Manco Dominator solid axle project

[Herky]

Well, I picked up a Manco Dominator frame today, with 3 wheels (one missing) and no engine.

I have a 6.5 clone already that I'd like to put on it...

Anyone ever put a normal rear axle on one of these type of karts? I'd like to re- do it so the motor drives the axle, which of course drives the two rear wheels (granted, with no diff...like posi traction on a Ford!) (currently it is a 'one wheelie peelie' style drive)

I'll have access to a welder, but some ideas would be great!

Also, I'd like to put smaller wheels and slick tires on it, which would help lower it to the ground. anyone done this?

It was $40 so i couldn't pass it up for a project kart!!

thanks!!

 

[machinist@large]

Sounds like a great score!! Also sounds like you have some great ideas: I'm pretty certain that we have people here who can give you some good advise. Welcome to the forums!!!!!

 

[Herky]

Finally back on my project...
ordered a bearing block kit, now looking for a 44" axle, another rear 6" wheel, and trying to figure out whether or not I'll need to relocate the engine (towards center of frame more).

Any suggestions on where to find cheap tubing scraps (to fab some bearing block mounts)?

A cut up bicycle frame would prob work pretty well, but my 7 year old started crying when I told him that his bike's days were numbered!!

 

[Herky]

Anyone have thoughts on reusing the band brake? I know I can get a disc/hydraulic setup for 40-50 bucks, but I'm trying to put minimal amount of new material into this project.

 

[qtband]

Band brakes will work fine as long as you set them up correctly. No reason to move the engine, unless you want to. Are you keeping it a two seater? Throw some pictures up & give us a look!

 

[Herky]

Just got the bearing blocks in the mail today...want to order a 44" live axle tonight...looks like about $50 is as cheap as they come..suggestions??

here's pics!

 

[r_chez_08]

Dunno what diamete you need, but you can get a 45" x1" diam. one for $25
http://www.bmikarts.com/item/1-Live-Axle-4000-717

They also have a 39 3/8" one for $15.

 

[Herky]

wow-that's pretty decent price...

I stopped at Northern Tools today and picked up an Azuza 1" axle...However, I realized when I got it home that my only rear wheel won't bolt on!

I was hoping the stock Dominator wheel woulld key onto the new axle, but there is no keyway on the 3/4 stepdown!

Any suggestions about using different wheels for the rear with this axle? Pref something cheap, yet the same size as the two 6 " front wheels...

I'm curious as to how to hard mount wheels onto the threaded portion without a keyway? is there a friction washer that goes on the back of a wheel??

 

[r_chez_08]

Pics? You ma be able to buy new hubs for your wheels.
If not, surpluscenter.com are good,

 

[Herky]

of course this one is nice and bare, and the one I have has a quarter inch of **** paint on it like the other guys who got this axle...but here is what I have now...want to get something cheap that matches my front 6" wheels...
anyone have a simple solution to this?

1" axle, 3/4" step down, 2" long of threaded ends.

 

[Herky]

OK, finally got down and dirty on the Kart tonight!!!

took a break to buy a welder, then had to wire my garage for 240v...and added an extra 20 amp circuit while I was in there .

Sooo...still don't know what to do with the wheels for the Azuza axle...but I cut the old dead axles off and bent the one side flat again, and re-welded it. (see my nice weld )

 

[Herky]

It will be really simple to add the bearing blocks to the frame as is...but it will add about 3" of lift in the back so it will now be jacked up a little in the rear. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Also, I bought some cheap bearings and blocks off Flea Bay, and I noticed that when I bolted the bearing into them, they still flop around in the two cassettes...is this normal, or did I miss something? Seems too sloppy to be correct.

I'm anxious to tack the blocks on now! Getting more confident with the Hobart welder...still need a gas bottle though...just got impatient and started with the flux core stuff lol!

 

[Herky]

pics

pics

 

[Herky]

oh, these pics are all upside down (I mean the Kart frame is inverted for ease of working on it)

 

[Herky]

OK, lots to report...been very busy on my kart and lots of practice welding!!

I used chemical stripper to take the darn paint off of my Northern Tools axle, and it worked really well. Nasty stuff...I would hate to see the kids get ahold of it.

I also figured out the bearing blocks. For being so cheap, they area really clever! I discovered that you sandwich the bearing in the cassette FIRST, then pick one side of the block to mount it on. AND, they rotate in the sandwich to align straight!! Really impressed!!

 

[Herky]

OK, lots to report...been very busy on my kart and lots of practice welding!!

I used chemical stripper to take the darn paint off of my Northern Tools axle, and it worked really well. Nasty stuff...I would hate to see the kids get ahold of it.

I also figured out the bearing blocks. For being so cheap, they area really clever! I discovered that you sandwich the bearing in the cassette FIRST, then pick one side of the block to mount it on. AND, they rotate in the sandwich to align straight!! Really impressed!!

 

[Herky]

axle pics

 

[Herky]

I plan on putting a support in between the upper frames and the lower frame where the new bearing flange is.

I think I could fit about an 11 1/2 inch sprocket on the axle...it would simplify the mounting. However, I could move the motor over towards the center and rig up a jackshaft setup...any ideas?

 

[B man]

axle pics

Id and some supports in. like between the sub frame and the main frame.

 

[bighead]

gussets like this. Or this is what I did to mine. Just seemed like the right thing to do. I know your is not the same. But gives you an idea on how to beef it up some.

Gussets are the things you see welded into the corners on my engine mount.