2 to 1 seater? What do I need to know?

[Half-breeder]

As the time closer n closer to the time I start digging into my next project('Priceline'), I get more n more 'willing' to make Lo-T into a 1 seater(mainly cause noone else will be riding after the other kart is done). Evidently... Ill have to slide the steering shaft/mounts over, have to get new tierods(different lengths), and move the gas pedal to the 'far' right side...and evidently fab another seat for a single person(maybe break the bench down to just 1 seat?).

I cant 'think' of anything else that needs to be done... but yall have shown me the 'obvious' flaws in my ideas in the past... was wondering bout this one(still wanna make a 'roof' for Lo-T).

 

[OzFab]

It all seems to be a bit like hard work to me; IIWM, I'd leave it as a 2 seater & build another single...

As for a "roof", that will need to be mounted on a roll cage of sorts which will then mean you'll need seatbelts; just a heads up

 

[itsid]

Honestly?
I wouldn't be too sure that noone would ride it after the other is done,
I mean it's not that you couldn't ride it alone, right?
It just has an extra seat

Also -although I'm not a fan of the tackings you made- it'd be a shame to break the bench down, it's quite nice otherwise, and just ripping it apart... I don't know.

Didn't you have a partially useful 1-seater Manco left?
(the one you wanted to use the steering from?)
Wouldn't it be well at least about the same effort to rebuilt that kart and just use Lo-Ts engine and wheels and have Lo-T kept as a backup plan in case you need another seat some day?

But if you insist...
No I think you covered everything, steering, tierods, pedals (I think both should be moved *shrugs*) and of course a seat..
While you're at it, I think I'd move the scrub brake lever to the other side (if you're right handed that would allow for more force )

[EDIT]
Well the roof thing..
Those small tents that are available for only a few bucks at Wartmall.. those come with lightweight sturdy rods, maybe that's a good material to fab a roof without a roll cage (and belts)

'sid

 

[Half-breeder]

It all seems to be a bit like hard work to me; IIWM, I'd leave it as a 2 seater & build another single...

As for a "roof", that will need to be mounted on a roll cage of sorts which will then mean you'll need seatbelts; just a heads up

Well... making another kart is not in the agenda. After 'Priceline' I dont plan on making another kart(no room)... so instead of looking like a 'lonely' rider(1 person on a bench)... I wanted to look like a solo driver(1 seat). Plus the center of gravity thing would make turning sharply easier(instead of hanging half off the kart in left hand banks).
Also.... I wanted to someday make a 'body' (hood/ front fenders), and as I ride now... id have to cut out over half the left side panel just so my leg could reach the pedal(if Im in the center the side panels/fenders would be 'solid'). Plus id have on both sides of me room for ... misc(battery/fuse box for lights... hand-brake... etc.)
Remember Im a 'work w/ what I got' guy... NOT a 'get something else' kinda guy.(Im the guy that uses a 357 magnum bullet to stop his kart!)

 

[Half-breeder]

Didn't you have a partially useful 1-seater Manco left?
(the one you wanted to use the steering from?)
Wouldn't it be well at least about the same effort to rebuilt that kart and just use Lo-Ts engine and wheels and have Lo-T kept as a backup plan in case you need another seat some day?

'sid

I have 'Priceline' 1 seater Manco(thatll be my daughters ride to 'design' for shows). The 1 seater I was gonna take the frontend off of was that vintage w/ the rusted/broken frame(also bent/twisted). Decided to throw that one, WAY to the side(like under the house it sits).

Also im too limited w/ space to have 3 karts(I have to pull out the riding mower and other stuff just to walk round a kart im working on in my shed as it is now).

As far as the seat...lol(seems LOTS like that seat except you and your anti-'tacking' dislike . Besides if/when I do swap it to a 1 seater, I wont have a 'use' for it. suppose I could probably 'sell' it... but I could definitely use the mats for 2 single kart seats.

I really like the idea of the tent rods for a frame for a 'roof' just not sure how well theyll hold up to traveling at 20-25mph... but it 'is' a starting point for a 'fabrication'! It's strong-ish, light weight, easy to work w/, and comes w/ scotch-guarded, fabric already(was thinking of getting a CList Jeep soft top, for the plastic windows, and the rod as the framing... evidently cutting and welding of the rod and hemming/sewing up of the top to fit)... but the roof is still just a 'wild' idea... for now.

