here's my project!

[luckyluckey]

I bought this Kart for $40.
It didn't have a motor and it was missing a front wheel.
The seat is old and cracked.
I'm new to working on go karts but every couple weekends, my girl and I will go race at the local mini golf place.

I know nothing about this Kart but I'm going to make it rad!
I just wire wheeled it, sanded everything and layed primer on it.

I just gotta figure out the motor an linkage and figure out a spot to mount it.
Oh and get brakes, pedals, and a front wheel.

 

[luckyluckey]

 

[landuse]

Have you got some pics?

 

[luckyluckey]

They show up on my screen. I use my phone though.

 

[Half-breeder]

First, welcome (belated).

Next, nice find ya got there. Looks old, but in good condition. I see a few 'issues' that slap me in the eye immediatly, but are an easy fix...

1. The steering is backwards... The setup appears to be made for trailing arms, yet they are advanced. The steering spindle(part the tierod end connects to by the wheel) needs to be on the opposing side, so as that the arms are pointed to the rear of the kart. In turn, the steering wheel shaft arm(pitman arm) 'should' be pointed downwards, to the rear. By doing that, youll have foot placement. The spindles arms, appear to be 90*... to get proper Ackermann steering, the arms will need to be at an obtuse angle (arms pointing at the center of the rear axle, when the steering wheel is pointed straight forward, is the angle 'goal' to attain).

2. I see no 'conventional' engine mount, nor a framing for said mount. One can be purchased, to custom weld, also a framing rod will need to be fashioned, for the mount to be welded to... depending the engine you are planning on running.

3. Those look to be some pretty large wheels. What are your goals for the kart? Speed(big top speed)... drifter(spin wheels for rear traction steerage)... racer(good acceleration and good topspeed)... offroad(trails, yard, anyplace nonpavement)... or kids(good acceleration, but slow enough to run after if need be...). Mind you, there are 'other' levels of builds... but those are the more common.

 

[luckyluckey]

Thank you for the steering advice. I'll do that once I get the paint all finished.

I plan on welding the mount and framing rod soon. I need to figure out the motor linkage and get that settled first. I have a 5hp Briggs off a 1973 tiller.

I actually don't know much about small motors. It says it's a 206 cc though.
I know the tires are hefty. Atv wheels and tires and the front are off a riding lawn mower.

I plan on taking it out past our place by the train tracks. It's all dirt and canyon.

 

[whapit]

hello, nice work, it good to see things getting another chance to run again, this table helped me work thing out for gearing, i think your engine runs around 3600rpm.
http://www.diygokarts.com/speed-calculator.html

 

[luckyluckey]

That's awesome man, thank you. It's late here so I'll check all that tomorrow.

 

[luckyluckey]

Could I use an old turning break or e brake setup as main brakes?

It would just have a lever at the left side where the seat sits.
I had turning breaks in my '68 baja bug.

This build is at little to no cost at all, I work odd jobs and get free fixer up parts.
The tiller was free down the street. It ran before I took it off so it'll run again.

So I can't afford disc breaks.

 

[mckutzy]

What is/are turning brakes?

 

[landuse]

Maybe a park brake?

 

[Poboy kartman]

I think he means scrub brakes....but if you have 2....then you can turn the kart by alternating left and right levers.....

Although he did say...."or e brake" which would be emergency brake....but it's not clear..(at least to me)....whether that was another name for turning brakes or a different option....

 

[luckyluckey]

Turning breaks are steering breaks. In my Baja bug they act as steering or drifting best off road. There's two levers or one.

I was just wondering if I could alternatively use one instead of buying a whole
Setup but I wasn't thinking really because I'd still need breaks to even hook up to the lever.

I'm too anxious and I don't think before I ask.

 

[luckyluckey]

I painted the gas tank, starter, frame and rims!
I put the tires on and measured where the mounts go and what not.

It's looking good, I just need to put the torque converter, chain and all that on, gas her up and make my exhaust!

 

[luckyluckey]

Pics

 

[jeeperjoel]

lookin good!

 

[Axx3d]

it is getting "radder" with every post.. keep it up!

 

[luckyluckey]

I painted the seat and threw it on there.

 

[Russell ATV]

If you are looking for a solid mechanical brake solution, I recommend this: http://www.pccmotor.com/dibrcapamipo.html

This is similar to what you might find on a bike, but bigger and stronger. I have this on the rear axle of my 20 and 17HP karts and they have no problem locking up the rear axle at speed.

You will also likely need a disk, so try this:
http://www.pccmotor.com/discrotors.html

Might require you to figure out how to mount to the shaft, but you might figure out a way to mount it to your sprocket. Use your imagination for shaft mounts.

Russ

 

[2SlickNick]

If you are looking for a solid mechanical brake solution, I recommend this: http://www.pccmotor.com/dibrcapamipo.html

This is similar to what you might find on a bike, but bigger and stronger. I have this on the rear axle of my 20 and 17HP karts and they have no problem locking up the rear axle at speed.

You will also likely need a disk, so try this:
http://www.pccmotor.com/discrotors.html

Might require you to figure out how to mount to the shaft, but you might figure out a way to mount it to your sprocket. Use your imagination for shaft mounts.

Russ

What??? You use that little caliper and it works?? locks up too??

I have two of those, one on each mini bike. Maybe I just need new pads or tighten something up because it barely slows me down, I was wanting to upgrade to this...http://www.shop.hotrodminibike.com/Hydraulic-Brake-System-HYDB.htm