Geo Metro powered Middy - Build Log

[Talon]

Hello,

I have a Middy single-seat car I am building. I have had some inquires for a build log on this project, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I am a computer geek by day, and prefer not to do much keyboarding in the evenings, it gets in the way of throwing sparks, but I hope to post pictures as I take them, and answer any questions that come up. Also, I will have a bunch of questions to ask of the group too before this is all done.

Anyway, hope you enjoy. . .

Talon

[wmjinman]

Outstanding!! Anxious to see your progress!!

[Talon]

These are a few pictures that I'll post, just to see if they come out OK. I have a bunch, but these show kinda where I came from and where I'm at this moment.

[AndrzejM]

I like the idea and I'll keep my fingers crossed for your project. Keep us posted!

[MetroMPG]

Need more info!

What does "Middy" refer to - is it a type of DIY car, like the Locost? Locost - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[TedV]

A Locost style "Middy" is a mid engine version of a low cost DIY vehicle. Looks like one to me.

[Sven7]

Nice. Confusing, though. What's the intent of the project? Obviously not speed... and who would daily drive a kit car?

[Talon]

What's the intent of the project? Good question, here goes:

1) Modularity, the rear engine section will be a seperate frame unit, including engine, transmission, drive line and suspension. First "power unit" will be the Geo Metro LXi 3cylinder 5 speed that I got given to me, and I intend to get it all licensed and on the road in that configuration. I intend to play around with other "power units" as well, but that will be later on. (Briggs vanguard belt driven to solid axle? - Kubota diesel mated to VW bug transaxle? - Warp 9 driving solid axle? - Flock of gerbils in an excercise wheel?)

2) Commuter, I have a 65 mile commute to take care of, so yes, it will be a daily driver. DIY cars kinda have a bad rep as not good for daily driving, I think that is bullocks. They can be made as safe, comfortable and reliable as your average '90s Buick.

3) My goals are: less than 1,000 pounds, under 2,000$ complete, enough ground clearance to handle 2-track dirt roads, 4 season drivability, enough room for a backpack and/or a couple bags of groceries, 75-80mpg, not too ugly, comfortable to drive, easy to get into/out of, and it has gotta make me smile when I drive it.

4) it has to fit me. I am 6'6" and 285, mostly in the shoulders. Very few cars have the adjustability to be comfortable for me without alterations, even the "compensation" trucks that are all over here in Wyoming are too short for my legs. Compact/economy cars are especially bad. I like small cars for fuel efficiency, but need to move the seat rails back on any car I claim as mine. (ownership history includes '78 Vega, '85 Toyota Celica, '97 Ford Aspire, Geo Tracker, and currently a '78 Subaru Brat on 33's.)

I have had my go at the go-fast cars too, now I want to experiment with the sip-and-go cars.

Basic plan here is fiberglass over foam body on 1" square tube frame, single center seat, mid-mounted rear engine, rear wheel drive, twin A-Arm front suspension, fully enclosed, street legal, 75mph capable, daily driver. I hope it works as I plan (hopefully I'm not too old to drive by the time I get it done. . .).

TALON §

[MetroMPG]

I like your sense of humour anyway!

Looking forward to following the project.

[Sven7]

Awesome. Sounds like a great project! I have the opposite problem with height- at 5'2", everything's really big...

Pics of the BRAT would be mush appreciated if you could

If you need any styling ideation sketches, shoot me a PM. I'm a car designer and would be glad to help.

Anyway, patiently awaiting some progress. I'm planning to build a daily driven EV kit car, so this build will be informative.