 

[Rizzy]

A different route you could take that would still getyou the one-seater you want.

Build a single seat for the left side of the cart. On the right side build maybe a center console like thing(Something to hold a bottled water, maybe a sandwhich )​

 

[Half-breeder]

A different route you could take that would still getyou the one-seater you want.

Build a single seat for the left side of the cart. On the right side build maybe a center console like thing(Something to hold a bottled water, maybe a sandwhich )​

k.... what about the center of gravity as i take turns?... Just wondering how a 'console' would solve 'that' issue...

Yes this kart is 'for' show... but it's fast... and being a 2seater... its naturally off center... im trying to make things more centered for appearance as well as functionality. At 22mph taking a drink is outta the question, and I never drive it far enough to need to pack a lunch on it... so no need for a drink holder. Everything I do to this kart is either for appearance AND functionality.... or 'balance'. Everything from the flag to the springs, to the red highlights.

Im looking to make this into a 'Rat-Rod' styled kart (if its not apparent)... never seen a cup holder in a rat-rod/race car(except in that 1 McDonalds commercial)...

 

[firemanjim]

A different route you could take that would still getyou the one-seater you want.

Build a single seat for the left side of the cart. On the right side build maybe a center console like thing(Something to hold a bottled water, maybe a sandwhich )​

 

[itsid]

I have 'Priceline' 1 seater Manco(thatll be my daughters ride to 'design' for shows). The 1 seater I was gonna take the frontend off of was that vintage w/ the rusted/broken frame(also bent/twisted). Decided to throw that one, WAY to the side(like under the house it sits).

Japp, the rusted frame one, was the one I was talking about;
the thing I had in mind. if you have to weld anyways, why weld a perfectly good kart and not a rusted one to make it 'happy' again

Also im too limited w/ space to have 3 karts(I have to pull out the riding mower and other stuff just to walk round a kart im working on in my shed as it is now).

Perfectly good reason.
I fully understand that...

As far as the seat...lol(seems LOTS like that seat except you and your anti-'tacking' dislike .

I think you got me wrong somehow, I like the idea very much, I liked the wood grain better than black, but that's minor.
But I know (I simply know) you could have spend a minute or two longer to tack it nicely and make
not only a very nice, but one of the most beautiful two seated benches ever!

Besides if/when I do swap it to a 1 seater, I wont have a 'use' for it. suppose I could probably 'sell' it... but I could definitely use the mats for 2 single kart seats.

I think you want some higher sidewalls on a single seater kart that that, well if it's faster curves that you're after

k.... what about the center of gravity as i take turns?... Just wondering how a 'console' would solve 'that' issue...

Well if by cup holder console he means a full sized cooler, filled with cooled -let's say hop malted- water
I think you can have your COG shifted by a fair amount in more than just one way

'sid

 

[Half-breeder]

... but one of the most beautiful two seated benches ever!

....after I pulled myself off the floor from reading this... I had to wait to see today if you'd EDIT:

"This" is by far the best 'segment' of replies youve ever admitted(that Ive read!). Yea you added your .02 cent in as well, like usual(Ive learned to have 'blinders' when reading your stuff), but for the most part the 'nicest' (to me)...

Bout the 'tackings'... yes I 'coulda' done better if I had spent acouple more mins on using a ruler to space each one equal in distance(to give it that 'factory' look... im guessin)... but what you dont know is I was working a 12hr shift that nite... after working a 14hr shift 3hr before hand, and my blood sugar was pretty low at that time. So my 'main' concern was to get it structurally sound and work out the 'kinks' later. Later I found that the placement of the tacks were more than adequate, because 'if' the tacks were spaced out 'evenly', then there would have been a tack resting on each of the side bars(OSG's). The vibration of the motor woulda made the tack tap loudly against the bar, causing a god awful ruckus!...and I still dont like woodgrain on a cart(or any moving vehicle even woodgrain dashes get painted black for me!)

And as far as 'Japp'... wait till you see my 'next' fusion! hehe Im starting on it tomorrow so Ill post pics!

