Indy Kart Restoration

[ckdc]

Hey Go Kart Gurus-

Got this Indy style Kart from a friend recently. I joined here 3 years ago when I thought I was gonna get this kart, but the deal stalled. Luckily he sold his house and the kart didn't make the move.

I plan on some minor engine upgrades, fix a few spots on the fiberglass body, and then use it as a pit vehicle for some club racing I do in the summer with NASA and other sportscar clubs.

As far as engine here's my list:

Billet Rod
Governor removal
Larger air filter
Port and Polish
clean up any eyebrow and inside leftovers
beefier springs
exhaust header
index the plug
add tach
any other freebie stuff you guys tell me to do

Frame:

sand down
weld check
weld new bottom sheet metal plate
primer
paint

Body:

Reinforce seat area
add seat padding
Clean up original rough cuts

Driveline:

new sprocket
new chain

Wheels Tires:

Repaint wheels
Buy 2nd set wider wheels tires

Brake:

Not sure if current setup is salvageable


So there ya go. Will be a slow project over the spring. Tried to get started on day one last night, but our first thunderstorm of spring stopped my progress.

First thing is trying to break the drive wheel free from a seized bearing. Lots of penetrating oil and patience.

Here are some pics!

 

[ckdc]

What is the best way to get these tires off so I can paint the wheels? And then remounting them- any suggestions?

 

[bighead]

I would just clean the wheels up. Aluminum looks better than paint on those wheels.

 

[ckdc]

ok- is there likely no current paint or protection on them now- just the aluminum alloy?

 

[The Mechtician]

They appear to be bare aluminum. Anodized or hard anodized aluminum appears greenish brown. As aluminum sits exposed to atmosphere, it forms a thin "skin" of oxidized aluminum that protects the alloy underneath. Once the oxide layer is formed, the aluminum is protected from further oxidation. You shouldn't need to paint aluminum, ever. It takes care of itself

 

[ckdc]

Cool..so a little cleaning, no sanding, maybe a little scrubbing but overall looks like I'm good. Thanks!

 

[bighead]

Get some polish and hand polish them. They will look new in about 15 min.

 

[chevy_cow]

mothers aluminum polish does wonders

 

[Hutch508]

Project completed?

Am interested in knowing how your project turned out!
J

 

[Kelly Wood]

Interesting to see the (kind of rare) hex-star / tab loc wheels on something like that. I'm wondering if they were stock to the kart.