Post by chromedome on Jul 30, 2011 17:17:47 GMT -5
I thought I would post some money saving ideas as far as trike building is concerned. As with everything else these days, like gas and groceries, the materials to build a trike have skyrocketed.
1: Learn to use Google effectively. Information is power. If you do a Google search for front suspension design, you'll get all kinds of results, most of which are trying to get you to go to Amazon and buy a book. By adding the word "forum" to your search, the results will yield much better results. Good terms to add to Google searches are DIY, Homemake and Homebuilt.
2:Use Craigslist. Everyone uses it now and since it's a free service, people will put up an ad to sell a $5 item.
3: Learn to use Ebay effectively. On the left side of a search page are options that allow you to modify the search in just about every conceivable fashion. One of the big killers on Ebay is shipping. An item that cost half of what you could buy locally may wind up being more once shipping is added. Most sellers on Ebay will combine shipping on multiple item to save money. If it doesn't say in the ad, email them and ask. You can search by distance from your home. If it's a large item and the shipping is high, see if they offer local pickup. You could drive 100 miles to buy a set of wheels and tire a lot cheaper than what shipping will cost.
4: Do it yourself. If you don't know how, ask. Most people think that welding and electrical are some kind of mystical arts. They're not. With a cheap wire welder and some practice, most people could be doing professional looking welds in just a few days of practice. If you know someone that welds, ask them for tips. Be sure you ask about safety first. My first welding experience ended in me suffering a severe UV sunburn on my arms.
5: Use the Pull-A-Part type wrecking yards. They are typically 50% less than your good ol' boy local yard.
So please, if you have any cost saving ideas share them with the forum.
1: Learn to use Google effectively. Information is power. If you do a Google search for front suspension design, you'll get all kinds of results, most of which are trying to get you to go to Amazon and buy a book. By adding the word "forum" to your search, the results will yield much better results. Good terms to add to Google searches are DIY, Homemake and Homebuilt.
2:Use Craigslist. Everyone uses it now and since it's a free service, people will put up an ad to sell a $5 item.
3: Learn to use Ebay effectively. On the left side of a search page are options that allow you to modify the search in just about every conceivable fashion. One of the big killers on Ebay is shipping. An item that cost half of what you could buy locally may wind up being more once shipping is added. Most sellers on Ebay will combine shipping on multiple item to save money. If it doesn't say in the ad, email them and ask. You can search by distance from your home. If it's a large item and the shipping is high, see if they offer local pickup. You could drive 100 miles to buy a set of wheels and tire a lot cheaper than what shipping will cost.
4: Do it yourself. If you don't know how, ask. Most people think that welding and electrical are some kind of mystical arts. They're not. With a cheap wire welder and some practice, most people could be doing professional looking welds in just a few days of practice. If you know someone that welds, ask them for tips. Be sure you ask about safety first. My first welding experience ended in me suffering a severe UV sunburn on my arms.
5: Use the Pull-A-Part type wrecking yards. They are typically 50% less than your good ol' boy local yard.
So please, if you have any cost saving ideas share them with the forum.