 

[OzFab]

And as far as 'Japp'...

That's just 'sids version of "yep" (remember, he's German)

'Sid, you may want to consider changing that habit, Japp (or Jap) to half-breeder is like Crout to you...
(I apologise if anyone is offended, no offence intended)

 

[itsid]

That's just 'sids version of "yep" (remember, he's German)

'Sid, you may want to consider changing that habit, Japp (or Jap) to half-breeder is like Crout to you...
(I apologise if anyone is offended, no offence intended)

Oh, right.. didn't think of that.
We simply don't do that kind of stuff around here.
My apologies, never meant to offend you

I try to keep that in mind, but just in case:
be sure I mean yep whenever I may slip.

'sid

 

[Half-breeder]

LMMFAOROTFLOL...Too be all 'honest'... I used to go by the 'nickname' Japp...lol. And for some reason I had 'thought' of naming my vintage by the same name(just wasnt sure if I had posted the name 'Japp'). Yes, I can understand someone getting upset over a derogatory cliche as Japp or Crout(which I am both... so its ok..lol)... but Im not that kinda guy.

I took no offense so no problems! Like I said, I thought sid was referring to my vintage by name.... lol

 

[OzFab]

I didn't intend to stir up any trouble, which is exactly why I said what I did, to avoid the possibility... It's good that you're cool with it, others may find it offensive...

Looks like we're all good here, carry on

 

[itsid]

LMMFAOROTFLOL...Too be all 'honest'... I used to go by the 'nickname' Japp...lol. And for some reason I had 'thought' of naming my vintage by the same name(just wasnt sure if I had posted the name 'Japp'). Yes, I can understand someone getting upset over a derogatory cliche as Japp or Crout(which I am both... so its ok..lol)... but Im not that kinda guy.

I took no offense so no problems! Like I said, I thought sid was referring to my vintage by name.... lol

Now all there's left is reducing Germans to germs
(germ btw is a Bavarian name for yeast.. so bavarian beer contains germ by design )


'sid

 

[Half-breeder]

Today I cut up my vintage(forgot pics on other phone).

I removed the 'rearend' and the frontend and was left w/ the seat frame and the steering mount. This will be fused to Lo-T in replacement for the bench('Priceline' is only a motor/clutch n seat, away from being drivable... for daughter).

Tomorrow is actual 'fab-day'(hopefully)! Gotta cut things off Lo-T(back support for seat/center support bar/steering support/front bumper support for room for center steering mount...), after placement...sizing/supporting. Then weld/fusion...paint...then time to tear 'The' bench up(in half is more like it!).

I apologize ahead of time...for those fans of the things Im tearing up(kart-part abuse)... but as afew know... my home work space is crammed full and Im needing to downsize 'unused/useless' items. So instead of throwing things away, I am shuffling them around to suit my personal preferences by using the 'parts' wanted and in the meantime advancing in the build of 'Priceline'. If everything goes to plan, the result will be WELL worth the labor/sacrifices!

 

[OzFab]

...my home work space is crammed full and Im needing to downsize

No, you need to increase your workspace (as do I)

 

[Half-breeder]

... pics are worth atleast afew words...

Nothing is welded 'yet'... but it's in place for tomorrow.

Anyone see anything that may be of an issue?

 

[OzFab]

Dude, you made that look easy, good job

What are you doing with the pedals?

 

[Half-breeder]

Dude, you made that look easy, good job

What are you doing with the pedals?

Tyty... It's wasnt all that hard... just had to get over the fear of cutting something off permenantly...(I gotta have more faith in myself evidently...)

Just moving the gas to the far side(opposite the brake). That gives me the 'triangular' base, for stability(less 'need' for side walls on seat... but ill have em anyways for the ethics and appearance...). After Ive looked at her w/out those long side OSG's... Im noticing the 'mid-portion' of Lo-T is kinda.... lacking girth/heartiness now... hoping I can fashion the side walls of the seat to beef it up alil!

I plan on bending the back of the seat, at an angle(sits too 'upright' for my 'relaxing' runs), the same angle as the seats(bench seats)...might be done by tomorrow night... 'if' everything litterally falls into place as I have it in my head... as it has been.