Need advice (vintage 1960 home-built kart)

[Thad Allton]

I have put new gaskets on a couple of vtwin Briggs and rebuilt the carbs. i can cut metal and stick metal. So I have some basic skills.

 

[Thad Allton]

Only surface rust. Everything is coming apart easily. I will work on the brakes. Wishbone front end is in good shape. This thing is built like a tank.

 

[Hellion]

Awesome that it’s coming apart well. The Zerk (grease) fittings seen on some of the moving parts certainly helped as there was no doubt a layer of old grease in there keeping moisture and corrosion out.

I really like the kart, even the “banana brakes”. We hear from 350lbs dudes on fun karts with only one brake and they’re wondering why it won’t stop very well. Your hand-me-down kart has two brakes at least. The underside and the wishbone thing reminds me of the bottom of a Model T.

 

[Thad Allton]

Yes the zerks certainly helped and they are all functioning.

 

[Denny]

That is a great kart that looks built tough enough to be passed down for a few generations.

 

[Hellion]

If you cannot find a “vintage” Briggs flatty or one that isn’t another mini project in itself, the exalted Hazard Fraught Rotaderp 212cc is going on sale June 1 for 109.99, the lowest (not THE lowest) it’s been in a while.

You’re going to need another engine anyway for the next project.

 

[Thad Allton]

Well if I had known I would have waited. I ended up buying one over the weekend. 20% off but not $109.99. I paid $120. Oh well.

 

[Hellion]

Well I have a HF thread in the Good Deals subforum, you have no excuse.
The solution to that is buy another at 109.99… Or take it back and wait

Did you unbox it and place it on the kart for fitment testing/see if bolt holes line up?

ALSO: Is it a Hemi or non-Hemi engine?

 

[Thad Allton]

That’s a good solution but I don’t think my wife will go for it. Yes I did unbox. It lines up with two holes I will have to drill a couple more holes. It’s a non hemi.

 

[Hellion]

How goes the refurb project? Any updates?

 

[Thad Allton]

Still going. Lots of other family stuff going on but making progress. Thanks for checking.

 

[Hellion]

Keep taking photos. This is one of the neatest karts we’ve seen in a long time.

 

[Thad Allton]

Finally got done with this project. Wish I could attach a video. Kids love it. Thanks to everyone that gave advice!

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Awesome.
Love the helmets and goggles.

 

[Denny]

Looks beautiful, kids love it, it’s a testament to how strong your dad built it, and you did a great job saving it for the next generation. What could be better?! Just think of all the memories you’re building now with them.

 

[Hellion]

Finally got done with this project. Wish I could attach a video. Kids love it. Thanks to everyone that gave advice!

Super nice! I am impressed with your skills as a refurb-man. It looks brand new and am equally surprised to see it has a reprise of the belt drive per the original. It looks effective. It looks like all 3 of those youngsters can ride at the same time.

Upload a video to youtube then link it here with the media button?
Because my next question was going to be how fast does it go?

Give us a short summary of how you did it.

 

[Grizzlymi]

Awesome job on the refurb! Last photo with the happy kids is priceless. The goggles and hats make it!

 

[Hellion]

That’s a good solution but I don’t think my wife will go for it...

(In reference to buying two Predator engines) Another engine, another kart. I know one kart brought back from the dead is super generous and you’re the super grandad now but how can they race if there’s only one kart?

Does the kart have a live axle (both wheels powered) or just a one wheel peel?

 

[Thad Allton]

Super nice! I am impressed with your skills as a refurb-man. It looks brand new and am equally surprised to see it has a reprise of the belt drive per the original. It looks effective. It looks like all 3 of those youngsters can ride at the same time.

Upload a video to youtube then link it here with the media button?
Because my next question was going to be how fast does it go?

Give us a short summary of how you did it.

Here is the YouTube link:

I hope this is how the link works.

I haven't tested it on a flat, paved surface yet, but it seems to be fairly fast when you give it the gas. Kids are fairly timid at this point. I don’t remember it being such a rough ride when I was a child; it does tend to rattle your brain.

I sanded it down and repainted it, and I also replaced all the bearings. I reworked the brakes. I had to rework the connection between the gas pedal and the engine. The original design was a push rod. Had to make it into a pull cable. Upholstered the seat. Rebuilt the engine mount. Put a kill switch by the steering wheel. New clutch, belt, and chain. I think that's about all.

 

[Thad Allton]

(In reference to buying two Predator engines) Another engine, another kart. I know one kart brought back from the dead is super generous and you’re the super grandad now but how can they race if there’s only one kart?

Does the kart have a live axle (both wheels powered) or just a one wheel peel?

Just one wheel. I am thinking about getting another Kart. Maybe one with a suspension. I'm sure the kids would like to race.