Manco AmEx question

[itsid]

Hi guys,

since my own kart is still 'on hold' for not really obvious reasns,
I got a question for you.

I've been offered a Manco AmEx, from the pictures it's in reasonable condition, and the price is acceptable (without going into much detail here)

it's almost to every detail identical to this ad:
http://allentown.craigslist.org/grd/4124097172.html

So what do you think?
Should I buy it? And have me drawn back quite an amount intended for my original kart (I have no idea when the guys are back in order again), just to have some fun while I wait
or
should I not get it?
And safe the money for my project kart - whenever that is going to happen?

'sid

 

[OzFab]

Well, it's no secret I like 'em but, seriously, how much is he offering it for?

The other thing to consider is how long do you want to wait before you drive a kart? If you wait until you have enough to build your kart & then get around to building it, that could be a while. On the other hand, when is the next time you'll get an offer like this?

IIWM, buy it (depending on other conditions) & you can be driving while your building your dream kart...

 

[itsid]

Well, it's no secret I like 'em but, seriously, how much is he offering it for?

The other thing to consider is how long do you want to wait before you drive a kart? If you wait until you have enough to build your kart & then get around to building it, that could be a while. On the other hand, when is the next time you'll get an offer like this?

IIWM, buy it (depending on other conditions) & you can be driving while your building your dream kart...

Well, it's about that kart up there, for about that price up there (around 300 give or take aka yet to be determined )

Waiting, well, I didn't wanted to wait a single day.
With the current weather conditions I'd say I will have to wait another five month no matter if I get it or not.

I managed to put away 1k for my project not incl. the parts I already have (engines, tc and some other stuff)
I think I should be able to build it with that amount of money;
the thing is I need more hands (and those fall short atm)

Also the AmEX is pretty narrow and I think (I don't know for sure) the wheelbase will fit;
would you mind letting me know for sure?
(chassis width, track and wheelbase)
So maybe it's just a perfect replacement for my home made frame *shrugs*

I'm unsure really if this is a good idea, but rear engine karts are rare in germany (that's the second I've seen that is somehow promising this whole year)
So the next time I will have an option like that... maybe march or april

*shrugs*
I really don't know

'sid

 

[thatsme]

I had a go kart with the Briggs and Stratton 5hp I loved it very similar to that one. it ran good had to clean the carb every once in a while but it was an awesome go kart. Until I accidently used it to climb a tree. I say get it you won't regret it, trust me.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Sid- For such a smart guy, I think you are missing an obvious solution here.

I don't see it as an either or proposition. Buy the kart and enjoy it while you work on the project kart with the balance of the money. When you get to the point you need more money-sell the kart.

 

[landuse]

I agree with poboy. Get it

 

[OzFab]

I don't see it as an either or proposition. Buy the kart and enjoy it while you work on the project kart with the balance of the money. When you get to the point you need more money-sell the kart.

My thinking was he can be saving more money as he builds...

rear engine karts are rare in germany (that's the second I've seen that is somehow promising this whole year)
So the next time I will have an option like that... maybe march or april

'sid

...& that's the whole point; when's the next time you'll see an AmEx? Which, IMO, makes it worth a whole lot more...

 

[itsid]

Oh well.. at least now I can say you talked me into it

I emailed the seller... let's see what happens next

I had a go kart with the Briggs and Stratton 5hp I loved it very similar to that one. it ran good had to clean the carb every once in a while but it was an awesome go kart. Until I accidently used it to climb a tree. I say get it you won't regret it, trust me.

Unfortunately I'm not sure it's a B&S at all I only have pictures from the left side of the kart showing the drivetrain...
Right now I'd say it's a Honda G50; we'll see.

But I don't care, since I have two perfectly new gx200 clones in my basement, so 'something' will get it moving.

Sid- For such a smart guy, I think you are missing an obvious solution here.
... When you get to the point you need more money-sell the kart.

I don't see me selling a kart *shrugs* I always wanted to repair watches and sell them afterwards, but now I have several beautiful watches I do not want to sell
I sometimes make one for a friend or my family as a gift, but selling is not going to happen, I keep 'em.
And I think that will happen to the kart too.

'sid

 

[OzFab]

Oh well.. at least now I can say you talked me into it

That was easy

I don't see me selling a kart *shrugs* I always wanted to repair watches and sell them afterwards, but now I have several beautiful watches I do not want to sell
I sometimes make one for a friend or my family as a gift, but selling is not going to happen, I keep 'em.
And I think that will happen to the kart too.

'sid

Since when is it a problem to have two karts?

Actually, there is one problem; you can't drive them both at once

 

[itsid]

Well it might be a problem because of "not enough room" you know..
But that's a problem for another day

'sid

 

[KartFab]

Oh well.. at least now I can say you talked me into it
But I don't care, since I have two perfectly new gx200 clones in my basement, so 'something' will get it moving.

you may have to modify where the motor sits as the gas tank may hit the seat if its a gx200 or clone (just a heads up no serious modifications need to happen)

 

[itsid]

Yupp, I've seen that happening because of a predator somewhere around here

So I'm aware; but for some fun the G50 on it is supposed to run (how well I'll have to see yet)

Wish me luck

'sid

 

[OzFab]

Best of luck to you Sid, hope you end up with it

...then I'll give you a bench race

 

[itsid]

Best of luck to you Sid, hope you end up with it

...then I'll give you a bench race

thank you

bench race.. hm that's not fair, slicks vs knobbys and GX160 vs G50(if it is a g50 *shrugs*)

We'll see how well it does hopefully.

'sid

 

[Poboy kartman]

Best of luck to you Sid, hope you end up with it

...then I'll give you a bench race

I'm good at that. Comes from all the training I got during my athletic years.

 

[OzFab]

bench race.. hm that's not fair.

'sid

I thought you'd say that...

 

[itsid]

I noticed some flaws on the AmEx (things I missed on the pictures earlier)
The brake pedal return system is a rubber band (looks like the inner tube of a bicycle)
The brake itself is a motorcycle frontbrake master with original lever mounted on the back.
And it looks like the rear rims have some serious dents...
I need to lower the price tag accordingly;
In this state, with it's current price tag, I'm not going to buy it,
since it's too far away to take a closer look at it in person, I have to rely on pictures only. A situation I'm not too happy with of course.

I'll keep you posted

'sid

 

[thatsme]

Unfortunately I'm not sure it's a B&S at all I only have pictures from the left side of the kart showing the drivetrain...
Right now I'd say it's a Honda G50; we'll see.

'sid

the body was similar almost the same. is what I was meaning.

 

[itsid]

Ah, I understand.
unfortunately the seller didn't replied to my last emails yet.
Maybe he found someone who was paying the asked price ...

*shrugs*

'sid

 

[grubby1962]

AmEx

if it runs for 300 yes get it ( I paid 125 for mine but it was a basket case) parts are easy and plentiful to obtain (got most of my stuff on e-bay) good luck!