My first Kart Project

[MikL99]

so how bad is it if i can't bend the frame back? I asked my neighbor and he seemed uninterested in it and told me to use a pipe wrench to bending it back.

I know we were driving it before i even noticed that it was bent. I'm assuming i will just be wearing out the front tire and bearing and have a bit more trouble with steering (but i didn't notice any issues steering before).

I'm not saying i won't try to bend it back but i'm scared i might break the tubing.

 

[JMINDY]

Hello Mike, your build is coming along nicely! Been following along as I will have to deal with some of the same issues.

I would to realign the front axle as best as you can, instead of letting it go. I would try heating it with a torch and slow pull it back into place, less likely to crack or kink.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Hello Mike, your build is coming along nicely! Been following along as I will have to deal with some of the same issues.

I would to realign the front axle as best as you can, instead of letting it go. I would try heating it with a torch and slow pull it back into place, less likely to crack or kink.

Well. ...he doesn't weld...so chances are IF he has a torch. ...it's a British one....or one that can only get the metal hot enough to get himself burned...but not change the metallurgy in any way. ....

Also. ...A pipe will work. ....but the possibility of changing camber/caster. ... (....I get those mixed up )....is there......but I digress. ....

No ......You can break the whole thing off....and it won't be a big deal in the scheme of things. ......your buddy can re-weld it.....or with a little asking around. ...you can have it done very reasonably. .....

What is the largest hydraulic jack you own? ????

 

[OzFab]

There are tools specifically designed to fix this problem, likewise, you can make on but, you need some rather expensive equipment to do so; thankfully, you can improvise; all you need is a solid length of pipe, a U bolt & a friend (to hold the frame)...

Anchor the pipe to the tube with the U bolt, where the bent is, & use the spindle bracket as a leverage point; while your friend is holding the frame, you push (or pull) on the pipe (gently but firmly, no sudden jerks) until it's straight.

Heat would improve this process but, if you don't have it...

I like where poboy is going too...

 

[Poboy kartman]

There are tools specifically designed to fix this problem, likewise, you can make on but, you need some rather expensive equipment to do so; thankfully, you can improvise; all you need is a solid length of pipe, a U bolt & a friend (to hold the frame)...

Anchor the pipe to the tube with the U bolt, where the bent is, & use the spindle bracket as a leverage point; while your friend is holding the frame, you push (or pull) on the pipe (gently but firmly, no sudden jerks) until it's straight.

Heat would improve this process but, if you don't have it...

I like where poboy is going too...

Yeah. ...And I see what you are saying too....I was thinking about a pipe slipping over the spindle bracket. ....but you nailed it. .....

Actually. ......one more small point. ...you don't necessarily need to straighten that axle.... (BTW...that's what's bent ......your front axle. .....not your frame).....

It could still be an "S".....what you are looking for is the same distance from the hole centers to the back axle. .......make sense?

 

[JMINDY]

Used a tree and a Come-along before to straighten things out, just a thought...

 

[MikL99]

Thanks guys I'll give it a shot!

 

[MikL99]

Here is the axle bent. Its not perfect but its better than it was.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh122/MikL99/Kart/IMG_2156_zps2620786b.jpg

i need to clean up the rust that started then wash and dry then prime!

getting there.

 

[OzFab]

Sweet Just make sure the height & angle of the spindle brackets is the same on both sides...

 

[MikL99]

Just did a running total on the Kart.

$400.26

ouch.

Worth it

Just hope i get it running this week. I will post pictures when its done. Its looking nice.

 

[MikL99]

So here it is! The only thing i have left to do is wire the kills switch and try to get the chain tighter. Last night i drove it but the chain popped once. I'm hoping i can just take the offset link out and it will be good. I also need to work on the brake a bit.

New items:

new seats (made them)
new axle bearings and flanges
new throttle cable
new clutch
new engine
new brake band
new driven split sprocket
new chain
new paint job

 

[landuse]

Looking good

 

[KartFab]

MY EYES ARE BLEEDING!!! Just kidding! That green is awesome and if you decide to take it out on the road at least cars will be able to see you better and not run you over.

 

[OzFab]

It's bright, that's a good thing... Looking good