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Main
Date: 30 Sep 2005 11:25:56
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: The Veletta
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I have been thinking I would like to build a shell for my tricruiser and
turn it into a velomobile.
I have been enchanted with the BMW Isetta (built from approx. 1955 - 1962)
ever since I first saw one. If you've never seen one then simply goto Google
Image search and type Isetta.
I would like to build a scaled down copy of the Isetta body which can attach
to a trike. I don't have a clue where to even begin my research. Any
thoughts or pointer would be appreciated.
Jeff
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Date: 03 Oct 2005 20:34:53
From: Mark Leuck
Subject: Re: The Veletta
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"Jeff Grippe" <jgrippe@hilldun.com > wrote in message
news:11jqmabt2apah1a@news.supernews.com...
> I have been thinking I would like to build a shell for my tricruiser and
> turn it into a velomobile.
>
> I have been enchanted with the BMW Isetta (built from approx. 1955 - 1962)
> ever since I first saw one. If you've never seen one then simply goto
Google
> Image search and type Isetta.
>
> I would like to build a scaled down copy of the Isetta body which can
attach
> to a trike. I don't have a clue where to even begin my research. Any
> thoughts or pointer would be appreciated.
>
> Jeff
I too like the Isetta however with the "cab forward" design I can't see how
you could do it and get the same look. You would end up looking out from
somewhere around the back seat area
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Date: 04 Oct 2005 13:16:33
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: The Veletta
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"k Leuck" <m..leuck@comcast.net > wrote in message
news:q-adndx9ht-oQdzeRVn-tA@comcast.com...
>
> I too like the Isetta however with the "cab forward" design I can't see
> how
> you could do it and get the same look. You would end up looking out from
> somewhere around the back seat area
>
If you look at the pictures of the tricruiser with its strange rear rack
(which I have) then you will see how I might be able to come close. I've
ordered an Isetta book (which I've wanted for a long time anyway) so I'll
spend some time pouring over more detailed photos. I think the key to how
well I might be able to reproduce its look has to do with the relationship
of the seat to the front wheels.
For pictures of the tricruiser see www.americruiser.com
Jeff
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Date: 02 Oct 2005 21:15:52
From: Jeff Wills
Subject: Re: The Veletta
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Jeff Grippe wrote:
> I think you are probably right but my idea satisfies my craving for an
> Isetta (which is almost certainly a car I'll never buy) while at the same
> time giving me a velomobile. I fear that the project itself is way beyond my
> abilities but the same techniques for building a shell that have been
> illustrated in the links that have been posted in this thread should work.
>
If you're looking for an easy-to-build velomobile, there ain't much out
there. Putting a Coroplast shell on a commercial trike would be what
I'd do. Coroplast is cheap, light, durable, and easy to work with.
Oh, and you should look through the Bruce Weiner museum:
http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/bmwisetta-bubble.html
Once upon a time, I saw an Isetta *towing* an appropriately-sized boat
on a trailer. I nearly busted my pants laughing.
Jeff
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Date: 03 Oct 2005 06:08:42
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: The Veletta
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"Jeff Wills" <jwills@pacifier.com > wrote in message
news:1128312952.342841.261320@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> If you're looking for an easy-to-build velomobile, there ain't much out
> there. Putting a Coroplast shell on a commercial trike would be what
> I'd do. Coroplast is cheap, light, durable, and easy to work with.
>
> Oh, and you should look through the Bruce Weiner museum:
> http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/bmwisetta-bubble.html
>
I have visited that site many times. The Isetta shape and body look like
they were designed to go with a tadpole trike. Coroplast does seem like the
way to go and there are a few sites that detail how to work with it. The
single door style of the Isetta also seems like a good idea for a velomobile
although the aerodynamics of the care could be improved.
Thanks again.
Jeff
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Date: 03 Oct 2005 09:50:50
From: gotbent
Subject: Re: The Veletta
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"Jeff Grippe" <jeff@door7.com > wrote in message
news:11k20n8g6k6rtff@news.supernews.com...
