Need some tips/advice

[HellSpawn]

18hp B&S IC buggy build.

New guy here I guess, Looking for some tips & advice on building a decent off-road buggy/kart.

I've been using Google Sketchup to throw down a rough design, I am unsure of how well this thing would hold up if I decided to stick to it.

I'm intending on using a 18hp B&S IC powerplant (perhaps an upgrade to a much larger bike motor later on) and I want to know if this frame will support a decent amount of torque & abuse.

I've built my fair share of flat frame zero support karts, but I am ready to head into the big leagues.

 

[solomon]

It would probably hold, but if u "triangle" brace it everywhere, it would defiantly be stronger.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Super weak design, as said before, it would be great with triangles everywhere.

 

[HellSpawn]

Alright, I'll definitely take note of that for design.

I have a couple questions about steering setups.

#1. With a full independant front end, would I need some kind of telescoping steering linkage? or just something that pivots.

#2. A wider steering setup, all of my previous carts have had really short/tight steering. Any ideas on this? (I thought maybe a rack assembly would give me a lot wider range of steering, but I have no idea where I would find something small enough.)

Thanks.

 

[HellSpawn]

Also need some advice on the type of steel I should be using, I previously was suggested to use 1"x1/8 square/round tubing. I am not sure how strong that will be however.

 

[modelengineer]

You can shorten the rack from a Mk.I or Mk.2 Escort or an original Mini down to about 8" long. Might be a bit hard to find wherever you are, but it worked great in my sidewinder.

 

[HellSpawn]

Anyone got some good techniques/tips for notching/fitting round tubing together?

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Tubing notcher...I made a little jig in my drill press with a hole saw and pipe vice, works ok. Need very low rpm.

 

[HellSpawn]

Project is coming along very nicely, got a majority of my tubing cut to length & notched.

If I can find my old digicam I'll start talking some photos of the build!

 

[vgk]

Yea be shure to keep us up to date!

 

[HellSpawn]

Bit of an update!

Got the lower part of the frame tack'd up, heres a picture to give you guys an idea of the kind of clearance im going for!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

What did you end up using for tube? 1", 1/8" wall will be pretty heavy if you use it throughout.

 

[HellSpawn]

ended up using 1x1/16, its all fairly strong, and whats put together so far comes to around 60lbs

 

[HellSpawn]

I suppose I should create a thread in the photo/project log forum, unless a moderator can move this one?

anyhow, tomorrow's agenda includes fab'n some front a-arms & possibly some custom hubs for the front (I may want to do a disc brake setup in the front at a later date.)

 

[HellSpawn]

Anyone have experience with golf cart rear ends?

I decided I was going to use the gas rear end out of my 99 EZ-GO (the frame on it was shot so its worthless)

Im just wondering if these rear ends are strong enough to handle a decent amount of torque & speed.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Do you know if its hydrostatic?

 

[HellSpawn]

Its not hydrostatic. Forward/Reverse, plus it already has the driven/secondary on it.

another plus is the drum brake setup for each wheel.

 

[HellSpawn]

Haven't updated for awhile, got alot done however.
I also decided to go with a stiff front end for the time being.

I have somewhat of a picture of my rear end aswell, If anyone wants some closer pictures let me know.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Wow you did get a lot done. Looks good, needs more triangulation though.

 

[HellSpawn]

Wow you did get a lot done. Looks good, needs more triangulation though.

that's next, only have a few more 20ft chunks of tubing left, should be enough to beef this baby up.