K. L. VanAtta: 1979 Iso Center Section
K. L. VanAtta sent these images of a chassis center section that he
built in 1979. Although this chassis is called an "Iso" design,
note that the hinged section does not carry the body, as did the 1960s
Iso Fulcrum chassis. Thanks, Mr. VanAtta, for letting us see your neat work,
and I hear you are promising us more in the future - great!
K. L. VanAtta writes:
This is a 1979 wire Iso Center Section. From what I remember and the construction of
the center section itself, I believe that it was built for a local series I was racing in, International
Group 15 motors and unlimimted chassis. Main rails are 0.063 piano wire, plumber is
0.063 piano wire too, and the bracing is 0.063 with a bit of 0.032 also. A Parma Winged
Drop arm is the starting point.
This type of chassis proved to have smooth, consistent handling on the local tracks
which still had the original surfaces with limited glue. The CS was setup for 13/16"
rear tires and 5/8" fronts and I would trim the rear tires by 1/8" to 1/4" to adjust
traction.
I began experimenting with a rectangular motor box, no bends in the can side rails, in
1979. I think that it brought a new level of consistency to my building. For my
personal car, I preferred the plumber pivots to be turned toward the center line of the
chassis.
