Garage 54 craftsmen sliced two wheels in half to produce four halves, then paired them with a chain drive to coordinate their motion. The result looked clever on the surface, yet the setup felt like a puzzle waiting to be solved, especially in low-friction conditions. The project aimed to test a bold idea: could a pair of half-wheels, when linked by a chain, still behave like a balanced, controllable wheel system? The answer, observed after the first run, raised questions about stability, precision, and long-term reliability. This is not a review of a factory build, but a candid look at amateur experimentation and its limits. (citation: Garage 54, YouTube)
In practice, the vehicle did depart the line, but the ride was uneasy and uncertain. The modified vehicle did not feel natural; it seemed to wander and react unpredictably to even small steering inputs. The lack of conventional suspension tuning and the unorthodox wheel assembly created a dynamic that was hard to predict, especially on imperfect asphalt. The crew faced a persistent tension between curiosity and caution as they watched how the car responded at different speeds and on varying road surfaces. (citation: Garage 54, YouTube)
With winter conditions adding another layer of challenge, snow and ice drastically reduced traction. In such weather, the unconventional drivetrain added yet another variable to manage, and drivers had to constantly adapt to the strange feedback coming from the wheels. The overall handling could not be separated from the surface state, making precise control an exercise in feel rather than formal geometry. The experiment highlighted how environmental factors can magnify the difficulties of attempting a nonstandard mechanical arrangement. (citation: Garage 54, YouTube)
Chain synchronization, perhaps the most delicate aspect of the build, did not achieve flawless harmony. The timing belts, borrowed from a different vehicle, appeared worn and inconsistent, which translated into rubs, mis-timing, and imperfect engagement between the halves. The team recognized that even a small misalignment could cascade into more pronounced drivetrain chatter, reducing efficiency and increasing wear on other components. In short, the chain drive was a living reminder that mixed-origin parts rarely behave like a purpose-built system. (citation: Garage 54, YouTube)
Additionally, the welds were solid, and the rear axle lacked dampers, which meant the chassis had to absorb shocks directly from the road. The lack of a proper suspension setup amplified the jolt transmitted through the frame whenever a wheel passed over a bump or rut. The result was a mobility puzzle: the wheels did rotate, yet the car would not sustain a conventional, safe driving experience. The concluding takeaway was simple yet profound—the exercise accomplished its goal of pushing the boundaries of practical experimentation, but it did so at the cost of practicality and safety. (citation: Garage 54, YouTube)
- “Driving” can be seen on YouTube.
Video: YouTube (citation: Garage 54, YouTube)