Hello and a few questions

[KirkB]

Hello everyone. I bought several sets of plans about 3 months ago and I've settled on the Delta Wolf as the project I'm going to tackle. I have a few newbie questions, though, that I couldn't find full answers to by searching.
First, some info: I'm a big dude; 6', 300 lbs. I live in Utah and want to ride year round. I'm interested in fabricating a full shell (either aircraft aluminum or fiberglass) and also adding electric power (hub motor) to my 'Wolf. What changes to the design, besides the 14ga tubing suggested in the plans, should I plan on to support the added weight of my body, batteries, motor and shell to make sure nothing breaks or bends on the first bump in the road? I thought maybe 24" wheels instead of the standard 26". Would I also need to upgrade the bearings and axle size? I know once I start riding the weight will come off, but I need to plan on supporting the 'fat me' from the beginning. :D Any suggestions would be very helpful.

[TheKid]

Yes, by all means upgrade the axles to 3/4" and use cast iron bearings. That's what Brad recommends when adding a motor to the rear. 24" wheels are a bit stronger, but you'll lose a little speed. If speed is an issue, the 26" wheels on the wide hubs should be fine. If you don't mind spending extra dough for spokes, making the flanges larger, say 3 1/2" - 4" in diameter, will allow shorter spokes for a stronger wheel. If you're not confident about the frame strength after it's built, you could always add gussets to reinforce critical welds.

[Richie Rich]

Hi, Kirk.....Welcome to the KREW...!!

When I built my DeltaWolf, I added a "Big Boy Brace" in a spot near most of the stress.....next to my big arse...!!! Click here....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2158087797_f749573575_o.jpg

It's nothing more than a strip of steel added to the main frame at the back to form a triangle, but it adds an extra bit of support at a critical joint.

There are several DW 'experts' here, so don't hesitate to ask any questions. However, one of the requirements in order to become an Official Zombie is that you MUST take lots of pictures of your build as you progress. Keep us posted....

.....Richie Rich....
.

[Odd Man Out]

I also put gussets on my DW's -- but I of course am "Odd Man Out" and I use that scary scary horribly untrustworthy evil metal (dare I speak its name???) ALUMINUM. :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2766310629_ca1cf00e5d.jpg

[AtomicZombie]

With work that looks that good, you can speak those evil words anytime.

Brad

[Odd Man Out]

With work that looks that good, you can speak those evil words anytime.

Brad

High praise -- Thank you

OMO

[KirkB]

Thank you all for your advice. I'll be posting pics once I'm out of the parts collection stage. This being my first build, I have to gather everything from scratch and try and do it on the cheap. There will be plenty of questions posed as I go as well. :cool:

[SirJoey]

Yes, some very skilled work there, OMO! Very nice, indeed!

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif