Metro build thread (custom tandem body, 2-seater)

[sjr]

got a 90 Geo Metro I made into a offroader years ago, well Im onto better offroaders so Im goin to mod this one for high gas mileage

it has the 3 cylinder 1.0 Litre,
I also have a 91 4 door metro I can use for parts, thinkin maybe use just the rear doors and side frames and do a Tandem 2 seater , would like this this to get 70 plus without special driving techniques,

[sjr]

I need to post a few more times before I can post a picture

[sjr]

the car has been shortened 6" in the wheelbase, I used to have a roll cage on it and some ATV tires, , Im trying to decide if Im going to go side by side seats or tandem, I want it to hold 2 people and 2 bags of groceries, if I go tandem it will be open wheel with a narrow airplane like body, probably ues small square tubing for the frame Im a fiberglass mold builder and could make some parts pretty light, , also wonding about tires, should I stick with the 12" rims or go 13 14 or 15?? also Ive looked at the donut spare tires for years and thought they should be used on a high gas mileage car, anyone have any experiance with those mini spare tires some cars come with? I know they are high pressure

[sjr]

pic time

[Bicycle Bob]

You may have trouble licencing anything with the unit body modified.
The key to economy is low wind resistance, and open wheels are very draggy. Even when faired in, they have interference issues with the main body and any stock suspension parts.
It is getting hard to find 12" tires, especially good ones, and 13s help lower engine speed, so it is worth pushing the extra air.

[cfguy2000]

Very cool!

(Only a few more posts I can post images!)

[sjr]

if I go tandem seating I will probably narrow the rear wheel track, or use a moterbike rear wheel and swingarm , be lighter and less drag, anyone have any pictures of tandem seating other then the VW 1 lt ?

[Johnny Mullet]

Nice Metro man!

[Bicycle Bob]

Motorcycle bits are not made to take side loading. Some folks make reinforced parts using the same geometry. Check with the sidecar builders, etc. The parts you need for an efficient little car mostly have to be made, not found. The kludges involved in adapting bicycle parts to velomobiles make them 10% heavier than they should be, and unnecessarily cramped, etc.

[chuckm]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

It is getting hard to find 12" tires, especially good ones...

Trailer tires are available in 12" and are high pressure (typically). You can select your tire width as well; I've got 12" radius x 5.30" width trailer tires. They are more expensive, but you typically get a pre-inflated tire and rim set. You can buy hubs to match.