New here from eastern NC

[thenewblackhand]

Hey folks, im from eastern NC. While going through my old barn at my parents about a month ago, I found my old Manco go kart, not sure of the model as I had it when I was around 10 yrs old and its been put up ever since, I have started to bring it back to life as I think it would be cool to give this to my son on christmas. I will have some questions as I have done alot already, but am stuck on a few things. Now that I have some good folks to ask that may can help. I look forward to interacting with everyone and hopefully seeing some cool karts as well. Thanks

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum. Ask away

 

[OzFab]

^^ What he said . Throw up some pics & we'll see if we can ID it

 

[thenewblackhand]

Very similar

I will take a picture this afternoon of the one I have specifically, but this one here from half breeder, is almost an exact match except mine does not have the scrub brake but a band brake system. The first question I have as I have already painted mine and started reassembling parts is I am trying to put the wheels on. they were all off when I got it out of the barn. whats the assembly order? washer, wheel, washer, nut? I bought new nuts but am assuming I net some kind of lock nut, because when i tighten all the way down now the wheels wont move... The bearings are all good and have been replaced. Do i need more washers, spacers? I am at work now but will be home in a few hours and I will have a few more questions Im sure. Thanks in advance guys. This has been a blast thus far

 

[OzFab]

Two words: Nyloc nuts! Wind them on to where they need to be & there they stay

 

[thenewblackhand]

next question

i got the nyloc nuts and put that solved the problem from earlier, since i have swapped out the motor for the predator 212, now the sprocket and clutch do not align, is there a method for this to work or just spacers and trial and error?

 

[OzFab]

A spacer, yes; a stack of washers (for instance) is NOT a spacer, it's an accident waiting to happen...

The most common problem with the predator engines is that the PO shaft is shorter than most other industrial engines so, either a spacer or relocation of the engine plate or mounting holes is needed

 

[thenewblackhand]

gotcha

yeah thats how the kart had been previously done as I saw when I took it apart, they used a stack of nuts...there was a six hole spacer thing, then 6 nuts over each hole, then the sprocket then three stacks of three nuts then the brake drum... I thought it was ridiculous and unsafe looking, I will try the spacers tomorrow, is there any formula for figuring it out what size spacers I need or just trial and error? Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it.

 

[Half-breeder]

That kart is/was a Manco "Red Fox"... and.... being the one that has driven my kart(and never had an issue w/ 'my' nuts n washers as spacers, I used 2 washers n a nut, per bolt), I never had an issue w/ ANYTHING unsafe about em(even when I was a kid n drove it). Worse case cenerio is ALL 6 bolts break, then the kart stops moving... but if you insist on moving the motor plate/cutting new holes on plate... have fun, I personally dont/havent seen an issue w/ using nut/washers on that kart for sprocket spacing... other bigger karts yes... mine, no!

It is a matter of trial n error to finding the amount of spacing needed...(remember the clutch moves on the shaft of the motor also... so 'some' adjusting can be made there as well). If the shaft of your motor is long enough, you shouldn't need extra spacing... but for most motors... you WILL.

I by no means am contradicting what the others have/will say bout using washers as spacers... and theyre not gonna contradict that EVERY kart is different and 1 persons experiences are not ALWAYS someone elses... plus Ive found that my Red fox has afew things NOT quite the same as 'other' 2 seater karts factory....

What part of NC are you at?

 

[thenewblackhand]

Im from the eastern portion of the state around greenville. I will post a picture of how the wheel is currently set up now, and im going to try and adjust the clutch before i start experimenting with the spacers and such. Thanks for the help folks.

 

[FearTheBeard]

Welcome

Welcome, I am in NC also in the triad area.

 

[firemanjim]

WELCOME to DIYGK

 

[thenewblackhand]

update

with some clutch realignment everything is lining up perfectly. Now we go everything running yesterday just missing brakes which are on the way (band brakes) the question I have now is there is a long bar not a cable from the brake pedal to where the band is to attach. Can this be replaced with a cable or does it need the strength of the steel bar? It looks as if the bar has been bent up a little over the years from movement and such. I guess I could play around with it and see. whats yalls thoughts? Also I will be making the back rest for the seat. any ideas on that? I was planning on some plywood, with school bus padding and wrap it in vinyl? SOunds easy enough... Thanks guys

 

[firemanjim]

You can use a 3/16 cable or 1/4 cable and it will work fine. But using the rod would be a cleaner way to go. Its really up to you, but if u have the rod, straighten out all the non intended bends and use it....
As far as a seat back goes,or seats for that matter, i just cut the shape i want out of plywood and take it to my "interior" guy. He charged me like $35-40 to pad ,cover and custom embroidered "Hot Momma" in pink and black ,for my little girls 2 seat kart. Cover is outdoor material (nice n soft) padding is not real thick but is COMFY as h€¿¿ ..... Ill find or take a pic shortly....

 

[Half-breeder]

with some clutch realignment everything is lining up perfectly. Now we go everything running yesterday just missing brakes which are on the way (band brakes) the question I have now is there is a long bar not a cable from the brake pedal to where the band is to attach. Can this be replaced with a cable or does it need the strength of the steel bar? It looks as if the bar has been bent up a little over the years from movement and such. I guess I could play around with it and see. whats yalls thoughts? Also I will be making the back rest for the seat. any ideas on that? I was planning on some plywood, with school bus padding and wrap it in vinyl? SOunds easy enough... Thanks guys

Hmmm... this sounds familliar...

Here is 'my' ole seat that I fabed...

Here is my brakes...

The bar was originally for the scrub brakes(on my kart)... not too sure your bar will reach all the way back to the axle though. I used a simple bicycle cable in replacement of it. You can get a complete set for a 10 speed bike at walmart for like 12$. I, personally, am using my scrub AND band brakes system together(scrub as backup/emergency brakes). The band does 95% of the stopping.

FYI... REMEMBER that band brakes dont stop/slow you in reverse...and scrubs dont stop when wet(not too well atleast).

Some pics of YOUR kart would be more handy! But if you have questions keep asking and we'll/Ill do the best we can w/ blind info.

 

[OzFab]

Due to the necessary action to engage a band brake, a rod just seems a whole lot easier than a cable; straighten it if you can or even recreate it but, stick with the rod...