fretdoc
New Member
Hi Everyone:
Came across this ite by accident and it sure jarred old memories. I first started after building a Soap Box Derby car and getting the idea of trying to power it with an old Maytag gas washing machine two stroke with a foot pedal starter. My big problem was that I was youn and inexperienced and the power takeoff was a flat surface flywheel. Never was able to rig up a flat belt to drive a soap box derby wheel. About a year later there were plans in one of the "popular" magazines probably Mechanics or Science on building a gas powered pusher trailer. I got dad to help (mainly financially) and with a small B&S engine, centrifigal clutch, Whizzer twist grip,etc. I got a pretty good running device. I built a trailer cover over the whole thing as I was only 14 at the time, too young for a California License. It ran really well and every time I saw a cop, I killed the motor with a remote switch and started pedaling.
I even painted a logo from a newpapaer on the trailer's side and put a fake load on the top. Worked Great! From that I graduated to a Vespa which Sears was selling in lime green under the brand "Allstate" at the time. I also had a Doodle Bug which there were a lot on the used market left from the war years commuting of defense workers.
Today I am sort of retired but in a moment of weakness I bought an electric motor scooter from a guy who won two on "Lets Make a Deal". My problem is battery charge trouble and refusal of the battery maker Optima, to honor their warrenty. Fortunately I am an attorney and can enforce my rights in court even though it is a lot of time and trouble.
Enjoy the contact and will welcome any questions. I am also a graduate engineer and grew up in a family where my dad mad model airplane engines (Pierce)
Fretdoc aka Jerry
Came across this ite by accident and it sure jarred old memories. I first started after building a Soap Box Derby car and getting the idea of trying to power it with an old Maytag gas washing machine two stroke with a foot pedal starter. My big problem was that I was youn and inexperienced and the power takeoff was a flat surface flywheel. Never was able to rig up a flat belt to drive a soap box derby wheel. About a year later there were plans in one of the "popular" magazines probably Mechanics or Science on building a gas powered pusher trailer. I got dad to help (mainly financially) and with a small B&S engine, centrifigal clutch, Whizzer twist grip,etc. I got a pretty good running device. I built a trailer cover over the whole thing as I was only 14 at the time, too young for a California License. It ran really well and every time I saw a cop, I killed the motor with a remote switch and started pedaling.
I even painted a logo from a newpapaer on the trailer's side and put a fake load on the top. Worked Great! From that I graduated to a Vespa which Sears was selling in lime green under the brand "Allstate" at the time. I also had a Doodle Bug which there were a lot on the used market left from the war years commuting of defense workers.
Today I am sort of retired but in a moment of weakness I bought an electric motor scooter from a guy who won two on "Lets Make a Deal". My problem is battery charge trouble and refusal of the battery maker Optima, to honor their warrenty. Fortunately I am an attorney and can enforce my rights in court even though it is a lot of time and trouble.
Enjoy the contact and will welcome any questions. I am also a graduate engineer and grew up in a family where my dad mad model airplane engines (Pierce)
Fretdoc aka Jerry
