Studebaker Pedal Car

[deven_science]

I can't believe I haven't posted this build on here? My presence on this site ha really dropped, but I guess I hadn't noticed how much. So, I bought a ratty, junked 1959 Studebaker Lark, with the intention of using its parts to make an adult sized pedal car. Here's the car as I purchased it for $200.

I had it towed to my house, and started chopping, and forming the outside body.

 

[deven_science]

I then had to shape a hood and grill area, since it didn't have one. I used the middle section of the back and truck that I had cut out of the width. The new grill was originally the rear license plate depression.

I had to make a couple of "A" frames to hold up the body, as I made a square tube frame for it, and slid it into place.

I then used 2" angle iron to weld the frame to the body panels.

 

[RustyGold]

Wild! I love those Larks...should make a very unique pedal car

 

[horsefarmer]

Pretty cool! How much do you think it weighs? Would be interesting to fit wheel hub motors and have a electric runabout.

 

[toro1978]

While definitely doable the lack of a differental might be an issue. Also the number of hub motors, I don't know if you could run 2 or 4 motors with the same controller. This could however eliminate the need for a drivetrain (if ran on throttle only). And the more motors the more batteries would be be needed - 4wd would be awesome, but it would mean 60 pounds of additional weight. It would also mean more power and torque and a higher speed which requires upgrading the brakes and tires. A midmotor on the other hand can be used with a trike rear end (with a dif) to run the rear wheels. Also putting a powerful enough motor in this thing might require some registration while pedal power is OK for the law.
I will be following this project closely.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Madness! I love it

 

[handyandy1100]

This is cool.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

too much awesome for one post.

 

[deven_science]

How quickly everyone goes to "put a motor in it" or "electric hubs!" This thing is impractical as can be, so the plan is to remain pedal powered. I'll resort to electric assist only if it's just too dang heavy for me to push it, which I don't think will be the case.

Anyhoo, I debated the stance for quite a while, but in the end, because of how oddly short this thing is as a "car," it looked best if slammed to the ground. So, I put the front steering assembly under it, and got it standing on its own in the front.

Then, after sitting like that in my driveway for months, I recently got the rear wheels under it, as well. It now stands on its own four feet.

Next, the hood ornament. I got this shifter knob a while ago. It was unpainted. My wife did an amazing job painting it up, and I drilled out the bottom to mount it on.

 

[toro1978]

Nah, I was just brainstorming how it could be done best, referring to horsefarmer's post.
I will refrain from any suggestions and just follow.

 

[handyandy1100]

Looking good. Do you lay back in it like on a recumbent bike?

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Glad you are keeping it pedal power. What is the point of turning a car into a car? This thing is old skule kule!

 

[barnbikes]

Love it!!!
I would find a junk mountain bike and use the drive from it. You might need all 18 speeds.
Also 4 wheel disk brakes - either that or some old work boots with thick soles for stopping.

 

[RustySprockets]

This project deserves as name. Witch Doctor?

 

[deven_science]

Nah, I was just brainstorming how it could be done best, referring to horsefarmer's post.
I will refrain from any suggestions and just follow.

No worries, @toro1978 . It's just that I've been getting that from every angle, social media platform, in person, etc. It's human powered vehicles that I'm interested in. I'd be building human powered boats and airplanes if I had the room for it.

 

[Fv2]

Dig this one a lot.
Can't wait to see it finished.

 

[deven_science]

Got the seat mounted. It's from an old recumbent exercise bike, and I left enough of its original tubing to slide it forward or back for different sized riders.

 

[deven_science]

Had some fun adding on small parts to make this thing look more "car-like." Door handles and rear-view mirrors, which I had cut off the real car before scrapping it. I then pushed it onto the street and parked it like any other car to get some pictures.

 

[Brian macumber]

Any plans for a small windshield?

 

[deven_science]

Any plans for a small windshield?

Yes sir. I put together the parts to make a small, low split window, but if I find a cool little boat window that wraps around a bit, or something, I'll jump on it.