Inspired by 8th grade shop class - in 1974!

[Stratogeezer]

Hey folks - well - this is one of those projects I wanted to do ever since 8th grade shop class - but never had the equipment or resources until now. I was also inspired by a lot of the videos of project carts and mini-bikes out on YouTube. I'm looking at this as a chance to get creative with a little metal fabrication and have some fun once I'm done. So - looking forward to sharing ideas and getting help from you experts! Rob from Norcross, GA - aka StratoGeezer

 

[nerfo]

Hi Rob! It sounds like you and I are in the same boat. I'm finally starting my first go kart project myself. I used to have one when I was a kid, but I've always wanted to build one! Good luck with your project!

 

[Stratogeezer]

Wow - and guess what - I'm originally from Madison, Wi too. I went to Van Hise school. Anyway - I just started to actually do some welding yesterday...and I have a lot of practicing to do there - that is for sure. Since I have this week off I'm going to see how far I can get. Best of luck with your project - post some pictures! Rob

 

[nerfo]

HA! Funnier yet, I lived in Valdosta, GA for over five years when I was stationed at Moody AFB when I was an Air Force mechanic! Hilarious! When my enlistment was up I moved back to WI though. I didn't like the middle east nearly as much as they liked sending me there. Yeah, I'm pretty excited, I just picked up my steel today! I really want the dang seat to show up before I go to town building this thing. I want to know how much space it's going to take up and where it's going to put my feet. Nice to be at least half comfortable on this thing!

About the only thing I've done so far is gut the governor out of the brand new honda clone and figure out the throttle linkage on the motor. I've put a couple pictures of that under the "project log" section of the forum... I'll definately post more as I take them though!

 

[Stratogeezer]

Cool - I'll check out your photos. I just cut and welded my first frame pieces yesterday. Here's what it looks like at the minute. I also bought a Honda clone engine - still sitting in the box. It's the 6.5 HP one that everyone seems to use. It's pretty cold down here (not compared to Wisconsin, but for us...it's like 20 degrees). So I did the work inside the garage with the door cracked about 2 feet open for ventilation. Hope you get a break in the weather and can get yours started soon!

 

[ed1380]

nice to see more atlanta peeps here ^_^

 

[nerfo]

Looks like a good start so far! Is the second, smaller section in the back going to be a swing arm type deal for a rear suspension setup?

 

[Stratogeezer]

Exactly - the rear piece will be a swing arm with suspension. I had to venture into the trailer aisle at Norther to find some connecting hardware that will work, which I customized a bit yesterday. Pictures forthcoming.

 

[nerfo]

I'm looking forward to your next photo update! I really like the idea of go karts with suspension, but I'm almost intimidated by the idea of designing and fabricating a suspension for one... even though it'd be so easy to correct mistakes on it. Maybe if I build a second one.