2012 Build off, Kids UTV

[mysteryboy28]

for your next kart do like i did - find the coolest looking one on the web and make something as close to it as you can (with your own twists and changes), without following plans. that way it'll still be original, and your own design.

i went from clunky and boxy to freakin' sweet all because i took the time to do some research, and dared to make something COOL.

 

[DaiSan76]

for your next kart do like i did - find the coolest looking one on the web and make something as close to it as you can (with your own twists and changes), without following plans. that way it'll still be original, and your own design.

i went from clunky and boxy to freakin' sweet all because i took the time to do some research, and dared to make something COOL.

I'd love to make something like one of yours, but it won't fit in my shop.

My next build is a rebuild of my old kart, and it will push the limits of my space. I'd really like to learn how to use a tubing bender. Maybe next year.

 

[DaiSan76]

The boys helmet came. I also took off the engine mounted jackshaft which was 2:1. His top speed is now around 10mph. I'll get video as soon as there is a break in the weather.

 

[DaiSan76]

Finally got some pics and video of the kid driving without that extra jackshaft. I think he's good till next summer, and then maybe I'll give him new steering and a torque converter with higher gearing. He drove around for about an hour and the only thing that broke was a nut came loose on the connecting rod for the steering.

He can "almost" get all 4 wheels off the ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACQfnI_0qdI&feature=youtu.be

 

[OzFab]

He looks like he's having a blast

 

[mysteryboy28]

the 10mph looks like a lot more fun than it was before!

how is the bump-steer with the steering setup? when one front wheel goes up higher than the other, does it turn the steering wheel a bit?

 

[DaiSan76]

the 10mph looks like a lot more fun than it was before!

how is the bump-steer with the steering setup? when one front wheel goes up higher than the other, does it turn the steering wheel a bit?

Yea, but he isn't heavy enough to make the suspension travel far enough to make it a real issue. Next year I'll probably redo several things including the steering, and hopefully a CVT. I'll be adding ackerman, and double connecting rods, so he won't have the solid rod going across the front. Considering that I didn't make it wide enough for 2 seats, I think I will just put the single seat in the middle along with the steering and foot controls.

It actually has the worst bump steer when both wheels go up together.

 

[landuse]

Great vid!! Have you got a safety harness on your kart or not??

 

[DaiSan76]

Great vid!! Have you got a safety harness on your kart or not??

Yes,got a seat belt at O'Reilly for $17

 

[DaiSan76]

Redid the steering, and yes, it will have bump steer, but it's better than it was before. Hopefully will have a video up of a test run this weekend. Next on the agenda for this one is to redo those hideous pedals.

 

[DaiSan76]

Pedals are redone, all that I need now is for the boy to decide he wants to drive more than he wants to be warm. Next project for this one is to redo the way the A-Arms attach to the frame. It's a little weak there.

 

[DaiSan76]

Here is the video, after I shot this I turned down the preload on the front shocks, and he got allot better suspension action. A couple of things I plan to do are relocate the rear shocks to try and soften it up a little, and beef up the connection between the a-arms and the frame. All in all, it is working pretty well for a first build.

If I ever decide I am done welding on it, I might even paint it. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYfQ1yINYng&feature=youtu.be

 

[DaiSan76]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kooTzawQaEE&feature=youtu.be

Some video post-governor removal. He is still having trouble steering it. I think I am going to extend the upper part of the pivot arm I built to give him more leverage. I have ample throw on the end of the steering wheel, so I can trade some of that for leverage. I don't want to mess with the steering wheel too much, because it is built so he can grow into it.

 

[DaiSan76]

Got some new video today. Broke an A-Arm, and it finally occurred to me that the way to fix that weak spot was gussets.
If I fix the bump steer and get some Ackerman in they might be ready for some more speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CCl8WQPzQc&feature=youtu.be

Wife gets better pictures than I do. I wish I could borrow her camera.