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early Bug Wasp seat tank

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 5:19 pm
by Frank Davis
I have aquired an early Bug Wasp kart and have some questions....I have owned a dozen Bug karts, but this one has some things I am not familiar with.....all looks stock, no alterations noted ( except front bumper removed, not sure it belonged there).....The question I have today is, when did Bug start using the "Chilton seat tank.....the seat is drilled for a chilton, not an azusa round as I am used to....maybe a later model?.....any help would be greatly appreciated.....Thanks, Frank Davis.

Re: early Bug Wasp seat tank

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 9:09 am
by REAR
Frank,

Not 100% positive but it appears that the Chilton seat back tanks came out around 1963. Keep in mind also that 5/8" steering shafts became the norm in 63 so these incidentals maybe of help with your kart I.D.

Its really interesting to note all of the different styles, shapes, and locations that the MFG"s and karters have put their fuel tanks through out the history of karting. Another thing to note is that Palmini tanks were some of the more expensive tanks back in the day selling for a whopping $2.00 more then both Azuza and Chilton tanks.

R.E.A.R.

Re: early Bug Wasp seat tank

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 1:03 pm
by Frank Davis
Thanks for the info....all of the research and help has pointed to a late version of the early model Bug Wasp go kart (around 1963)....I will have to actually measure the steering shaft as it looks like a 1/2"....I have a Palmini tank that I was going to use on this project, but the seat back is drilled for the Chilton...and I want to be as era correct as possible....The year is important to me as I have two engines to choose from (1) a 2/1/2 hp Clinton Panther, and (2) a McCulloch Mc45.....Thanks again, Frank Davis.

Re: early Bug Wasp seat tank

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:39 am
by REAR
Frank,

Upon further research late 1960-1961 was when the Chilton seatbacks started showing up. LiL 500 was one of the models that had them.

R.E.A.R

Re: early Bug Wasp seat tank

Posted: Mon May 29, 2017 7:20 pm
by Frank Davis
I just found the answer to my question.....Bug started using the chilton tank on the "Lightning Bug" kart circa 1962 (shown in Bug catalog for 1962 found on the "Vintage Karting Archives" site.