Brian S's Journal

British Classic

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 03:32:09 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Always loved the shape of the early thirty's MGs. Simple sporty lines, cars obviously designed for fun. This one started out as two old MG badges and a spare Morrie eight grill I had lying around. Two achieve some resemblance to the original it needed to have the steering wheel on the right side giving the appearance of a two seater. I was lucky to be gifted some hardwood 3 ply and some particularly handy bendy ply courtesy of a builder friend moving house. The latter perfect for tight curves such as bucket seats and bonnets[hoods]. Unfortunately some of the chassis steel I bought turned out to be a much heavier gauge than required so many hours were spent drilling holes and cutting sections out of it to lighten it. The Morris grill sits below the dumb irons to accommodate the scale and the addition of a supercharger helps disguise it. The car has the usual cyclekart details, 6.5 hp motor 17'' wheels mechanical disc brake, rack and pinion steering etc. To give a period look I have covered the sides with green vinyl and varnished the hood. Cheers B.

<IMG 1491>	<IMG 1488>	<IMG 1396>
<IMG 1516>

Posted 2022-01-26 03:32:09 by Brian S

Edwardian To The Rescue

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 22:50:29 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Unfortunately the Bugatti project has been put on hold, owing to the fact that my good friend for whom the Bug was intended had a serious accident, when a careless individual left the handbrake off his parked car and it ran down a slope crushing him into his own car. His injuries will keep him sidelined for a while and so I decided to embark on another project. I was gifted an old English steering box from the wonderful Mr. Mike thorpe and when i mounted it on the simple wooden ladder frame chassis, I decided because of the angle of the column it would suit the design of a veteran truck. I dont wish to upset the purist's of you out there but I never like to make two things the same and what could be more different than a Cyclekart truck. So here it is .. A 1910 Austin ''C cab'' tow truck. The tow truck idea came about when looking at it, it was all front and so to balance out the design i built a crane from an old ladder I never trusted. I'm sure that thing was out to get me every time I climbed it. 1910 Austin [Gittreiville] tow truck for the purpose of rescuing stranded and broken cyclekarts where ever they lie. Be it mechanical or emotional we will be there. [ Sir Henry [Tim] Birkin. At your service. PS. Oh I almost forgot, when the cab and crane are removed it turns into a rather splendid roadster, It will have bucket seats, of course.

<IMG 1053>	<IMG 1047>	<IMG 1043>
<IMG 1139>

Posted 2021-01-22 22:50:29 by Brian S

Next Project On The Way

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 17:37:49 -0500

Brian S's Journal --

1924 Bugatti type 35 Grand Prix car,, hopefully to scale?? ,steel chassis and engine mounts etc. plywood frame sheathed in aluminium. Will seat two slim people or 1 1/2 regular bods. Lots of compound curves in this one,, wish me luck..B.

<IMG 0902>	<IMG 0909>	<IMG 0910>
<IMG 0912>

Posted 2020-08-28 17:37:49 by Brian S

Stutz, Back On The Road.

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 18:00:16 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Repairs all done, spliced new chassis rails in, re/built the left fender, replaced broken seat hinges and road tested the Stutz. A couple of small bugs to iron out and she is ready for adventures.

<Brother and sister Edwardians.>

<New rail spliced in.>

<1914 Speedster.>

Posted 2020-01-14 18:00:16 by Brian S

Stutz All Finished,, But Then.......Ouch!!

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 19:37:11 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Well, it was all done and looking good too, so i thought i would take her around to show a friend, and take him for a ride. All was going well until i turned to go up the final hill on the way home when about to pass a parked car i suddenly lost my steering...I had no time to brake and hit the rear end of my neighbors car at about 30 ks. The impact snapped both chassis rails and the passenger side fender. Luckily I was not hurt, the cars another story!! The neighbor was extremely gracious about the whole thing and even towed me home. When building the Stutz I made sure all important nuts had a split pin through them. What had occurred her was the bolt that holds the steering shaft into the steering box universal came out, so the steering shaft came out of its housing. Tough lesson learnt. Double check everything. Brian S.

