![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7537-820x1024.jpg)
The finished pedicab.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5762-1024x804.jpg)
The original Miami Sun tricycle I purchased on Craigslist. No idea how old it was, but it was definitely not new. That big saddle seat was the most comfortable bike seat I ever experienced.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5729-1024x768.jpg)
The frame was bolted together just before the axle so it could be disassembled.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5824-768x1024.jpg)
I extended the frame from behind the back seat to the back axle using some angle iron. Initially I tried to use bolts. But due to the extension and the original angle, the pedals were too low and would hit the ground. So I had to angle it up a bit and weld it together.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5992-873x1024.jpg)
I found some metal on the side of the road in a trash pile that appeared to be a part of a porch swing. It seemed to make a nice shape and might function well to offer stability and serve as a platform / deck.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6112-768x1024.jpg)
I supported those curved pieces with some ribs connected to the other parts of the frame.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/70542111342__058B2A97-8667-4FE9-9559-B63F7C348801-2-1024x768.jpg)
I found this on the side of a road, someone was giving it away. I liked the lines of the arm rests and it was in ok shape.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6113-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6115-1-1024x704.jpg)
I started on the platform for the seating. The tubes are from the metal lounge chair and the square tube I purchased from a big box store.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6514-1024x768.jpg)
Building out the back of the seat and foot steps using a mixture of metal from the found porch swing, lounge chair and purchased pieces.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6584-1024x768.jpg)
Added the arm rests from the lounge chair and welded on some nuts to receive the bolts that will hold on the wood pieces.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_875E7FCB41AF-1-705x1024.jpeg)
Close up of the nuts welded to the frame. The curved piece was not flat on top, was hollow and with thin walls so I did not want to drill holes through it. This was extremely tedious and unpleasant : /
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_6923-1024x768.jpg)
The wood is from a dilapidated play set we had to take down because it was rotten. I saved some of the wood, milled it down and used it for all the wood pieces for the project.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7138-768x1024.jpg)
I disassembled the rear axle, pedal mechanism, front axle and front fork. I cleaned, greased and then rebuild them which helped a lot with speed.
Using a grinder, hand sander, steel wool and wire brush; I tried to remove debris and rust to prepare for painting.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7125-1024x768.jpg)
Primed the pieces with a Rust-Oleum rust reformer spray paint.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7149-768x1024.jpg)
I really liked the look of the matte black of the primer. I was a bit surprised at how well it came out. I thought about leaving it, but my daughter really wanted green; and I like loud colors. So green it is.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7175-725x1024.jpg)
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7176-768x1024.jpg)
We went with Spring Green Rust – Oleum 2x Ultra cover and it is not subtle; people will see it coming for sure 😉
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7341-1024x732.jpg)
I bought some yellow and pink from Spray.bike, but I went through it very quickly. So we could only do the fenders and the back rims. My dad helped me with the painting ( thanks dad! )
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7368-1024x768.jpg)
I joined two bike chains together, but the frame was now welded together, so I could not tighten it properly by sliding the frame. Probably why the frame was bolted together in the first place. I bought a half link which got it closer, but it was still too loose. I found a chain tensioner on Amazon and it does the job.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7542-1024x768.jpg)
I painted the kids’ helmets to match the frame. The seats are foldable boat seats I purchased from the internet. Added wood arm rests with cup holders. The left is a kid safety harness for the little one and the right is a golf cart seat belt.
![](https://nickhardeman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_7540-1024x793.jpg)
Storage space underneath the seats.
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