Barn Find - Help Identifying?

[jeff___H]

I recently got acquired this Kart. It is a Simplex Challenger. It was stored in a garage, buried under debris. It is complete other than the air filter. Black frame. Brakes work. Engine turns free. Firestone tires (rough) on alloy wheels. In need of a complete resto, obviously.

I haven't been able to figure out what year it may be.

I took many pics. Here is one:

 

[jeff___H]

Some more pics:

 

[jeff___H]

More pics:

 

[jeff___H]

More again:

 

[jeff___H]

And a few more:

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Now THAT is a cool vintage kart!

 

[OzFab]

It should look amazing once restored. The only tragedy is that, in the process of making it look good, you'll destroy the decals

 

[jandj]

Post at vintagekarts.com You'll get any info you need.

 

[jeff___H]

Thanks for the responses.

My kids want me to fix this up for them.

 

[OzFab]

Better get to it then, have to keep the "little monsters" happy

Not referring to your kids specifically, all kids are "little monsters" when they don't get their own way

 

[firemanjim]

Better get to it then, have to keep the "little monsters" happy

Not referring to your kids specifically, all kids are "little monsters" when they don't get their own way

Boy,did you say a mouth full.... lol I have 6 and one on the way.....

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum!!

That is a really cool kart. It looks like it used to be a duel motor kart. Both of the back wheels have sprockets on. You also have some sort of funky old centrifugal clutch which uses a pulley jackshaft to drive the wheel. I would change all that out to be chain driven. You will have less slippage that way.

Here are some links to the kart that I found

http://www.kartingarchives.com/media/Reviews/simplexPromo.html
http://www.kartingarchives.com/media/Brochures/60-Simplex_Mk1-2-3-4-5-6-b.html
http://www.kartingarchives.com/media/Brochures/60-Simplex_Mk3-4-b.html (might figure out your model here)

 

[jeff___H]

Welcome to the forum!!

That is a really cool kart. It looks like it used to be a duel motor kart. Both of the back wheels have sprockets on. You also have some sort of funky old centrifugal clutch which uses a pulley jackshaft to drive the wheel. I would change all that out to be chain driven. You will have less slippage that way.

Here are some links to the kart that I found

http://www.kartingarchives.com/media/Reviews/simplexPromo.html
http://www.kartingarchives.com/media/Brochures/60-Simplex_Mk1-2-3-4-5-6-b.html
http://www.kartingarchives.com/media/Brochures/60-Simplex_Mk3-4-b.html (might figure out your model here)

Thanks! I had seen some of this advertising. I had figured that the engine was incorrect. The other thing throwing me off is the upholstery. In the brochures they all have pleated seats, where mine is smooth vinyl with colored edge bead.

As for my kids - they can't always get what they want! (They can try sometimes...)

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Just don't go altering anything until you're sure about it. That could be worth some good bucks to a collector. I see the engine mount has been butchered, but it might be repairable. I don't know much about it, but that could well be worth something!

 

[ruppkart]

It is a duel rail "Simplex " kart could be a Mark III or IV .. they are VERY uncommon and rare finds in complete condition. Originally they were equipped with twin Clinton A490engines or West Bend 580's as an option. They were made early to mid 1960's. They are RARE ..it is worth all the effort to restore it original. Looks to be the Live axle version . Had a neat drive system with "splined" axles and internal brake system. Parts are tough to find but this one looks pretty complete...that plate the motor is on is wrong. They came in two (2) colors Black and Red .. with the seats being the opposite of the frame color. I know a couple of guys with restored models. They are cool as hell.. real beefy Karts. GOOD Luck with the restoration....looking forward to seeing progress pictures.

 

[jeff___H]

Just don't go altering anything until you're sure about it. That could be worth some good bucks to a collector. I see the engine mount has been butchered, but it might be repairable. I don't know much about it, but that could well be worth something!

I have no intention to. I rescued it from getting crushed. Next step will be to find it a new home.

 

[jeff___H]

It is a duel rail "Simplex " kart could be a Mark III or IV .. they are VERY uncommon and rare finds in complete condition. Originally they were equipped with twin Clinton A490engines or West Bend 580's as an option. They were made early to mid 1960's. They are RARE ..it is worth all the effort to restore it original. Looks to be the Live axle version . Had a neat drive system with "splined" axles and internal brake system. Parts are tough to find but this one looks pretty complete...that plate the motor is on is wrong. They came in two (2) colors Black and Red .. with the seats being the opposite of the frame color. I know a couple of guys with restored models. They are cool as hell.. real beefy Karts. GOOD Luck with the restoration....looking forward to seeing progress pictures.

According to a user on vintagekarts, it is a 1961 Mark IV.

 

[itsid]

If you intend to do a full restore, make a whole lot of high res pictures of all the decals.
and measure them.
You can then use those to make new ones either with fresh copies of the faded ones,
or with renewed decals.

So make sure you have enough photos just in case you one day want them to be back on your kart.

'sid

 

[ruppkart]

Needs a new "home" ....Keep me in mind .... I may be interested.

 

[jeff___H]

Thanks for the interest, info, assistance and the PMs. This kart has found a new home - QUICKLY! I'm sure you have not seen the last of it!