Craigslist find.

[Solohopper]

I have no clue about anything to do with Go Karts. But i have three boys that i want to peal away from the TV and get them into the garage and the dirt field by my house.

I was thinking of building a cart from scratch since I love welding and think it would be cool to do. But I found this cart on Craigslist and I think it's a cool little cart. Guy says it runs and works fine. Any idea if this is something that may be of value? he is asking $380 for it OBO. I have not gone to see it yet, so that is all the info I have about it. Only other thing is that it has a Honda GX120 engine.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Poboy kartman]

It's hard to tell from the picture, but it's possible that it has front end alignment issues. Wrong tires for dirt-$100 to change that. Running is subjective there's running well and running on it's last legs, neither of which can be determined without being there.

My personal opinion is that this isn't the deal of the century. Much like trying to evaluate someone else's potential mate, personal preference comes into play. Personally, I would go look at it (assuming it's close) and if everything works offer $250.

JMHO- Perhaps someone else knows that this kart has more value than I'm seeing-but I'm thinking good things come to those who wait, and this is just a run of the mill deal.

 

[Solohopper]

I may go take a look tomorrow morning. I will be in his area for work so I may take advantage of that.

Thanks for the info.

 

[J_Walker]

Get something two seater, if you've got three boys you want peeled away from the TV. They'll figure out how to fit the 3rd one on it somehow...

- From a "younger" forum member.

 

[Solohopper]

Haha. I like your thought process Walker. The "plan" is to buy something like this that I can get their feet wet with. Then build another one and include all three of them on the build. Hopefully once they get to play with the bought one. They will have more enthusiasm to build the next one.

 

[firemanjim]

From what i see, its a dingo? The litte version.... Great karts. Look at Fabroman' s build for the contest. Its what his is based on. I think he called the thread aus-ex? See if kart has a torque converter(TC or tc) or a centrifical clutch(cc or CC) The TC is preferred, especially with the big back tires.
I like your plan,getting the feet wet..... Then you ask em what kinda kart they want to build. Say goodbye to the tv if they are like my son. Hes ready to go before me, then rushes me.... lol IIWY ,I would buy a used kart. Then build 2! Why 2 you ask? Well, the way I see it, there is 4 of you..... single seater for child,dual seat for the other two, and a single seat kart on 'roids for dear ol dad..... but thats just me....
O yeah,hit up Fabroman about that kart, he// he probably will respond to this post soon anyhow.... He knows those karts if I'm not mistaken.

 

[firemanjim]

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21076
Check out that thread.....

 

[philip metzner]

Looking at the short seat back, the short steering shaft, and dropped front axle that may be a very old race kart. I think you need something a little higher off the ground.

 

[landuse]

I can't really tell, but it looks like it could have been stretched. If it has, you might have steering problems

 

[OzFab]

From what i see, its a dingo? The litte version.... Great karts. Look at Fabroman' s build for the contest. Its what his is based on.

Close but no cigar. I thought it was at first too but, there's subtle differences &, after studying the American Express frame for the best part of a year, I can pick the differences.

Just from what I can see, the steering hoop is different & the front of the frame becomes the seat arch; on an AmEx the rear section rolls into the front & the seat frame is another piece

 

[Solohopper]

I had lurked on here a bit before I stumbled across that kart on CL. I too notice the steering brace was different, but that was all my newbie eyes detected. Figured i'd throw it on here to see if it may have been a different version or brand that was worth getting. I think I am going to go see it this morning and check it out.

I'll post back with what i find.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Welcome to the forum! Getting the munchkins involved in this hobby is a fantastic way too unplug them. Good on ya for choosing this route. Between wrenching and 'wheeling, all of you will learn a lot and have a ball.

Your choice to start with something used was a good one, and you can build up from there. You will find (as many of us do) that it won't be long before one kart simply isn't enough. Good luck!

As for that particular kart, ID'ing factory stuff isn't my bag. But I can tell you that the Honda GX series engine is amongst the best out there, and is nearly never a bad investment.

 

[jonboy]

When I first seen the pic I though it might be an old Clark or possibly a Rupp but the rear section being rolled upwards putting the engine in an awkward angle would make me leery of even fooling with it. I would also go with more of a yard cart or something a little higher off the ground.

 

[souperman000]

I'm thinking its a vintage yard kart or racer, probably with a few homebrew mods.

 

[chris_the_poser]

I with these guys. it looks to low to the ground to be out in a field and the back end looks jacked up from what I can see in the picture. Where are you located maybe we can help you find a kart or two on craigslist as well. Welcome to the forum

 

[Solohopper]

Thanks for all the input. I was thinking we would use it more on the street and in parking lots. But there sure are a lot of open areas around here. Maybe I should be thinking more along the lines of something taller like you guys mentioned. I did find a Manco Dominator that someone is selling. I just don't want to get to into roll cages and the risk of flipping the cart. So I need to decide whether i want to simply keep in on the road or a mixture of both.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Good things to ponder. Also bear in mind that a majority of "roll cages" that you'll see on these things, aren't worth a dang in a real accident. Often, "brush guard" is a much better descriptor.

 

[Solohopper]

Good things to ponder. Also bear in mind that a majority of "roll cages" that you'll see on these things, aren't worth a dang in a real accident. Often, "brush guard" is a much better descriptor.

Coming from a Rock crawling/off road background, I totally understand what you mean. I see them more as a device to keep the kart off the individual inside.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Sure- in a low speed roll they're probably okay, but I wouldn't trust them much beyond simply falling over.

 

[buckwheat]

If the motor runs and will propel the kart-buy it. The basic pieces are there all it needs is some maintenance. The work of taking it apart & greasing the components will be invaluable for your boys.