just finished kart #1

[cmmatthews]

When I got it the floorboard was rusted out, it had been painted about 6 different times (last time with a brush), rusty cables and dry rotted tires.....not bad for $25. Sandblasted the frame, replaced the front wheels/tires, replaced the brake shoe, cables, cut out the floorboard, repainted it cherry red and installed a diamond plate floorboard. The engine is a 4 hp Honda (came off of a water pump- I cut my own keyway thanks to the posts on this site!) with an extreme duty clutch. Runs pretty good. I think I did okay for my first go-kart restore. Final total just under $200. What do you think?

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

thats a pretty sexy kart, nice job. I'd like to see some before pics if you have them. The only thing is that the seat looks pretty uncomfy.

 

[Russ2251]

Looks really good.
I was gonna steal kart until I saw that ADT sign. :Angel_anim:

 

[cmmatthews]

yeah...

I need to make a seat for it....took it out for a spin (literally) in the school parking lot....man, if you don't have 'roids before you ride it....you will have them when you get done.....

I built it up for my 7 year old son.....he likes it- still has a little growing to do. I sat on the top of the seat hoop and steered while he worked the pedals-we looked like a circus act.

 

[cmmatthews]

the only Before pic I took...

I had a fiberglass body sitting on it.....




anyone in Houston or the area want to buy a fiberglass body cheap?

 

[r_chez_08]

sweet kart, looks like fun!!

 

[gocartkid]

Looks good!

 

[Russell ATV]

Looks good, but it would appear you are using the famous $5 Harbor Frieght wheels. The bearings in those are fairly sloppy, so you may want to replace them with this bearing http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/AZ8205.html?id=gMxXNgCN

Fits the hub perfectly, and you will be happy with them. The HF hub is solid, but you may also find the rubber a bit soft and will wear quickly, but most any 10" tire will fit it.

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

 

[cmmatthews]

yeah they are the HF wheels...

And yeah, they are wearing pretty bad...what do you expect for 10 bucks a pair? I will probably hunt down another set..

 

[jarcynvicnchris93]

very nice build, way to keep with the DIY theme of this forum..

 

[cmmatthews]

UPDATE...almost there...need some tech advice..

I installed a finishing panel on the back today-a) to cover up the axle so nobody gets their body parts in there. b) it looks cool. c) gives me a place to stand while i show my son how to drive it around the parking lot slowly.



I also made the seat-the diamond plate was unforgiving on my 34 year old butt. Just a piece of plywood, some left over vinyl and Hobby Lobby foam...30 minutes and VOILA!





Now for the tech advice:

I have a Honda GX120 (4hp) motor on it. The ON/OFF switch does not work. What is the best way to trouble shoot this? I need to make a kill switch up front so the driver and kill the engine when they want.....right now it is hop off and pull the spark plug wire (which is right beside the muffler-OUCH!).

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Remove the fan shroud, you will now be able to see the coil, there is a hookup for a wire on the coil or there will be a wire coming off of it, when this wire is grounded the coil stops working.

 

[ZnsaneRyder]

Looks good, but it would appear you are using the famous $5 Harbor Frieght wheels. The bearings in those are fairly sloppy, so you may want to replace them with this bearing http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/AZ8205.html?id=gMxXNgCN

Fits the hub perfectly, and you will be happy with them. The HF hub is solid, but you may also find the rubber a bit soft and will wear quickly, but most any 10" tire will fit it.

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

I agree with Russ on this! I replaced my old bearings with the AZ8205 bearings, and I'm STILL on the same ones! These bearings are not wearing out, and for $2.00 each, they are a great deal!

 

[cmmatthews]

how many do I need....

Looks good, but it would appear you are using the famous $5 Harbor Frieght wheels. The bearings in those are fairly sloppy, so you may want to replace them with this bearing http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/AZ8205.html?id=gMxXNgCN

Fits the hub perfectly, and you will be happy with them. The HF hub is solid, but you may also find the rubber a bit soft and will wear quickly, but most any 10" tire will fit it.

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

I am about to order a set for the front wheels..Do I need to buy 4 or do they come as pairs?

 

[Russell ATV]

You will need 4 for the 2 front wheels. This will also add life to the wheels, since they will not wobble or vibrate with these bearings.

Now, I know as soon as you get them, you might want to know how to get the old bearings out. The trick I use is to use a piece of pipe or rod slightly smaller than your axle, and slide it though one side of the bearing and cock it so that you you hit the race of the other bearing. Now, hit the pipe or rod with a hammer. Move the rod or shaft from one side to the other. This will wiggle it out.

When you get the old bearing out, and you have the new ones, you will understand the difference that a quality bearing makes.

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

 

[cmmatthews]

Russel Thanks.....

Kenny,

Also thanks for the help on the kill switch...turned out to be a bad switch....I just extended the wire to a toggle switch mounted on the panel under the steering wheel- Works like a champ!

 

[ZnsaneRyder]

NICE! Glad to read you got the kill switch working!

Got any pics of your other "kart", the 1987 Buick Grand National?

 

[cmmatthews]

I broke down and did it....

I ordered the replacement bearings.....what a difference! I also ordered up a set of slicks for the front wheels. They are only 9" tall....now the front end is an inch off the ground....definately not going to roll it. I will get some pics this weekend and post them up...I keep having to tighten the wheel nuts, so I will lock-tite them this weekend as well.


Oh, My GN is a perpetual project. Right now it is stripped down to bare metal for a complete resto....here is my cardomain site if you want to check it out:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2450626


with any luck will have the body work and paint done by August-September....if only Overhaulin' would "steal" it:rolleyes3: