Murray Explorer Rebuild

[Tonyuh60]

Found this cart on Craigslist for $150. The more I looked it over, the more problems I found. I am rebuilding this for my 12 year old son as a reward for his grades and earning his black belt in Taekwondo. I have until March 24th to finish the project to surprise him when I see him next. I originally had a budget of $750, but since I've already spent that on new parts, I see myself raising the budget to 1k. Anyhow, here is the day I brought it home.

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This is day 3 after I decided to refurb the entire Kart.



I put a 5k press on the rusted axle to get the rims off. Long story short, need to buy an axle, rims, brake disk, and sprocket. I ended up cutting the axle to try to get the rims in the press.



I'll finish media blasting the frame on Friday, and hope to prime and paint this weekend and hoping parts arrive to start putting it back together. Updates to follow.

 

[mckutzy]

I would have used a torch to heat the hubs, typically thatll let it move a bunch to free it loose. Still might need to any ways to remove the axle..

 

[Kentucky Boy]

It's hard to get all the components off once it's all rusted up.

---------- Post added at 08:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 PM ----------

Is that steering wheel metal or plastic?

 

[Tonyuh60]

I would have used a torch to heat the hubs, typically thatll let it move a bunch to free it loose. Still might need to any ways to remove the axle..

I tried with a torch, dead blow, 2lb hammer, and 5 ton press. Rim started bending on the edges. I figured I'd give it a try, just ordered all the rear components and a set of new rear tires. will need to measure once I get the wheels to see how long an axle I need. Question, after reading everything and with the clutch and sprocket I just bought, I know I need a #40 chain, is there a way to determine the length of chain required prior to putting the engine back in? Thanks

 

[mckutzy]

Might need to make a backing plate that presses against the hub itself instead of the rim.. That way it won't flex in the middle.

You ised an Acetylene torch not propane, right?

 

[Tonyuh60]

Finished stripping all the paint off of everything. Half the rivets were missing on the floor pan so finished drilling them out and going to borrow my neighbor's welder tomorrow to weld that in and finish priming tomorrow. Weather should to hold up this weekend so painting will hopefully be completed. Using the Rust-oleum Hammered paint and bed-liner.

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[Tonyuh60]

Got the floor pan welded in and coated it with bedliner material.

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wheels came in, put them on with new hubs and tires. and finished painting. Seat material came in today, so tomorrow going to try to start sewing and have the seats on by tomorrow as well as the roll cage.
Only 16 days left to get it done.

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[Kentucky Boy]

Lookin good

 

[Tonyuh60]

$10 wood, $22 Foam, $12 upholstery and A LOT of help from a friend and seat is installed.

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Got the roll cage on. Need to track down one more bolt then the hard stuff. I made a noob mistake by not taking a picture of the brake caliper prior to taking it off, so doing multiple fits to get it back on right.



One issue I'm having is routing the brake rods. I thing I need to add some sort of heavy duty spring near the caliper to make sure the pedal returns to the disengaged position. I've included a pic of how the brake rod attaches to another freewheeling bar in the rear which attached mechanically to the caliper. would the best solution to securing the brake bar on just to tack weld a washer on the end of the rod? or is there something I'm missing.



What is the easiest way to tell if an engine has an alternator. I have both a starter and a pull cord on my engine. I would like to put a battery on it and use the electric start if its set up for it. Thanks for any help.

Kentucky Boy, ever hit the Beech Bend up in BG? Want to take the Grand National up there.

 

[Tonyuh60]

Got the wheels, tires, brakes, axle, and sprocket in over the weekend. Finally have a roller.

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Had some extra material left over from the seat. Sewed some velcro on the edges and used it for wrapping the padding on the bars. 10 days left and counting.

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[Kentucky Boy]

For your brake rod I would drill a hole through it, apply a washer then a cotter pin. You could also use a push nut but the cotter pin is safer.

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Yep. Beech Bend is pretty cool for car shows and the Buick Grand Nationals.

 

[Tonyuh60]

Got everything bolted up today. Bought a tap an die set and threaded the rod the brake bar attached to. Need to weld the throttle bar and get that put on tomorrow. After some searches, I figured a clutch would not be advantageous so I ordered a torque converter yesterday. Will have to figure out how to put that on. Down to my last 6 days, not sure I'm going to be done next Saturday, but we'll see.

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[2SlickNick]

Great job!

 

[Bbqjoe]

It looks awesome.
Where the power plant?

 

[Mr. Spindle]

to the asylum fellow tennesean!!! I love Murray explorers!(but escpecially dingos)

 

[Tonyuh60]

Thanks. Power plant going in tomorrow. wanted to give it a quick tune up prior to putting it back on. I was reading the thread on removing the governor wondering if I need to go that route. Heavy kart, 8hp B&S, any thoughts?

There's a guy selling a dingo locally. I went and looked at it. In pretty rough shape with no drivetrain and he wants $300. Me not knowing anything about karting, it was a little more than what I wanted to pay for a partial Kart. I might build another similar kart so I can ride with my son, I'll just put the 13 hp on mine haha. We have to represent south central US Mr. Spindle.

 

[Kentucky Boy]

If the kart's for a younger kid I would leave the governor alone. The can pick up a lot of speed. My son is 13 and he gets plenty of speed in his Murray with stock 212.

 

[Tonyuh60]

If the kart's for a younger kid I would leave the governor alone. The can pick up a lot of speed. My son is 13 and he gets plenty of speed in his Murray with stock 212.

thanks for the info, my son is 12 so I will leave it on.

 

[Rail rider]

If the engine has a starter it has the magneto.... Add a 12 volt 8Ah gm battery and a few lights ... Harbor freight has 12v air horns too, just for fun...

 

[Tonyuh60]

Well one day prior to the reveal, and I was able to drive the kart down the street. I have a few glitches to work out, but I think my son is going to love it, especially not expecting anything like this. Thanks for the help and I've caught the bug, already looking for another. I think I will be adding a battery and lights. Mom may have an opinion about the horn, lol

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