jackshaft question ?

[mark ginn]

Hello all, After a few months searching for a nice Suzuki 160 for my kart - (fiberglass body) build, I finally found a good doner. I wanted a 5 speed with electric start. However after setting in the engine I find that I will need to add a jackshaft because of limited space. The Suzuki is chain driven by a 520 size chain but most gear sprocket combinations are 35, 40, 41 chain size. Can I use the 520 chain for the drive gear / jackshaft drive and 41 chain for the jackshaft / axle drive. Ill try to add pictures to help you understand what I'm doing. Thanks

 

[qtband]

You can certainly put a 520 pitch sprocket on one side of the jack shaft and a different size on the other. A 520 pitch is the same as a 50 pitch. You can get a finished bore sprocket at Mcmaster.com.

BTW... where did you get that awesome body?

 

[mark ginn]

Thanks for the info. Ill set it up that way since I have all the sprockets and chain I need from the quad.
I picked this up in Tenn. about 100 miles east of Nashville. This guy makes these bodies himself, not perfect but very strong. I did a 40 Ford coupe about a year ago and kinda got hooked. It has a Honda 200, electric start, headlights, taillights, horn, etc. I have restored and built street rods for years but found building these are just as rewarding and takes lot less time. Thanks again.

 

[firemanjim]

I got one of those! I bought the mold to make more of them too. Mine has the running boards and an opening trunk lid.
What size tires are you going with? I have room for 18's in the back, and im gonna use some 15-16" tires up front. I would have already put one together but I'm always working. And I have reservations about some aspects of the build. I have plans for mine (my line of '32 "karts") ,once I get into production. I hate talking to lawyers about this stuff. They drag their feet because they get paid by the hour.....

 

[qtband]

How much does a body like that run?

 

[firemanjim]

If you're asking me, I have not figured out the cost for just a body. I know about what it costs me in materials. I'm not sure if I'm even gonna sell bodies alone. It's easier to tie the cost of the body, into a whole kart. Besides, that brings in more $$$$

 

[mark ginn]

As I said earlier, I got the boby from a gentleman in Tenn. I paid $150 for the body BUT there were some imperfections in the fiberglass. I'm a half *** body man so this did not concern me. A little filler and a few days work and it will be ready for paint. firemanjim, your body looks to be a little longer and wider than mine which is a good thing because im running out of room to set my fat ***. Mine is 7 foot long. The frame is done with 1 1/2 " squire tubing. It has a golf cart front axle with 10" 4 lug golf cart wheels front and back. Being open in the rear is very convient, and looks to have plunty of open room to set in. Mine will all be self contained with electric start, headlights taillights, dash with all the switches and knobs just like a model A Ford. The plan is to install a 160 cc Suzuki 5 speed engine from a quadrunner. This will not be a small child ride. I will try to post pictures this week sometime. I too have the same problem you have, working everyday.

 

[firemanjim]

Mine has a working trunk lid...... It's not just a big old hole back there.....

 

[JMINDY]

Hello Mark, I grew up in a street rod family. Been building/selling my own builds for a while now, current build is a 47 Cadillac - 2 door fastback. I've alway liked the 32's. At one point I and 7 of my family members all had different models of 32's...panel delivery, sedan, vicky, roaster, phaeton, pickup truck, and a 3 (mine) & 5 window coupe.

I've seen a lot of the "32 Golf Cart" conversion, but not much in the go karts. That 37 kart would make a great way to cruise the Nationals fairgrounds!

I just started getting into karts. Currently building one that mimics a sprint race car.

Cool Karts, keep us posted on your progress...

Mine has a working trunk lid...... It's not just a big old hole back there.....

Jim, I think he understands the trunk lid, was referring to having access to the engine compartment.

 

[firemanjim]

 

[mark ginn]

hay jmindy, 47 Caddy.... Believe this or not but I'm going to check out a 50 Cadillac next week with a buddy. I have owned just 2 model A's, a roadster that I finished and a 4 door sedan that I had to sell. The 40 Ford go-kart was not an easy build, not much room inside. But it turned out real good. Just fast enough for the grand kids without them trying to kill themselves. I thought the Model A would be a piece of cake, WRONG. The engine that I'm using takes up much of the rear space, taking away from the sit in area. But as I said this is not a child toy. Ill add some pics of what I have so far. Hope to get this done before cold weather.

 

[mark ginn]

Model A Kart build





Trying to add a few pictures:

 

[firemanjim]

I like the way you did the exhaust. Is that gonna end up being functional?

 

[JMINDY]

50 Cad is nice also, just make sure it is all there as sourcing parts/trim are hard to find on the early caddys. You can see my Cad in the background... Chassis is finished with a Jag front & rear suspension.

40 Ford? The one above... I was guessing 37, couldn't see the front. My father built/sold a had a 40 sedan delivery. Nice car, went to Cali.

I'm digg'n the roaster! Love the attitude of it. It's going to be nice... These karts would look cool as an old gasser, straight axle, nose high, slicks on back. Lol

 

[mark ginn]

That 47 looks nice. Very rare. Can't remember when I last seen one. I found a 50 Ford 2 door when I was younger. Come with body, frame & 50 boxes of parts. None of which went with the car. I'm exaggerating but I learned a lesson. I'm doing a 36 Chevy 2 door standard now. Mild street rod.
Only seen the 50 in pictures, looks mostly there, but VERY rough.
firemanjim, The duel side mount exhaust will be functional. Not sure what this may sound like since there will be no muffler. Working on the brakes now. Its hydraulic with a 6" rotor. I hope 6" will work, its all I've got room for.

 

[JMINDY]

Come with body, frame & 50 boxes of parts. None of which went with the car. I'm exaggerating...

You just described my Cadillac... Pervious owner had the car scattered in 3 locations!

You should do a build thread on your kart, it's going to be a good looking and well finished quality build! We would like to see it's progress.