Hello from Los Angeles - Isetta 300 Bubblecar Teardrop

[IsettaFlower]

Hello All & Happy New Year!

Here is a complete Newbee looking for advice, tips, help, support and suggestions from other teardrop enthusists that could please help me to get started on my exciting new project; a light, small teardrop for my little 1957 Isetta Bubble car!

I managed to get an Isetta hitch that an ex-owner built some years ago.

I have no experience or idea where to find the plans or how to scale-down for a little teardrop as big as my car, so I can use all the help and support I can get!

I don't plan to take it to any long trips, it's basically the compliment for the car, that needs to be very light and big enough for one person.

I already own a utility trailer for my vintage Vespa, I think it's 5x4 with 10 inch tires. I don't know if I could use it for this purpose...?

I'm not wealthy, so I cannot buy a fancy new Teradrop or have one specially made, so I'm planning to build it with the help of a few friends.

If anyone out there likes Isettas and know what I'm writing about, please drop me a line, I could certainly use plenty of advice and moral support!

I send you all warm regards!

Cheers!

Flower.

[caseydog]

Your dream is actually possible. Really, all you need is a TD that you can really sleep in, and if it has a place to park a Coleman stove, you have a galley.

Several people have build little TD type campers to tow with motorcycles, and an Isetta is not much different. You can do it. And, there will be plenty of people here who want to see you do it.

CD

[IsettaFlower]

Thank you SO MUCH caseydog!
I needed to hear that I can do it!
Flower.

[steve wolverton]

An Isetta and Vespa. COOL!

I wanna see pics of the Isetta. I love those little microcars.

[IsettaFlower]

Sure, Steve. Since I'm new here, I don't know where to post the pics.
I have one of the Vespa and one of a little model Isetta with TD, please advice.
Flower.

[steve wolverton]

If you look at the box at the top of the page there is a link called "Help with photos" - That should get you fixed up.

[madjack]

Flower, I sent you a reply to your email...on the subject of pics, first thing you will need to do is resize your pics to an acceptable size for the board...we prefer them to be in the 640x480 size...if you have never done this, here is a link to a program to resize... http://www.irfanview.com/ ...after resizing, all the info you need to post pics is located in the top index under the "Help with photos" button.

Let me add my "WELCOME ABOARD"...I have a feeling that your project will generate MUCH interest and look forward to seeing it progress onward.......

madjack

[IsettaFlower]

Thank you so much! I just uploaded 3 pictures.
Two are of my little Silver Bullet.
The yellow one is a toy model with the TD I hope to buld...
Any info or suggestions about that model's TD, please?
Flower.

[steve wolverton]

Cool pictures. Someday I'm going to get a microcar.

[Juneaudave]

Welcome Flower and very, very cool indeed!!!!

[IsettaFlower]

THANKS!!!

[Roly Nelson]

Flower, I have built a teardrop that would be just the right size for you. It is only 40 inchs wide, 6 feet long and only weighs 245 pounds. It comfortably sleeps one, has a galley under the hatch lid and something like that would look great behind the Isetta.

It can be seen in my gallery below. If you want a closer look, charge on down the I-15 freeway to Wildomar (20 miles south of the I-91) and I'll give you a cook's tour. By the way, welcome to the forum, a lightweight tear is an easy build, you can do it, we can help.
Roly

[Wimperdink]

Funny I was just going to mention Roly's ¼ Nelson in your other thread. Came here to go in his album and he has already posted to you and offered to help. Thats an offer I couldn't refuse if I was in your shoes. Also.... need I say more?

[IsettaFlower]

Thank you so much for your message, Wimperdink
I guess it's my lucky day!!

Hey Roly!
Thank you so mouch for your post!
Your trailer is amazing!
I love it!

It looks that you are a man of many talents!
Of course I'd love a closer look, and I will even bring you a killer chicken recipe!

Please look at the yellow one in my pictures so you can later send me your comments, ok? Now all I need is to email you so I can get your info, GPS you, and wait for your availability...

I thank you so very much for your kindness!

Flower.

[IsettaFlower]

Roly, Miriam asked for tech info which I'm sending to you here.
You are probably already familiar with it.
How do I get your info or send you mine so we can coordinate the visit?
Cheers!
Flower.


I found this link with Isetta info by Elizabeth Johnson:
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z180 ... a-300.aspx

Here's another one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isetta

AND here are the Tech Specs from my Microcar Club:
http://www.microcar.org/carspecs/bmwisetta300.html

1 cylinder BMW 298cc air-cooled engine
4-speed transmission
Top Speed: 53 mph
Fuel Consumption: 63 mpg
Crusing range: 219

Length: 89.8"
Width: 54.3"
Height: 52.6"
Track: Front- 47.2" Rear-20.4"
Wheelbase: 58"
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 U.S. gal
Unladen Weight: 770 lbs
Laden Weight: 1277 lbs

I have no idea of the tow capacity, it's not much.
The small gas tank may surprise many, but I'm my neighborhood's envy because I get better mileage than most people's cars!

Besides, I have to obey the speed limit while driving in the streets so driving at regular speed works fine , unless I can get away without been clocked by a cop at 45 MPH....usually downhill !!!!

LOL [/img]