Aluminum Beer Crate Racer Build

[Jkarisny]

So here starts my all aluminum beer crate racer build. In my typical fashion, I design my builds as I am building them for the most part. I have modeled my initial frame design after Chancer's awesome build. I will be tweaking as I go to suit what I have in mind.

I started out in the shop today cutting and TIG welding a few pieces together.
Frame built using 1" 6061 .125" wall square tubing

Here are a few photos of todays activities.

 

[landuse]

Aluminum is an interesting choice! Any specific reason you went with that?

 

[Nosandwich]

Aluminum is an interesting choice! Any specific reason you went with that?

Because you can't!!! .

And...I'm so jealous!!!! because I can't either!

 

[Jkarisny]

Aluminum is an interesting choice! Any specific reason you went with that?

Aluminum in the correct use is very strong, and obviously lightweight. I have not seen too many builds from aluminum and I really love the look of it. That and I have 3 sticks of tubing in my shop from another project which I can easily build 2 frames.

I think it will be a fun and interesting build. Now I need to start gathering parts....Do people regularly trade/sell parts on this forum? My shopping cart is already loaded up on http://www.gopowersports.com/ , but I thought I'd look for some used parts first.

Things I'll be needing:

Wheels/Tires (rain type tires with tread - They look to be a lot more money than slicks huh?)
The mighty $99 predator engine
Steering wheel
Rear sprocket - 60 tooth for 5/8" shaft

Other plans to fabricate:

Steering wheel/shaft paddle throttle and brake system (similarly seen on the german website for these racers that use the lifan shifter engines)

Aluminum gas tank - Special plan for this one should prove interesting.

I hope to get out to the shop today to get the rest of the pieces cut and tacked in place today.

 

[Nosandwich]

Online coupon for 80- 90 $umpthin for the Predator
, pick up at yo local HF.

OfferUp for used donor karts you can rob parts off of. Other than that, IDK.Maybe after your post some of these GOKARTS part hoarders will feel a pang of guilt and come forward, ( if you promise plenty of pics. )

 

[mccarsones]

Looks cool, can't wait! I build a Aluminum car hauler for my jeep a couple of years ago and love it. They strong if built correctly just can't beat on them like the steel ones..

 

[Jkarisny]

Looks cool, can't wait! I build a Aluminum car hauler for my jeep a couple of years ago and love it. They strong if built correctly just can't beat on them like the steel ones..

Thanks!

Yeah, I'm excited about it! It won't see much abuse... I hope. I guess if it does it gives me another excuse to work on it This .120 wall square tubing is surprisingly stout.

 

[Jkarisny]

Did a little work today. Apparently TIG welding aluminum is NOT like riding a bike. It has been some time since I have done it, and it has shown.

Here is a little preview of the front end.

 

[Kartorbust]

Well it's a lot easier than oxy welding. Either way I've still managed to touch the tungsten to the filler rod and given myself a nice shock.

Any thoughts on buying a mig welder with a spool gun?

Your project is really taking shape. Should look great once completed. What's your plans for mounting the axle to the frame?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[Jkarisny]

Well it's a lot easier than oxy welding.

You are right about that one! It's been years since I've done that!

Any thoughts on buying a mig welder with a spool gun?

I actually have one, but I like having more control over amperage with the foot pedal.

Your project is really taking shape. Should look great once completed. What's your plans for mounting the axle to the frame?

I have some pillow blocks I'm considering, or I may order something. No set in stone plan yet. Still hoping someone will offer up a complete running gear package, to take some work out of it for me

 

[Kartorbust]

Yeah that's the downside of mig welding aluminum, heat control is hard. Did a bit in school, we had Lincoln welders with push/pull mig guns setup for Aluminum (polymer/plastic liners in them) and doing 1/8" thick was a pain to not burn through, crack it, or have so much under cut the base metal would break.

Any ideas which allow you are using for this?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[Jkarisny]

Any ideas which allow you are using for this?

Not sure I follow?

 

[bob58o]

Not sure I follow?

I've figured it out.
KartOrBust is in charge of all correspondence from Chinese eBay sellers.

Dear Friend,

Any ideas which allow you are using for this?

Thank you for understanding.

 

[Kartorbust]

Ugh I fricking hate spell check. I was asking which alloy of Aluminum you were using.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[Jkarisny]

Ha ha ha.
That’s funny stuff right there!

---------- Post added at 10:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 PM ----------

Ugh I fricking hate spell check. I was asking which alloy of Aluminum you were using.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Lol.
I’m using 1/16” 5356 filler material.

 

[Kartorbust]

Mainly asking the base metal alloy of the frame itself.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[Jkarisny]

6061 is the base material