I want a Manco American Express but can't find one. What else is like it?

[Bmr4Karts]

I specifically like this design because it is small (short and narrow) but would still fit my 6' frame comfortably. Until I run 220v in my basement I won't have a welder (I'd also have to learn how to weld).

I've seen the Vintage Race Kart XL kit and it's way too big and is also very expensive. Also they don't call the Kit XL, but the frame sold alone is called XL. So the kit is XL.

I've also seen the Azusa kit which is small, but also has a very short 28" pedal to seat distance. I've seen pictures of people either extending the chassis or adding a front bumper and moving the pedals forward, but I'd prefer to not have to mod a brand new gokart if I can find the perfect used one.

I'm in the Atlanta, GA area if that helps at all.

Thanks

 

[Functional Artist]

Have ya looked on Craigslist?

I took a quick peek (in Atlanta, Ga.)
...this guy in Jasper seems to have a lot of stuff
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/snw/d/jasper-manco-go-kart/6875940709.html

Wow!, this guy in Decatur has a kool collection too
...& seems to be an "old school kartist"
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/snw/d/decatur-vintage-racing-go-kart-collect/6881729228.html

Check out the racing kart (pic below)

Now, that's really "layin' down on the job"
…& there are engines on each side of his head

 

[Bmr4Karts]

Thanks for the links but I've already seen those. Jasper Manco is a two seater and I already emailed the Decatur seller. He wants almost $1000 for the cheapest vintage racer.

I've been reading more since I made this post. It appears The Amex shares the same chassis with thr Dingo 285 and 286. I know I do not want the large Dingo. Easiest way for me to tell them apart is the steering hoop and spindle springs. I think the Baja 200 is also the same chassis.

I still need help around what would be similar that isn't a Manco, just so I can widen my search pool.

 

[itsid]

if you like the AmEx (225) you might also like it's bigger brother the Dinge (285)
https://gadsden.craigslist.org/snw/d/fyffe-manco-dingo-go-cart/6847313774.html

brush guards removed one is very much like the other in a slightly different scale

Fast Eddie put his side by side here:


'sid

[EDIT]
OOps I was too slow..

so no Dingo.. hmm similar scale to the AmEx..
Clark Cyclops 330 or 440 I'd say is a pretty good match
(it's a Rupp A Bone Clone of sorts..
not too different than the AmEx [which itself is heavily based on a Rupp])

 

[Bmr4Karts]

if you like the AmEx (225) you might also like it's bigger brother the Dinge (285)
https://gadsden.craigslist.org/snw/d/fyffe-manco-dingo-go-cart/6847313774.html

brush guards removed one is very much like the other in a slightly different scale

Fast Eddie put his side by side here:
View attachment 107427

'sid

[EDIT]
OOps I was too slow..

so no Dingo.. hmm similar scale to the AmEx..
Clark Cyclops 330 or 440 I'd say is a pretty good match
(it's a Rupp A Bone Clone of sorts..
not too different than the AmEx [which itself is heavily based on a Rupp])

No no no, I'd love a Dingo 285 or 286. I'd just take the brush cover/roll cage off. I do not want the longer wheelbase Dingo 390 or anything wide enough for two people. Short and narrow is my goal.

 

[itsid]

the "original" Dingos 285, 286 and 288/289 for that matter
are all bigger than the amex
longer (see pic) and a bit wider too;

that's why I thought you ruled them out as well.

GPS has an AmEx clone for all I know (a to be welded kit IIRC)
they scaled it up just a notch to be a bit more comfortable for adults,
still smaller than the Dingo for all I know
OrangeKrate has one of those as well (he helped setting it up IIRC)
See here:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=33798

give them a call (gopowersports.com)
even if it's no longer listed,
maybe they can give you a hand.

I'll have my fingers crossed for you

'sid

PS Oh OrangeKrate has plenty of Clarks Cyclops (330, 440, 445, 446...etc)
hence the "as well"
just browse through his threads if you see some nice karts of similar size

 

[Bmr4Karts]

the "original" Dingos 285, 286 and 288/289 for that matter
are all bigger than the amex
longer (see pic) and a bit wider too;

that's why I thought you ruled them out as well.

GPS has an AmEx clone for all I know (a to be welded kit IIRC)
they scaled it up just a notch to be a bit more comfortable for adults,
still smaller than the Dingo for all I know
OrangeKrate has one of those as well (he helped setting it up IIRC)
See here:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=33798

give them a call (gopowersports.com)
even if it's no longer listed,
maybe they can give you a hand.

