My first go kart (HELP ME!)

[Hydrogen]

Okay I found a guy selling an old frame, sprocket and steering on gumtree. It looks a bit rusty but do you think it can work?
http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Car...-other-automobiles-Go-Kart-W0QQAdIdZ284430476

 

[Hydrogen]

Okay, the plans says that you must try to find a '98 - '02 Cavalier axle. Do you think it's this thing?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cava...Q5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_1618wt_1165

It kind of looks like the axle used in the plans. I'll try to upload an image of them. I would sure like to use this type of axle because it isn't fixed and can bend and swivel so you don't have a fixed straight axle that is in the way because it isn't far enough of the ground.

I also found out about that engine. It is tempered but the gay says that it has a socket that makes it straight so you can choose it according the appliance you buy it for. Think it'll work?

 

[landuse]

As long as the engine has an adapter that can make the tapered shaft straight and have a keyway, it should be fine. I would still make sure that whatever clutch I get will fit it.

The gumtree ad seems to be gone, so I couldn't see it, but pretty much all steering set ups will work

 

[landuse]

Have a look at this one

http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Car...s-for-sale-Brand-new-tyres-W0QQAdIdZ290520101

 

[landuse]

thanks again. All the help I can get is helpful. Why is the boss so unwanted? where did you buy it?

I needed a plate sprocket for this minibike I am making, and I wasn't able to get one with the tooth count and pitch that I needed. I therefor had to buy this one. I got it at a bearing place in town. Most bearing shops do chains and sprockets as well. This particular one cost me R77, but I got quotes from other places for like R180, so you have gotta shop around.

 

[Hydrogen]

Sorry was out of town for a while. I added a image of the plans. Does the axle look like the one on the site I gave earlier? Do you think that one will work? What are the chances of making this one a two seater without too much change?

 

[landuse]

I can't really tell too much from that image, but as for making it a 2 seater, you will probably have to change everything. The frame will be too narrow, so you will have to widen that. Your axel might not be long enough now for a wider kart. You could maybe lengthen it and have the passenger sit behind the driver.

I am sorry that I cannot help you any more, but I am not too clued up on the mechanics of karts. Some of the more experienced guys here will probably chip in

 

[landuse]

I have just been thinking abouth your build again, and I cant help thinking that the way you are going about it might turn out to be quite expensive. If it was me, I would look for something on Gumtree or Junkmail and go from there. I saw a few karts on Gumtree (search under buggy as well) that you could use as a base and then work on that.

Personally, I would like to see you do it from scratch, just to see someone build something, but you might have to weigh up the costs.

I am not trying to rain on your parade. I am just throwing ideas out there.

Have a look at these

http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-...e-Frame-Go-Kart-150cc-auto-W0QQAdIdZ291229882
http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-...cles-motorbikes-Dune-buggy-W0QQAdIdZ223436734
http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-...-motorbikes-Off-Road-Buggy-W0QQAdIdZ286827948

 

[Hydrogen]

thanks. Personally I will also like to do it from scratch and keep the prices low. I was just wondering about adding an extra seat but that must wait until my second build. I was just getting carried away a bit. Thanks for all your help and advice

 

[theo]

The Cavalier axle you need is the short side. You will also need the outside bearing housing.

To make it into a 2 seat, you will have to make it wider and extend the length, for the front suspension geometry. This will take a lot of planing to get correct.

If you are looking for a engine try and find a single cyl. motorcycle engine. This is much cheaper.

 

[kartingizm]

Hi there Hydrogen, welcome to the forums. Its good to see someone else here from SA. Where in SA you from?

There aren't too many plaves here where you can get go kart parts, but i have found 2. The first one Grogro Industries sells centrifugal clutches and torque converters for go karts. The second one, Checkmate Products sells all things to do with go karts. They also manufacture them.

Unfortunately everything here is crazy expensive, cos it is all imported from America. If you have some way to buy direct from there and have it shipped here for cheaper, go for it. Customs might be a pain in the a$$ though, i'm not sure.

Let me know if you need any more info about where to get stuff.

EDIT: I just called Grogro, and they don't really have stock of anything at the moment. They are going to be placing a new order for more stock soon though. I am not sure if they will be able to get comet TC's though, as there is a shortage since they closed. The guy says that the people that took them over have started production again of the old units.

Prices: TAV2 - R3000-00 ($444)
Comet 40 series - R4000 ($597)
Comet 700/800 Series - R6000 ($895)

Pretty expensive!!!!! He said he did have one or two secondhand units though. He only had the drivens for the 40 Series. They cost R2000 and the belts are about R500

thats expensive here in america there $200

 

[Hydrogen]

The Cavalier axle you need is the short side. You will also need the outside bearing housing.

So do I need one or two of the short sides?

 

[theo]

2 short sides.

you will also need 2 of these.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/1-Front-Wheel-Be...Accessories&hash=item588e68a709#ht_3833wt_892

 

[landuse]

Man....this thing is going to cost you some money.