first post/first build---awesome

[n00bbuilder]

Hey guys as my title says im a noob to building karts, but i have all the tools and common sense to make this work! well that and with ALOT of useful information here!! glad to be here, im currently working on my first build, ive owned a kart before, it was a china make two seater with roll cage, hydraulic brakes, sweet clutch setup, rack and pinion, the whole nine yards. little to say i didnt know what kind of gem i had and traded it for a touchscreen gaming pc, which i rarely have time to enjoy. all in all im ready to tear the yard up again!!

so far i've welded some old queen size bed frames together to make a 47x20 center frame for seat and floor board area. next ill fab a bracket for my
****5.5hp 171cc PRESSURE WASHER engine**
haha and figure out what gear ratio i wanna go with. i was looking for a cheap set of rear tires to fit the 3/4in axle that northerntool has, found a arnold tire with 250lb rating for $28 i figured that was a decent deal, maybe someone could let me know if it is or not.

i wanna use the kart mainly offroad so probably going with a live axle, and maybe lift the kart just a tad.
any tips on which clutch to go with?
i want lots of torque dont really care about top speed, but also dont wanna snap my teeth clean off haha.

Great to be here guys!!

 

[OzFab]

Welcome to the forum.

Wow, where do I start...

So, this bed frame you used, what are the material dimensions? Are you talking about angle or tube? How thick is it?

If you're going offroad, you'll need at least a 1" axle, you'll bend a 3/4" axle in a heartbeat...

When it comes to tyres, it's not the load rating you need to look at, it's the speed rating. they could be rated for 1000lbs but still be "not for highway service"

As for a clutch, offroad = torque converter. However, if you want it to be a torque monster, a jackshaft will probably be needed...

 

[Poboy kartman]

Yeahhhhh- Bed frames are OK for beds- but not kart frames I use them for a lot of stuff- (free angle iron! ) but it bends and twists way too easy for an off-road kart. STOP now and study a few builds on this site before you waste any more time and money. .....

 

[n00bbuilder]

Thanks for the replies guys, I've done a bit more now I'll get pictures when I can today. Ended up going with 1in axle, a clutch "budget build" plus I don't like burnt belts, 6-1 ratio, wanted 7 but couldn't find the right teeth for a 40-41 chain. I've welded a lot of support bars for the kart and yes it does flex a little but I figure once I put it all together I'll drive it, it'll snap, then I'll reinforce till it's sturdy. I'll probably start a new post once I get pictures and stuff, thanks for the help guys!