Grand Daddy build

[fulksie]

I started this project with no knowledge of welding, metal fabrication, or small engines. I have learned a ton so far. Some major screw ups from cutting quite a few pieces from the wrong size tubing, to realizing after the entire frame was done that there was no way I could fit in the kart to drive it. I've done some of my own mods and read about others. Finding all the parts has been quite a bit of a chore as well. Some places still have websites and online catalogs, they'll even let you order all your parts. Only to wait a few days and never be able to contact them. I also have my customers (the kids) breathing down my neck about when it's going to be done. It's worth the badgering though. They get so excited every time something comes in the mail. So this is what I've done so far:

 

[fulksie]

sorry, forgot the pics

 

[fulksie]

more pics

 

[OzFab]

Tip #1: It's always a good idea to trace the shape on the floor & sit in said shape to "try it on for size"

So, you're saying you learned to weld while building this? Most of it looks ok from here but, if I may offer one tip/bit of criticism, you could maybe use a little more heat in places, the welds look a bit tall, they should be almost flat.

Now, that doesn't necessarily mean "turn the machine up", just slow down a bit (it takes practice...)

 

[fulksie]

After putting the seats in and seeing how well my daughter fit, I decided to size it up for me and it was too small. I stretched the main sub frame and roll cage 10.5". The seats are on sliding rails, so the kids can slide it up to drive, while I can slide it back. This buggy will not only be a fun thing for the kids to use, but it will be my utility vehicle for the 5 acres I need to take care of. I added the truck bed for chain saw, gas can, tools, ect. I'm planning on a small trailer as well to haul material or what ever the 13HP motor will pull. I'm definitely going to be putting it to the test.

 

[fulksie]

Yeah, I've learned how to weld on this. I understand what you're talking about. The more I've been welding, the flatter the welds have gotten. I'm afraid and sure that the frame will crack or break in places. With my newly acquired skills, I'm confident I can repair it.

 

[fulksie]

I also invented/created a nice fabricating tool. I attached a lazy Susan to the bottom of a large piece of plywood. Even with the full frame on the plywood, the Susan spins like a champ. Now I have the engine frame on it with 2x4's as stands. It works great. I don't have to walk around, just spin the frame where I need it. Great shop tool. I tried to upload a video, but like I said, I'm not the IT person in my house. So I just added a pic that has the plywood and 2x4 jig.

 

[OzFab]

The forum will let you upload as many still pics as you can but, vids must be added to a third party site (like youtube, photobucket, etc) & linked here.

Great idea with the lazy susan, that'd make life much easier...

Good to know you're learning from your mistakes If there's any welds you're concerned about, grind the top off & hit it again...