My simple Brister build up

[Darren M]

Been lurking a while and using A LOT of the suggestions and tips/tricks I've found via the Search feature of this forum and just wanted to post up my build and say thanks to the MANY people who have inspired me to keep working on this go kart. Here's a few shots of the kart before I started working on it. (My kids have been instrumental in the motivation to keep on working. )

I got this kart as a $100 craigslist find with out an engine, clutch, etc.

Before any "real" work was done.

"Action" shot.

So.... I went back to C's List and found a Horrible Freight spin off engine that I traded for that had near 0 hours on it. (GREAT trade for a "hitch trailer" that we couldn't use anymore.)

Got the clutch and chain locally and with the help of some GREAT local guys was able to get the thing road ready with tires, a chain, and the throttle linkage.

Then, upon their suggestion, I started adding some tubing for over all support and safety. (In case we hit something head on.)

Down tubing connecting the roll cage, steering wheel support, and side (NASCAR) bars. (Gray paint to cover the bare metal.)
Yes my welding could use some improvement. That's one of the GREAT parts about this build up. Practice, practice, practice. For the record, the bolts on the roll cage are useless as I've welded the cage to the frame.

 

[Darren M]

Additional support will be added from the top "NASCAR" bar to the bottom. The "white" space shows where I'll be adding a few more down bars.

 

[Darren M]

The kart runs like a bat out of hell and does a GREAT job at just about everything EXCEPT stopping...... That band brake SUCKS!!!! So, my question to the forum is..... What to do next? I'm thinking solid axle with a manual disc brake setup. (I'd love a hydraulic setup but think that's over kill for this thing.)

Here's the area I have to work with. Fabrication is NOT an issue but I don't want to over engineer this thing or add too much weight. ANY suggestions, comments, etc are welcome.

(Oh, and for the record. That weird "tilt" of the roll cage is from the factory. Yes it bugs me but no I'm not going to try to correct it right now.)

And one more just for good measure.

THANKS!

 

[T-man]

Hey Darren, welcome to the club. I dont think hyd. brakes would be an over kill. In this video this guy talks about what / where he got his stuff for the rear that he is building. If you ask me I think he is a long winded weirdo.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Tmansgokarts#p/u/26/0dBbNuc71us


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[landuse]

Hi Darren. You have done a really good job with that kart. I agree with Tman about the hydraulic brake setup. Rather have a little bit of overkill. Your kart is also big enough to benefit from the extra stopping power. A mechanical brake caliper would also do the job.

 

[Darren M]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feed back. Tman, great video. The links are invaluable and the prices as BMI are really good! I'll be making an order w/ them soon. Now I just need to figure out how to rebuild the rear to add the solid axle. Do ya'll know of any good pictures of solid axle rears that show a similarly mounted engine? (Going to have to move that thing I'm afraid.)