The process begins.

[Solohopper]

Just picked up this Kart today. Not much to look at yet, but I wanted to put something pics up so you guys can guide me along the way.

No major plans yet. I basically want to get it to run reliable and safely.
It runs and drives now, but it won't stop. So my first project will be a brake. it is currently set up for a band brake, but the band is no longer there. How effective are these band brakes? I was looking at buying the parts to renew it. But I am open to suggestions.

One of the basic things I will be doing is cleaning up the frame. It has a couple of bent tubes, some booger weld repairs and it rattles a lot. I'll will add a seat with cushion cause that metal HURTS. HAHA!!

The motor seems to run strong. It will need a new throttle cable, and I will relocate the kill switch to the steering column for easy access. But it ran strong and starts right up. The chain has not seen lube in a while and the clutch will probably need replacing shortly as well.

Of course there are all the other details........new front tires, checking the rear bearings, adjusting the steering, and so on. YOu know....the fun stuff.

I already had my oldest son out in the garage wrenching on it with me, and that is the ultimate goal of this kart. To teach my three boys a little mechanical skills.

SO here are some pics since I know everyone loves the pics. Even if it's of an older no name kart that needs a lot of work.

 

[firemanjim]

WoW , thats a GREAT start for a kart! The band brakes work pretty good,efficient and WILL stop your ride....

 

[OzFab]

It looks to be in pretty good shape considering, good score; may I ask how much it set you back?

Go karts are a great way to teach the kids coz then they get to reap the benifits &, technically, teaches them 3 things

I have a question; what is the bent rod protruding from the left side of the frame?

 

[itsid]

I have a question; what is the bent rod protruding from the left side of the frame?

looks like a brake lever.

Solohopper, your front spindles look like they are either swapped or will have a very bad steering (Anti-Ackermann)

'sid

 

[OzFab]

looks like a brake lever.

I thought that but, I can't tell from the pics...

Solohopper, your front spindles look like they are either swapped or will have a very bad steering (Anti-Ackermann)

'sid

I missed that, nice catch

 

[firemanjim]

You can't see real well but, that bent rod IS the brake handle. If you look at first three pics, the brake rod attached to the brake band goes straight to that lever. But what I wanna know is, is it a parking brake and still connected to the foot brake pedal? I would REALLY like to see more pics of that whole set up.....
And I think I would flip those front spindles around and redo the steering arm on the shaft so your steering is tight, as is turns n grips on a dime.....

 

[Solohopper]

The guy was asking $320 for the Kart. But it took him forever to coordinate with me and canceled on me a couple of times. And then when I showed up to his house he was asleep and came out like 15 minutes later. So i offered him $200 cause I was a little bothered. To my surprise he said yes and I ran with it.

The lever does seem to be a hand brake. But I wondered why a hand brake AND a foot brake. Then I too thought about a parking brake. But the handle just flips and has nothing to catch it to keep it in place. I added a couple of pictures to show you how it's all set up. It is currently not attached to anything.

The steering is all loose and sloppy. I keep looking at the steering setup post, but have not read it all closely yet. Glad to see you guys are on top of it. Helps make things easier for me

 

[Solohopper]

And I think I would flip those front spindles around and redo the steering arm on the shaft so your steering is tight, as is turns n grips on a dime.....

Are you saying to put the steering arms behind the spindle rather than in front? I read the Steering sticky and then went and looked at the kart and said, "dang, I've got a lot of work to do on this"

I may just cut off the front end and redo it it. The passenger side knuckle was bent back so i will already need to mess with that portion of it. So I may redo it all and extend the pedals forward a bit. If I do all of that. Then I will be able to redo the entire steering geometry.

 

[souperman000]

I agree with keeping the band brake. That is some model of Manco, on of the most common kart brands back in the day.

Solohopper, your front spindles look like they are either swapped or will have a very bad steering (Anti-Ackermann)

'sid

Since its a Manco, it has steering arms facing forward. IMO basically all yard kart Mancos have Anti-Ackermann or bogus steering. The Steering should be a bit loose, I know mine is at least (I haven't done any work on it either).

Probably the easiest solution would be to swap the spindles. However, that means the tie rods are behind your seat. I would be interested to see a cut and re-weld to Ackermann principles on forward facing arms 'cause I'm going to have to do that eventually...

 

[Solohopper]

I think I'm gonna do the rebuild and have the arms in the front. Steering is sloppy right now. So I wanna give it a shot.

 

[OzFab]

I would be interested to see a cut and re-weld to Ackermann principles on forward facing arms 'cause I'm going to have to do that eventually...

The biggest problem with that is the arms end up close to the wheel &, the shorter the stub & the longer the arms, the closer they get...

My daughters kart has short (2") steering arms & short stub axles so it ended up with around 1/8" clearance...

 

[souperman000]

I know. I'll be interested to see how it may turn out on a stock Manco because of said clearance issues.