G"irl" Kart . . My First Build

[set2stun]

Hey everyone . . i am new to this site and really enjoying it. I have no idea why i decided to build a go kart but i did. The kart is not perfect by any means but i'm proud of it. This cart was conceptualized, engineered and welded by me. I did not use any plans but probably should have. BTW . . i'm a girl. Here's a video of my first test drive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGdAHArJgsg

 

[B.M.800]

Nice!

 

[set2stun]

Sorry . . i forgot to add pictures from the build. You may notice that the cart goes through an evolution and then devolution of sorts. I had to change the front end several times in order to accommodate my legs and also to fix the steering.

 

[OzFab]

Nice run, it would've been better if we could hear the engine instead of the... umm... music(?) Also, you may want to think about a chain tensioner

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Agreed. It's too loose. Hard to tell with the wide angle lens- did you get that freaky frontend geometry sorted out?

 

[set2stun]

What's a chain tensioner? That's probably what i need. Also the front end geometry is still messed up. I did change it to toe in though

 

[Doc Sprocket]

What's a chain tensioner? That's probably what i need. Also the front end geometry is still messed up. I did change it to toe in though

"Chain Tensioner". That which applies tension to a chain. Probably not necessary if you slotted your engine mount holes. Either way, chain's too loose.

Toe-in should be VERY minimal. Maybe a degree. More important is caster, camber, KPI, and Ackermann. Put up some good, still images of the frontend.

 

[B.M.800]

A chain tensioner helps keep the slack out of a loose chain...
On a minibike.

 

[set2stun]

OK . . its dark out now but i'll throw some pics up tomorrow. I think i'm gonna scrap this kart and build something else. I'd love to build one with some proper geometry and a true engineered plan. I'm thinking in the lines of a shifter kart. Problem is i can't find a website that sells the shifter manual transmissions or even plans on how to build one. Any suggestions of a site?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

You're not looking for a tranny. You're looking for a motorcycle engine- which comes with a built-in tranny...

 

[set2stun]

Thanks B.M.800 . . i think that would solve my chain problem

 

[set2stun]

How do you convert a motorcycle engine from a foot shifter to a stick shifter?

 

[exenos]

If you look up some shifter kart builds there will be some good examples on how they create a shifter lever. I believe that there are a few shifter builds on here.

 

[B.M.800]

You can connect a series of linkages to the foot shifter to where your stick shifter is.
Look around here at some of the buggy builds, lots of them used a bike engine.

On of these days i plan to build a something with a bikes engine...
One of these days.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

In short- take the shift pedal off, and re-mount it pointing straight up. Tie a linkage from there to your shift lever. That's about the simplest solution.

 

[Aladinbama]

Nice build! Especially if it's your first.
Oh, and Nice Puppies too!

 

[shakey0818]

Nice build! Especially if it's your first.
Oh, and Nice Puppies too!

Are you talking about the dogs?

 

[Aladinbama]

Are you talking about the dogs?

Yes! My B-I-L just had to put down his yellow Lab after many years of being owned by him! The one looking at the camera kind of reminds me of Austin! RIP Buddy!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Are you talking about the dogs?

I believe I just soiled myself.

You have no idea just how funny that is.

 

[Orange Krate]

It amazes me what short glances we take for oncoming traffic before pulling out onto roads. I know I'm guilty of it but it really shows with a helmet cam.

Nice kart!