I'll have my fingers crossed for you

'sid

Hey itsid

There appears to be a lot of conflicting info about Dingos in older threads that are closed and can't be edited.

From scouring the internet for hours last night I can definitely say there are two sizes of Dingos.

The 285 and 286 share the same chassis as the AmEx with the addition of some mounts for the roll cage.

Then there is the larger 312, 390, etc that are definitely wider and longer.

The easiest way to tell what kind Dingo from a picture is to look at the steering wheel hoop. The 285 Dingo has the exact same hoop as the AmEx as well as springs on top of the spindles. The larger Dingo has a narrower hoop that has parallel vertical supports and no springs with the spindles.

See my attached pictures.

1st is Amex
2nd is Small Dingo
3rd is Large Dingo with Amex
4th is Large Dingo with easier to see steering hoop

Also, the pictures here where the manuals are located are kind of helpful. The older models are black and white though.

 

[Bmr4Karts]

Read the orange krate thread. The video says it's a GPS kit and the thread says it was cut 8-10 inches to make it shorter. The kit is still available, but it is up there in price and I'd still need to pay someone to well it after I cut it down.

 

[itsid]

sorry to correct you, but your second pic DOES NOT show a Dingo at all,
that is in fact an AmEx 225
(either a 225-12 or 225-14.. can't tell
https://americanlandmaster.com/pdfs/gokarts-minibikes/model-225/225_operatorsmanual_12-22.pdf

likely a -14 (large wheels.. the only difference between the two)

but I can't rule out that PO swapped the wheels at some point in time
here's the -14 manual (see? same sticker.. bit tougher to read though)
https://americanlandmaster.com/pdfs/gokarts-minibikes/model-225/225_operatorsmanual_14-24.pdf

the real dingo is a 28x (5,6,8 or 9 denote the hp of the motor installed)
and all share the same chassis longer and wider than the AmEx,
and if that's not what you want, then no Dingo for you it is then... since that's the smallest ones
(all following iterations are as big [single seater] or bigger [two seaters])


'sid

PS iWhen in doubt.. just compare the order number of the floor pan sticker (6104)
to the one of the undoubtedly correct first iteration of the AmEx (the pure 225)
https://americanlandmaster.com/pdfs/gokarts-minibikes/model-225/225_operatorsmanual_199410.pdf
.. see? still 6104.. all are American Express'

 

[Kartorbust]

$500 for the frame that's fully welded I believe. They use to have a not welded kit for a $100 or so cheaper. Either way, you would still need the seat, axle, tires, wheels, steering wheel, paint, etc. https://www.gopowersports.com/go-kart-kits/vintage-kart-frame-kits/

 

[Bmr4Karts]

sorry to correct you, but your second pic DOES NOT show a Dingo at all,
that is in fact an AmEx 225
(either a 225-12 or 225-14.. can't tell
https://americanlandmaster.com/pdfs/gokarts-minibikes/model-225/225_operatorsmanual_12-22.pdf

likely a -14 (large wheels.. the only difference between the two)

but I can't rule out that PO swapped the wheels at some point in time
here's the -14 manual (see? same sticker.. bit tougher to read though)
https://americanlandmaster.com/pdfs/gokarts-minibikes/model-225/225_operatorsmanual_14-24.pdf

the real dingo is a 28x (5,6,8 or 9 denote the hp of the motor installed)
and all share the same chassis longer and wider than the AmEx,
and if that's not what you want, then no Dingo for you it is then... since that's the smallest ones
(all following iterations are as big [single seater] or bigger [two seaters])


'sid

PS iWhen in doubt.. just compare the order number of the floor pan sticker (6104)
to the one of the undoubtedly correct first iteration of the AmEx (the pure 225)
https://americanlandmaster.com/pdfs/gokarts-minibikes/model-225/225_operatorsmanual_199410.pdf
.. see? still 6104.. all are American Express'

So there are three chassis among the 225, 285, and 390. (pics in that order)

How close are the wheelbases of the 225 and 285?

Also, why don't you think my 2nd pic was a Dingo 285? The pictures say 285-18.

 

[Bmr4Karts]

$500 for the frame that's fully welded I believe. They use to have a not welded kit for a $100 or so cheaper. Either way, you would still need the seat, axle, tires, wheels, steering wheel, paint, etc. https://www.gopowersports.com/go-kart-kits/vintage-kart-frame-kits/

That's what I have linked in my first post. It's a lot longer and is very expensive. Shipping add another $400.

