Questions for the Rupp/Clark Buffs

[mspaceman21]

Hey guys, scored a free kart, havent picked it up yet. looked at it the other day and it looks similar to the clark cyclops 440 that one of the members posted on here. I dont know too much about vintage karts, but the frame, axle, some old tires, 2 part wheels, steering wheel, and seat pad are all there, everything but engines.

What i'd like to know is did they make a rupp dart, or clark cyclops that was twin engine?

if not what else could it be?

When i pick it up i will take pictures and post them up so maybe you guys can help me identify it.

If its worthless i'll weld up a new backend and throw a clone on it for the kid. If its a historical kart, I'll drop the money on a restore. Love seeing these old karts return to the way they were supposed to be.

Thanks

 

[mspaceman21]

Pics

Ok . . . . . any idea?

 

[mspaceman21]

It looks to me like it has dual mechanical brakes. one on each rear hub. I've never seen this before. the brake has a block that pushes against a shoe that sits inside of a housing built into either side's sprocket/hub assy. its a pretty neat idea. I would have never thought of it. it looks like a clark from the research i've done, i just cant find another clark that has the rear bumper and front bumper like this one has. they dont look to be added after production. i would assume it was originally 2 stroke engines, because with the sprockets on the hub assemblies, one would have to turn backwards.

I would like to know:
- what it is
- is it worth anything?
- any idea where i can get parts?
- do they still make those old style racing slicks (goodyear mini race tires)
- what kind of engines originally came on it?
- anyone else have one similar to this?

 

[mspaceman21]

48 views and nobody knows . . . lol great. I hate to tear into it before i find out what it is. Any help is appreciated.

 

[OzFab]

I've seen the design before but I can't tell you what it is; have you tried the VKA site? I could be wrong but, that rear section looks like it may have been a later addition

 

[landuse]

I am not too sure why, but it reminds me of a kart that Orange Krate has. I could be wrong though.

 

[Orange Krate]

My best deduction is that Clark made yard kart clones of Rupps. It has a lot of similarities to a Clark (steering hoop, seat/frame adjoining) but obviously being a twin, 2-cycle racer I'm leaning towards Rupp. Rupp did make twin and I have even seen 3 engine racers. Not sure about the bumpers or seat back though

Couldn't tell you what it's worth. Regardless, twin engine set-ups are harder to come by so I wouldn't hack it up. You could eBay it with lots of vintage key words (Rupp, twin engine, etc) and see what you get if you didn't want to restore, then buy a known yard Kart.

But those wheels, now they're junk! You should ditch them right away! In fact send them to me and I'll dispose of them for you. Do you have all 4? ;-)

 

[mspaceman21]

thats what i thought too, but if the rear part was added later, the person adding it probably added the twin engine mounts because theyre all welded to fit together. it all looks original to me. Orange Krate, I thought i might hear from you about the wheels before i posted this lol. Ive been a member for a while and do a lot of reading and have seen you chasing vintage wheels in a lot of threads. But i dont really want to seperate any of it. Im considering a restore. I joined Vintage Karts, but havent posted it up there yet. We'll see how it goes. And yes i have all 4.

 

[Frank Davis]

the rear end id definately Rupp....very early type brake systen that rupp had (58-59)....the rest has had a lot of re-engineering (hoop, seat, etc)...did you get a steering wheel?....this would be a major restoration.....if you decide to not rebuild it, i sure could use the front axle!....Thanks , Frank Davis, Oregon

 

[mspaceman21]

I appreciate it. I can't believe it might be tht old. Anyone have any pics of a kart that old so I can see how it should look.

 

[Orange Krate]

Orange Krate, I thought i might hear from you about the wheels before i posted this lol. Ive been a member for a while and do a lot of reading and have seen you chasing vintage wheels in a lot of threads. But i dont really want to seperate any of it.

So you posted this deliberately to taunt me huh? NOT cool

 

[mspaceman21]

not to taunt you, it is a cool old kart, if its as old as what frank davis says it is, i'll probably restore it. just need to do some research to find out what it is

 

[Orange Krate]

It's all good. Kelly Kart Rods picked up a rat frame with 4 Hands wheels for like $30! Then tried to talk me out of mine.

I'm proud when anyone has an awesome find. I picked up a McCulloch R1 hacked to fit a running 5 horse Briggs once for $200.

 

[Frank Davis]

Orange Krate.......email me @ flathead80@gmail.com and I will send you photos of my old Rupp......I am not an expert, but I pay attention!..........Frank