Does anyone have a clue?

[Thom Andrews]

Hey everybody...me again.

Robron says, "No" it isn't a Rupp and I agree to that. However, Manco says that it is NOT one of their chassis' either. (I think it is.) I'm drawing a blank! So, I cut off all the non-original parts from the chassis (trust me, I could tell from the bad welding!!) and here we have a better, clearer look at what the chassis looks like. The seat loop was already cut away from the chassis. Anyway, feel free to PM me or comment here.

 

[landuse]

I am not too sure what it is, but it looks like a really cool little frame. It seems like everything is there. Do you want to do a restore on this kart, or do you want to know what it is just for the parts?

 

[Thom Andrews]

It will be a restore. It came with aluminum racing wheels and tires, and a racing seat. (This is not a racing kart though, I am pretty sure.) I'm thinking a 70s flare type of restore with a hot setup.

 

[OzFab]

It look like a bit like a Manco American Express
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17268

but if manco says it's not one of theirs...

 

[Thom Andrews]

Hello Fabroman,

I'll be honest with ya, I think it is as well. Manco claims it isn't but I'm not sure the person knew what they were talking about. But yeah, I agree....Manco. Thing is...what year?

 

[OzFab]

Sorry, no idea. I was going off Fast Eddies pics

 

[Thom Andrews]

Yeah I looked at the post. And it is identical. So...I'm thinking Manco. I'll have to figure out just what year the thing was produced.

 

[Thom Andrews]

Ok folks, I've pretty much decided to build the kart into a driver (fun kart deal) it will be done nice and solid, and trade it for something I can race. Whatever I trade for doesn't have to be race-ready, but something I can restore and put on the track. Anyone know of anything cheap...Rupp, Fox...anything?

 

[OzFab]

Yeah I looked at the post. And it is identical. So...I'm thinking Manco.

Not quite identical, there are subtle differences but, you don't know what mods previous owners have made

 

[Thom Andrews]

Well, I don't know. I have the ex-pres. of the Vintage Karting Association hot on the trail of it now, so maybe he can help clear the air on this one. I hope anyway! LOL....

 

[landuse]

I also agree that it is an American Expres. Looks just the same as Fast Eddies. Have a look for the manual here

Go Kart and Minibike manuals
http://www.amsportworks.com/ipls.php?cat=gokarts&model=415#415
http://www.gokartsrus.com/manco-415-go-kart-parts-manual-p-5000.html
http://amsportworks.com/docs/ipls/gokarts/225/225_operatorsmanual_199410.pdf
http://macbobaust.com/american_express.html (Pics)

You might get the manufacture date as well.

 

[Thom Andrews]

Hey landuse,
Yep! I think the documents you linked here seals the deal. My inclination was correct. It is a Manco. Thanks for the links, I appreciate it. Now I'll see if I can't get a year of production here with what you've provided.

 

[landuse]

Hey landuse,
Yep! I think the documents you linked here seals the deal. My inclination was correct. It is a Manco. Thanks for the links, I appreciate it. Now I'll see if I can't get a year of production here with what you've provided.

If I am reading this right, it was released in Oct 1994

http://www.gokartsrus.com/product_info.php?products_id=4983

The pdf I linked for you previously was the last one in the parts manual list. I am not sure if the kart was released then or if it was the manual release.

 

[Thom Andrews]

Yeah, I'm not sure, but at least I know I'm wide open to doing what I want with the kart. It will be built into a solid driver and then traded or sold. But it will be saved. I don't like to see anything older trashed just because it is old, ya know?

 

[OzFab]

If I am reading this right, it was released in Oct 1994

I think that might be the manual release date. If you notice, there are two released in '94; seems unlikely that they would update the kart after only 6 months.

I can't find anything that refers to a production date but Fast Eddie says his is from the late '80s

 

[Thom Andrews]

I'd say that is about right...middle to latter 1980s.

 

[landuse]

If I am reading this right, it was released in Oct 1994

http://www.gokartsrus.com/product_info.php?products_id=4983

The pdf I linked for you previously was the last one in the parts manual list. I am not sure if the kart was released then or if it was the manual release.

Yup, i wasnt sure if it was the kart or manual release date

 

[OzFab]

Can I ask a favour? Can you give me some dimensions of this frame?

 

[Orange Krate]

Haven't read whole thread yet, but that's a Manco frame.

 

[Orange Krate]

I'd say that is about right...middle to latter 1980s.

Earlier 80's