Go Kart Rebuild

[aliusa]

I'm in the process of restoring and modifying the following Go Kart I found off Craigslist. This my first go kart project, so there's a lot to learn! I believe my biggest challenge will be learning how to work metal.

I'll keep this thread updated.

The floor pan is a little weak, I'm thinking it might help to have a cross bar for additional support.

I'm debating if I should have side rails. I've seen designs with and without, does anyone have any opinions?

Thanks,
A

 

[firemanjim]

to the madness....
Cool little kart. I don't think I would add side bars. Really no need if you're only riding in open areas. Side bars are really only to keep another go kart from getting too close and/or to keep from snagging something with the rear tire/axle like a tree or post..... If the front tire clears but you're sliding , the bar hits the object and keeps it from smacking the rear tire....
On this kart, I wouldn't say it's necessary.....

 

[aliusa]

@firemanjim

Yea I'm in agreement. It's only to be used in backyard. Initially I was gonna cut off the armrest but I'm gonna keep it for character. I don't have a history but it looks like it's something someone built.

Today I had the kart powerwashef and sanded. There were like 3 layers of different color paint! I cut off the back rest and going to fabricate an adjustable seat.

I have yellow and neon green, paint any thoughts?

Thanks,
A

 

[brianmwilliams]

My personal favorite:
John Deere Green Hex color: #367C2B
RGB: 54 124 43
CMYK: 65 0 100 42
Pantone: PMS 364 C

 

[aliusa]

Posting some pics of the finished product minus the tires... Tell me what you guys think.

 

[Karts of Kaos]

that looks really nice!

 

[anickode]

it looks nice, but you've GOTTA get better wheels. Those things are going to get you hurt.

 

[Bansil]

dang...looks toxic.......where do you keep the zombie heads?

 

[aliusa]

it looks nice, but you've GOTTA get better wheels. Those things are going to get you hurt.

I know! Any thoughts on sawtooth vs diamond studded threads? Gonna be used on pavement and grass.

Thanks �� guys. I leaned a lot:
Welding
Ratios
Chain sizes
Clutch vs torque converter
Small engines
How much HF wheels suck

This is gonna be a fun hobby

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Personally I like the Carlisle knobby stud tread, like the ones I have on my kart. Sawtooths probably won't be much better on grass than slicks, studs will still have some traction and actually last a while. Get the real Carlisles, they last a WHOLE lot better than anything else as far as I can tell.

 

[aliusa]

Can you explain 2ply vs 4 ply? Does one last longer than the other? Im assuming 4ply is a better tire.

 

[anickode]

Can you explain 2ply vs 4 ply? Does one last longer than the other? Im assuming 4ply is a better tire.

The plies typically has more to do with the load rating of the tire and how stiff it is, more than how long it will last.

More plies usually means it can handle more air pressure, thus more load.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Yeah, a lot of people go for the highest ply tires they can, which is not necessarily bad, but tire life has more to do with how it's used and the actual rubber compound.

@aliusa - Are you looking at like the Deli Tire 4 plys? Because the Carlisles I suggested and am using will probably outlast them.

 

[aliusa]

@JTSpeedDemon I was, based on your suggestion i ordered the Carlisles.


I have the original rims and hubs, I plan to clean up. Any suggestions on bearings? The ones on the original have a lot of dirt, rust or something in em cause they don't spin smoothly at all.

Thanks!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Ok great! The Carlisles feel much better made than the other kinds of tires, and they're about the same price to boot.

As far as bearings, you need to take some measurements.

Typically the outside diameter(OD) of the wheel bearings is 1 3/8"(front and back), and the fronts are usually 5/8" inside diameter(ID), and the rears are sometimes also 5/8", but sometimes 3/4" like mine(note: this only really applies to 1WD karts).
But to be sure, you need to measure your spindles and axle.

Look for bearings that have these key words : High speed/racing/precision, and of course they need to be ball bearings.

I've gotten wonderful bearings from www.ombwarehouse.com and I have these ones specifically which are very well made: https://www.ombwarehouse.com/4-5-8-1-3-8-jackshaft-wheel-bearing.html

Remember, each wheel needs 2 bearings, so you need 8 bearings if you want fresh ones for every wheel.

Oh, and remember to make sure all the old bearings are indeed the right size, I actually had a bearing that was the WRONG SIZE on my kart! Ya never know.

 

[aliusa]

Tires came in--night and day difference

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I agree, I was amazed when I put fresh tires on! So much better handling!