Help newbie identify kart

[Tyler9982]

Hi guys,

New member and first time kart owner. Bought this kart from Craigslist on a whim. Haven't been able to identify it and was hoping someone would recognize it. Sorry if this is not a major brand, I have no clue. No serial number or anything. Appreciate any info. Original owner said it came from a go-kart track near his house when he was a kid.

Thanks
Tyler

 

[Tyler9982]

Here is a body off pic

 

[Hellion]

Why, it's the General Lee.

It appears to indeed be a kart intended for a commercial go-kart track amusement, so the owner was correct. The heavy bumpers, high back seat and fiberglass body give it away. I say inspect it closely for Mfr name or serial numbers. I could help but your photos are hurting my neck...

Also, more information from the previous owner would be helpful--name of the track, city, state, time frame.

 

[Tyler9982]

Thanks Hellion, the original owner lived in Youngstown Ohio, the park was either Kartland or Funland, and he believed from the 70s. It had a badge on the side that said 3.5 (assuming Hp).

Any place more likely than another for a serial number or manufacturer?

 

[landuse]

I have a feeling that you are not going to ID it successfully. Kart parts are pretty generic, so if you need anything you shouldn't have a problem.

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[anderkart]

You'll find serveral different companies that manufacture "Concession Go Karts" in this search link:
https://www.google.com/search?q="co..._AUIBSgA&dpr=2#nfpr=1&q="concession+go+karts"

You'll find a bunch of pics in this google image link, but they're mostly all newer models:
https://www.google.com/search?q="co...ved=0ahUKEwjb7PWQv-HNAhUBxGMKHZbRC64Q_AUICCgD

Yours appears to be an older 70's-90's model, the pics you'll find at those sites will probably only be of their new models. So I'd suggest you take 3 or 4 better/more detailed pics of your kart and email them into all those concession kart manufacturers asking If its one of their older models, or if they know what other brand it might be.

PS:
They might just ignore your email unless they think they can sell you some parts. So I'd suggest your emails include a list of parts you need...

But we could probably help you locate most any parts you'll be needing at lower prices from other sources.

 

[Tyler9982]

Thanks for all the links and replies. I guess I'm ok if I never ID it. I am curious for some opinions on rebuilding. The old hydraulic brakes were seized so I found a NOS enginetics master cylinder. The clutch is my real dilemma. I was going to go with a centrifugal clutch because they're cheap and easy. Based on what I want it for (putting around my yard) I think a torque converter may be better. I'm intimidated by installing one though. I don't quite understand how the jackshaft and everything would be installed. Not the most mechanically inclined person. Do I have a 3rd affordable option?

Thanks again

 

[Poboy kartman]

Yes...the third option is centrifugal clutch with jackshaft...or possibly...just gearing properly without one.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

You got an engine for this thing?

 

[Tyler9982]

The guy who I bought it from gave me a Tecumseh 6HP (which I believe has a 1" crankshaft if that is possible?) I kind of think I would be better off with a predator from harbor freight, but I'm trying to keep cost down.

 

[Poboy kartman]

The guy who I bought it from gave me a Tecumseh 6HP (which I believe has a 1" crankshaft if that is possible?) I kind of think I would be better off with a predator from harbor freight, but I'm trying to keep cost down.

I highly doubt the Tech has a 1" shaft....so..start with it....if it DOES then just get a Predator. But the Tecumseh will probably be cheaper to start with...but will probably need a little work.

 

[OzFab]

1" shafts don't usually start until 8hp but, for every rule there's an exception; the first thing to do is accurately measure the crankshaft diameter, then we can make more refined suggestions...

Keep in mind that, although the engines themselves were quite good, Tecumseh carbs are notorious for issues; first, check the engine for compression & spark, then worry about fuel delivery...

As for the kart itself, there's a lot of material there, which adds weight; if possible, reduce weight without affecting the structure of the kart...

 

[anderkart]

Tyler, check out some of these torque converter kit installation videos:
https://www.google.com/webhp?source...ie=UTF-8#q=installing a tav2 torque converter

 

[Tyler9982]

Thanks for the input I am going to go with a TC. I'm seeing that this project is quickly becoming a money pit though. Any advice on what a kart like this would be worth once finished? Not that I want to sell, just that I don't want to drop $1200 in a kart that is worth $100. What is a realistic ceiling on how much I spend?

 

[JollyKarter]

Could you post a picture of the rear wheels? I have a couple of old tires on wheels laying around, and have never figured out what they might work for, but it looks like the tires are the same tread as those.

 

[Orange Krate]

I'll ask Steve Franks an avid Dukes of Hazzard collector if he knows who made it.

Here's our [unlicensed yet still factory made] Dukes go-kart and kiddie ride.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160708/42f2bcbe82d91b7b2cdbf3e9c9406e43.jpg


---------- Post added at 04:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------

Here's a General Lee concession Kart at the Cooter's Place on Tennessee.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160708/b419a4d4dd643d575c142daba83a82b8.jpg

 

[Hellion]

Would like to see more pics. This is a neat find and will probably make one of the most sturdiest yard karts ever should this re-build continue. Wonder how heavy the thing is...

The front floor pan looks ideal for keeping splashed mud at bay.

 

[Orange Krate]

It's not a real DOH kart so Larry couldn't identify the Mfg. I figured that though. I just wanted to see what he'd say

 

[Tyler9982]

Thanks for checking Orange Krate. I also kind of figured it wasn't stock.

I'm definitely going to keep rebuilding, just need to decide how much I'm going to spend on extras, how much I put into the paint etc..

I will post some wheel pictures later today JollyKarter.

Hellion what type of pics would you like to see?

 

[Poboy kartman]

I got this Hellion.... some that aren't SIDEWAYS?????