Renewable Revolution

by travderose



The inspiration for this project came from stevebod and the bicycle sidecar he built: http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-Bicycle-Sidecar/

After seeing stevebod's build, I immediately became intrigued and knew I had to build one for myself. There was only one problem: I don't have a child to ride in my sidecar. I do, however, have a dog named Dewey who would love to go on bike rides to the dog park. So with this solution, I began building my sidecar!

I built mine to be adjustable and pivot like stevebod's design but mine isn't exactly the same. I didn't need to make mine as sturdy as his because mine would only hold a 15lb dog, not a child. I also wanted mine to be able to be quickly attached and detached without the use of a wrench. I also had the goal of building it without welding mainly because I don't have the supplies for welding and I don't want welding to intimidate people who want to build this. So with that, let's get to it!




Step 1: What You'll need


Supplies You'll Need:
•Metal• (18") of 2"x1" rectangular aluminum
• (64") of L-shaped aluminum
•(4") of thick 2" wide steel strip
•(12") of 1" wide aluminum strip

•JB kwikweld
•Black Plasti Dip (can also be bought at home depot)
•(2) J-bolt style Gate Hinges (I got mine at Home Depot)
•16" Bicycle Wheel
•Wood •1/4" plywood
•the thinnest plywood you can find
•1/2" plywood
•1x2 lumber
•1x3 lumber

•Hardware •1/2" long lath screws
•(2) Cotter pins appropriate for a 1/2" shaft
•(8 ) [3/8" x 1-1/2"] bolts with appropriate lock washers and nuts
•(6) [3/8" x 2-1/2"] bolts with appropriate lock washers and nuts
•(2) [1/4" x 1-1/2"] bolts with appropriate lock washers and nuts

•Gray spray primer
•Flat black spray paint
•(1 quart) flat paint for your sidecar
•(13" x 28") 3" thick cushion foam (I got mine at a local upholstery supply shop)
•(1 yard) vinyl faux leather (I got mine at a local upholstery supply shop)
•(8') 3/4" polypropylene strap
•(2) 3/4" metal bolt snaps
•(2) 3/4" metal slides

*Before we begin I would like to note that I have written this instructable in the most logical order in which you should build this sidecar. However because it was my first time building this sidecar, I didn't build it in the most logical order. So you may notice some things are painted or finished in photos before we have even gotten to that step. This is because I have reordered everything to make it as logical and easy as possible for you.

Full details with pictures at link: 
http://www.instructables.com/id/Bicycle-Sidecar/