Paul's how NOT to convert a Metro

[doviatt]

Subscribed.
I've got to keep watching this channel. Cool!!

[MetroMPG]

I had no idea I sabotaged the opportunity to charge huge consulting fees to GM by making the ForkenSwift. I will play close attention!

[dcb]

Hmm... I'm working on a scooter conversion and have several bits from a 50cc variator left over, that might suit your purposes Paul

[Christ]

I think you should put at least one battery under the passenger seat, leaving the metal pan of the seat exposed, so that when someone sits on it, it shorts the battery, a'la Volkswagen Beetle.

[dcb]

LOL, been there Nice of those German engineers to pad the seat with hay

The unexpected accompanied ignition event blew my cheezy air cleaner off too.

[Christ]

While I've had a battery explode on me, it's never been the result of the VW syndrome... I've only had anecdotal experience with the problem, and seen the aftermath of it (after letting the acid sit for a few months due to an insurance claim not being processed correctly). I also was commissioned to help clean it up and take care of the damage.

[vpoppv]

Thanks to everyone for helping me with such great ideas for failure! Keep them coming!! In the meantime, I uploaded a video of a coupler that I think has a very good chance of not working. The stock piece called a "hub" took 3 tries for me to finally buy the right size: 1 3/16". At this point, I am very angry because I was hoping to be MAKING money from this project, and here I am out $5.49 for the coupler. I feel like ripping a piece off the ICE of the Metro and putting it on eBay. I uploaded a new video. There are two setscrews there, I'm going to add another two to the motor section, then put in four for the clutch center portion to make sure it's nice and tight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmIqlzLfmiY

[dcb]

Set screws AWESOME!!! You should only need one, make sure the slop is all on one side.

Also, do the final line up and adjusting assembly of your adapter while texting, or in the shower, or while texting in the shower.

Also, DO NOT WELD IT TOGETHER, if some of the scale from the weld comes off while running it could cosmetically damage something.

[Christ]

So... you remembered to over tighten those set screws, right? Once you're done over tightening them, remove them and weld the holes shut - the heat expansion on the piece will make it bind together, so you won't need welding and set screws to actually hold anything together. Sweet, ain't it?

[vpoppv]

I finished the coupler. I'd be lying if I said it was easy. First I used chewing gum to hold in the clutch center, but that didn't hold. I tried crazy glue but it just stuck my fingers together. Then I drilled four holes with a new set of drill bits I got at Wal-Mart. Those wood bits I had were taking too long. I started tapping one hole out when I realized I had the wrong size tap. Today, after work, I bought the right tap. I tapped two, then on the third one, SNAP! broke the tap. I had purchased the last tap at Napa Auto so I went to O'Reilly's. None there. Back to the farm supply store where I got the coupler (they are starting to know me there, they must think I'm a farmer) and got another tap. It was half price, should have gone there first. Tapped the fourth one, then spent a good deal of time getting the piece of old tap out of the last hole. Retapped it. Coupler appears solid, but I'm all tapped out....
I started painting the motor. I wasn't going to, but it seems like everyone is doing it. I'm guessing it must increase horsepower, so I'm all for it. I went with OSU orange. Go cowboys.
I'm ready for the adapter plate. I wanted to go with plywood, but since I'm anticipating sparks, I decided against that. I have the template, just need the aluminum plate. Anyone know where I can find aluminum plate?