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#Post#: 11722--------------------------------------------------
Overall length of kart
By: samuelw77 Date: October 15, 2024, 3:04 pm
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Evening all, I’m very interested in trying to build one of these
karts and have spent the last few weeks researching and reading
all about them. My question is regarding the overall length of
people’s karts. The Stevenson model shows an overall length of
approximately 7’10” or 2430mm if you prefer. For transporting
any finished kart I have a Nissan Elgrand that, with the middle
seats removed, would have a rear load space of around 7’ or
2133mm, maybe a bit more if I have my knees around my ears!
Is it realistic to try and build a kart around 7’ maximum? Just
to make it easier I’m quite tall at 6’2”!
I’m considering a Hudson Super Six special with a removable tail
to assist with fitting in the Nissan - so the seven foot would
be from front to rear of the exhaust.
What are people’s thoughts and suggestions?
#Post#: 11723--------------------------------------------------
Re: Overall length of kart
By: jim Date: October 16, 2024, 12:00 am
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Hi Sam, It's very possible that 7' should be enough space to fit
a CK with the tail removed. A few people have to do that to fit
them in their vans or trailers. Keep the Chassis as short as you
can and it'll be fine.
#Post#: 11726--------------------------------------------------
Re: Overall length of kart
By: Andy_B Date: October 16, 2024, 2:06 am
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Hi Sam, I had a 1960 Chevy van which I struggled to get my kart
to fit as after measuring it was the engine that caused problems
with the rear doors closing. Also the front chassis legs can
stick out further with a design like this so consider that.
If you are starting from scratch my advice would be to make up a
simple mock up chassis rectangle from wood with a couple of
broom handles for the axles set at the recommended distance in
the CkGB guides and have a go. If you can get an engine as your
first purchase then you can see how this needs to work at the
rear. As Jim says then try and make the rear as short as
possible. Also consider loading these up on your own as that can
be tricky if you have a bad back like me. Cheers Andy
#Post#: 11748--------------------------------------------------
Re: Overall length of kart
By: samuelw77 Date: October 21, 2024, 4:32 pm
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Thanks for the replies, helpful and encouraging. After some
proper measuring I’ve actually got 7’7” to play with, so should
definitely be easy to lose six inches!!
#Post#: 11749--------------------------------------------------
Re: Overall length of kart
By: RhysN Date: October 22, 2024, 1:04 am
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If the length is a problem I think you consider 2 things.
The type of front suspension, which should emulate your
inspiration car. "Normal" longitudinal springs may stick out the
front of the wheels. Can you "massage" that, or alternate
inspiration car, eg Austin 7, and many others have transverse
springs. That may shorten the front end.
The rear end is obviously the other. If you were going with the
car you posted, the tail cone could be removed for transport.
That leaves engine placement. As an example my Napier is a very
big car, given a one off exemption by the "members of the
committee". The engine is forward of the axle and below the
chassis and seat. As my intention is always to look like the
inspiration, that works for me, and could for you unless your
cyclekart will only be a very loose interpretation of the very
cool Super Six.
FWIW while my seat follows the Edwardian guidelines from other
countries, and is above the axle line, the engine is about 4"
from the ground. It's not a "racing car"!
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