Anyone familiar with the 3-wheeler?
 

You aren't REALLY OLD unless THIS was your first mode of transportation.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1209992566.jpg

I purchased this at an estate sale on Saturday. I have owned several antique/vintage pedal cars in the past but had never encountered this particular model.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1209992669.jpg

Quite an interesting trike. Single tire in back, dual in front. Steering is via feet on front axle (push left/right). Propulsion is via a dual hand lever (pumping the handle forward and back turns the rear pulley, which then turns the back pulley by means of a belt drive. Must have given the kid a workout on those arms!
(Is this how Schwarzenegger started?)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1209992787.jpg

All original paint/patina (even the rubber drive belt looks to be original). Solid rubber tires. Seat is painted with logo: "Michiana Flyer"

Haven't started to research it yet. Anyone seen one? Any info? Year/age??? Thanks.

Wow, looks like fun. So many ways to lose a finger! You'd never be able to sell something like that nowadays!

Any idea how old it might be? 40's or 50's?


KT

Reverse big wheel.

I rode one like that in the 50's. Did not look as sturdy as this one.

QUOTE: "Did not look as sturdy as this one."
_________________

Indeed. It certainly pre-dates the stamped metal and much later
'all-plastic-all-the-time' eras.

The thing is built like a bridge! All solid steel with riveted joints.

A real 'lowrider' too. The pictures make it look taller than it is. The bottom of the frame rail is only 2 3/4" off the ground and the seat is at 11" (note the 15" from floor electrical outlet, behind). Very low center of gravity.

I can only imagine a kid getting this thing going FAST, DOWN a steep hill ...if he leaned forward at all, that rapidly oscillating handle would likely beat him in the face like a boxer pounding a speed bag!:D

That thing is really neat. I'd maybe even take it over this thing:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1210090363.jpg

Hey, thanks for that eBay link!

Ad was apparently from 1948, interesting. That kinda' dates it for me.

That is very cool. I love older stuff like that - back when stuff was built to last more than three weeks.

Very cool!! Looks like it wouldnt be to hard to duplicate.

Imagine handing that to a kid nowadays? "Hey I cant ride this, Its not electric!":D

I am familiar with this bike... My grandpa worked at the factory that made them! Have you managed to restore the bike? I would love to see some pictures and hear about it.