Hello everyone: I just joined the club and thought I'd share my project with you. I completed my cycle car project in May, taking only 61 days to build it. I worked pretty much full time on the project. It's a 100% replica of a 1922 Renault that competed at Brooklands in 1925. It's nearly all wood in construction, 106" long, 84" wheelbase, powered by a 6.5 Harbor Freight clone engine, and uses a simple idler pulley "transmission" geared down to a 52 tooth sprocket. I'm using 24" heavy spoke wheels which are correct for that car, and an outboard 6" drum brake with an outside handle, again to replicate the original Renault. The car is big, but it came in at 208 pds., probably because of the wood construction, the lighter wheels and the pulley power transfer set up. The only welds are two small welds for the front axle. It also came in at about $400.00, mainly because I acquired the clone engine on sale for $99.00. You might note from the attached photos the lack of front springs...I used rubber "biscuit" bushings that the front axle bolts pass through. Works great! I have a Hobbs meter mounted on the car and I've put 12 hours running time on it without any significant issues. Also, the car is big enough that I have a functioning door on the left side...makes it easy for me at 6'4" to get in/out. Many thanks to Steve Cameron and the Gittreville gang! Best regards to everyone, Robert Buckbee, Fairfax, Va.

Special note to the Arundels and other Harry Miller Indy race car enthusiasts: Amelia Island's 2013 Concours D'Elegance, which will be held March 8-13, will feature the Harry Miller cars. It should be outstanding!

PS- Anyone looking for a realistic "kill" switch might check JCWhitney.com, item #1JA1029735. It's a battery on/off switch for $18.99 that looks like the old magneto on/off switches. The flip switch is chrome, but can be painted black.

Hi Robert, That is one beautiful machine you have there! I like your formula, Quick building, low cost, great looking and reliable. My grandkids love it! If you have any build photos we would love to see them. Thanks for the posting

Dennis

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http://s1072.photobucket.com/albums/w361/DThomas1925/

Nice kart (or car). You should upload some driving videos to youtube if you can.

-- steve

Robert,

Welcome. First comment. Its amazing how the scale of the wheels create a visual reference to the size of the kart. I had to re-read the fact it has 24" wheels and not 17" as would be typical and a 84" wheel base.
To drive the car do you increase the revs with a pedal and then pull the external lever to engage the idler pulley?
And then to stop do the opposite as well as pull the other external lever to brake?

I would love to see a video of the process, and to use a GPS to see how fast it can run.

Cheers

David

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David

1960 MGA 1600 Convertible,
Gold Coast, Australia.

Hello David: I have made some videos of the Renault clutch assembly but my current membership will not allow me to post them due to size. I can send them directly to you via personal e-mail if you're still interested in them. Thanks, Rob't.

Robert,
The easiest way to post videos here is upload to youtube first then link to here. When you link to here use the "video link" button just above here.

Are you able to post a photo of the original 1922 Renault as i would be interested to compare the cars.

David

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David

1960 MGA 1600 Convertible,
Gold Coast, Australia.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2012 05:53AM by DavidMGA1600.

Robert,

This certainly is a larger version of the cylekart build. You have a door for access
Are you able to link to youtube the video of how to drive the kart. More complicated than just a brake and accelerator pedal.

ChrisK

Hello Chris: I have some videos of the Renault taken in the last few days. However, I cannot post them on U-tube until my wife returns from a trip early next week to assist me (I have zero computer skills and am too old to learn!). I can send them directly to you via e-mail if I had your address. But I understand perfectly if you don't want to share it. The car is easy to drive. It has a clutch pedal which engages the belt drive...a kid can do it. The outboard lever that you see operates the brake, and has nothing to do with the drive system. Remember, you can build these for under $500.US and you don't to do a lot of welding...go wood, as many of the builders did in the 1920's with both cyclecars and aircraft. Meanwhile,are you near Alice Springs? Good luck, mate, Robert Buckbee.

Robert,
There is a great feature on this web page. At the very top of the page is a small black tab titled "MAP". If you click on this the world map will appear with the location of all registered users located. From the location of ChrisK on the map we both live on the Gold Coast and approx 3000klms 1850miles from Ayres Rock. Hey it's a big country.
David

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David

1960 MGA 1600 Convertible,
Gold Coast, Australia.