Craigslist Simplex!!!!

[gokarttimmy]

I found this on Craigslist for $60.00, including a 5 hp Briggs flattie. I have since powdercoated it black and am considering using a different wheelset and rear axle setup without cutting,drilling, or welding the original frame. The fronts are still good, but the rears are all chewed up and have pieces missing. The rear axle bearings seem to be worn as well. The original upholstery is still useable,too. Right now it's gonna be a resto/mod but I will likely keep the original axle and wheels if no one wants to buy them.

 

[2SlickNick]

Great score!!

I am not far from you, wish I found it.
I have been eyeing these...http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/snw/4518899554.html
And
http://youngstown.craigslist.org/snw/4508663046.html

 

[gokarttimmy]

Do you have any idea what either of those are, brand-wise?

 

[2SlickNick]

I do not, but that flat head says "come get me"

 

[OzFab]

I have been eyeing these...http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/snw/4518899554.html
And
http://youngstown.craigslist.org/snw/4508663046.html

They both look like decent buys...

 

[landuse]

I agree with Tony....both look good

 

[2SlickNick]

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/snw/4525581261.html
Her is another one for you Timmy. I would buy it but my wife said I can't go to Canada with my family.

 

[gokarttimmy]

Thanks, but I only have room for one.

 

[gokarttimmy]

Simplex Coming Along!!!!

Here is the powdercoated Simplex...still waiting for more parts. I found someone local who will make new upholstery. The original looks pretty good, but probably won't hold up long term.

 

[PorkChopExpress]

Looks good, I'm liking that seat! Can't wait to see it completed.

 

[landuse]

That seat does look good! Did the powdercoating set you back a few $$?

 

[gokarttimmy]

I know someone who does metal finishing-he media blasted and coated it for a total of $140.00. The seat is remarkably well preserved,but will not withstand much use for long. I am going to reproduce it in red with white piping,just like Simplex did back in the time it was manufactured. Thanks for your response!!

 

[PorkChopExpress]

I know someone who does metal finishing-he media blasted and coated it for a total of $140.00. The seat is remarkably well preserved,but will not withstand much use for long. I am going to reproduce it in red with white piping,just like Simplex did back in the time it was manufactured. Thanks for your response!!

I would hate to tell youwhat I paid for media blast and powdercoat! I think I got a good deal.

 

[mgravley]

That's surely not the engine that came with for $60??

 

[Orange Krate]

Score! Too bad it didn't have the original steering wheel. Looking good!

 

[gokarttimmy]

This was the engine I got with the kart-a 1990s-era 5 hp Briggs flattie. I am going to use it eventually,but right now I'm restoring it as well-it needed a clean carb and a mouse had actually nested inside the recoil shroud. Mr. Peepers had also begun to eat the ignition wire insulation,but it still started with a little starting fluid. I decided to remove the cylinder head to take apart the whole engine and clean it and began to repaint it gloss black with '60's-era decals. But upon reassembling the head,I broke one of the head bolts like a dummy. So right now I merely have a 3 hp clone with an AGK race carb,open header,and modded air cleaner. This will at least allow me to sort out the chassis once it's done.

 

[mgravley]

This is off subject but you might know, how's the easiest way to quiet one down? I've heard of using a small car muffler, have you heard of anything else? You may want yours louder with that open header but that means you may know how to make it quieter. Any ideas would be appreciated. I wouldn't have guessed that was a 3hp.

 

[firemanjim]

This is off subject but you might know, how's the easiest way to quiet one down? I've heard of using a small car muffler, have you heard of anything else? You may want yours louder with that open header but that means you may know how to make it quieter. Any ideas would be appreciated. I wouldn't have guessed that was a 3hp.

You don't need a car muffler, but a bigger muffler will quiet things down. You lose a little power, but not enough that the kids will notice.... If you got a 125cc atv engine, a muffler from a big 250+ cc 4x4 atv muffler will work pretty good. The big name, big atv's (like the 4x4's) are pretty quiet when in stock trim.....

 

[gokarttimmy]

Here is the latest on the Simplex...all it needs is the wheels n' tires and the brake system hooked up-a steering wheel is on the way. I managed to re-create the Ackerman steering system common on these models. I'll post pics of the Briggs in another post. I decided to use 4" wheels on the front and 5" wheels on the rear. The one in the photo is from my Ruttman mini bike.

 

[PorkChopExpress]

Looks good