My First Beer case Scooter

[Cart Racer]

Hey guys

I recently stumbled upon the previous thread from Redneck on here about the beer case scooter, inspired by those crazy german engineers , and was wanting to build my own.

I'm completely new to this whole thing of construction, but have been researching as much as I can and I have decided I want to make my own. I looked at making a go-kart but I found that too scary at the moment, so wanted to make a beer case scooter.

Has anybody got any basic plans they would happily share with me? I'm not lazy, I'd just like to see what sort of materials/components you'd use as I myself have not much of a clue..

- Simon

 

[bighead]

Post some of the youtube vids of what your are leaning towards. I seen a bunch of different styles.

 

[robotmickey]

Here's what I made:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13523

 

[TeamCheap]

I'd like to make something like that but I'd just use the huge mailbox I got from work and some parts from an old small riding mower.Probably call it "express mail" or "go'n postal".


I think you could use almost the same stuff as a barstool racer although the kits are a bit expensive.
(this is a dual rear axle kit)

 

[r_chez_08]

What is your budget and what tools have you got available to you?
also electric or gas?
many go kart driveline components could be used.

 

[Cart Racer]

Hey guys

Thanks for all the replies, and I really appreciate that you don't criticise me as much as some other forums do to new people.

I was thinking along the lines of thisthe same as Redneck's project.

I''m hoping the specs can look like this:

- 4 wheels, RWD
- Gas engine, I thinking about one of these, but I don't know where I can buy it from in the UK.
- Minimalistic design like in the video

My budget is £150 - 180/ $230 - $280

And in the way of tools I'm pretty limited, my neighbour has a blowtorch and I have drills, and the common stuff but nothing fancy.

- Simon

 

[flowerman]

Im from the UK too. In terms of an engine you should have a look on ebay, look for a honda clone eg.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-5Hp-LT1...ltDomain_3&hash=item3cbcf43dfe#ht_1845wt_1165

Or go to a car boot and see what you can get, such as an old generator or a pressure washer. Ive used a couple of those and their great. It does not really matter whether you use a clone or a real honda.

You will be able to get a centrifugal clutch from Ebay as well as the other parts you may require.

 

[TeamCheap]

I think you can build something like that with minimal tools and do it safely.

I have a tiny riding mower rear axle and front steering axle that would fit the bill perfectly for something like that.

I dont think I'd go with a 6.5 but thats mostly because I'm older and dont tend to heal as fast.

I cant think of anything common around that hasnt been motorized yet by someone on the planet.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

such as an old generator or a pressure washer.

Beware of generators, pressure washers, and some other types of OPE. Many have tapered PTO shafts that will NOT fit a common pulley, clutch, or CVT without machining!

Also- regarding tools- do you have a welder or someone that can do it for you?

 

[r_chez_08]

Another from the UK! Welcome! Whereabouts you from?

I personally would not go with a 6.5hp clone because of size, and for you cost. Instead I would go for a small briggs or a 2 stroke. You can pick up a briggs of 5hp or less for under £50 on ebay, and genuine honda gx160's for a bit over £50. If you ised a honda or clone I would remove the gas tank and rework the exhaust and air filter to allow for more room. I have a 3hp in pieces I would send for little more than postage, but it would need machine work to allow it to run- not worth it.

I would use a simple centrifugal clutch and either #219 or #35 chain.
You can get clutches from ebay or here:
http://www.zoomkarts.com/
I have a used clutch with spare shoes, along with a sprocket and chain with fairly little use, #219 that I could sell to you for cheap, but the sprocket would probably be too large.

You can find small wheels from ride on lawnmowers on ebay. When looking for front wheels make sure that they are pneumatic, have bearings or good bushings, and are NOT designed for hand trucks/ dolly carts.
Rear wheels want either the ability to bolt on a sprocket for 1wd or a keyed hub for a live axle.

You can get axles and bearings from ebay as well if you want a live axle. You could use pillow blocks or flange mount bearings.

Have you got the beer crate? If so what are the dimensions?

Finally, since you do not have a welder, you may want to make everything bolt together, or if your neighbours torch is good enough, you ciuld have a go at gas welding.

 

[Cart Racer]

Hey

I spent today reading more about the basics needed for this project, and have a fairly working foundation now (hopefully ), but there are still a few things I'm unsure about. So far here is a first draft of the parts for this project:

- A 5.5Hp 4 stroke Honda clone petrol engine.
- A pre assembled 10.5" wheel with drive sprocket, hub and bearings. Also I've decided to go with single wheel drive as my main terrain will be on-road.

The pre assembled wheel is great, as it saves me buying separate parts and putting them together, but the problem is finding other 10.5" pneumatic wheels that are sold in the uk..

Also I'm pretty confused on steering and brakes, if someone could help me on that (what to buy/how it would work in this context) that would be great.

As for the beer crate I don't have one yet, but I'm hassling my local brewery as we speak .

Once again I'm really thankful for all your responses
- Simon

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Add a centrifugal clutch to your parts list.

 

[Cart Racer]

Hey guys

I know I didn't reply yesterday, I was busy out getting two of the beer crates from a local brewery who were exceedingly helpful and only charged me £5 for each crate (a little much, but I was desperate ).

I will be posting the dimensions for them and some initial plans later, I just didn't want you guys to think this was a dead end and I have abandoned it haha.

So check back around 8 tonight and you'll have some plans to feast upon

Simon

 

[used2jeep]

5 pounds? I hope they were full...

 

[r_chez_08]

Hey

I spent today reading more about the basics needed for this project, and have a fairly working foundation now (hopefully ), but there are still a few things I'm unsure about. So far here is a first draft of the parts for this project:

- A 5.5Hp 4 stroke Honda clone petrol engine.

What about a genuine?

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=280789245430&index=4&nav=SEARCH&nid=88943596246

You can usually get them cheaper than that if you wait for a few days.

As far as the wheels go, they will be ok, but shipping may be killer.

For steering, see here.
http://www.diygokarts.com/kart-plans/steering-plan-assembly.html

There is more steering info/plans at the bottom of that page.

You can use threaded bar for tie rods (i use 12mm on my kart, 10mm would probably be fine for you.)
You can use heim ball joints at the end. This allows for less slack.
You should incorperate camber, caster, king pin inclination, ackerman, and toe in/out in your steering design. If you need an explanation for any of the above, there is a lot of info on the forum if you search.