Custom 1950s Go-Kart Restoration

[Ogelthorpe23]

I am finally getting to a long awaited restoration of my late father's Go-Kart that was built in the early 1950s by my grandfather. Family lore has it that my grandfather, who was President of Esso in New Orleans, had the kart constructed in Howard Hughes' shop. My grandfather and Howard Hughes were personal friends. The frame is custom made steel and the body is fabricated aluminum custom formed and riveted together. My 2 sons are 9 and 10 years old now and I have the resources to complete the restoration. The original drivetrain was based on a riding lawnmower but the engine was lost in Hurricane Katrina so I need ideas on a new engine and portions of drivetrain to start.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Next level cool. Thanks for sharing.

 

[FlyFrog]

I am finally getting to a long awaited restoration of my late father's Go-Kart that was built in the early 1950s by my grandfather. Family lore has it that my grandfather, who was President of Esso in New Orleans, had the kart constructed in Howard Hughes' shop. My grandfather and Howard Hughes were personal friends. The frame is custom made steel and the body is fabricated aluminum custom formed and riveted together. My 2 sons are 9 and 10 years old now and I have the resources to complete the restoration. The original drivetrain was based on a riding lawnmower but the engine was lost in Hurricane Katrina so I need ideas on a new engine and portions of drivetrain to start.




View attachment 135217

wow thats incredible, make sure you post updates or make a build thread

 

[anderkart]

Wow that's amazing!

It'd sure be a lot easier & faster to just slap modern engine & componets on, but If you decide to attempt a period correct restoration:

I'd start by trying to Identify which brand & model of riding mower or garden tractor they used to build it. Your rear axle/brake/hubs or steering assembly componets might have some brand name or part# clues to get started. There's also serveral Internet forums that seem to specialize in vintage lawn mowers and vintage riding mowers/vintage garden tractors. You could post your pics on some of those forums to help I.D. your componets. Then maybe try to locate & purchase the exact same brand & model of complete riding mower that was originally used to build your Kart, to scavenge the engine, plus the rear axle, brake & hub & steering componets, etcetera you may be needing...

 

[FlyFrog]

Wow that's amazing!

It'd sure be a lot easier & faster to just slap modern engine & componets on, but If you decide to attempt a period correct restoration:

I'd start by trying to Identify which brand & model of riding mower or garden tractor they used to build it. Your rear axle/brake/hubs or steering assembly componets might have some brand name or part# clues to get started. There's also serveral Internet forums that seem to specialize in vintage lawn mowers and vintage riding mowers/vintage garden tractors. You could post your pics on some of those forums to help I.D. your componets. Then maybe try to locate & purchase the exact same brand & model of complete riding mower that was originally used to build your Kart, to scavenge the engine, plus the rear axle, brake & hub & steering componets, etcetera you may be needing...

https://www.atltf.com/forum is a good site to ask for tractor advice, i use it a lot for my mud mower

 

[Denny]

That is a super cool kart! Welcome! You have found the one group of people who can appreciate this kart. And the artistry in the build! Glad you brought it to us!