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i went and looked at hose 26" cart wheels from norther tool.. there very very tough durable wheels and light weight, they have a bearing in them with a 3/4" shaft and the outside diameter is about 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" the bearings are low speed but easily replaceable with higher quality bearings.. the hubs on these are tough steel and the spokes are massive.. they look perfect for wheels for this type of car..
They had some go kart stearing spindle assemblies there but they were not long enough to protrude through the wheel hub,(needed to be 1/2" longer) but I know online you can order ones that will work.. i found them on a go kart part site. there about $16 per side
These wheels impressed the hell out of me .. the odd thing was in the store they were $5 more each compared to online so i figured id order them.
The goal of this and 30mph set point is a starting point, id also like something that goes faster for the country roads, this the reason to use the honda (lafan) motors that have a gear box. makes for good acceleration and a higher top speed..
The California commuter is kind of exactly what I'm thinking but fully enclosed to all weather operation..
Ideally with these 26"wheels you would hang the frame below the axles for a low center of gravity.. really this vehicle is going to be no more than 8 foot long most likely and 6" of ground clearance would be more than enough.
And yes the tadpole type of design does lend its self to aerodynamics perfectly.
As for society looking down on micro cars.. who cares.. if i can build a car for under a grand that gets me 150mpg.. that allows me to commute and haul a few bags or groceries and or gear along with me.. who cares.. this isn't about making money or anything this is about personal mobility for as little as possible.
As for the safety factor, Id much rather drive a vehicle like the California commuter than a scooter or even my motor cycle to get that kind of MPG.. really motor cycles are very easy to miss on the road.. and not to mention they tip over in situations as posted above. and Id much rather drive a enclosed vehicle in the rain and cold weather than my motorcycle.. for comfort and safety reasons.
Really by looking at part prices hers a quick run down:
wheels and tires 3 @ $30 $90
50cc lifan (honda clone) 3 speed with electric start and reverse $260
Stearing spindle assemblies $40
sprocket for rear wheel and chain $30
Metal for frame (estimate) aluminum would be more $150
Pedals for gas and brakes $30
Foam board and fiberglass supplies for body $100
12v Battery for the electrical system (lawn tractor battery) $35
headlights and led tail lights $100
Plexiglas for windows and wind screen $70
brakes - didn't price this yet but figuring using good quality rim breaks for bicycles would be plenty of stopping power
And of course there will be bunches of other odd ball parts etc but this is a fair estimate of the major components.
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