Arachnid Build in Record Time? Predator Not Willing

[RandyNavarro]

Been lurking for a while to research my build and have now started!

I've got a family re-union in 10 days with which to get a running, usable Arachnid. Plan is to build frame and salvage parts off another kart if I can find one in time. . . I just can't afford to buy all the parts spec'd on theplans right now.

This is my first time but I've got plenty of experience with custom fabrication and metal work. . . just not much of a gear-head which leads me to my first dilemma.

Just purchased the Predator 212cc hemi from HF. Since I had the time, figured I'd do the 3-hour break in thing.

Started easy and was running for about 45 minutes then conked out. Yes, plenty of oil and gas.

Should I return it? Or . . . ?

 

[RandyNavarro]

Okay. . . problem solved. Just out of gas.

"Son, did you fill the tank?"

"Yea, dad, sure did!"

"How much gas did it take?"

"I put in as much as I put in the weed whacker. . . "

 

[bob58o]

Moral of the story.

Never trust kids to do anything.

And then blame them when we are about to return an engine because it ran out of gas. LOL

 

[Kartorbust]

Most expensive parts will be the engine, torque converter, wheels, tires, axle, shocks, spindles, wheel hubs, etc. The steel alone will be probably your cheapest expense, long as you go to a steel yard and not Menards, Lowe's or Home Depot. They'll bend you over for their steel.

 

[bob58o]

I've heard the spidercarts builds are not very easy. I've read the instructions are less than perfect. I've got a granddaddy but didn't build it.

 

[Kartorbust]

Their plans may suck, but they look stupid easy to build long as they have dimensions to go by as far as blueprints go.

 

[bob58o]

Their plans may suck, but they look stupid easy to build long as they have dimensions to go by as far as blueprints go.

I think some of the dimensions were off. I've read threads (not sure which kart) but something about the front end, something wasn't long enough.

Glad I could be of help. LOLOL
Don't remember where I read it. Sorry.

 

[RandyNavarro]

Moral of the story.

Never trust kids to do anything.

And then blame them when we are about to return an engine because it ran out of gas. LOL

Agreed. . . wait, they're helping me build it. . .

---------- Post added at 05:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:18 PM ----------

I think some of the dimensions were off. I've read threads (not sure which kart) but something about the front end, something wasn't long enough.

Glad I could be of help. LOLOL
Don't remember where I read it. Sorry.

Only one I found (and read somewhere here) was the "cockpit" length. I've already extended about 10-12"--something like that. I want to use the kart without having my knees in my nose.

---------- Post added at 05:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:19 PM ----------

Most expensive parts will be the engine, torque converter, wheels, tires, axle, shocks, spindles, wheel hubs, etc. The steel alone will be probably your cheapest expense, long as you go to a steel yard and not Menards, Lowe's or Home Depot. They'll bend you over for their steel.

Yup, that's my strongest suit- metal fabrication--so I've already got the steel and have been cutting and tacking together.

If I can find the right kart to salvage parts, that's my plan. Otherwise, this might be dead in the water cuz I ain't gonna spend $1,200-$1,400 on parts right now.

BTW, that was the biggest piece of information missing from all my reading. . . how much does the kart cost to build?

Now I know. . .

 

[Kartorbust]

Could be cheaper, since you are a metal fabricator, spindles can be made with flat stock, round stock, and grade 8 bolts. South the engine and steel, you'll probably be close to $800 when said and done.

 

[RandyNavarro]

Could be cheaper, since you are a metal fabricator, spindles can be made with flat stock, round stock, and grade 8 bolts. South the engine and steel, you'll probably be close to $800 when said and done.

I wish. Spindles and such really aren't that expensive.

Biggest costs as already mentioned will be axle, torque converter, wheels/tires and steering linkage. Have to use rack and pinion supposedly. Anyone know for sure? Looks like the way the front end is built, that rack and pinion is the only option.

They call for pneumatic brakes but I think I can get away with band brake for now. Somebody please speak up if a band brake will NOT work.

So even subtracting all that, it is still $1,200 bucks. . .

