Here goes...
After figuring out quite a lot about my Cyclekarts over the last couple of years, what works, what doesn't where to get things, what breaks and what could do with improving, I thought that the time has come to stop progressing old number 27 and get back to my other CK which was started some time ago. Now I have sorted some of the other projects I had on the go and got some vital Mo Jo back for this I thought I would start a build thread and hopefully it will be of interest.
I am not an engineer, a fabricator or anything, so some of the aspects of building is a total head scratcher and I have made lots of questionable choices with parts and ideas to date - some worked some didn't but hey thats all part of it right!! I purchased a welder and over the last 18 months been getting more confident that my welding holds up out on the tracks and in places looks ok
For those who know me, my day job is a Graphic designer and therefore visualising is probably one of my strongest abilities. I am not a replicator as my skills generally let me down, so I have always been a huge supporter of creating what you like and what you can, using what you have around you or what is available, help from others and if required buy in what you need. I also try (where it works) bringing in skills from my trade to create the look I want - Both of my karts to date have been wrapped using vehicle wrap and bespoke graphics in particular on No 27.
However, I have two cars in mind for this next build so let me know what you think of my choices of inspiration!!
I stumbled across a machine that is a real bit of me and therefore the first choice is an Alvis Silver Eagle Special. From what I know, These machines have been built as 'Specials' on the 4 seater platforms much like other Riley and Mg's that have been given a second life!! Replicated to 1930's grand prix specs and made legible to compete at various events - cool car
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
The second choice is a Riley kestrel 'Freddie Dixon' Special - Mainly due to the fact my Dad has a Kestrel and he would never let me do this to it
so I would plan to have a go at something like this
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
What I do know is that I would have to become some sort of 'Louvre Guru' in either option but I recently made and 3D a louvre form that worked ok on test material but it was only very small so that may be something I choose carefully how many I am prepared to attempt!!
Lastly, is a picture of the chassis on the welding table as I am considering heights and how I am going to do the front to work with the leaf springs. I am using a Gemini front axle and smaller 500mm springs to reduce the overall length of this CK for no other reason that so it fits in the back of my 1960 chevy van (another questionable choice).
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Hopefully I will make some more progress over the coming weeks that is worth sharing.
Cheers
Andy
