something awesome.

[@plinkleton]

reused coroplast is great for projects !

[@mattockman]

Really fabulous effort. Really like to know mpg (mileage) figures.

[@DarkMoonDroid]

Yoga. And when parking at home, park under a strap so you can pull yourself up. So, pull-ups too!! 😊 And if you're getting a new visor, what would happen to the wind if you raised the trailing edge an inch or so higher? So, the wind goes over your head?

[@seanavery7265]

That would make a great jet powered bike ?I love what you made .💗🌠

[@huntersweapons2175]

Great vid loving the series

[@pozblitz]

Governor - I dig it!!!

[@thescubersteve5214]

I'd like to see how you heated and curved that rear cowling

[@VitalityMassage]

Paul... how did you get it licensed?

[@bereztoytoy]

Its just whatever motorcycle motor the license plate is registered to with the shell he made on top of it. People put jet ski shells on scooters, same thing.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

It's not licensed yet.

[@markthomasson5077]

Insurance?

[@markthomasson5077]

Should have made it electric, perhaps would not need all that regulations stuff

[@ScrapMechanicLabs]

You could give yourself a step its how we get in our big old trucks

[@Bikerbob59]

Nice work.

[@thescubersteve5214]

You should do a video of your Coloplast techniques. I have much to learn

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Check out my website ElkinsDIY.com under misc projects. I cover some techniques on my back pack.

[@richardschaefer8605]

Paul. We're all, waiting.

[@jarikinnunen1718]

Flip cover can be safe as your frame.

[@ChristnThms]

Awesome use of old signs. FWIW, a rotating object is really bad for aero. If you're looking for gains that don't involve breathing gas vapors, fairing in the sides and leading edge of those front wheels might be worth a few mpg, and maybe even a few mph.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Thanks Christian. I might do that. Right now I'm disassembling the frame for painting.

[@dillonryan9330]

You the same guy that made the homless struckture out of campaghn signs a while ago? Really like that construction keep it up

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Yes, that's me. And thank you! I still have lots of ideas up my sleeve!