Bird Baja go kart build.

[BRob]

My son and I decided to look for a go kart to rebuild. We found an old "rolling chassis" on Craigslist for $40. We also found a couple of Briggs and Stratton 5HP engines for $50. So far we are out of pocket $0! We have decided to sell things we don't use anymore to fund this project. I sold some tools and my son sold his bicycle (he outgrew it). So after closer inspection we discovered the rims were rusted on the rear axle. That wasn't fun getting them off, they had to be cut off along with all the bearings and lock rings, but, we managed to save the axle so we are looking good from here. Check out the video below, I'll post some pics as well and update as we progress through this build. Thanks for reading, you input is appreciated!

Video: https://youtu.be/ZAanMtploBU

 

[KingCobra]

Those things you sold that you bought at an earlier date musta cost ya something. I would not say $0 out of pocket because you did give up something, albeit, that you no longer needed.
Nice project! I like to see old rides brought back to life. And remember "Nothing is free".I love that roll-bar/engine cage combo!!! Looks so much nicer those 'rolling monkey bars' Thanks. Scott-O

 

[BRob]

Scott-O, true they did cost something. I guess I should've said $0 from my checking account.

 

[itsid]

So. the peerless 100 is a rather typical mower differential,
that being said, those rims are rather typical mower rims as well

So if you measure the step down (should be 1" to 3/4")
you should find keyed rims matching said stepdown.
you could also find hubs to match (4 bolt pattern mostly) that accept any matching bolt pattern rims of course.

And yes.. there were rather skinny bike-style wheels on the front originally...
so IDK if you want to stick with those or just use some other kart wheels (say 5" tri stars or so)

'sid

 

[BRob]

I was actually just doing research on the wheel options last night. My son and I decided to go with 4x4inch hubs with 8 inch rims and 16x6.50-8 tires for the rear. We will likely go with 6 inch rims and tires on the front, still undecided on the tire size.

I seriously considered throwing on some nice racing slicks and turning it into a road racer but I'm not sure I would have the ground clearance at the sprocket since it measures 10 inches diameter.

We did find 4.5 inch break drums and bands to replace the ones we had to cut off. I still have to figure out the break cable system since I have to use one drum for each side.

Also plan to use peddles and replace the handle bars with a old school butterfly steering wheel.

I appreciate the input!

 

[BRob]

Bird Baja Build Update

We have started to do some of the fabrication on the Bird Baja. Added some flat stock to mount the seat back. Cut away some of the things the previous owner added and made a modification to the front to make room for the pedals we plan to add.

Also we added some new wheels and hardware to the front.

Next weekend we are planning to fabricate some steering linkage and possibly some pedals for the break and the throttle.

As always, your input is welcomed.

video of our progress this week : https://youtu.be/EIXlu0Hgo7Q

 

[BRob]

Bird Baja Build Update

After we took a couple weeks off for the holidays we decided to get back at the project and take on the steering. I could have gone the easy route and just bought the tie rod kits and been done with it but.....where's the fun in that. We decided to use some of the leftover metal we have around the garage to fabricate some sort of tie rod end and tie rods.

We also used some of the scrap metal to fabricate some pedals.

as always your input is welcomed.

Video here: https://youtu.be/kDxYbantpeg

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

I approve of this.

 

[landuse]

Nice going!