Manco Deuce, did I make the right deal???

[1happydude]

So after months of searching, I found a Manco Deuce that fit my budget. A guy from Newburgh NY posted a Manco Dingo on craigslist for $850. I clicked the list and noticed that it was a Deuce not a Dingo.

The pictures showed a near mint condition Deuce and I jumped on it. The guy said it has been in his garage for a while but was well maintained. The electric start works and the engine turns but we were unable to get it started. I honestly think one of the three kill switches or connections are loose.

I asked the guy if he would drop his price incase the cart needed a repair.

We agreed on $750 and I loaded it up.

I was blown away by its condition, I mean it was spotless. No rust or dents. Tires were new and massive. Brake light work and the kart has Forward, Neutral and Reverse.

So all in all, do you think I made a smart deal, or did I buy a kart that is expensive to maintain(and hard to find parts)?

 

[OzFab]

$750 sounds a bit steep to me but, it is in good condition (providing you can get it running)...

Pricing also varies depending on location &, I'm guessing, karts wouldn't be that popular at your end of the country so, it's probably not that bad a deal after all...

 

[1happydude]

Rare

I hope so too, the deuce is very rare in the north east. I havent seen one on craigslist in about a year.

 

[KartFab]

the deuce is very rare period. I have only seen pictures.

I would say that two potentially expensive parts would be:

1) differential - does it have one? I know that the later model dingos had them with a dual brake set up. Kind of hard to get it adjusted right.

2) engine, cant tell if it is a tecrapseh, or not but if you couldnt get it started, its probably a tecumseh. Theres always the predator 420cc if you cant get your tecumseh running right, but from what I remember, the tecumseh engines had the small block bolt pattern , even with the higher HP ratings so you might want to double check that before you decide to put a new engine on it.

 

[Mascman]

I think it's a good price and it looks in great condition.

I bought mine over 10 years ago and paid 1000.00.

I have put a Briggs Vanguard 20hp in it and the gearbox handles it fine. Running 23 and 25" Dirt devils.

I replaced the mechanical brakes with hydraulic street bike calipers and that was a major improvement.

It has been in places that it really should not have been and just climbs through it.

I will post pics when Photobucket's not being a pain!

 

[1happydude]

Ok, good. I was afraid I paid too much. I will be diagnosing the issue next weekend. Will post follow up when running.

 

[Mascman]

If it's all original, then it has a 10hp Tecumseh.

The Comet clutch is a 780 and the shaft is 1" so upgrading the engine is pretty easy.

It is either model 612-00 or 612-01...here is a link to download the manual with repair parts:
http://www.bmikarts.com/PDF/612_operatorsmanual_6120061201.pdf

After replacing my engine first with a used 16hp then with a new B&S Vanguard 20hp I upgraded my brakes. They wanted a crazy price just for the pads for the crappy mechanical brakes so I swapped in some calipers from a street bike and master cylinder from an old Chevy Vega...works great.

This thing has really surprised me with how capable it is...the tire and HP upgrade surely has helped.


The little one in this pic is now 20 and I have handed her this buggy and am building myself a single seater.

 

[1happydude]

Tha looks badass, thanks for the info.

 

[Sinbad001]

Deuces also came with 18ph Hondas.

 

[Mascman]

If I needed an engine right now, I'd try the Predator 22hp that Harbor Freight sells.

 

[1happydude]

Predator 670cc?

So I got the 12hp engine running but Its not the strongest. I wouldnt mind upgrading to a beefier motor.

Does anybody know if the transfer-case and clutch will handle the Predator 22hp 670cc? Otherwise am I stuck with the 420cc or lower?

 

[Johnnydangerous]

I just got a dingo ,,didnt realize such a big following ,,,but i do need any info i got twin to the dingo above but cant find info on years or anything ,,,need brake pad info etc ,,,,mines got doors dune buggy type coverings etc really cool

 

[Poboy kartman]

Johnny...start a new thread in the general discussion section and include pics...you'll get more help.