Azusa Road Rocket

[Donald E. Jones]

Good Morning,

Well, I am a 66 year old noob! I have been wanting a Go Kart since I was 10, and I have decided it is time I get one !
I want an old school 1960's style machine, and have been looking at the Azusa fun cart/Road Rocket kit, as there are some pretty good sales going on at this time. It looks like an easy enough project. I am a bit concerned about the length of the frame which is about 48-50" long with a 41" wheel base. At 5' 8" tall, I plan to ride this thing myself. Will it be long enough, or does the frame need to be extended a few inches? I was thinking maybe a 6" extension. What is the forum's opinion on this subject?

About what should the average go kart seat to pedal measurement for an average adult (5' 8") be ?

Donald E. Jones

 

[KartFab]

I measured a kart yesterday from the tip of the brake to the tip of the front edge of the seat was 25 inches at the shortest (it was an adjustable seat). Not sure how long you can go.

 

[machinist@large]

I definitely can agree with making sure you can actually fit on the thing; go karts, like experimental aircraft tend to be designed around the size of the designer. What's really annoying is how many of them seem to be 5'2" ~120 lbs. Which means that someone like me at 6'1" ~ 280+ lbs. just won't fit.....

 

[OzFab]

Sit against a wall with your knees bent & a large book at your heels. Now straighten your legs until you're comfortable (knees should still be slightly bent), pushing the book with your hells. Once you're done, stand up & measure from the wall to the book; that's a good measurement from seat back to pedals for you

FWIW, I'm 5'9" & mine is a tad short at 33"

EDIT: Welcome to the forum Donald.

As your posts/threads revolve around the same subject, I've merged the two to simplify things a bit & to add context

I also agree that the Azuza kit is more of a kids kart (not that I've ever seen one but, based on measurements)

I think your best bet is to search craigslist, ebay & other local classifieds for a suitable candidate

 

[firemanjim]

I agree with Tony. The Azusa kit is a kids/childs kart. Look oncraigslist for a used beater on the cheap. Test fit yourself..... feel comfy? If not ,move on to the next one.... OR...... Buy a used beater with all the parts. Build a new frame to fit yoy and swap out all tje parts you can...... OR buy a beater that needs a lil work, stretch it (correctly) to fit you, then go full custom after that.. ?????? Welcome to the madness....

 

[Donald E. Jones]

Thanks !

I have come to the conclusion . I'm searching Craigs list and Ebay.

Donald E. Jones

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum Donald. I am going to have to echo the other guys in saying that the Azusa kit is going to be too small for you. This kart has come up quite a few times in discussions, and it is just to small for a grown man (unless you like your knees keeping your ears warm).

 

[Scout]

I have a BKS Grasshopper. I just measured, wheelbase is about 47 inches, and from the back of the seat to the front footrest is 40 inches. My other kart is some kind of Murray I rebuilt. It is longer than the Grasshopper, it's not here so I can 't measure it, but it is comfortable for me to drive.
My brother has a Klipper. I don't know what it measures, but it is too small for me to fit.

I am 5'10" and 220.

 

[qtband]

Welcome to the forum, Donald! I was in your situation a few years back when I decided that it was finally time (at 54) to get into go-karts. A few years have gone by and I'm now into "flipping" karts as a hobby. I've done about 30 in the past few years. Good stress relief for a teacher! My advise is find a beater on Craigslist that has some potential and rebuild it. You get more satisfaction out of it that way! Once again, welcome! BTW, post your location in your bio so we know where you live.

 

[Donald E. Jones]

Well, I took everyone's advice and bought myself an old beater to restore. I picked me up a Percival Wildcat/Hellcat. As you can imagine , a 50 + year old cart needs a little work. It has a giant Wisconsin engine cobbled onto it, which has to go. Actually what I am going to do is a resto-mod on the thing. For now I intend to install a Clone engine on it, and maybe a second one when I can afford it. Hey, I was wanting an old classic machine, and while it will probably cost me more than buying a nice one ready to go, the fun of the restoration will be worth something. I will try to post some before and after pictures.

Don Jones

 

[machinist@large]

Well, I took everyone's advice and bought myself an old beater to restore. I picked me up a Percival Wildcat/Hellcat. As you can imagine , a 50 + year old cart needs a little work. It has a giant Wisconsin engine cobbled onto it, which has to go. Actually what I am going to do is a resto-mod on the thing. For now I intend to install a Clone engine on it, and maybe a second one when I can afford it. Hey, I was wanting an old classic machine, and while it will probably cost me more than buying a nice one ready to go, the fun of the restoration will be worth something. I will try to post some before and after pictures.

Don Jones

What Wisconsin is on it?!? If it has compression, then it's not a throw a way. From what little reading I've done on the lawn & garden tractor/ equipment forums, I would recommend doing a little homework before you just give it away. It might not be a rare and desirable model, but it could still earn you more than enough to pay for the Predator you're looking at...

 

[Donald E. Jones]

It is a Wisconsin Robin. I don't think it is especially powerful, it is just physically large. It does run, so I plan to keep it for some future project.

Don Jones

 

[machinist@large]

It is a Wisconsin Robin. I don't think it is especially powerful, it is just physically large. It does run, so I plan to keep it for some future project.

Don Jones

Those old engines have a reputation for being long lived. The problem is the available parts supply. That's why I recommended that you look around at the classic lawn & garden forums to get an idea of just what you have. You never know, there just might be someone who's looking for one....

 

[firemanjim]

At 13, being a "magician", I bought an old "magic" penny bank. Didnt think.much of it after I grew up a little and left home. My mom called one day and asked what I wanted to do with all the stuff I left. Told her to donate anything a kid could use , sell buggy and buggy parts, donate the money to kids charity, ect..... Well,last year, my wife and I were watching Antiques Road Show. This old man brings in a penny bank just like mine,rougher appearance, and the mechanics didnt work. (Mine was in great shape for a 60+ year old toy) His bank was worth $800 !??!! The appraiser said if it were in better shape, at auction, could bring as much as $2000!
NOW I throw nothing away......