Keegan's Kiddie Kart

[Keegan]

Been lurking for a little while trying to put together the knowledge for a kart build of my own. I've decided to begin building a 2 seat kart for my boys. They're just little guys (aged 4 and 1.5) so it will be sized for the 4 year old to operate it. I'll build in some room for growth until he's old enough to drive the Rupp kart I've been saving since I was a kid.

Hopefully it will be a capable off-road kart, that won't go too fast (maybe 15mph max) at first. I'd like it to be able to run year round here in MN, so it will have to handle some snow.

I'm thinking front suspension, with hardtail live rear axle.

Took the 4 year old to the steel yard this morning to get some tubing. Went to HF and picked up the 212cc Predator for $110 and got the 2 yr warranty for $20. I also bought a kart on CL last week for $100 that I'll be using for parts.

I'll try to update this log as I progress.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Great! We look forward to your progress! Tell us about the "donor" kart...

 

[wheels]

yeah, i look forward to seeing the build.

 

[Keegan]

Donor Kart

Here's the CL kart. I'll be using the rear wheels/tires, axle, front wheels and maybe more. The seat is on sliders that I might use as well. I figure I'm money ahead...a little anyway.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Interesting! If those rear tires are as large as they seem, you will either need a jackshaft for compound gear reduction, or a CVT. Given that it's for the kids, I'd gear it way low, 10:1 or better.

 

[Keegan]

Good call on the gearing, I'm planning on a jackshaft.

Here's the pile of parts I ripped off the donor. The rear tires are 18X9.5-8. One of the wheel studs was cross threaded and I had to break it to get it off. The drum brake was messed up as well, so I ended up cutting it in half to get it off the axle. I'll upgrade to a disc as they don't seem terribly expensive.

The donor went back on CL. Maybe someone out there want's a winter project.

 

[Keegan]

Also took delivery of the new front tires. These are Carlisle "Knobby" tires in 145/70-6 size. Should be just about 14.5" tall when mounted. Got them for $19.33 each, so the price was right.

 

[Keegan]

more parts arrive.

got some more parts this week. Jack shaft kit with some additional gears to dial in the desired top speed, also some tubes for the front tires and a new rear axle.

 

[bighead]

Saweeet. Love working with all new parts.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Looking forward to the project, did you sell the modified Yerf-Dog that you scrapped out? Just curious.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

the jackshaft kit you pictured has the worst bearings ever. i know because mine blew up in 20 feet.

get 2 pillow block bearings instead.

 

[Keegan]

Looking forward to the project, did you sell the modified Yerf-Dog that you scrapped out? Just curious.

Yup, the donor kart is gone. I love craigslist.

 

[Keegan]

I started working on the seat frame. It will hold 2 car seats. The frame is mostly welded and I cut the pan for the seat. I punched holes around the perimeter for the plug welds and marked out where I will roll some beads for strength. I'm thinking of mounting it on tracks to adjust for different drivers.

 

[Keegan]

Got the seat pan welded in. Both seats fit like a glove.

 

[Sentrek]

Diggin the car seat idea.. You are going to put a roll bar or cage on this cart I assume?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Haha! When you say, "car seats", you ain't kidding! Seat frame looks well-built. I like it! Just a quick note for anyone with a doodlebug, those front tires are an exact size match for the stock DB tires. For any interested members, would you mind telling us where you got them? Thanks.
x2 on the cage, must be done if those harness straps are to be used.

 

[Keegan]

I got the tires from one of my parts distributors. I would check with some local tire shops as they most likely have access to the same product lines that I do. If someone wants, I could also sell them. But then we'd have the cost of shipping to deal with.

I'll probably do a roll bar for now. With the low speeds and mild terrain, I don't feel a full cage is necessary...yet.

 

[chubbs]

I use the predator 212cc on all my carts they average 50mph and I recommend them to everyone.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I use the predator 212cc on all my carts they average 50mph and I recommend them to everyone.

Really? We'd like to examine your setup! (But start another thread for it).

 

[Keegan]

Was able to get some more done today. I'm planning 3 build parts. The cockpit, front end and rear. There's a sketch-up of the cockpit design.