Its alive Little Bugger

[blackmagic]

After 40 years the little bugger lives again. Completed wiring and choke set up. Hope to drive it next week sometime.

New owner loves The Little Bugger
Here is original owner Merle picking up Little Bugger. Bringing it to lake cabin. First picture is 1973 next is 2021.

 

[madprofessor]

Thoughts: Brake pedal a semicircle, gas a full circle. Stock, or both circles once? What does the rod sticking up from the floor do? 2 small holes in rear of body, got a bumper or something to go there? What covers big hole in backrest? What's irregular hole in seat for? Is exhaust pipe stock, or did you bend that heavy wall pipe yourself?

 

[blackmagic]

Thoughts: Brake pedal a semicircle, gas a full circle. Stock, or both circles once? What does the rod sticking up from the floor do? 2 small holes in rear of body, got a bumper or something to go there? What covers big hole in backrest? What's irregular hole in seat for? Is exhaust pipe stock, or did you bend that heavy wall pipe yourself?

Brake and and gas pedals are stock from factory. The rod is the shifter for forward, neutral, reverse .I have a shifter knob that screws on rod. (Rod was from a 4 speed car shifter I didn't use ). The 2holes in back are for bolts to attach body to frame. no rear bumper on this kart. Seat pad will cover hole in backrest. Originally it was a air cleaner system. Those parts are long gone .The irregular hole is for the master cylinder so you can add fluid if needed. The exhaust is homemade. I purchased the exhaust pipe that was already bent. I just cut and welded it at correct angle from the exhaust port on motor. Also welded black angled pipe fitting so muffler would screw on if needed to be replaced someday. Added bracket so it would be stronger. It works great and sounds good. ( Not so loud) .Will add pictures when finished.

 

[madprofessor]

All very well thought out. Now scratching my head over factory reasoning for half-moon pedal, can't be for clearance issues.
Still wondering about exhaust pipe............is it not black iron pipe, as in water pipe, as it looks like to me? Certainly the 45 degree screw fitting is, but it's the pipe that interests me. Reason being, if there's a place one can order 1" and other sizes iron pipe sweeps (90's, 45's, etc.) I want to know about it.
Attaching pic of the A-arms on current build. The curved part of each you can see is built around common 1" EMT conduit sweeps right out of the electrical aisle of Home Depot, were $5-$6 each.
That's just one of many uses I can make of that kind of thing, and finding the heavier iron pipe sweeps would make for many more uses.

 

[Bansil]

Any side or 3/4 shots? Looks like manx and speed racer had a , very kool

 

[blackmagic]

Any side or 3/4 shots? Looks like manx and speed racer had a , very kool

I will post later. Finished it last night

 

[blackmagic]

All very well thought out. Now scratching my head over factory reasoning for half-moon pedal, can't be for clearance issues.
Still wondering about exhaust pipe............is it not black iron pipe, as in water pipe, as it looks like to me? Certainly the 45 degree screw fitting is, but it's the pipe that interests me. Reason being, if there's a place one can order 1" and other sizes iron pipe sweeps (90's, 45's, etc.) I want to know about it.
Attaching pic of the A-arms on current build. The curved part of each you can see is built around common 1" EMT conduit sweeps right out of the electrical aisle of Home Depot, were $5-$6 each.
That's just one of many uses I can make of that kind of thing, and finding the heavier iron pipe sweeps would make for many more uses.

That's quite the kart. I bought a exhaust kit on eBay. Look under predator 420 exhaust kit.

 

[blackmagic]

After 40 years the little bugger lives again. Completed wiring and choke set up. Hope to drive it next week sometime.View attachment 126018View attachment 126019

I got to drive Bugger today. What fun. It is to small for me but pulled me no problem

 

[madprofessor]

Congratulations are in order, big time. Well done, blackmagic, you've definitely restored the life to a very vintage kart.
The job is and has been super clean throughout, a great example of how to treat a resto.
Notice how much the outlines look like an Army Willis jeep?
Checked out that ebay exhaust, looks like you're using jtw's stuff. That's real enough metal for me, not the water pipe gauge I was asking about, but they make some solid gear with solid steel. I'd have to really want it at $30, but still, it's a resource.

 

[blackmagic]

Congratulations are in order, big time. Well done, blackmagic, you've definitely restored the life to a very vintage kart.
The job is and has been super clean throughout, a great example of how to treat a resto.
Notice how much the outlines look like an Army Willis jeep?
Checked out that ebay exhaust, looks like you're using jtw's stuff. That's real enough metal for me, not the water pipe gauge I was asking about, but they make some solid gear with solid steel. I'd have to really want it at $30, but still, it's a resource.

Thanks for the compliment. It was a lot of work but was fun to restore.its funny but every one that looks at it says it a jeep. Giving to owner this week. Hope they get years of fun and enjoyment with the Bugger.Here are before and after pictures

 

[madprofessor]

Polishing compound to restore the paint? What manufacturer and kind of materials brought that back so good?

 

[blackmagic]

Polishing compound to restore the paint? What manufacturer and kind of materials brought that back so good?

I use this system from Meguiar's. It is a system that you cant burn through paint or top glaze.It is a duel action like a DA for body work. Use it on my cars and truck and it works really good. I have the other non orbital polisher but it leaves swirls and is unforgiving if you hit corners too hard. I like the turtle wax compound as it is a little more aggressive on first buff to get scratches out.

 

[blackmagic]

I use this system from Meguiar's. It is a system that you cant burn through paint or top glaze.It is a duel action like a DA for body work. Use it on my cars and truck and it works really good. I have the other non orbital polisher but it leaves swirls and is unforgiving if you hit corners too hard. I like the turtle wax compound as it is a little more aggressive on first buff to get scratches out.
View attachment 126085

Here is pickup that I used Meguiars buff system .really works awesome.

 

[madprofessor]

Thanks, Meguiar's really explains it. That's some true restorer's high dollar material, best there is I've heard.
Sure gave your truck a mirror finish, and did magic on the Bugger. Didn't know they make those variable speed polishers.

 

[Denny]

Looks great!

 

[Denny]

That probably has a gel-coat finish. Highly durable.

 

[madprofessor]

I've had loads of boats, from 13' to 36'. That very mention of gelcoat makes me run go hide my wallet.

 

[blackmagic]

That probably has a gel-coat finish. Highly durable.

The gel-coat was really good on kart as it was stored inside for years. I would not tackle a re gel. Not fun work..

 

[blackmagic]

After 40 years the little bugger lives again. Completed wiring and choke set up. Hope to drive it next week sometime.View attachment 126018View attachment 126019

Finishing touches are now done.put edging on back side. Ready to leave garage to owner. Woo hoo

 

[Denny]

Too bad you did not make a plug to mold a few bodies.