Bird Engineering Starbirds

JTSpeedDemon

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So I keep finding more and more Bird Engineering Starbirds on the internet, so instead of updating a post in my Build Off thread, I'll use this thread instead. Don't worry if it's rather empty now, it's a work in progress.

Here's a list of all known Starbirds(it's become a microhobby to me to track down other Starbirds, as they're elusive, plus it gives me references).


#1: http://www.small-engine-projects.com/vintage-go-kart-build.htm
#2: https://oldminibikes.com/forum/inde...ngineering-go-kart-help-identify-model.56788/
#3: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41447
#4: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25355
#5: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=42063
#6: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/472174342152069365/
#7, http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=91
#8: A Craigslist listing I stumbled upon. Live axle kit from the looks of it, band brake, different steering wheel, tube added across the back, and a modified steering column system:https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/spo/d/rowlett-go-cart-project-frame-only/7002440220.html
#9: karl has one!! : http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/album.php?albumid=181&pictureid=932
#10: karl found another one on Craigslist, but I don't have a link and it'll probably disappear pretty fast.
#11: Found a REALLY hacked up one one Youtube, but the old scrub brakes and the floorpan/front end give it away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozVlwlYjvwA
#12: My Build Off Winner kart, the Hothead!:http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=40841
#13: See reply #6 by Texan.
#14: See reply #6 by Texan


So in total, there are 14 known Bird Engineering Starbirds.


BTW - There are differences between the directly sold version from Bird Eng, and the Sears version like mine.
Basically, the Sears Starbirds don't have rubber pedal pads, bodywork, aluminum split rims, or a handbrake lever.
These are cool, very much classic karts, they're just rare.
 

JTSpeedDemon

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Bird Eng. Ads

These are all the relevant ads I've found, plus the logo:

Design-wise, it looks like the Hawk preceded the Starbird.
 

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karl

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#9: karl has one!!
#10: karl found another one on Craigslist, but I don't have a link and it'll probably disappear pretty fast.

I did save the pic,

and these are the only photos I can find of my original , taken around 9 years ago

Thanks for sharing!
 

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JTSpeedDemon

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I'm digging the spoiler :thumbsup:

LOL yeah, I think that was just for the top end models. I don't know where they would've attached on karts like mine.
I wish I could find a survivor with the wing! It'd be cool to reproduce.

If you go fast enough, maybe it would make downforce....... :stir:
 

Texan

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JT, the more you look, the more you will find. I don't think they are as rare or valuable as you make them out to be. I've seen quite a few for sale locally. Here are a couple I screenshot. Don't blow a gasket :censored: when see they don't have Flatheads on em :roflol:

Screenshot_2019-11-22-08-58-58.jpg

Screenshot_2019-11-20-21-45-19.jpg

Screenshot_2019-11-22-08-59-10.jpg

Screenshot_2020-01-31-22-52-38.jpg

Screenshot_2020-01-31-22-52-45.jpg
 

JTSpeedDemon

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Hmmm, I don't really mind. Thanks for sharing though! It is fun to find all the ones I can, and they're certainly less common than Mancos!
 

BirdKart

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StarBird

I have a Bird Engineering Starbird. It's all original with front plastic hood and windshield. I am nearly done restoring it. I'll post picture's when It's complete. Does anyone know what these things are worth???
 

JTSpeedDemon

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Wow, I have no idea how I missed your post. To someone like me that knows exactly how rare that is, that's worth probably several hundred bucks(although I don't have that much lol). If you're still active, please post some pics!

On another note, I found yet another Starbird on the local CL! Asking $350, rather high.
 

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Ancestry antiques

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So I keep finding more and more Bird Engineering Starbirds on the internet, so instead of updating a post in my Build Off thread, I'll use this thread instead. Don't worry if it's rather empty now, it's a work in progress.

Here's a list of all known Starbirds(it's become a microhobby to me to track down other Starbirds, as they're elusive, plus it gives me references).


#1: http://www.small-engine-projects.com/vintage-go-kart-build.htm
#2: https://oldminibikes.com/forum/inde...ngineering-go-kart-help-identify-model.56788/
#3: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41447
#4: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25355
#5: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=42063
#6: #7, http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=91
#8: A Craigslist listing I stumbled upon. Live axle kit from the looks of it, band brake, different steering wheel, tube added across the back, and a modified steering column system:https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/spo/d/rowlett-go-cart-project-frame-only/7002440220.html
#9: karl has one!! : http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/album.php?albumid=181&pictureid=932
#10: karl found another one on Craigslist, but I don't have a link and it'll probably disappear pretty fast.
#11: Found a REALLY hacked up one one Youtube, but the old scrub brakes and the floorpan/front end give it away.
#12: My Build Off Winner kart, the Hothead!:http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=40841
#13: See reply #6 by Texan.
#14: See reply #6 by Texan


So in total, there are 14 known Bird Engineering Starbirds.


BTW - There are differences between the directly sold version from Bird Eng, and the Sears version like mine.
Basically, the Sears Starbirds don't have rubber pedal pads, bodywork, aluminum split rims, or a handbrake lever.
These are cool, very much classic karts, they're just rare.
I have one I think I'm not sure I found it in the woods my neighbor was gonna squash it with a track hoe and take it for scrap metal and I told him I wanted it and got it for free can you please tell me more about them tag on the back of seat says bird engineering can't make out much more the back motor guard that holds body was broke sadly if it is the cart I think it is I will be building it more I for would be amazing thanks..
Blake
 

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JTSpeedDemon

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I have one I think I'm not sure I found it in the woods my neighbor was gonna squash it with a track hoe and take it for scrap metal and I told him I wanted it and got it for free can you please tell me more about them tag on the back of seat says bird engineering can't make out much more the back motor guard that holds body was broke sadly if it is the cart I think it is I will be building it more I for would be amazing thanks..
Blake
Yep that’s a Bird kart of some sort for sure! The straight front axle, the way the steering column comes through the floor pan, and the seat are definitely Bird Engineering since they’re extremely similar to my Starbird! Unfortunately I actually can’t tell you much else about it, there’s not much Bird documentation out there.
 

Ancestry antiques

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Yep that’s a Bird kart of some sort for sure! The straight front axle, the way the steering column comes through the floor pan, and the seat are definitely Bird Engineering since they’re extremely similar to my Starbird! Unfortunately I actually can’t tell you much else about it, there’s not much Bird documentation out there.
 

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Ancestry antiques

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Yep that’s a Bird kart of some sort for sure! The straight front axle, the way the steering column comes through the floor pan, and the seat are definitely Bird Engineering since they’re extremely similar to my Starbird! Unfortunately I actually can’t tell you much else about it, there’s not much Bird documentation out there.
And what would you says it's worth if you had to guess as it sits and then restored
 

JTSpeedDemon

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As it sits it's not worth any more than other yard karts, Bird karts arent particularly special or valuable, just solidly built and classic. As it sits I wouldn't pay much more than $50, but some people might pay up to $150, especially if it has all four wheels rolling. Restored minus the body I'd estimate somewhere in the $300-400 range, but if it had the body possible even around $700.
 
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