When did moles enter the equation?
LOL..He was just giving an example of an inexpensive type of windmill.
Go Kart as regular transportation
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LOL..He was just giving an example of an inexpensive type of windmill.
Thanks. Cool car. Doesn't mention the U.S. as being a possible market. I would suspect it might have crash test, emissions, etc. issues that might keep it off the market. Then again, if the SmartCar can get into the U.S. and it is so tiny, this one might eventually make it to the U.S. Will keep an eye on this one.
Linksep
New member
Super cheap road-legal *new* cars in the USA are never going to be a reality. Federally mandated anti-lock brakes, stability control systems, air-bags, 5-MPH bumpers, and emission standards have killed any hope of really cheap new cars here.
I really think anything but a used car or truck is going to be impractical. There's not going to be any heat for winter in anything but a used car or truck; used cars and trucks are also going to be far more capable. Motorized bicycles might be able to supplement cars and or trucks. You can buy motorized bike kits for $190 (you provide the bike).
I really think education is about the only way to go here... Converting shipping containers to housing may be trendy with the so-called "green" crowd, but getting some of the tribe members training in the building trades is teaching them to fish instead of giving them a fish. Same goes for transportation; getting a few skilled auto mechanics on the res. is going to allow them to fix the cars they have on blocks or purchase dirt-cheap cars from outside sources and refurbish them into at least usable condition. Mechanics know what cars are the cheapest and easiest to maintain and/or fix, and there's no real shortage of <$500 usable or easily repairable cars on http://sd.craigslist.org
I really think anything but a used car or truck is going to be impractical. There's not going to be any heat for winter in anything but a used car or truck; used cars and trucks are also going to be far more capable. Motorized bicycles might be able to supplement cars and or trucks. You can buy motorized bike kits for $190 (you provide the bike).
I really think education is about the only way to go here... Converting shipping containers to housing may be trendy with the so-called "green" crowd, but getting some of the tribe members training in the building trades is teaching them to fish instead of giving them a fish. Same goes for transportation; getting a few skilled auto mechanics on the res. is going to allow them to fix the cars they have on blocks or purchase dirt-cheap cars from outside sources and refurbish them into at least usable condition. Mechanics know what cars are the cheapest and easiest to maintain and/or fix, and there's no real shortage of <$500 usable or easily repairable cars on http://sd.craigslist.org
That One Guy
Occational Annoyance
@Longshot; Yeah, I know. I'm jus bein an arse.
I'm jus bein an arse.I think you are right about the cheap cars. Too many restrictions on the cars that are made often is counterproductive. Not trying to fight the used car issue. I do understand the advantages of used cars and trucks over the karts. But, I think that the relative ease of repairs of the karts versus those of cars (engine, transmission, fuel system..etc.etc.) makes them something to at least try. True, the winter driving will be much more difficult but it is for people who have to walk to wherever in the winter.
The powered bike option is a good one in some situations and for some people, that will be the best one, even in the winter. There are so called FAT TIRES for use during the winter to traverse the snow and for more stability. For folks that are older and for those overweight, a more stable platform may be necessary (such as a kart).
The point of all of this is that not just one option will be considered. Karts, used vehicles, motorized bikes, maybe Go peds, etc. will be tried out to see what works best. Right now the only options it appears is some used vehicles, bikes and a few motorcycles...and walking. Trying to expand the options and by doing so expand the availability of transportation to all residents. PLUS, give them a business that can teach some of them some skills (Go Kart construction and repair).
Except for situations of medical emergency, the residents probably do not get out as much during the winter anyway. My grandparents lived in the country most of their lives and in the winter they hardly ventured out except on Sunday to go to church. Sometimes they would go to the store but usually on a better day weatherwise and not far then. If the residents can grow and store more(or most) of their own food, then they will not even need to get out to the grocery store. So using the karts during the winter is not going to be as big of a problem I think. If they have kids, the buses will come to them generally unless the weather is too bad and then there won't be any school.
Sorry, but the sea container conversions is a way to teach them to fish. It involves welding, site planning, passive solar techniques, greenhouse planning, carpentry (inside finishing), insulation issues and other tasks that will be involved in the conversions. There are already a few projects to build homes on the reservation but the put out only a few projects a year. The need for housing is estimated at least 4000 units. More likely considering the poor condition of the ones that many of them live in now (older mobile and motor home trailers--60 percent of which are infested with black mold). By contrast, the conversions will be much quicker than normal building construction and the homes much stronger and much more energy efficient, winter and summer and also lower cost than building with traditional wood frame construction. My wife is an architect so I have been working the issues with her and she thinks they will work. I will get additional input for sure, but it is worth a try. So little else is being done so why not give it a try?
