2021 Build Off - Cannibal Kart

TheDADgineer

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I wish I had more to report but progress has been slow.. I finished the adjustable seat frame, changed the kart to a single seater, welded the pedal mounts on, added big plate gussets to the frame jog in the rear (as Jamyers suggested!), and started the final weld up! I also fired up the honda 8hp engine which runs but will probably need a bit of work.

I'm getting excited for the first test run!

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TheDADgineer

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Good progress, the steering looks more slow speed golf golfkarty than quick gokarty
Care to elaborate? Are you referring to steering wheel angle or kingpin angle?

I went with 7° caster and 2° camber. I want it to handle well at speed but also be easy enough for my son to steer at lower speeds. Emphasis on easy to steer. Perhaps this is why it looks 'golfkarty'.
 

TheDADgineer

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All welded up and ready for paint!

Some of the welds turned out better than others.. it will be strong, but don't look too closely at the welds :)

I'm going to use red oxide primer for now then ill let the kids pick a color someday when they're old enough.

Next I'm going to clean up the rear axle and feont wheels and clean/replace bearings as needed. Then it will be time to mount the engine and torque converter. I also have to figure out the steering.. any tips on making tie rods??

I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Take care.

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TheDADgineer

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Quick update! I had to do some modifications to the engine oil filler tube. The torque converter didn't fit correctly until I cut the oil filler down. I made a new 'low profile drain plug from the end of a 3/4" bolt. I wrapped it in nylon tape so hopefully it seals well!

Also, I started working on the adjustable tie rods. Might have to try a few soapbox runs down the hill behind my house :)
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TheDADgineer

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Made some good progress on the tie rods today and finally assembled the torque converter.

I got pretty lucky with chain path clearance around the rear frame rail... it's a pretty tight squeeze. Considering my initial design work didn't take into account a torque converter, I'd say it turned out pretty perfect.

I also got the sprocket, brake disc, and bearings all lined up on the axle and dimpled the set screw spots. I need a few new set screws as the ones I have are stripped.

After squeezing myself into the kart, I'm really surprised how small it turned out.. oh well, it will be plenty comfortable for the kids until they're teens.

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TheDADgineer

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Got the tie rods installed, aligned the steering, and did a few soapbox hill tests! The steering is nice and smooth and very easy to turn. It also turns on a dime which is awesome.

I'm planning to get the engine mounted up this weekend and will try to post a video of the first test run!

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TheDADgineer

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Sorry for the late post.. we had our second kid so free time has been at a premium!

I've had a little bit of time to tinker on the kart. I got the engine mounted and took it for the first test drive!! It was faster than I planned and probably not suitable for kids. Probably 50 to 60 kph. Oops! I might have to govern it down a bit or perhaps build something slower..

I also had no brakes or throttle pedal which didnt help with the scary factor. And fried one wheel bearing that was probably very old to begin with.

I'll try to post a video of the test run soon!20210716_144315.jpg

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