 

[Bmr4Karts]

That Dingo 285 I posted was definitely a Dingo 285 and not an AmEx.

 

[bthompson224]

How about a Manco Interceptor?

 

[Bmr4Karts]

How about a Manco Interceptor?

I hate to sound so picky, but the rear end on the interceptor is way to unique. There's one for sale locally and I got real excited until I saw the drive sprocket combo unit. Replacing parts is almost impossible.

 

[Hellion]

...I still need help around what would be similar that isn't a Manco, just so I can widen my search pool.

We could throw out some other go kart names or model numbers but it wouldn’t help your search because 99% of them are just advertised as ‘go kart’.

Patience and persistence will pay off. If you’re searching the various online classifieds (CL, OfferUp, Letgo, Failbook Marketplace, etc etc), then your search terms are best denoted as thus:

Gocart
Go cart
Go-cart
Gokart
Go cart
Go-kart

If I could think of other names or terms I’d list them, but go kart (however way it is spelled) is a universal and embedded noun. Everyone knows what it is.

Ah yes, you can always misspell it. Go crat/go krat..

 

[itsid]

That Dingo 285 I posted was definitely a Dingo 285 and not an AmEx.

Indeed..

I couldn't see the front axle bracings ALL Dingos have,
that's why I was calling it an AmEx
(you need to admit it's hard to see, even with contrast increase)


And without it it's a small chassis, all large chassis have that bracing

But the core info stands..
All AmEx are smaller than ANY Dingo
(225 is smaller than 285/286/289)

that's the main reason for said bracing
And yes, I know it's missing in many Dingo exploded view drawings...
Still there though on the real kart!

[EDIT]
Wheelbase according to an old advert...
AmEx WB: 45" Overall Length: 60.5" (225 as well as 325 [AmEx II])
Dingo WB: 46" Overall Length: 68" (285 as well as 388)

'sid

 

[Hellion]

Those exploded view drawings are nearly worthless for identification as they were intended only for parts listings, thus they’re not truly accurate.

‘Bout darn time we created some side by side comparison photos of the 225 versus the 285, plus measurements, considering the cult status of these particular Mancos.

 

[Dingocat]

Have to compair mine now lol. Dingo and Am Express. Got both.

 

[Bmr4Karts]

We could throw out some other go kart names or model numbers but it wouldn’t help your search because 99% of them are just advertised as ‘go kart’.

Patience and persistence will pay off. If you’re searching the various online classifieds (CL, OfferUp, Letgo, Failbook Marketplace, etc etc), then your search terms are best denoted as thus:

Gocart
Go cart
Go-cart
Gokart
Go cart
Go-kart

If I could think of other names or terms I’d list them, but go kart (however way it is spelled) is a universal and embedded noun. Everyone knows what it is.

Ah yes, you can always misspell it. Go crat/go krat..

Ha, yeah. The misspellings have gotten me deals on ebay before. I'll have to try that with this as well. Thanks

---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:32 PM ----------

Have to compair mine now lol. Dingo and Am Express. Got both.

Please do so and if you can measure the wheelbases that would eb awesome.

---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 PM ----------

Those exploded view drawings are nearly worthless for identification as they were intended only for parts listings, thus they’re not truly accurate.

‘Bout darn time we created some side by side comparison photos of the 225 versus the 285, plus measurements, considering the cult status of these particular Mancos.

I'm an engineer through and through and love measurements and data in general, lol.

Also, once a 285 size Dingo gets street tires, it looks just like an Amex. Check out this Dingo, gotta be a 285. https://youtu.be/2hl-uZVDwck

---------- Post added at 09:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 PM ----------

Indeed..

I couldn't see the front axle bracings ALL Dingos have,
that's why I was calling it an AmEx
(you need to admit it's hard to see, even with contrast increase)
View attachment 107463

And without it it's a small chassis, all large chassis have that bracing

But the core info stands..
All AmEx are smaller than ANY Dingo
(225 is smaller than 285/286/289)

that's the main reason for said bracing
And yes, I know it's missing in many Dingo exploded view drawings...
Still there though on the real kart!

[EDIT]
Wheelbase according to an old advert...
AmEx WB: 45" Overall Length: 60.5" (225 as well as 325 [AmEx II])
Dingo WB: 46" Overall Length: 68" (285 as well as 388)

'sid

A 390 would have an even longer WB right?

I wonder if the extra length on the 285 comes from the brush guard.

Thanks again.