My go kart project

[copperdog]

Here is my kart. Its my First one but that's OK. i am going to be running a 6.5 hp 212cc engine from harbor freight, with a torque converter. i ordered the wrong torque converter so i had to send that one back and the new one is coming. i currently have the shroud off the engine because i am remounting the kill switch. My gear ratio from the torque converter is going to be 6:1. the back tires are 16" carsidale tires that i got off craigslist for $30. the one needs a new schrader valve and i have the valve but i still need to get a tool to replace them. i need to order an axle but the funds are kinda low right now so that will be the end of that until payday kicks in. i need to re-drill bolt holes in the hubs because they are 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 and my hubs are 4x4 The hubs are reduced to 3/4 at the end so i need to drill out the bore. my welds donjt look pretty but a wire brush will remove all that flux stuff. here are the pics:

 

[OzFab]

Welcome, I assume you received my PM

You're off to a good start but, I have a few points/questions, if I may:

- Can you please explain what we're looking at in pic #2?
- Based on the welds in pic 2, I think you need a bit more practice...
- Can you please explain the setup of the rear of the kart; why is there an elevated framework?

 

[copperdog]

Pic 2 is of the pitman arms on the steering shart . I was at an awkward angle so I couldn't weld very well. what do you mean by elevated framework

here is a crude drawing

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/album.php?albumid=750&pictureid=4755

 

[OzFab]

what do you mean by elevated framework

The tubing that, I now know, the engine will sit upon; That will really mess up your centre of gravity, why is it so high?

Oh, please note the "Edit" button in the lower right of your posts

 

[2SlickNick]

The tubing that, I now know, the engine will sit upon; That will really mess up your centre of gravity, why is it so high?

Oh, please note the "Edit" button in the lower right of your posts

Looks like a recipe for tip over stew ( I know that was weird)

Sometimes making progress includes going back and fixing, before more progress in the wrong direction is made.

I suggest cut that tall mount off and make it flush or only a few inches above the main frame.

I have my mount I made about 4 inches off the main frame and that is because I used a 3" tall rectangle tube.

Your best bet is to absorb and apply the advice from these vets.


Maybe on your welds ( it is hard to tell from pic ) turn up heat, slow down on your travel speed, and have an auto darkening helmet.

Good luck I look forward to your progress.


EDIT:
I just noticed where your axle will sit. Maybe put that mount a couple inches above that.

 

[landuse]

Welcome!! I agree with what these guys are saying

 

[copperdog]

OK I think that's what I'll do. Thanks for your help with the project. I'll have to do a bit of cutting but I think your right that engine will be way too high. Thanks for the input

Edit http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/album.php?albumid=750
I don't know how low I can get the engine without the torque converter.

 

[OzFab]

The good news is you only need to make 6 cuts to lower the engine frame; cut it out in one single structure, ie: cut the cross bar out of the roll bar then cut the uprights away from the rear bar; then cut the uprights to the desired length & weld it all back in...

BTW: The weld in your pic looks good

In most cases, the rear axle is set below the frame (but, I get why yours is above) & the engine mount sits level with the frame; using that logic, your engine mount only need to be 4-5" above the frame...

One way or another, the TC will fit...

 

[copperdog]

Ok then. I'll cut that assemply out and wait for the tc(I really want it to fit right) but I got the kill switch in today!