First build. Need axle suggestions.

[spookyfishlizard]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and doing my first build. I picked up this frame yesterday off Craigslist and I'm hoping to rebuild it for my kids. I'm pretty sure the rear axle is bent and needs to be replaced. I need suggestions on what I should get to replace it.

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[spookyfishlizard]

 

[r_chez_08]

Is that a live axle running on bearings inside the tube there? If so, what diameter shaft? I would reccomend replacing it with 1" minimum diameter, there is a reason that one bent!

It appears to be under 3/4". I bend 3/4" jackshafts on my kart, which take a lot less load.

I also reccomend you get a wire brush for an angle grinder or powerful drill, to strip off the old paint. A new paint job will make that kart look great.

 

[spookyfishlizard]

I don't think it's a live axle on bearings. It seems to be fixed, it doesn't move. I think one side is broken off. The shaft is about 1 1/4 and the threads are 5/8 in diameter. Here's some more picutures. I am actually in the process of stripping the old paint as we speak!

 

[r_chez_08]

You can either get a bolt and weld it in, or get a live axle which would be better if you are up for the conversion.

 

[spookyfishlizard]

I like the live axle idea. What's involved in the conversion and any ideas the best way to do it on this kart? I was thinking of chopping the axle shaft that is there already off up to the frame on both sides and leaving the center piece there and then mounting the axle mounts on the underside.

 

[r_chez_08]

You got it
Then get some bearings, either weld on flanges or pillow blocks.
You will probably need new break mounts, a way of mounting brakes to the axle, a sprocket hub and new wheel hubs.

 

[spookyfishlizard]

Thanks for the tips! I'm going to have to move the motor mounting plate too right?

 

[spookyfishlizard]

I was just out in my garage drinking a beer and admiring this hunk o crap and realized that the existing axle shaft is going to be in the way of the sprocket on a live axle.

 

[qtband]

If you have the ability to weld, I'd move the mounting plate to the right of center instead of the left side. Then put an axle like this picture.

 

[anderkart]

Hey Spooky, did you ever post a thread on that vintage karts forum I recommended in your other thread?
If not you might do that first, just in case you've got some rare model thats worth $1000 or something...

 

[r_chez_08]

Or mount the sprocket closer to the wheel outside the frame?

 

[spookyfishlizard]

If you have the ability to weld, I'd move the mounting plate to the right of center instead of the left side. Then put an axle like this picture.

Thanks, I thought about that but I couldn't decide if it being that far back would look goofy or not.

 

[spookyfishlizard]

Hey Spooky, did you ever post a thread on that vintage karts forum I recommended in your other thread?
If not you might do that first, just in case you've got some rare model thats worth $1000 or something...

I tried got registered but had trouble posting pictures, so not yet. Someone has already hacked and re welded the back by the axle, so if it was worth something, it's not anymore.

 

[spookyfishlizard]

Or mount the sprocket closer to the wheel outside the frame?

I considered that option too. I'm not so sure about a live axle now either. My kids will be driving this on blacktop and I don't want it to be hard to turn. I'm considering that axle that has a differential in it, but it's 38" long.

 

[r_chez_08]

If you set up the steering correctly, turning shouldn't be too hard. Up to you.

 

[spookyfishlizard]

What do you think about doing a set up like this one?

 

[nscard]

Looks like you have an old manco kids cart, I have the same. The rear is a bolt welded to frame with hub and sprocket rotating on the bolt. If you want to change the rear axle you may find it more work thqn its worth, I would replace the bolt and leave original setup intact. Find a stronger built frame,run a one inch live axle with some real hp and torque converter.

 

[spookyfishlizard]

I've decided on doing a 1" live axle, but I am going to get it on this frame. The shaft that the bolts go into is bent, so it has to go anyways.

 

[spookyfishlizard]

Some forward progress has been made. Many hours trying to figure out how to do the axle (I think I'm getting closer to a plan) and many more layers of paint have started to disappear. Forward progress! (I definitely need to take a break and clean up my garage before anymore pictures are taken. Maybe I can mount that toilet as a seat!)