MID XRS to 1940'S Dirt track car

[KCTA Chris]

Well here is my first post and the start of many questions...
As we were walking through a swap meet the boys spotted a 1/2 scale '25 Ford glass body and my boys went wild. My youngest "Chase" had seen these online and had previously asked about building a Kart front engine dragster which I shut down. But two boys with cash in hand needed to learn negotiation with the man and **** if we didn't drag it home on their dime. My older boy recently outgrew a Mid XRS and It sat with a few battle scars but pretty solid condition. My youngest has taken the majority of the lead and after he made some plans, the late ‘40 dirt track seems to be more adaptable to his driving needs around the property. For now were building a “pusher” type kart and transferring over the rear XRS to a new frame, but were allowing to do further front engine swap in the future.

 

[KCTA Chris]

The frame started with new 2”x3” rails that I tapered about 24” down the front and rounded the ends to look like a Model A ford frame. the back I boxed off and added tabs to mount the rear motor unit, mimicking a slight “channel” for body drop. This can always be modified down the road. The front is tricky, originally wanted to use a Shriner Kart cast “T” axle but lost out on ebay. Since were going dirt track I made a new front crossmember to adapt the XRS coil over front. It’s been narrowed and modified but retained the same geometry with a little lower stance and shortened travel that will ride better. With the pedals mocked up thought we were good but after trial and fit Chase wants to lay down so were on the way to an under hood mount plate that will give some movement as he grows.

 

[stromburg]

That is just flat out COOL!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KCTA Chris]

I'm trying to save the boys some cash so made some mods and reused the XRS cage, it will bold right in. I has some aluminum sheet so fabbed a hood, there will be fake exhaust pipe and air filter mounts so have not added the sides yet or trimmed the grill. I chipped in and helped him order two wire wheels for the front that should arrive next week.

 

[KCTA Chris]

The rear is a different matter. I don't know much about Go Karts and have seen adapters to 4 bolt wheels for the rear. Nothing I find works with the axle I have (cheap and splined rear wheels). I can make something but feel like there is an easy solution. I'm leaning to cutting the factory wheel to make an adaptable hub? Tractor Supply has some Hy-Run tires that look right with bias ply design on a 5 lug. I've been making the boys be very involved in cutting and welding, also teaching myself a lesson that everything at that age isnt tig welded and perfect tolerances and when to let go, lol. However hubs may be something that dad will have to make! Any one do wheel XRS swap? or ideas?

 

[KCTA Chris]

That is just flat out COOL!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! I'm learning.

 

[Tpdingo]

I think somebody deserves the coolest dad of the year award. That is one cool kart(and likely one excited kid!)

 

[bob58o]

Awesome build. I really dig it.
Just stopped by to throw a wrench in this thread. LOL

Copied from the rules....

Effective immediately, those entering the contest will start a build thread in this forum subcategory . To start your thread, you'll need to post a pic of your primary parts source(s), pile, donor machine(s) etc. In that picture, you need to have a sign that reads "DIYGK 2018 - Wrenches!"

You need to slap a sign on the build, snap a picture, and post it here.
For example...

 

[KCTA Chris]

Awesome build. I really dig it.
Just stopped by to throw a wrench in this thread. LOL

Copied from the rules....

Effective immediately, those entering the contest will start a build thread in this forum subcategory . To start your thread, you'll need to post a pic of your primary parts source(s), pile, donor machine(s) etc. In that picture, you need to have a sign that reads "DIYGK 2018 - Wrenches!"

You need to slap a sign on the build, snap a picture, and post it here.
For example...

Thanks! Yea it was my bad, I wanted to post under "Discussions" but had been looking at the cool stuff in the build off sections. I accidentally posted there but couldn't find a way to move it. robertdjung helped me out.

 

[landuse]

This is one cool build! Just keep in mind that those spoked wheels are not going to be the great at taking any side loads on them. If your steering geometry is bad and those front wheels start getting pushed, you might have them buckle on you. It probably won't happen, but just something to keep in mind

 

[KCTA Chris]

This is one cool build! Just keep in mind that those spoked wheels are not going to be the great at taking any side loads on them. If your steering geometry is bad and those front wheels start getting pushed, you might have them buckle on you. It probably won't happen, but just something to keep in mind

I worried about that too. of course the first time he hits a tree... lol

 

[KCTA Chris]

Well the front wheels arrived. Of course they didn't bolt on so had to modify the spindles. Thats ok as I wanted to add a little less camber to the front end. I was hoping for a little larger wheel and tire to hit the late 40's early 50's Dirt look. However we battled over a vintage drag look too. This works perfect. only change will be loosing the long side exhaust pipe and side air breathers to headers or zoomies. Happy either way.

 

[KCTA Chris]

Now for help... the power unit or rear assembly bolts direct from my kids older XRS. The current rear wheels are splined and bolt direct. We want to go with larger rear wheels and looking for options. I'm not familiar and don't know if there is a larger wheel that is a bolt on? I could use the existing rear wheels and modify to make a them work as a hub or I found a keyway shaft to 4 bolt hub pattern for sale, unfortunately purchase and modify either way. And of course once thats done I need to find a different gear set based on new tire height.

Looking for options and suggestions.

 

[KCTA Chris]

Didn't get any hub answered here so after a week of calling around I found Yerf Dog go kart shared the same axle and offers a 110 4 bolt hub. Purchased and found a set of trailer wheels/ tires to match.

While at it my 14 year old learned the pipe bender and I showed him how to make some zoomie headers. These are welded to a bracket so we can remove if we do the front engine swap next year.

 

[KCTA Chris]

wheels...

 

[Joe-405]

I like it. And has the coupe been to the okc street rod nationals I feel like I’ve seen it a few times before.

 

[KCTA Chris]

I like it. And has the coupe been to the okc street rod nationals I feel like I’ve seen it a few times before.

Ha! Yes it has and good eye. The boys kart project put the 30th anniversary drivetrain swap on hold for a month or two. Hope to be back on the road soon.

 

[Joe-405]

My dad has a pro street 1964 el Camino we take almost every year for the last few years. Maybe I’ll see you there again and say hi.