My Zero Cost Build

[FishAholic929]

Ok, so I'm guessing this thread is going to be ongoing for a long time. But since I acquired my first part today I figured I'd start it. Donor motor is coming from an old Garden Way Tomahawk Shredder/Chipper. I'm not sure how long it has been since it was run, but the engine turns over nicely. I have decided to set some goals for myself here. First I can spend absolutely nothing on building this cart. I have to get all the materials from scavenging off of other stuff that I must acquire for free. I know it can be done. I have all the tools, welder, cutoff wheels, angle grinders, full range of pneumatic tools, reciprocating saw and a garage to work in. So my hunt is on, I am checking craigslist everyday and watching the streets as I drive by on trash day (you never know when someone is going to throw away some good metal) With all this being said, it's going to take me quite some time to build this, but it should be fun, low cost and I guess you could say green (as green as an old B&S 8HP can actually be ) since I'm recycling materials.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Very nice engine, will be great for you. Building on a zero budget? Almost. Leave a little wiggle room for stuff you can't scavenge, like a carb rebuild kit, for example. At any rate, you certainly can do it for near zero, with enough patience and ingenuity. Good luck, I look forward to seeing what you create!

 

[FishAholic929]

Ok, so I am picking up additional stuff for my zero cost build tomorrow. I have a buddy who is moving from VA to CA and is clearing out a bunch of stuff. Included in that is a 15 year old Riding mower. I'm not sure about anything other than the tires from it, but I'm sure I can scavenge quite a bit from it. Also he has an Aluminum Racing Seat (not sure about the brand) and an 8 Gallon Fuel cell (off an old boat). I'm sure he also has a bunch of scrap metal in his garage that will get me well on my way to really starting this build. I will get some pictures of the newest donations tomorrow after I pick it all up.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Hey, great! Glad you're getting some useful goodies. I tore apart an old lawn tractor for my kids' kart, and managed to use:
*Front and Rear wheels and tires
*Front axle beam, spindles and knuckles
*Steering wheel, column, and rack and pinion assembly
*Rear axle, including sprocket and differential

As you can see, that's a lot of cost savings. Good luck!

 

[porsche930dude]

yup all the important pieces can be found on a rear engined riding mower like toystory said. The only thing i doubt youll find for free is a 1" clutch. But you can always fix up and sell something you found for free to recoup the cost. Great engine by the way!

 

[Bluethunder3320]

couldnt you use the mower chassis? and modify it of course...

 

[FishAholic929]

I am considering that! once I get it home tomorrow I will look it over and see what I can use. I have not seen this thing yet so it could be a huge rusted out POS

 

[metalthrashinman]

Are those your twins?

 

[FishAholic929]

Yup, sure are Born 3/30/10. Can't wait until they are old enough to start really getting into stuff.

 

[metalthrashinman]

Wow. Umm... Be careful what you wish for. I promise you that they will get into EVERYTHING whether you want them to or not!!!! Having 3 kids myself, I cannot even imagine twins. Best of luck -- you will need it. Being a parent can be the most rewarding thing in the world -- and can be equally as frustating. Anyway, congrats on your new family edition.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT BECAUSE THEY GROW UP FAST!!!!

Building them a kart already, you sound like a fantastic father.

 

[FishAholic929]

Thanks! And trust me, I know. I also have two girls, 12 and 14, I can't believe I have a daughter in High School.

 

[redsox985]

You could build a belt tensioner system to avoid the hassle of a clutch for free. Or go advanced and make it multispeed tensioner.

 

[metalthrashinman]

Thanks! And trust me, I know. I also have two girls, 12 and 14, I can't believe I have a daughter in High School.

Ahhh-- so you do know!

Mine are 13, 11, and 4. Sounds like we're kinda in the same boat (except for the twin thing...). Good luck to both of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[FishAholic929]

Ok, so I went and picked everything up this morning. Here is what I came home with

 

[FishAholic929]

and a couple more pics

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Wow, what a monster! Too bad it's a vertical shaft engine... I'm sure you'll waste little time tearing it down to see what's useable.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

i say tear off that crap used for mowing and just modify the tranny, it would be beast. you could weld a roll cage too!

 

[r97]

put in that seat!

 

[Bluethunder3320]

18.5hp= one hell of a go kart

 

[old pat]

have a 11 horse hf motor 1 inch out put paid 100 for it and old2002 carter talon i think
motor is gone with rev and back end of cvt drive end is missing any suggestions the frame is in good shape im 62 and can fabricate just about everthing but just not very good with engines