>
> "Jeff Wills" <jwills@pacifier.com> wrote in message
> news:1128312952.342841.261320@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> If you're looking for an easy-to-build velomobile, there ain't much out
>> there. Putting a Coroplast shell on a commercial trike would be what
>> I'd do. Coroplast is cheap, light, durable, and easy to work with.
>>
>> Oh, and you should look through the Bruce Weiner museum:
>> http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/bmwisetta-bubble.html
>>
>
> I have visited that site many times. The Isetta shape and body look like
> they were designed to go with a tadpole trike. Coroplast does seem like
> the way to go and there are a few sites that detail how to work with it.
> The single door style of the Isetta also seems like a good idea for a
> velomobile although the aerodynamics of the care could be improved.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Jeff
You could probably customize a refrigerator box to make a "Valleta". It'd be
a bit squarer than an Isetta, but not much.
In the early sixties there was a parking lot on my way to college. A lot
attendant parked a guy's Isetta against a wall. He couldn't find reverse
gear and he couldn't open the door! I laughed my ass off before telling the
poor schmuck to push in the clutch so I could push him a few feet backwards
so he cold get out, but not before I negotiated a free week's parking for my
MG1100, which is BTW English for a piece of shit.
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Date: 01 Oct 2005 22:16:50
From: Jeff Wills
Subject: Re: The Veletta
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Jeff Grippe wrote:
> I have been thinking I would like to build a shell for my tricruiser and
> turn it into a velomobile.
>
> I have been enchanted with the BMW Isetta (built from approx. 1955 - 1962)
> ever since I first saw one. If you've never seen one then simply goto Google
> Image search and type Isetta.
>
> I would like to build a scaled down copy of the Isetta body which can attach
> to a trike. I don't have a clue where to even begin my research. Any
> thoughts or pointer would be appreciated.
>
> Jeff
Jeff:
Personally, I think you'd be doing yourself a favor if you copied a
Leitra: http://www.leitra.dk/ . It seem to be the most well-thought out
velomobile out there. John Tetz's projects are also great place to
look, and he's documented his creations exceedingly well:
http://www.recumbents.com/s/pages/proj/tetz/TFVM/TFVMp1.html
Other Jeff
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Date: 02 Oct 2005 12:45:06
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: The Veletta
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"Jeff Wills" <jwills@pacifier.com > wrote in message
news:1128230210.482020.24130@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Personally, I think you'd be doing yourself a favor if you copied a
> Leitra: http://www.leitra.dk/ . It seem to be the most well-thought out
> velomobile out there. John Tetz's projects are also great place to
> look, and he's documented his creations exceedingly well:
> http://www.recumbents.com/s/pages/proj/tetz/TFVM/TFVMp1.html
I think you are probably right but my idea satisfies my craving for an
Isetta (which is almost certainly a car I'll never buy) while at the same
time giving me a velomobile. I fear that the project itself is way beyond my
abilities but the same techniques for building a shell that have been
illustrated in the links that have been posted in this thread should work.
It almost certainly will not be very aerodynamic but I only need it for my
3.5 mile ride to and from the train station which is mostly flat.
Thanks for the links.
Jeff
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Date: 30 Sep 2005 08:42:49
From: Dan B.
Subject: Re: The Veletta
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Jeff Grippe wrote:
> I have been thinking I would like to build a shell for my tricruiser and
> turn it into a velomobile.
>
> I have been enchanted with the BMW Isetta (built from approx. 1955 - 1962)
> ever since I first saw one. If you've never seen one then simply goto Google
> Image search and type Isetta.
>
> I would like to build a scaled down copy of the Isetta body which can attach
> to a trike. I don't have a clue where to even begin my research. Any
> thoughts or pointer would be appreciated.
>
> Jeff
Jeff,
Here's a couple of links off the top of my head.
Bob Doster's plans for enclosed tadpole trike:
http://www.hellbentcycles.com/work_shop.htm, it's one of the top links.
WISIL Projects page...lots of info on making fairings, etc.:
http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/whatsup.htm
Hope this helps,
Dan
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