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Butler Replicas
What are the pros and cons of the Butler replica. I know the engine sits further back for better weight distribution but is there anything else I should know about them?
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The Arntz/Butler cars share the same incredibly strong chassis platform.
I really like the body shape. Front suspension is now easily upgraded to the Fast Cars IFS. Engine set-back just plain looks cool! Fiberglass has proven to be very strong and durable over the years. I had an Arntz before my Contemporary. In "period correct" styling, I'd say the Contemporary cars are generally built more towards the 60s appearance. In driving position, leg room, suspension dynamics and an overall feeling of solid construction, the Arntz(and therefore Butler) platform is my preference. |
Positive: tons of engine room and strong chassis.
Negative: they were heavy. |
Always liked the Artnz/Bulter in fact I sent the check to buy one , and then read an article about that they were out of business and just taking the money. I stopped payment in time. looking for an Artnz/Butler for my next project , I want to do a Fast Cars front end all aluminum small black Chevy stroked to around 427 cubes and a 5 speed.
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I've only sat in a Butler roadster, and it was an extremely tight fit for me at 6'2".
I would never be able to drive it as it was. maybe with a different seat, and the steering wheel raised an inch or so higher. Liked the look of the body, better than my FFR MKIII. |
As ACBill stated, the legroom is really tight. Not a lot of room to rest your feet while driving as the pedals come up from the floor and are in the way. The passenger side isn't a lot better.
I also wouldn't say there is a ton of engine room. The front of the engine is wide open, but the engine is pretty tight toward the back. Great car, but be sure to drive one before you buy it. |
Wheel base on Butler is 91" not 90. Bennett in Hayward had the mold for a while and he fixed some things. If you stand at the front of the body and look down at the fenders at parking lights, the one on the left is forward more than the right on Butler cars. More small things were fixed. My Bennett car has body from the mold after fixes. Engine was set back 6" I believe. Steering rack was MGB shortened. Most have Jag rear end. Body had to be modified more to adapt to his space frame car, which is what I have. Not sure if mold is still in bay area in case spare body parts were needed. He dropped foot box in one car that I know of and it made more room for sure. All kinds of room in space frame car since there is no main frame rails, not tat it matters if you are getting Butler car. I ordered my windshield and all latches, lights, handles from Butler when he was still in business because he had english parts not Taiwan. IMO Butlers I have seen were all solid cars.
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Interesting you guys mention the leg room. I had heaps more leg room in my Arntz than I have in the Contemporary.
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