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rusty76

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I thought I'd start with an introduction. My stepson and I took possession of a 2 seater go kart a few years ago. It had been sitting under a guys building. He gave it to us. My wife wanted to buy him one for Christmas one year but I said lets build one instead. I'm fairly mechanical so I figured we could do this. Well our go kart has sat for three years. Last week my stepson said he'd like to work on it. I told him let's make a list of what we need and what we need to do. We need just about everything for this thing. Luckly I came across this forum and hope to find more info. Just alittle FYI I went to Nothern Tool the other day and they did not sell parts for go karts. Atleast not in store. We could buy tires though, ha.

Our goal is to have a fun and safe go kart. Something for tooling around on. Something we can build together. Spend time teaching him about tools and garage safety. He's 13 now so this will be a great time to teach him some valuable skills. I never had this chance as a kid. I never owned a go kart and knew few kids who did. Most who did have a kart were a lot better off than us. This will give us a chance to do something kool. I'm always itching to do something fun....

We are hoping to get this thing done before the end of October. I think we can do it. We just have to stay motivated. This is the reason for the build thread. To keep us moving and you guys keep cheering us on.

Kids these days only know to go out and buy something if they want it. They have no idea what it is to use their hands, imagination and time. It is a shame that all the schools around here have stop teaching shop class. What a shame because so many kids need this. They need a chance to learn basic skills that will last them a lifetime. He's getting to that age where he needs that connection between machine and himself. I know at 13 I did.

Our kart won't win a show or be the fastest but it's going to be pretty darn kool. I'll do my best to let him have a strong lean on this thing. To step back and let him make some decisions and have some ideas. I'll let him swing a few wrenches and ask some questions that I don't have answers to. But in the end I want this to be fun. Who knows I might have to build one for myself......

We will be replacing bearings in the front end. Fixing one spindle, crack in weld. Hopefully I can get the sprocket loose from the axle this week. I've soaked this thing in oil for days now. We will see. Any ideas? I probably have to replace the rear bearings as well but I don't think it will be to bad. By the time we are done it will be brand new, lol. We are going to have to get a motor for this thing which I think we might have a free one on the way, we will see. I'm looking forward to it and so is he. We've got a ton of work to do, but it will be worth it. Thanks for looking and sharing.
 
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Welcome to the forum and good luck on getting this thing going. For getting stuck parts off you want to use some kind of penetrating fluid it will work the best on breaking up that rust. Do you have any pics of it. There are all sorts of places on the internet to get parts as well.
 

firemanjim

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Welcome! When asking specific questions, it helps to post pics so we can see whatyou're workin with.... Harbor Freight has Predator motors for lil over a $100. Great kart motor.... its a 212 cc Honda clone. If its been sitting in the weather for that long, replace all your bearings,chain,belt if you have a TC ,and inspect the brake system(what ever you got)
Post some pics....
 

rusty76

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Yeah I'll have to work on the photos. I think we will be going with the HF motor for sure. Although I might have a lead on a freebie. I've sprayed this thing with penetrating oil and still have not had a lot of luck getting the sprocket and brake drum free from the axle. I removed the set pins and I know there is a key way also but I figured by hitting on the sprocket with a piece of wood and hammer it would move, no such luck yet. I might have to heat this thing then put some oil to it then drive it off. Honestly this thing looks to be in great shape but all the bearings are going to have to be replaced. I've got some work to do on the spindle as well, or really the steering arm. Fun times. I'll work on getting a few pics up. We've got this thing tore down pretty far mostly just a chassis right now. Thanks.
 

ruppkart

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American Power Sports http://www.azusaeng.com/ does have some parts for Fun / Yard Karts ... you will have to look at the menu on the left side .. there is a section for them .. and some stuff is mixed in with the rest .. but recently they are cutting back on their inventory and what they stock...lack of sales on this old vintage stuff.... your other option is Azusa Corp. http://www.azusaeng.com/ They have a site also. Both have a info line for help. Hope this helps. Good luck with the project !!!
 

rusty76

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I'm hoping to source most parts locally but we will see. I've still got to make a few phone calls. Thanks again for all the help.
 

rusty76

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And to add got the sprocket and drum off this afternoon. Man it took a lot of oil and hammering to get it to move, but we did it.! Now to remove the axle and bearings.
 

rusty76

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Well honestly I figured they'd slide off so with alittle work with oil and a hammer we got it off. The bearings are shot so I wasn't worried about them in the process. But to be honest I figured this was how they are removed. If not then what should have I done? Had to get it off to get the bearings off the axle. Thanks again.
 

OzFab

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If the bearings are to be replaced, just cut them off with a grinder. Be sure to cut the inner race in line with the keyway so as not to damage the axle.
 

firemanjim

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:iagree::thumbsup: Some times that stuff gets so much crud in there that the parts sorta "weld" together. I got a kart out back that I've tried removing the hubs from. Hammering,wedge n maul,heated with torch, tried air hammers and chisels... NOTHING....... its a good thing I like the wheels or I would cut the hubs off......
Like Fabroman said, cut it at the keyway, I prefer the thin cutting disc on an air grinder. (Its how I cut all the steel for my projects..... )
 

rusty76

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I got one bearing off with a lot of oil and work. Took a hammer and some wood and drove it off. Wasn't that bad. Got to the passenger side were it is just the axle and no drive gear and it was bad. I ended up cutting it off with a small grinder. I couldn't cut it were the key way is because the key way didn't go that far. I took my time and worked slowly. Cut through the outer case of the bearing. Split it with a big screw driver and hammer. Then took my grinder and cut through the race. Worked slowly as to not damage the axle. Once I got close enough I heard it pop. I knew the bearing had cracked and I moved on. Drove it off no problem. Wasn't bad.....time consuming but not bad. The axle doesn't look too bad. I'll have to do some polishing on it but I think it will be fine. Thanks.
 

rusty76

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pics

This is what I have been dealing with. This is actually the good side. The drive side. We now have this thing down to a bare frame. For some reason the pic of the other side won't download to my computer. No biggie. Just know it was a bear.
 

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Poboy kartman

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I'm hoping to source most parts locally but we will see. I've still got to make a few phone calls. Thanks again for all the help.

That might work if you have a lot of sources close by, a moped, and a lot of luck. I have found that by the time you figure gas and time, it's usually cheaper to buy online. I usually price shop but also try to get as much as possible from one source at one time to save on shipping.
 
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