Hi from Texas!

[Clint Burleigh]

Been reading through the forums for awhile now but decide to start my own Project log. Kart was built in the 80s and was passed on to me when I was about 14. Ran it ragged for a few years before it was stored in a yard at a relatives house. I turned 26 this year and decided to bring it back to life after coming across it at a reunion.

I beat, torched, cursed, all the rusty parts off. Following pictures are just to document the starting line. Plan to keep the live axle and upgrade the majority of the kart including: HF 11HP engine, GTC torque converter, hydraulic disc brakes, seat support, paint. wheels, tires.

I plan to have this complete by the summer of 2011. (working a full time job at a power plant and take on photography jobs on the side)

**Kart was originally a 2 seater. I cut the steering column out and slide it over after adding a cross member for support.

**New axle bearings from TracksideKarting.com

**Next step is to modify the seat back brace and test fit the drivetrain. Plan is to get kart tested on the road before blowing it all apart again for paint.

http://www.clintjamiephotography.com

 

[shhh]

Welcome Aboard!

 

[KieranM]

welcome to the forum, nice kart and sweet photos.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Good job stripping it down, what part of Texas are you from? Please tell my why a GTC torque converter (can you show me where they sell versions in 1"bore)? Also, welcome to the forums. Can't wait for the progress.

 

[Clint Burleigh]

Good job stripping it down, what part of Texas are you from? Please tell my why a GTC torque converter (can you show me where they sell versions in 1"bore)? Also, welcome to the forums. Can't wait for the progress.

I am located in Pearland just south of Houston. I ran your shop's address though Google Maps and it isn't far from my house. I would like to stop by and check things out when this weather clears up.

I searched the web for torque converters and the majority of the sites read, "out of stock". I ran across GTC. They had the 1" bore and I like that the jack shaft is built in. Let me know if you can get a similar piece. Here is the link I found.

http://gokartsusa.com/tav301bore4041chain.aspx

 

[Blazkowiez]

I see that they show 1" bore... frankly that is amazing. I'd like to know if these are just more Chinese clutches or if they somehow are actually now making clutches. Its wild to think that they are trying to compete with the Chinese, perhaps they are just manufacturing a back plate? For an 11hp engines I would highly suggest a series 40 torque converter assembly, series 30 will not perform the way you desire with that much horsepower typically.

 

[Quaddakeric]

The frame looks EXACTLY like the one I just got from my father-in-law, who lives in Houston. Mine isn't a live axle, has its floor plate and the engine mounts for a single wheel drive, obviously. I'm guessing you moved the brake pedal over from its original location to accommodate your single-seater plans?

 

[Clint Burleigh]

The frame looks EXACTLY like the one I just got from my father-in-law, who lives in Houston. Mine isn't a live axle, has its floor plate and the engine mounts for a single wheel drive, obviously. I'm guessing you moved the brake pedal over from its original location to accommodate your single-seater plans?

I cut out the floor due to some rusty sections and moved the gas pedal to the right to accomodate an adult... Any Houston tracks that allow us to bring our own kart?

 

[Quaddakeric]

Yeah, gas pedal...duh!! Don't know why I thought and said brake pedal. I am leaving mine a two seater for my son to carry around a buddy. Wonder what the chances are that each of our frames came from Blaz's family shop 20+ years ago?? Or at least somewhere in the Houston area.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Well, they may have been sold there(would've been at the track back then but same deal), but there were several stores selling Go-Karts back then, Sears, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, many motorcycle shops. I believe my uncle sold more Thunderkarts than anyone else in the southwest region for several years running but perhaps not Manco.

The karts themselves were made in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Manco made a solid kart.

 

[Clint Burleigh]

Do you know the history/background of these karts Blaz? I would like to know more about them.

 

[oscaryu1]

thumbsup: Any Houston tracks that allow us to bring our own kart?

Anyone?

 

[Clint Burleigh]

Well...the plans changed a tad bit. I started taking measurements and didn't like how crowded the engine area would look with the 11hp. Decided to pick up the 6.5hp from HF.

After removing all the stickers, I dropped it down on the mounting plate to check the spacing. I think it fits really well with this size kart.

 

[Clint Burleigh]

Anyone?

bueller.....bueller.....bueller.....bueller.....bueller.....

 

[RobertD]

you'd do better to post questions in a different area, not the 'intro' area.

 

[Clint Burleigh]

you'd do better to post questions in a different area, not the 'intro' area.

I figured "Hi from Texas" would grab the attention of the locals who would know of a track... but I need to move my stuff to the Project Log area anyway.

 

[Quaddakeric]

Looks like each of our carts will be like twins seperated at birth!! I'm going with the Blue Clone as well. Looking forward to seeing it come together.

 

[Clint Burleigh]

...in my project log, someone pointed out that my clone's valve cover was dented. I didn't even notice when I unpacked it. Heading back to HF soon for a replacement.