Tipsy Nipper

Here are some photos of the Portuguese Tipsy beeing rebuilt, the plans are a bit uncomplete but we're managing so far.

We just got a new VW engine (80HP) and we'll spend the next weeks working on the engine mount adaptation.

All the help and hints are wellcome!

Any of you guys is flying with one of these 80HP VW engines?

Do you have W&B charts? (Our plans are really short)

Hi Rui,

I looks fantastic, well done so far.

What serial no' is it? former reg'? Which Mk?

Where did you get your engine from? What size is it 1834/2180cc? What carburettor and ignition system does it have?

If you PM your email address to me I can scan and send a copy of my W&B sheet.

I have only one comment to make from the pictures you have posted: The turtle deck normaly has a scolloped plywood area at the first hoop.

Good luck and all the best wishes.

Neil

Hi Rui

Great to see another Nipper emerging.

I have one suggestion for a slight mod whilst you are in the stripped stage.

That is to raise the seat back 6 inches, this will make a comfortable rest and prevent a sore back due to the cross member.

Best of luck

John

Talking of seat backs.......Rui, have you tried sitting in it for a while? If you are reasonably tall then you may find the seat too far forward. In the Uk there are quite a few Nippers modified with the seat reclined by 4 inches.....it is not possible to do this mod' once the a/c is covered. Should you decide the mod' necessary I am happy to provide you a copy of the plans that were approved by the LAA here.

Thank you all for your suggestions

I'll be in touch!

Hello Neil and John
Thank you for your quick repply.
I am the responsible for the restoration but we have a group that works on it.
I can not give you now detailed information about the engine, but as soon as I have it I will send it.I will try also to add a photo.
The engine is a VW that was modified in Brasil.we have to buy the ignition and I think that the Leburg is the best yes?
We trying to fit the starter but this means to push the engine forward(W/B probleme).Is it possible? Do you know if anybody as tried it?
Talking about W/B we do not have the sheet, so Neil I am going to accept your offer. My mail is melo.sereno@gmail.com Thank you.

The seat is really unconfortable to our back.Otherwise I feel allright on it. I will try to use a second and higher foam seat.i have seen some pictures somewhere.If does not work so i will ask for the alteration .
I will keep in touch.
Thank you for the help
Rui

I'm trying to upload the engine's photo but I keep getting this message:
"Sorry, the board attachment quota has been reached."

??????????

Hi Rui,

I sent you the W&B data by email, you should have it by now.

Fitting a starter has not been done on a VW to my knowledge, and I believe it will cause you serious problems with W&B. You need to look carefully at the disposable weight of the Nipper, it is not much.

The Leburg system may not be available any more, due to the sad death of the designer/builder of the system. It is in my opinion the best system out there. I am afraid I have no other suggestions for a replacement system. I do have a spare complete setup for the Lucas dual magneto system fitted originally. It will need one distributer cap to complete the settup.

Neil

Hi Neil
I have not received the W/B sheet.
Can you send it again. Please?
Thanking you in advance
Rui