Vintage Style Rear Engine Kart

[directdrive]

I have been working on a full size template for a couple of days for a kart along the lines of a Rupp Dart/ Super Dart and the early rear engine Bug Stinger karts. I have a Bug Stinger sidewinder from the early 70's but it's only sort of useful in this design.
So far I have figured the side rails somewhere between 14" and 16" wide to the seat transitioning to 22" to 24" wide at the rear.
My wheel base is 48" at this point, I would like to trim it down to 46". This kart will also have a front porch as I'm 6" tall and want it to be comfortable. I'm working on tread width now and could use some input. I'm thinking about 28"-30" for my kingpin centers.
Rear width is undetermined. I would like to keep my overall width to 42" with 6" rear slicks. Front I will run 3.5's to keep it traditional. My overall length is about 70" because I am going to run one of the new GX440 big block clones. Should be a handful.
Any suggestions or take off dimensions from an original Rupp or Bug would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[landuse]

I have been working on a full size template for a couple of days for a kart along the lines of a Rupp Dart/ Super Dart and the early rear engine Bug Stinger karts. I have a Bug Stinger sidewinder from the early 70's but it's only sort of useful in this design.
So far I have figured the side rails somewhere between 14" and 16" wide to the seat transitioning to 22" to 24" wide at the rear.
My wheel base is 48" at this point, I would like to trim it down to 46". This kart will also have a front porch as I'm 6" tall and want it to be comfortable. I'm working on tread width now and could use some input. I'm thinking about 28"-30" for my kingpin centers.
Rear width is undetermined. I would like to keep my overall width to 42" with 6" rear slicks. Front I will run 3.5's to keep it traditional. My overall length is about 70" because I am going to run one of the new GX440 big block clones. Should be a handful.
Any suggestions or take off dimensions from an original Rupp or Bug would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum. I am sure someone will have the info that you are looking for. Just hang in there

 

[OzFab]

I built a Manco American Express replica that everyone seemed to like if that helps...

 

[d340b61]

Will the weight of that big 4 stroke ruin cornering compared to the very lite 2 strokes they ran ? I Of course it may weigh the same as twin 2 strokes.

 

[landuse]

Will the weight of that big 4 stroke ruin cornering compared to the very lite 2 strokes they ran ? I Of course it may weigh the same as twin 2 strokes.

Nah, it is not going to make to much of a difference

 

[directdrive]

Welcome to the forum. I am sure someone will have the info that you are looking for. Just hang in there

Thanks.I need Orange Krate or Ted H. to chime in (read their threads). They know.

 

[OzFab]

The quickest way to make that happen is a PM..

 

[Poboy kartman]

The quickest way to make that happen is a PM..

Not with Dennis. ...He doesn't seem to be visiting much anymore. ..Apparently he has all things kart concerned on hold at the moment. I don't think it has anything to do with the forum or karting- but something personal and I don't want to pry. He said he's now looking at June for a shoot date so I don't expect him to do much until at least April...JMHO...

 

[directdrive]

Not with Dennis. ...He doesn't seem to be visiting much anymore. ..Apparently he has all things kart concerned on hold at the moment. I don't think it has anything to do with the forum or karting- but something personal and I don't want to pry. He said he's now looking at June for a shoot date so I don't expect him to do much until at least April...JMHO...

Thanks.I did send a couple PM's. Somebody here will have an old Dart or
Stinger, any period rear engine Kart will do.I just need some real basic numbers.

 

[zbuck]

Go to, vintage go kart forum. I am sure someone there can help you out.

 

[jandj]

If you do, keep the fact you're going to use a 4 stroke to yourself.

 

[itsid]

If you do, keep the fact you're going to use a 4 stroke to yourself.

Yepp, just say you're trying to find a Mac10 or WB 820

'sid

 

[zbuck]

jandj and itsid, good suggestions. I forgot that they are not big fan of 4 strokes on the vintage site.

 

[directdrive]

I am going to get one of the US Motor Power Vintage (copperhead) 820's for my next project. I wish I had for this one.

 

[bshinn]

I was thinking of repowering my sons rear engined kart with one of those US820's........until I was quoted $750.00 ea +shipping.

 

[jandj]

You should be able to get an 820 for about $450 or so if you do some looking. May need seals/gaskets but it'll be as good as a new one. I got lucky and found a NOS never run Power Bee 820 for $400.

 

[Dirtkarter]

Hi there, This might help with your project.

Justin

 

[landuse]

Hi there, This might help with your project.

Justin

Thanks for these dimensions. They are great!

 

[directdrive]

Yeah Dirtkarter, Thanks for posting.Great information.

 

[fourtogo]

Nice work Dirtkarter