I think its bent

[crazy@7]

Hi, we are new here (me and my boy). I remembered when I was a kid one of my best times was kart riding. So I decided a go kart for a summer project with my 7 yr old. I was actually looking at building one when I found what I think is a Streaker Fun Kart for about ¼ the price of building from scratch . It runs good, I think the 6.5 hp engine is from Harbor Freight. The kart needs work though. Throttle linkages, missing bolts replaced ect. Since it seemed to be running good, I got a helmet and remote kill switch and let the boy drive around at the school on the weekend, he had a blast, but I think he hit a tree ( I KNOW he hit the tree) and bent a spindle arm which of course broke. Since then I have removed everything from the frame except rear axle. The spindle brackets are a little bent up from previous owner but they will still work (I don’t weld). But now I have noticed that it appears to me the tube frame on both sides are bent in a very gradual curve just forward of the seat. All 4 wheels seem to be on the ground ok. Now for my first of many questions. Should I bother trying to fix the frame and/or spindle brackets and the best way to go about that since any welding I will have to take it to a shop? Or just repaint, replace the spindles, do minor repairs and have fun with it. Also are all the spindles I have seen online approx 2.5 inches tall? Any advice would be appreciated I have absolutely no experience with building karts. I have read a lot of your posts in the last few days and we are already having fun with this project.

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum. Have you got any pics of the kart. It would really help us give you some advice.

 

[Poboy kartman]

to the forum and please post some pictures. ....

 

[crazy@7]

I will try to get pics up this evening when I get home.

 

[crazy@7]

New Pics

This is from earlier

Hi, we are new here (me and my boy). I remembered when I was a kid one of my best times was kart riding. So I decided a go kart for a summer project with my 7 yr old. I was actually looking at building one when I found what I think is a Streaker Fun Kart for about ¼ the price of building from scratch . It runs good, I think the 6.5 hp engine is from Harbor Freight. The kart needs work though. Throttle linkages, missing bolts replaced ect. Since it seemed to be running good, I got a helmet and remote kill switch and let the boy drive around at the school on the weekend, he had a blast, but I think he hit a tree ( I KNOW he hit the tree) and bent a spindle arm which of course broke. Since then I have removed everything from the frame except rear axle. The spindle brackets are a little bent up from previous owner but they will still work (I don’t weld). But now I have noticed that it appears to me the tube frame on both sides are bent in a very gradual curve just forward of the seat. All 4 wheels seem to be on the ground ok. Now for my first of many questions. Should I bother trying to fix the frame and/or spindle brackets and the best way to go about that since any welding I will have to take it to a shop? Or just repaint, replace the spindles, do minor repairs and have fun with it. Also are all the spindles I have seen online approx 2.5 inches tall? Any advice would be appreciated I have absolutely no experience with building karts. I have read a lot of your posts in the last few days and we are already having fun with this project.

 

[Poboy kartman]

We can't see the forest because of the trees.......We need shots of the whole kart ......from above and the front. .....we can't relate where you are measuring from with close-ups......better to give us the overall views.

The spindles have been replaced with some that didn't fit and someone tightened the crap out of the axle pivots and bent them........but that can be fixed........more pics please and no text needed.........

 

[OzFab]

The spindles have been replaced with some that didn't fit and someone tightened the crap out of the axle pivots and bent them...

 

[crazy@7]

More pics

Trying to post more pics hope this works. The earlier pics with measuring tape are on each side of the frame at the holes for the pedals with the frame flat on the table. They look pretty even to me.

 

[itsid]

yes, I also think it's bent!

No matter if it's a ken bar, a yerf dog or a carter bros...

All had straight side rails!

I think a PO had to mount a shorter steering shaft and just bend the rails to fit it
(He could have bend the steering hoop but that'd be too easy I guess )

So, you can keep it that way, or you straighten it up and buy a new steering shaft.

'sid

 

[crazy@7]

Any thought on best way to straiten it, if I decide to do that. Actually, it looks kinda cool that way with smaller tires in front. The forward end of the frame is pretty level then curves up to the bigger back wheels. If I did try to straighten it seems like it would need braceing.