Vintage Kart Project

[Grizzlymi]

Working on getting this old rusty kart I found behind a guys garage back to a fun running kart that hauls A$$!!!! Frame is to the best of my knowledge a 1959-1960 Hoffco Hurricane twin engine dead axle kart. Front end was pretty bent up and twisted so I'm going to remove and rebuild it with new spindles and brackets. Going to modify the rear chassis with a new live axle and disc brake while trying to keep it somewhat original looking. Going to remove the side triangles as well. Mounting a fuel tank below the steering wheel and building up a 212cc Predator for her.

So far I have the motor, Hemi Head Predator(these are plentiful here in the Detroit area!).

Motor is disassembled and so far have replaced.....

RLV exhaust system

Air filter and adaptor

ARC top plate and throttle assembly ARCDJ-1146

ARC billet flywheel ARC6626

ARC billet rod ARC6252

New main jet

I plan on porting the intake on the head, replacing the cam and springs and much more.

I will be asking lots of questions and requesting lots of advice. I've been working lots of OT lately so this project may take a while but the extra funds will help and keep the wife off my back.

Anyone with any tips or crits are very much welcomed. My name is Adam and I live in the Metro Detroit area. THANKS!

 

[Grizzlymi]

 

[itsid]

Looking good so far...
Good to see you reviving that thing

I admit, on karts that age I'd go with a 2stroke engine, but that's just me ... nevermind

'sid

 

[OzFab]

That frame cleaned up ok (well, most of it)

One thing confusing me: the left side front axle extension has a corner gusset but, the right side doesn't; what's that about? Which side is original? If a PO put that in, why would they put in only one side?

 

[Grizzlymi]

Looking good so far...
Good to see you reviving that thing

I admit, on karts that age I'd go with a 2stroke engine, but that's just me ... nevermind

'sid

I agree, a two smoke or 2 is not out of the question yet.

 

[Grizzlymi]

That frame cleaned up ok (well, most of it)

One thing confusing me: the left side front axle extension has a corner gusset but, the right side doesn't; what's that about? Which side is original? If a PO put that in, why would they put in only one side?

I would think the PO put the gusset in on the left because that was the first one to be bent and damaged, the right side was really mangled so I think that was the hit that might have parked this thing for good. The rear end had lots of rewelds and some additional homemade braces as well. I agree though, reinforce one side, why not do the same to the other? Looks like some lucky kid in the past had a blast on this thing though!

 

[Grizzlymi]

Need some advice on the engine. While researching cams, I noticed there are to any options and I need help choosing what would be best for my build. So far I will be keeping the stock push rods and valve lifters. Being I have a Hemi head also complicates and confuses me and my selection choices. Thanks in advance!

 

[itsid]

I can't tell from experience
but from what I've read though the best "overall use" Cam is what is generally called a Mod2 cam.

So if I ever change my clone cam... I think that's the one I'd get myself

'sid

 

[Grizzlymi]

The mod2 is they one I've seen the most during my research also. I've been hearing some thinks about the Black Mamba as well with the included 26lb springs.

 

[Half-breeder]

Your gonna wanna getta timing key aswell when you get your cam.

 

[itsid]

Your gonna wanna getta timing key aswell when you get your cam.

that's an arc flywheel he got there.. that has 8° of advance build in..
the last thing he would want is adding a timing key

'sid

 

[Half-breeder]

ahhh.... forgot bout that.... my bad... >.<

 

[itsid]

ahhh.... forgot bout that.... my bad... >.<

hehe.. I know you knew, I'm even sure Grizzlymi knows...
it's just the random vistor that might get confused; that's why I set things straight

'sid

 

[Moedog07]

You should enjoy the Hemi head Predator. I used a Bsp-2 cam in mine with free flowing intake/exhaust mods and Autolight 3910x plug. It woke the Predator up.

 

[Grizzlymi]

Haven't made much progress lately, still need to order the cam and springs. We were hit with 6" of rain Monday night and all of metro detroit was under water including my basement and yard and street. Hopefully I'll have some updates and photos soon. Thanks for all the input so far.

 

[d340b]

I would go with the Black Mamba or a 275 Dyno cam .I ran the 275 in a non hemi clone and really liked it . Maybe run the four stroke a while and have some fun while looking for a two stroke. I'd put a 820 WB on it. Gonna be sharp when its done. GOOD LUCK !

 

[dengieboy]

Hmmm nice looking machine ya got there see here in the uk we don't just find stuff like that !!. loving ya shinny bits for ya motor a well prepped motor is a must. I have sent over 400hrs on getting mine to were i want it (is a small side valve B.S.A) And my first build is still yet to hit the streets but im getting there just gotta do engine mounting and drive chain but apart from that im nearly done. wishing ya the best mate from the other side of the pond!!!!!!!!!

 

[OzFab]

see here in the uk we don't just find stuff like that !!.

OH PLEASE, before I joined here, I had never heard of a Manco Dingo; to me, a Dingo was a local wild dog...

It's so bad I had to build an American Express...

 

[Grizzlymi]

Thanks for the advice on the cams everyone!

 

[Grizzlymi]

Alright, between working to much, home projects and other daily life issues, I started putting the kart on the back burner. Decided to put the wheels back on and set her on the ground since cutting, grinding, sanding, cleaning etc.... And got my motivation back!

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/782c3e3983410abf25ce170815fb4df8.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/8ceae574b08ca816d0ce192f352a4156.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/13e0caceda69de089c4662b7608e962b.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/94b80de67f8bee7fc4bd39a72cfde586.jpg
Now I need some advice and help. First, being it's a dead axle, what do you think my options are for converting it to a live axle without compromising to much of the stock appearance?

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/11455ea23ff47222f8387e134b29114a.jpg

Next, if I keep it a dead axle and original, what are my best options for braking? I still have the scrub brakes, but want to use them as an absolute last resort.

Next, the original rims and hub are a three bolt pattern. Do I have any aftermarket options as far as finding a sprocket without having to modify? I'm not opposed to put purchasing new wheels and hubs, but just curious.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/3441b2ca34ece6dcd2b12983a4dc14ec.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/7ebcf5a826cb701798493f10e3126347.jpg

Cleaned one of the the front hubs and wire wheeled, turned out nice!!

Before
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/54ceb711ce186e210537da29c51cacce.jpg

After
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/10/41bcd76bd93af14c2e7fb0123c0d0519.jpg

Now I know my braking options depend on using the old setup, and would love to be able to use all the benefits of a live axle(disc brakes, gear options and a lot more fun to drive!)

Thanks guys!! Adam