 

[Kartorbust]

Air brakes on a go kart? You sure it just didn't say mechanical or hydraulic? Band probably will work, some will use two on the axle for more surface to assist with braking. A rack n pinion will work, long as you can find one that'll fit and work in your budget.

 

[RandyNavarro]

Air brakes on a go kart? You sure it just didn't say mechanical or hydraulic? Band probably will work, some will use two on the axle for more surface to assist with braking. A rack n pinion will work, long as you can find one that'll fit and work in your budget.

Yea. . .my bad. Hydraulic brakes. But no matter cuz I can't afford them now anyway. Thanks for the info about the bands.

 

[Bbqjoe]

Who needs brakes???
We used to have a guy here who modded his own engines without a clue as to what he was doing, and the danm thing just kept on running, until he finally destroyed it somehow, but he rode his cart everywhere without brakes.
I'm pretty certain he had a chain on a cinderblock that he'd just throw out when he wanted to stop. It was either that, or he'd just find a wall, a tree, or maybe a parked car to run into.

 

[bob58o]

Is this the Rack n Pinon?
http://www.bmikarts.com/Rack-Pinion-with-Rod-Ends-for-Yerf-Dog-Spiderbox-Go-Karts_p_1456.html

I'm pretty sure most of the parts that were purchased when the previous owner built my buggy are available at BMI.

I don't know if u have to use rack and pinon, but I know I would definitely prefer the arachnid over the granddaddy.

I bought mine, a complete roller, used on ebay for $520. Delivered to my driveway for free. The axle was bent and the hydraulic brakes still don't work.

I installed a band brake and at first it worked great. I didn't have it hooked up right. There was basically no cable housing. So with the suspension... hitting a bump applied the brake, heavier driver applied the brake,.... you get the idea. But i had it set up to actually work pretty decent for me. Last summer a big dude jumped in the passenger seat and snapped the cable. I hooked it up correctly this year, but it barely slows it down now. I'm going to try a new band, if that doesn't work... I'm going to rebuild the hydraulics.

Here's a video of the brand new band brakes (with no cable housing to hold the tension).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAwt5BI3RSI

 

[Kansaskart]

Moral of the story.

Never trust kids to do anything.

And then blame them when we are about to return an engine because it ran out of gas. LOL

I asked a neighbor kid to go put gas in my ford8n. About 2 minutes after I had an 'oh no' moment and ran to the other side of the barn. Sure enough, he had the radiator cap off and I got there just before he started to pour.

Another kid put weedeater gas in the mower after I told him not to. Said he misunderstood.

 

[Bbqjoe]

I asked a neighbor kid to go put gas in my ford8n. About 2 minutes after I had an 'oh no' moment and ran to the other side of the barn. Sure enough, he had the radiator cap off and I got there just before he started to pour.

Another kid put weedeater gas in the mower after I told him not to. Said he misunderstood.

America is doomed.

 

[Kartorbust]

Almost as bad as putting washerfluid in the coolant reservoir.

 

[RandyNavarro]

Update. . . chaos.

I was able to piece together "adequate" parts and made an order at BMI. Total was around $850 including $130 for shipping.

After two days, mis-understanding regarding shipping costs, and mis-communication on what I really wanted, nothing had yet shipped so I cancelled the order because it wouldn't be here in time unless I wanted to pay $330 for 3-day select.

Next day I was able to find a Yerf Dog for $450. Brought it home intending to salvage the parts but realized it was in good working and running condition (after I cleaned the carb.)

Now what to do?! Spend a bunch of time transferring and modifying parts off an already-running kart or just use the Yerf Dog and have fun at the family re-union?

We (me and the kids) decided to keep the Yerf Dog as-is. We still have 5 days so we'll tune it up, clean it up some more and make some minor mods.

Now we have an Arachnic frame waiting to be finished but now we'll be able to do it at a more human pace and as budget allows. Best thing. . .we'll have 2 karts! That'll be good 'cuz we got 4 kids!

So. . .I'll be posting some questions about Yerf-Dog stuff.

Peace. Out.

 

[Kartorbust]

Dang that's expensive for shipping. Would have thought they would have discounted the crap out of that for the amount you were spending. Posting pics of the Yerf Dog tomorrow?