Motorcycle engined car

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Working on my Associates in Welding right now. I'm only two semesters in but one of my final classes is a fabrication class. Build my own project including writing my own basic blueprints and purchasing the materials. I've taken SMAW classes using 7024, 7018, and 6011. GMAW-S and -P using .035 wire on steel and aluminum. Next term I'm learning FCAW. Anyhow, for my project I want to build a motorcycle engined car. Street legal. I'm thinking a steel frame, might have it powder coated. Aluminum body panels. I'm not sure if I will have any doors or if I'll just climb out. Trying to decide on a canvas cabin covering or aluminum, or even some thin gage steel. I'll probably use polycarbonate or something like that for the windows. Though, I'm not sure I want to mess with window track assembly so I'm leaning toward the canvas style, maybe modify a Jeep Wrangler top.I think the engine I use will have to be at least 600cc from the research I've been doing online. Custom gas tank so i can have a larger one than a motorcycle would. So, I figure I'll find a motorcycle that is being sold for parts or something so I can get the engine and wiring from it. Then I'll hit up a salvage yard for some wheels and some suspension parts. Any tips or info would be awesome.
Reply:Make it a three-wheeler so it can be registered as a motorcycle. Use two front wheels and retain the bike driveline (chains are easy to lengthen, don't forget tensioners!).Buy a donor cycle you can hear run. You don't need to mess with engine work which tends to be very expensive.If you use a car front suspension or major parts thereof, it will be heavy. A larger engine is better if you intend to use the thing. We'll assume you are a proficient motorcycle or other mechanic and have at least a grand to fifteen hundred bucks minimum and good connections for cheap components. If that is a bit much, it could be wise to build shop equipment you can use in the future. Toys are fun, but don't produce more toys. Tools are fun and produce tools AND toys.
Reply:Not too much help but a very good friend of my father's built a 1300cc hayabusa engine powered legend car. pretty nutty.IW Local 580 NY, NY
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallIf you use a car front suspension or major parts thereof, it will be heavy. A larger engine is better if you intend to use the thing.
Reply:I wouldn't look at anything under 1000cc.
Reply:Originally Posted by dkalleckWorking on my Associates in Welding right now. I'm only two semesters in but one of my final classes is a fabrication class. Build my own project including writing my own basic blueprints and purchasing the materials. I've taken SMAW classes using 7024, 7018, and 6011. GMAW-S and -P using .035 wire on steel and aluminum. Next term I'm learning FCAW. Anyhow, for my project I want to build a motorcycle engined car. Street legal. I'm thinking a steel frame, might have it powder coated. Aluminum body panels. I'm not sure if I will have any doors or if I'll just climb out. Trying to decide on a canvas cabin covering or aluminum, or even some thin gage steel. I'll probably use polycarbonate or something like that for the windows. Though, I'm not sure I want to mess with window track assembly so I'm leaning toward the canvas style, maybe modify a Jeep Wrangler top.I think the engine I use will have to be at least 600cc from the research I've been doing online. Custom gas tank so i can have a larger one than a motorcycle would. So, I figure I'll find a motorcycle that is being sold for parts or something so I can get the engine and wiring from it. Then I'll hit up a salvage yard for some wheels and some suspension parts. Any tips or info would be awesome.
Reply:I agree that you may be better off building some type of recreational vehicle such as a go-cart, etc. If you build a car that you can drive on the street it will have to be registered and tagged, which means you will have to aquire insurance on it. I would think that finding a company to underwrite a policy on a car built by a student as a project would be near    impossible. And if you did find an underwrtier the policy $$ would be astronomical. Just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide.StephenMillermatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200Miller 30A SpoolgunHypertherm Powermax 30Etc., etc., etc.............Cancer Sucks!
Reply:If you can get it passed thru DMV you wont have any problem getting insurance! People do it all the time down here in CA.I would go with a water cooled motor, check you local salvage yard.You might be able to incorporate the bike frame into the project keeping the drivetrain and rear braking!AEAD 200LE, Lincoln precision tig 185, Millermatic 251, Spectrum 625 extreme, Victor torch , Smithy 1220LTD. and  Do all C-4 band saw ,  Always adding.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallMake it a three-wheeler so it can be registered as a motorcycle. Use two front wheels and retain the bike driveline (chains are easy to lengthen, don't forget tensioners!).Buy a donor cycle you can hear run. You don't need to mess with engine work which tends to be very expensive.If you use a car front suspension or major parts thereof, it will be heavy. A larger engine is better if you intend to use the thing. We'll assume you are a proficient motorcycle or other mechanic and have at least a grand to fifteen hundred bucks minimum and good connections for cheap components. If that is a bit much, it could be wise to build shop equipment you can use in the future. Toys are fun, but don't produce more toys. Tools are fun and produce tools AND toys.