<Upholstery done and looking good.>	<Sun's out and we are ready for a run..>	<IMG 0745>
<Two smashed rails and and a fender ripped apart. I'm gutted.>

Posted 2019-12-20 19:37:11 by Brian S

Edwardian Details

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 22:50:31 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

This is the fun part, putting together all those little finishing touches. Still a work in progress but coming together. Upholstery next..

<One can never have too much brass, can one?>	<IMG 0713>	<Curly copper, brazen brass and stirling steel..Sorry about that.>
<Thermostat, is what dat is..>

Posted 2019-12-01 22:50:31 by Brian S

Edwardian Progress

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 03:39:30 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Weather was nice today so took the opportunity to splash a bit of paint around. Ready now for the engine cover and fuel tank and the fun part. Lots of detail, Brass bits, comfy seats, etc, etc..

<More painting required and fender supports but getting there.>

<Footrest and pedals>

<Garage getting a bit crowded>

Posted 2019-11-17 03:39:30 by Brian S

New Edwardian On The Way.

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 02:05:06 -0500

Brian S's Journal --

My interpretation of the famous Stutz Bearcat circa 1914 Laminated timber chassis, plywood and aluminium body, built to accommodate two persons,, primary purpose to take part in another Kiwi expedition in the coming summer. ''Here goes nothing'' Wish me luck.

<IMG 0643 (1)>	<IMG 0657 (1)>	<IMG 0660>
<IMG 0662>

Posted 2019-10-28 02:05:06 by Brian S

More De Dion Details

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 18:22:20 -0500

Brian S's Journal --

A few 'not so great photo's' showing the alloy engine mounts and steering box.

<Engine is mounted on alloy angle section>	<IMG 0222>	<Engine and alloy brake mount>
<Rack and pinion and showing extension bar.>

Posted 2019-03-19 18:22:20 by Brian S

De Dion Bouton Layout

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 01:54:22 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Seat and interior details. Mostly plywood, vinyl seat, aluminium bonnet/ hood.

<Springs under seat.>	<Cabin layout.>	<comfortable seat,, essential.>
<The veteran look.>

Posted 2019-03-04 01:54:22 by Brian S

De Dion Bouton Details.

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 01:28:46 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

A few photo's of the front spring setup..Rear chassis/axle flange bearing connection..mudguard detail and general layout'.. Chassis cut from one scaffold plank.Chassis.... Two rails 2.3 metre's x 100mm,, two cross members checked into the rails giving an overall chassis width of 500mm. This assembly is held together by two threaded rods 10mm diam. The cabin overall width is 700mm. A folded steel bracket supports the rear flange bearings reinforced with two L shape brackets to give lateral strength to prevent axle moving sideways. Added to this is two spacers cut from aluminium tube.[vacuum cleaner] Mudguards...The mudguards are plywood, a plywood gusset holds the shape over the wheels. Seat... The seat base is 800mm wide at the front,,700mm at the back..400mm deep and100mm thick. The seat is also hinged at the front with springs for extra comfort underneath the rear. Nb. Because i used timber for the chassis i made steel fish/plates at the front spring connection. Another important detail was to use spring washes,,lock nuts, split pins. or loctight'' on all nuts and connections subject to movement or vibration. Hope this is helpful if you are planning to venture down this path. Cheers Brian S.

<Front springs fishplated.>	<Shaped block on the rear of the front spring.>	<Steel plate holding flange bearing.>
<Ply gusset holding mudguard shape.>

Posted 2019-03-04 01:28:46 by Brian S

All Set To Go'..

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 04:18:28 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Upholstery finished and ready to do some road tests for our adventure with Mike Thorpe. Case on the back for essentials and spare gas under the hood. Now to find some quiet roads to see how she goes.

