Metal Shop Kart Pair

[BaselessEarth12]

Here are the pics of the "shorty" column. The first one is the 4 parts used in it. From left to right in first picture: sleeve slug, column, column end, column base. The slug was just used to keep the column tube straight on the base during welding. The second pic is just the end cap for the column. Getting the fit on the base was rather difficult, and I was only burned about 4 quadrillion times! Things get hot when cut on a bandsaw then ground down without time to cool in between... As for the fit, the shaft fits beautifully, and the bolts fit VERY snugly in the base, which is good because there is no play in the finished product. First thing Monday morning, I am going to try to get a pic of the saw I used, the engine, and then what I need to do to mount it. Also, found out the size of the motor: 340cc. SO, the motor model family (Spirit) fits what I've called the project (Banshee) rather well!

 

[firemanjim]

Looking good.....

 

[BaselessEarth12]

So, a big question about my engine... Is it possible to convert it to an electric start with the stock starter motor from the E-Z-GO?

 

[OzFab]

Compatibility is the key...

Converting an engine to electric start isn't a simple matter of bolting on a starter motor, it needs to be mounted in the correct place & the flywheel then needs to be fitted with a compatible ring gear... & it doesn't stop there...

Once you have the starter fitted & functional, then you need a charging system to keep the battery charged so that the system works...

If the new engine wasn't designed with electric start, you may be fighting a losing battle...

 

[BaselessEarth12]

I was kindof thinking so... The starter motor acts as a generator, too, but the motor being a pull start from 1979 doesn't seem very likely that it would work. Although, without the starter, I don't even need a battery! The Spirit motor has quite the capacitor on it.

 

[BaselessEarth12]

Got the engine "fitted"! I'm using a space-age wooden alloy to hold it in place for the moment. The engine came with everything but the fuel pump, and the belt is just EVER SO SLIGHTLY too big diameter wise... Oh well, with tuning, that can be remedied! Just need to add a block to the lot, and raise it a little bit.

*16:34 (4:34 pm) Edit: I just need to raise it about 1/2", slide it back about 3/4", and to the right (towards camera) about 3/8". Only way to find out if the belt is tight enough is to get the fuel tank and oil reservoir installed, and then do a test run of the thing... Will have to rework the exhaust header a little bit, perhaps modify the carburetor mount a little (for better angle), and build a higher seat mount, but other than that she's mint! Oh, and still have to get the WRX seats... Assuming the car hasn't been burned yet, that is.

 

[BaselessEarth12]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand the Subee is no more...

 

[BaselessEarth12]

Well, I'm going to need a fan to keep this beast of a motor (relatively speaking) from over heating... So, I was thinking something along the lines of -

this: https://www.flex-a-lite.com/electri...ic-fans-for-01-05-chevrolet-truck-diesel.html

this: https://www.flex-a-lite.com/electri...12-1-8-inch-x-treme-s-blade-electric-fan.html

this: https://www.flex-a-lite.com/electri...ith-adjustable-thermostat-controller-281.html

this: https://www.flex-a-lite.com/electri...-syclone-s-blade-reversible-electric-fan.html

or this: https://www.flex-a-lite.com/electri...ic-fans-with-26-x-19-aluminum-shroud-766.html

No matter what I end up doing, I NEED a cooling system of some kind so I can run this "Free-Air" engine in the dead of summer.

 

[BaselessEarth12]

Got some different seats than originally planned (still Subaru, though!), and got a couple cooling fans as well (2 from a Subee Forester, and a twin unit from a Nissan). Not sure which I want to use, but either way, it GREATLY reduces build costs!

 

[BaselessEarth12]

Messed up on the motor mounts. Drilled and slotted the holes correctly, but in the wrong direction... Once the engine mount is done, I shall (hopefully) get the plumbing, wiring, and cables hooked up, then take 'er for a spin! I don't have the fans at the shop yet, but there's already about an inch of static snow on the ground, so overheating shouldn't be an issue.

 

[OzFab]

Drilled and slotted the holes correctly, but in the wrong direction...

 

[BaselessEarth12]

I should hopefully and theoretically have the main motor mount plate done this afternoon, then I will take some pics of it. I will also post some of the custom header/pipe build pics. Started with the butchered junkyard exhaust manifolds off an old Kholer engine, not sure what kind, and cut them flat so I can fabricate the rest of the pipe together. The stock Spirit muffler will be mounted way out back, keeping it out of the way, and away from the plastic fuel and oil reservoirs.

 

[BaselessEarth12]

Holes are drilled, but was unable to get any pictures of it due to unforeseen detail: no camera. I took it out while looking for something in my bag, and forgot to put it back! Might also be getting a pass thru GearWrench set. Found out how to correctly build the header, too.

 

[OzFab]

was unable to get any pictures of it due to unforeseen detail: no camera.

Yeah, that helps...

Is it getting cold where you are? You seem to be having a few more D'oh! moments than usual lately...

 

[BaselessEarth12]

It's rather cold... Temperature outside at the moment is a balmy 20°F.

 

[Poboy kartman]

It's rather cold... Temperature outside at the moment is a balmy 20°F.

WAIT!!!!! Isn't that swimsuit weather in Maine?

 

[BaselessEarth12]

Well, yes. But, wind-chill brings it down to about -13... At any rate, here are some pics of what I've gotten done!

From top left to bottom right:
1. The front end rebuilt with stock parts for engine testing
2. The future springs that I might be using for the front if I decide to use stock shocks
3. The miles of wiring that was pulled
4. The Kholer exhaust manifolds pulled off a junkyard engine
5. The "Broken" engine mount plate
6. New, correctly drilled holes
7. Slotting the new plate
8. The plate mounted on the engine
9. The guts of the accelerator pedal assembly at idle
10. At full throttle

 

[BaselessEarth12]

Just got the motor mount plate welded. I am going to get it cleaned up, grind the welds along the edges smooth, then hopefully get some pics of it uploaded today. Cannot get it out for a test drive yet, as it went from about 13°F to rain over night, and I still do not have the plumbing hooked up yet.

 

[BaselessEarth12]

I got the mounting plate done! I was unable to get a pic of it after it was installed because of time constraints (I'd've missed the bus if I did!). Next step is to get the mechanical cables in place, the fuel line, and run the ignition wires. I should be able to get a test drive in next week! Assuming of course that the parking lot's dry, and that the parts I need have arrived...

 

[firemanjim]

Looking good!