simplex challenger

[gordon van den noort]

Hi ,I have a Simplex Challenger with a single rear brake and stub [dead] axle.I also have a Chrysler marine engine that rotates the wrong way for a lefthand mount.I was thinking If I could find a live rear axle with duel brakes I would be in business. Or can engine rotation be reversed? Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Rob Voska]

Pictures help. What model engine? Can the points lobe be reversed? How will it mount? Will a clutch fit on the output shaft?
Some things are more trouble than they are worth........ But some things end up being cool if you can pull them off. A lot of that depends on your skill level.

[Russ Smith]

Your Kart is a Simplex MK I. I have seen them converted to open live axle using Azusa parts. However, you'd be cutting up a cool original kart. Simplex made the MK III (single engine) and MK IV (dual engine) with enclosed live axle. If you are determined to use your current engine then some modification is in order. Why not not find a vintage engine to fit your needs? Good luck.

[gordon van den noort]

What is an appropriate engine? I seem to remember it had a 3 hp Briggs 4 stroke, the Chrysler was a misguided upgrade.BTW I would sell the engine and the cart unless I could race it somwhere

[Rob Voska]

This should give you some ideas.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... &_osacat=0

[gordon van den noort]

Sorry I have no idea how to download photos to this website , The Chyrsler engine is Model # 82002 it has a centrifugal clutch and a motor mount which fits the cart ,what I remember was the selling point 10 horsepower 10 pounds ,Thank you Rob for the old Simplex ads but what sort of engine was original on a Mk1 ?They look like 2 strokes what would be my best option.Restore it to concours? throw something together and have fun,build a race cart? sell it and buy a race cart. what is it worth?

[Rob Voska]

Not competitive for modern racing.

Lots depends on condition on direction to go. Is it a clean barn find? All broken up and bent, rusty, rewelded?
You do need a host to upload pics but it's not to bad.

Hard to give advice without knowing more and what you want to do.

[REAR]

Only you can decide what you want to do with your kart.

Its always best if you decide to keep your kart to put something together that is as close to period correct as possible and go out and enjoy driving it. Work to get your kart to run well also. A good running kart is always more enjoyable to drive and more desirable weather you keep it or sell it. If a 'show kart' is what you want that option is always there but parts can be hard to find and often quite expensive.

R.E.A.R.

[john gillman]

I have two Simplex Challenger Mark IV's that I'm trying to rebuild their axles, does anyone have experience with or part numbers for the seals and bearings, much appreciated with any information.

[REAR]

John,

If you have the old parts simply take them to a bearing supply house and they can match them up. If you don't have any of the parts get some good measurements of the axle diameter and the axle tube housing and take those dimensions to the bearing supply house and again they should be able to fix you up. You may even want to take the axle with you.

Accessing a website, SKF. Koyo, etc. and you can find what you need yourself. '

Here is some info that may help you.
https://jtkmarketing.s3.amazonaws.com/f ... ection.pdf

R.E.A.R.