We Bought an Auto Rickshaw Today

The latest addition to our family.

I know it doesn't look like much, but Mike compares it Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. All it needs is a little love.

For the last few weeks we've been networking with various elements of Hyderabad's auto rickshaw and motorcycle world. (See my previous post about this.) We looked at quite a few; we made offers that were too low and rejected prices that were too high. When Mike mentioned the project to some friends of his who do custom motorcycle detailing, though, they got excited and jumped on the chance to do the work for us. They found us an auto for sale right around the corner from their shop and the seller accepted our offer -- a price that was the lowest of all those that had been on the table with other sellers. The bike detailers have a metal fabrication guy who happens to be an auto driver so they are confident they can get the project done. 

We'll be removing the canvas top and ripping out the seats and engine. The rust spots will be replaced and we'll buy new wheels. It will get a whole new paint job. The front steering is still in great condition and we envision Muffin sitting on the mattress to "drive." We're going to wire the instrument panel with switches, lights, and a horn. 

We can totally see it as a bed.