The Place

I"m new to the forum, but not to sidecar racing. I currently run a competitive P2 vintage rig in Canada but would like to build a new chassis. Can anyone tell me where to source information on tubular chassis design, geometry etc for a vintage rig? Has anyone written a book on the subject? Any help would be appreciated.

I don't know of any books. At least with vintage the job is two thirds done and you only have to put the third one on I'm an advocate of putting that one on the left by the way

Dave Its as Steve says your two thirds there using a big wheeled frame with a sidecar attached.but if you mean constructors like Terry Windle, Mick Fiddaman etc then you are in the early classic scene.I think all the vintage outfits I have come a cross derive from either BSA,Norton,Triumph with big wheels most often original front forks but sometimes with L/L forks.I may have a Fiddaman catalogue somewhere lying about.You could look at "Racing Sidecar Designs" on the internet.
Good luck

Thanks for the replies but I may have to explain further. This won't be just a chair wheel tagged onto the side of some old bike. This will be a bespoke chassis built complete from the ground up. The only thing vintage will be the engine which will be a 1972 model or earlier. I know that it's been done in the UK hundreds of times before so I am looking for information like rake angle, trail, wheelbase, front to rear offset distance, swingarm length etc. I have access to a design which has been used in Canada many times and I know it works - just wondering if there are other ideas out there that I can incorporate that would be an improvement in the design.

Razorback wrote:Thanks for the replies but I may have to explain further. This won't be just a chair wheel tagged onto the side of some old bike. This will be a bespoke chassis built complete from the ground up. The only thing vintage will be the engine which will be a 1972 model or earlier. I know that it's been done in the UK hundreds of times before so I am looking for information like rake angle, trail, wheelbase, front to rear offset distance, swingarm length etc. I have access to a design which has been used in Canada many times and I know it works - just wondering if there are other ideas out there that I can incorporate that would be an improvement in the design.

Can't help with chassis details, but to make things clear:

In the UK and Europe "Vintage" is considered pre-1950, from then onwards to 31-dec-1972 is called "Classic" - after 1972 we talk about "Post-Classic" or "Forgotten Era".

OK, now I know and can speak the same language - thanks for the clarification.
It is a classic chassis that I'm looking for information about.

That's quite helpful. Does that drawing exist with dimensions?

Try contacting Jim Todd on Facebook,its his drawing.He also has drawings for the mini wheel Saabs he built.I am sure he would be happy to supply you with dimensions.

Thank you.