Reply:Originally Posted by yakdungPersonally, I would skip the car as it is too heavy. Build one of these as I believe it would be "more funner". When done with the class project my guess you will not have any problem selling it.http://www.streetfire.net/video/goka...-sto_61876.htmBe safe and have fun,Yakdung
Reply:Originally Posted by goinssrI agree that you may be better off building some type of recreational vehicle such as a go-cart, etc. If you build a car that you can drive on the street it will have to be registered and tagged, which means you will have to aquire insurance on it. I would think that finding a company to underwrite a policy on a car built by a student as a project would be near    impossible. And if you did find an underwrtier the policy $$ would be astronomical. Just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Reply:Originally Posted by houseoffireIf you can get it passed thru DMV you wont have any problem getting insurance! People do it all the time down here in CA.I would go with a water cooled motor, check you local salvage yard.You might be able to incorporate the bike frame into the project keeping the drivetrain and rear braking!
Reply:The Hayabusa GSXR is the fastest production street bike!  I would get the water cooled one! Try to keep it light as possible of course.AEAD 200LE, Lincoln precision tig 185, Millermatic 251, Spectrum 625 extreme, Victor torch , Smithy 1220LTD. and  Do all C-4 band saw ,  Always adding.
Reply:Originally Posted by houseoffireThe Hayabusa GSXR is the fastest production street bike!  I would get the water cooled one! Try to keep it light as possible of course.
Reply:I don't think a motorcycle powered car would be emmisions legal unless you just stick a MC engine in an old car. or something you could register as an old car.a reverse trike would get around that.I've thought about hooking my shaft drive bike drive-train to a small off-roader's tranny, and get all the gears I could ever want, plus some in reverse.a better performing option might be to use a 4 stroke muscle sled engine, clutches and reverse gear box to do what you want.
Reply:Originally Posted by GrooI don't think a motorcycle powered car would be emmisions legal unless you just stick a MC engine in an old car. or something you could register as an old car.a reverse trike would get around that.I've thought about hooking my shaft drive bike drive-train to a small off-roader's tranny, and get all the gears I could ever want, plus some in reverse.a better performing option might be to use a 4 stroke muscle sled engine, clutches and reverse gear box to do what you want.
Reply:I just checked Oregon dmv and I can title it as an Assembled vehicle"An assembled vehicle:    Has a body that does not resemble any particular year model or make of vehicle,    Was not built in a factory where the year model and make are assigned at the factory,    Was not rebuilt by a manufacturer, and    Is not an antique or special interest vehicle, a reconstructed vehicle, or a replica vehicle."
Reply:Also, i have to make sure it meets these federal standards for highway use. I think this will be pretty easy.http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/fmvss/index.html
Reply:I live in Oregon also.  I tried to get a license a few years ago for a homemade car to drive on the street and to get it licensed in Oregon as a new construction car it had to pass the automobile safety laws ,, which included seat belts, air bags, safety glass, wind shield , windshield wipers everything that a new car has to have. If I built a three wheeler with a motorcycle title I only had to have some of the stuff. Like lights at least 18 inches above the pavement and On all the time it was being run on state or county or city roads. I will check again they may have become more liberal.. But I doubt it.  Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerI live in Oregon also.  I tried to get a license a few years ago for a homemade car to drive on the street and to get it licensed in Oregon as a new construction car it had to pass the automobile safety laws ,, which included seat belts, air bags, safety glass, wind shield , windshield wipers everything that a new car has to have. If I built a three wheeler with a motorcycle title I only had to have some of the stuff. Like lights at least 18 inches above the pavement and On all the time it was being run on state or county or city roads. I will check again they may have become more liberal.. But I doubt it.  Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerI live in Oregon also.
Reply:I'd pick an easier project.  Building a car is going to take a lot more time, money, equipment, and skill than what you think.  Just look at some of the off-road buggy sites.  It's not unusual for an experienced builder with all the equipment already to spend $10K for a decent bike engine powered single seater.  If you like the trade and want to get into fab work, I'd strongly suggest building some type of equipment for a project.  You can build toys later.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI'd pick an easier project.  Building a car is going to take a lot more time, money, equipment, and skill than what you think.  Just look at some of the off-road buggy sites.  It's not unusual for an experienced builder with all the equipment already to spend $10K for a decent bike engine powered single seater.  If you like the trade and want to get into fab work, I'd strongly suggest building some type of equipment for a project.  You can build toys later.
Reply:Originally Posted by dkalleck I plan on getting just about everything except the metal secondhand.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmThat's where the time (scrounging for parts) and equipment (mostly machining) come in to play.  To do it right (meaning safe, reliable, meets and legal requirements), it's going to take money.  Even when buying used parts.  I would come up with a budget first.  Then plan on spending 50% of that budget to buy every new item you will need for a specific project.  That leaves the other 50% for things you don't know you need yet.  After that, you pick a project that meets the budget and time constraints with room to spare.This is advice from a guy that has finished lot's of projects both under, and over budget.  I also have a big list of partially completed projects that have been brought to a standstill because of budget and time constraints.I'd suggest something like a tube bender from plans or maybe a shop press with accessories.  Build the press first, then build a press brake, then dies and blocks for doing u-joints, then.....well you get the point.