Father son winter project in Michigan

[Maniacaloffroad]

New here and new to posting pics, I hope I do it correctly. My son's and I want to combine their old Path Winder go cart with this Kasea (I think) 4 wheeler. We want to reinforce the go cart and and the suspension, tires and electrical from the four wheeler. The motor from the cart and the wheeler are both to small for what we'd like to do. I am also new to the world of go carts. I am hoping to get some info as to if the suspension is even good enough for a single person, swing arm rear, A arm style front cart.

 

[OzFab]

The biggest problem I see is the kart will need a lot of fab work to fit suspension to it, possible too much to make it worthwhile.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's impossible but, IIWM, I'm not sure I'd go to that much trouble...

 

[firemanjim]

Ive done what you're planning, a few times. Building one now with a 250cc quad motor. I dont know how far you want to go with the conversion or what your skills are. Here is a simple approach. ...
Whack off the existing steering on kart. Cut up quad just BEHIND where it all ties together. (Keeping everything intact) Now you gotta figure out how to mount that assembly to your kart , reinforcing everything along the way. HOPEFULLY the wheel track is wide enough to suit the rear of the kart as well. Now you got front suspension. ....
Next, if you dont want to get REAL involved in a conversion, the big fat balloon tires add some bounce and absorbs some of the bumps. Just get a 1" solid live axle and some QUALITY pillow block bearings ,some locking collars, and some hubs that will fit the wheels you got. A sprocket,sprocket hub,a some brakes. I prefer hydraulic disc brakes, but band brakes work pretty darn good too.
Now, all ya need is a bike/quad motor about 80-200cc will work. For simplicity, find one that is semi-automatic (no clutch lever) If you have to use a manual,no big deal. I can walk you through that too. Its not rocket science, its more fun than that..... lol

 

[Maniacaloffroad]

I understand the fact that the quality of the cart is sub par. I have the time and resources to make it happen. My welding skill is minimal BUT I have friends who have been welding for 30 + years that are teaching me. Last night I stripped the go cart. Today I will lay everything out and take all the measurements. I'll post the axle length. I am comcerned about the shocks, weather or not they will be adequate. My 14 year old is 5'10, 190 lbs. I think I may need a bigger parts donor. lol I still need a larger motor as well. I have 3 engines to trade, now just to find someone to trade too. I appreciate all the advice Firemanjim! I'll certainly be picking your brain from time to time. While I am new to carts, I have built 3 Boggers, 2 standard suspension 1 four link suspension so I have some knowledge of the basics. All I know for sure is, We are having fun looking at all the projects here and working on this cart. Even if it is a failure, we're enjoying ourselves.

 

[rusty76]

You know I've never built a go kart or owned one till now, to poor to own one as a kid. When my stepson said he wanted to work on the go kart given to us, he's 13 I was like lets do it. He never showed any interest till now. I told him as long as he worked on it I would also. So far it has been some of the most fun we have ever had. When we got it running he was so excited. I wish I could go back in time and done this six years ago. Everything takes time and patience and asking tons of questions. You are probably like me just want to do something. For him it is probably he just wants to do something with you. Plenty of people on here who know a lot. You just got to pick their brains alittle to get the info you need. So ask as many guestions as you can. If you can dream it you can build it. Good luck.

 

[Maniacaloffroad]

you nailed it Rusty. My sons and I know this is a learning experience for all of us, But we are going to have a lot of fun trying!