Doc Sprocket
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I've been skimming in and out of this thread, so you'll forgive me if this has already been asked and answered. I was curious as to any applicable legalities you and they may face with respect to the original transportation quest. Is there any government/police jurisdiction involved? Basically what I'm getting at, is it looks like you have enough hurdles to overcome without having to deal with licensing, insurance, safety inspections, etc. I would hope that if these people only need a way to easily bomb around thier own reservation in pursuit of a daily life, they won't have a pile of BS and red tape to go through. No license, no plates, etc. Is this the case?
Correct. They do not have to face the normal regulations on the reservation. That is why I have stated that the karts (or similar types of transportation) are for reservation use only. If they need to get to a town off the reservation, there are some people with vehicles they can ride with at times. Also I will work on getting some form of mass transit to improve the cost effectiveness of trips. I may be able to get the tribal government to sponsor these buses.
As far as the police are concerned, there is a tribal police dept. Resident users would be expected to follow normal transportation etiquette similar to that cyclists face when they are out on the road. Having a good driving training course for those residents who use karts, powered bikes, etc., would be a good idea. Thanks. I will add that to the list of aspects to implement.
dcook3333
Dean
If you do look at just a diy kart, maybe take something like this http://www.spidercarts.com/granddaddy.htm
and make a bunch of them. No cab, but that could come with a little creativity. That's something we normally don't put on karts.
If you're looking for something off of the shelf and not built yourself, maybe this.. http://www.familygokarts.com/main.php?htmlPage=sk876
and make a bunch of them. No cab, but that could come with a little creativity. That's something we normally don't put on karts.
If you're looking for something off of the shelf and not built yourself, maybe this.. http://www.familygokarts.com/main.php?htmlPage=sk876
Then why do they need transportation if there not going anywhere? How will they get gas also ?
Doc Sprocket
*********
Any progress on this concept yet?
bighead
New member
surplus three wheelers. You can find these all day long for $300
You can make front and rear racks. They go anywhere. Parts are everywhere. Well made last forever. Can tow trailor. Use on farms. They come in 70,90,110,185,200cc. The list goes on and on.
I am willing to bet you m y next paycheck that people would give you these three wheelers for your work your trying to do. Fixer upers and runners. The Honda ATC line made alot of these. I seen cherry ones gor for $600 all day. runners for $200 to $300 all day. They have three wheeler grave yards all over the states. Perhaps one of them will sell you a lot of them for the cause.
I did not read this whole thread but from your first few post I would go the 3 wheel way. Or use them for chunk of the folks your trying to help. I family per wheeler to start. Make community trailers for hauling. This was you will no have to make a lot of trailers.
Here is 5 wheelers for $900
http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/1729972736.html
How far along would you be with $900 building karts?
I have spent time in the philippines and seen some cool 3rd world transpo. Here is some you might want to see.
Here is there busses. These are made from surplus WW2 Jeeps.
You can make front and rear racks. They go anywhere. Parts are everywhere. Well made last forever. Can tow trailor. Use on farms. They come in 70,90,110,185,200cc. The list goes on and on.
I am willing to bet you m y next paycheck that people would give you these three wheelers for your work your trying to do. Fixer upers and runners. The Honda ATC line made alot of these. I seen cherry ones gor for $600 all day. runners for $200 to $300 all day. They have three wheeler grave yards all over the states. Perhaps one of them will sell you a lot of them for the cause.
I did not read this whole thread but from your first few post I would go the 3 wheel way. Or use them for chunk of the folks your trying to help. I family per wheeler to start. Make community trailers for hauling. This was you will no have to make a lot of trailers.
Here is 5 wheelers for $900
http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/1729972736.html
How far along would you be with $900 building karts?
I have spent time in the philippines and seen some cool 3rd world transpo. Here is some you might want to see.
Here is there busses. These are made from surplus WW2 Jeeps.
kartkartkart
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i got first nations in canada the reason they have crappy roads cuz they dont fix em.
That One Guy
Occational Annoyance
You're insane.
You know guys this should not be this hard. You all are going into federal regs and such that do not apply on a reservation. What you all don't know is that it is Indian land, and we as Eurpean transplants pushed them off the rest of what was theirs for our own purpose. The rules are differnt. All the suggestions, though good(for us) are not what he is looking for. He is looking for a way to produce, on a small scale, $1000.00 go karts, or under. I'm up for designing one, but need help in parts. or people that can help with the negotiations with perts distributors. only need cad or solid models of the parts involved. Any of you up for it?
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