Cargo tricycle with a 200cc liquid-cooled engine
 

Spotted this one in downtown Porto Alegre
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Water cooling is still an unusual feature on the cargo trikes I see on the wild

I would really like to have one of those
it would be nice to have as a work truck
put some deep cycle battery in the back
and run a little knife sharpening rig
a grindstone, buffing wheel and a belt sander is all I would need.

I would want to put some doors and a floor otherwise it would be a little cold in the winter

At least here in Brazil it can't be fitted with a full enclosure due to the engine and fuel tank on the cockpit. But I have already seen tricycles with a fully-enclosed cabin.

Very similar to my Westcoaster. It was a US Mail truck in 1966 but it was badly worn out when I got it in 1986. Lots of fun for 1 year! Complete fiberglass shell with opening doors and windows.

Apart from the steering wheel instead of a handlebar, yours resembled more those Italian models based on the Vespa and the Lambretta. BTW what engine did it use?

An 8 horsepower Onan motorhome generator motor with a 3 speed transmission. Surprisingly that speedometer had a top speed of 50 miles per hour but I went 45.

Do you remember its displacement and its peak power RPM? But anyway, 45 MPH is still better than the 37-to-38 MPH these Chinese trikes usually get.

I only knew the horsepower as an ad claimed when I was trying to replace the engine. I was not sure about whether the transmission or motor mounts would be the same so I did not pursue further information.

my first truck had the gas tank behind the seat inside the cab
I never smelled it from inside unless I had some on my hands
from refueling. Same with my Bug the tank under the seat in the back

however I would move the tank on that trike under the cargo box
for better stability. That one is likely in the worst possible place
for tipping over

I think a heavy canvas oil tarp would be sufficient for a floor and sides
and with screen as Windows ventilation is not a problem.

the only similar thing available here in Phoenix is a Japanese micro truck dealership
where they are sold as ranch quads about $4000

I guess it was vented to the outside anyway. BTW I remember the fuel tank in the Opel Corsa right below the rear seat, if I lifted the seat I could easily reach the lift pump, but it had some seal in order to prevent vapors and liquid spills to the cabin.


I'd also be inclined to move the tank, mostly in order to allow the fitment of an enclosure. Would also have to make a doghouse around the engine, roughly like the ones fitted to American full-size vans.


It may work, but I'd prefer something rigid. Fiberglass and plexiglass FTW :thumbup:


I actually like those kei trucks too.