New guy

[goose]

I don't know anything about go karts, but have a couple of questions. I have an old frame that has chrome hub caps with an "A" on them. Any idea who made the kart originally (not that it really matters)? Also, what is the difference between the carts with the steering centered on the frame and those that are offset (i.e. mine)?

I had been looking for one to put together for my kids for a while and finally found one (it was free). Another guy gave me a couple of extra horizontal shaft motors, so I'm about ready to start putting something together.

I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way...

Thanks in advance-

[cojaro]

Are you saying the steering shaft is offset or the position of the steering wheel is offset?

[goose]

The steering shaft is on the left side of the frame. I thought maybe it was originally a 2 seater, but the frame looks kinda narrow for that.

[cojaro]

The steering shaft is on the left side of the frame. I thought maybe it was originally a 2 seater, but the frame looks kinda narrow for that.
Perhaps it was a 2 seater, but the spacing was accomodated for children, not adults.

[jrjulien1]

if you want to make it into a centre mount sterring you could get new tie rods and move the mounting bracket for the sterring shaft to the right and it would work perfectly also what size engine are you using

hope this helps

[goose]

if you want to make it into a centre mount sterring you could get new tie rods and move the mounting bracket for the sterring shaft to the right and it would work perfectly also what size engine are you using

hope this helps
I'm fine with the steering as it is, I was just wondering why one way would be preferred over another (center vs. offset). As far as the engine goes, the Tecumseh (sp?) is a 3.0 hp. The two Briggs engines I'm not sure of yet- neither has a tag of any kind on it.

One of the Briggs motors is the one that came on the kart. Someone scavenged some parts off of it, but there are some usable parts. The sprocket is still on the motor, so I figure that'll help if nothing else. So far I've spent exactly $0.00, and have 2 1/2 engines and a frame. I don't think that's too bad. . .


thanks again-

[jrjulien1]

ya thats pretty good but dont forget that youll need a ventrifugal clutch for the motor and a 60 or 72 tooth sprocket for the rear axle also a 3.0 wont make a very fast kart especially up hill as the 3.0 dosent make much torque due to this i suggest you use a 72 tooth on the axle and a 11 or 13 tooth clutch a sthios will maximize torque but will punish the top speed a little


hope this helps

[goose]

ya thats pretty good but dont forget that youll need a ventrifugal clutch for the motor and a 60 or 72 tooth sprocket for the rear axle also a 3.0 wont make a very fast kart especially up hill as the 3.0 dosent make much torque due to this i suggest you use a 72 tooth on the axle and a 11 or 13 tooth clutch a sthios will maximize torque but will punish the top speed a little


hope this helps
Yep. Got lucky there too- the clutch is still there, and the rear end of the kart is still intact as well (haven't counted teeth yet). The flywheel, carb and a few other odds and ends are mostly what was missing off of the original motor. It looks like it has just been sitting for years. Between the two Briggs engines I have enough to piece one together, I just haven't gotten too far into it yet.

I'm going to try to get the frame cleaned up some later this week, we'll see what happens.

Thanks again.

[jrjulien1]

one more thing if the clutch is old you might have to replace it as older clutches can rust on the inside and weaken the cluch friction material so when yopu test out the kart it might appear to work well for a short time and then suddenly start to slip

hope this helps