<IMG 0167>	<IMG 0164 (1)>	<IMG 0165 (1)>
<IMG 0162>

Posted 2019-01-27 04:18:28 by Brian S

L'adventure Des Antipodes

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:43:30 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

This is my recreation [with artistic licence] of a 1905 De dion bouton, built with the intention of taking part in Mike Thorpe's Kiwi expedition [adventure]. Built in my usual fashion of re purposing Materials to achieve the finished result. Built mostly of wood [timber] Plywood, old light fittings, leftover used concrete boxing [formwork] broken deck furniture etc.etc. Chassis made from an old laminated scaffolding plank. Very strong!. The usual 6.5 hp motor with 6:1 gearing, torque converter and mechanical disc brake. Rack and pinion steering, 17'' wheels. Mike's intention is to carry everything needed for two days motoring at a time, so storage is provided under the Bonnet [hood] under the seat and in a trunk over the engine cover. Handbrake operates with the footbrake and has a locking lever.Lighting [if necessary] provided by old carbide lamps converted to led's Almost ready to go now just waiting for my lovely wife to finish upholstering the seat, which incidentally is designed to accommodate a riding mechanic which we hope will not be necessary of course!

<IMG 0125>	<IMG 0133>	<IMG 0097>
<IMG 0092>

Posted 2019-01-10 12:43:30 by Brian S

Next Project

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 00:01:33 -0500

Brian S's Journal --

Next challenge is to motorize my Blower Bentley. With careful planning it should fit where the rear seat is. Will lose the rear drum brakes unfortunately and maybe have to change the 19'' wheels for 17''.

<20180328 161837>	<20180328 161816>	<1929 Blower Bentley>
<200901130030>

Posted 2018-04-10 00:01:33 by Brian S

Playing With The Big Boy's

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 13:31:07 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Had a heap of fun last year competing in the Hawkswood 'festival of speed' run by the 'Country gentleman's historic racing club' run on a section of old highway about two hours north of my city Christchurch. Came dead last but had huge fun. After the times were posted a spectator came up to me and said. ''Do you realise you were only 30 seconds slower than a V12 Ferrari. This photo just arrived in the mail so I thought i would share it.

<cell pixs 027>

Posted 2016-12-06 13:31:07 by Brian S

Ready To Race

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 04:49:02 -0500

Brian S's Journal --

Ben in car.

<My Grandson Benjamin trying the Alfa on for size.>

Posted 2015-09-20 04:49:02 by Brian S

More Alfa Details

Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:17:56 -0500

Brian S's Journal --

A few more pic's from different angle's showing kart setup's before welding and manufacturing in the final material.

<Steering mockup in wood before making in steel.>	<Rear axle mount,,custom air filter..>	<Header pipe into main exhaust.>
<Left rear..>

Posted 2015-06-19 21:17:56 by Brian S

Progress On Alfa

Fri, 19 Jun 2015 05:35:13 -0500

Brian S's Journal --

A few new photo's of the alfa. Some new paint work below the chassis rails and i found it necessary to cut and fit a vent above the exhaust header. Also put an air scoop under the motor to assist cooling.

<control room>	<Alfa Romeo tipo p3>	<Cooling vent over header hotspot.>
<Two toys.>

Posted 2015-06-19 05:35:13 by Brian S

Post From Downunder [NZ]

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 19:12:22 -0600

Brian S's Journal --

Hi fellow cyclekarter's..Thanks for the welcome to the club,,and a big thanks to Rhys Nolan for suggesting the club to me and posting photo's of my cars..Your comments blew me away..Somebody asked if the cars were in fact Gravity racer's..The four cars shown are, but the photo of a dashboard[minus steering wheel] is an Alfa Romeo tipo p3 cyclekart under construction.I hope to have it running by Feb.. Really looking forward to meeting fellow karters in the near future,,pity we are all so spread apart..Have fun all of you and i will try to get my head around this computer thing and post some more Photo's.. Brian S..

Posted 2015-01-12 19:12:22 by Brian S