BMP And Front Friction Drive!
James the owner from BMP returned my call. I told him I was interested in front friction drive for a project I'm working on. He apologized, said he didn't have front drive.
I mentioned that his rear friction drive housing could be EASILY modified to fit front ANNND rear tire. All it would take would be to drill the four engine mounting holes on BOTH sides of the engine channel. Then the two bolt holes for the front U-bracket AND the holes for the rear support rods would have to be drilled on the opposite sides of the housing!
VOILA!!! A friction drive kit to mount on either front or rear tire!!
James was VERY interested in my idea. Don't be surprised if a NEW front friction drive kit becomes available from BMP in the future!
By the same token, Staton's rear friction drive kit can also be retrofitted for front friction drive. This vendor offers a front friction drive available, which could ALSO be modified for rear drive use.
James suggested that the new engine bolt holes need to be precisely drilled, and cardboard templates could be made.
I stated that I was going to order a SECOND kit from him today and send it to a machine shop. Later I realized that my FIRST BMP kit I had ordered will be my template. The engine channels will align with great precision, using the existing 1.375" bearing as a pilot bearing. It would slip into BOTH .125" steel housings while I mark the engine mounting holes.
The new modified BMP drive kit will now have all mounts for front drive. THENNN, I will drill the rear engine channel likewise.
That way, BOTH friction drive kits will be universal and mount on either tire.
This is such a FANTASTIC idea! When I have time, I'll do the same drilling mods to my Staton drive kits.
This way, ALL FOUR of my friction drives will be interchangeable.
MOST of the parts are interchangeable between Staton and BMP kits. However the BMP utilizaes a .50" diameter driveshaft; its rollers slip on and lock onto the shaft. Its shaft and clutch drum are threaded for 8mm, while Staton drums and rollers are US threaded. The BMP uses 1.375"OD/.50"ID while Staton uses 1.375"OD and .625"ID. The Staton roller seems more heavy duty and there are more sizes available. Staton roller can be installed in the BMP channel with its matching clutch drum. However, the Staton outboard bearing will NOT offer full support. Because the BMP channel is thinner, bearing surface and support is compromised if mounted the way that BOTH vendors normally install the OUTBOARD bearing.
What I've done is reverse-mount the bearing so that the snapring is on the OUTSIDE of the housing. A bearing flangette retainer will then be mounted outboard, resulting in additional bearing support and surface area for Staton roller in BMP housing.
I am SO STOKED!!!