New member, first project

[wiwest]

I was on the look out for a father/son/daughter project to work on while taking a break from my motorcycle. Found an ad on craiglist for this frame. The guy wanted 100, we agreed on 50. I was surprised to see a live axle, hydraulic disk brake and steering assembly (the photo only showed the front end.) I've started to disassemble everything and clean it up. Plans are a predator 212, rims and tires and paint. This will be on a budget. It seems as if the axle was installed then the brake caliper mount was welding in place over the axle? D the keys have to removed before removing the other components or can they slide off over them? Also, I don't really understand how the rear wheels work. It is a keyed axle. I understand that the rim will have a key hole but what keeps in from moving from side to side. Front wheels have bearings and just bolt on? Thanks in advance

 

[wiwest]

More pics

 

[wiwest]

few more, minus the photobomber...

 

[chancer]

Hey, there is a 20% off coupon at HF for the predator motor. See the end of this thread:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=31559&page=2

You should be able to remove all the set screws and keyways then slide everything off the Axle. Looks pretty dirty and rusty... so it may take some lube and cleaning but there you go.

The rear wheels can be kept from sliding a couple different ways.
1. You can have a sleeve that goes between the bearing on the frame and the wheel, then of course the nut on the outer side.
and
2. There is a locking collar that clamps on the axle against the inside of the wheel, to keep it from sliding in.

I have used both with no problem or preference.

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum. It looks like you have a nice project there

 

[wiwest]

Good sources for wheels and tires? Front is a spindle with bolt. For the rear I need some that fit a 1 inch axle with 1/4 in keyways. Plan on using 4 locking collars. Unless there is a cheaper way

 

[chancer]

I like these for the price, Rears:
http://www.bmikarts.com/6-x-5-14-Rim-1-Bore_p_1564.html
and Fronts:
http://www.bmikarts.com/6-x-5-14-Rim-Front_p_1566.html

As for Tires Wal mart under Lawn tractor tires.

 

[wiwest]

Perfect, thanks. Reccomend locking collars to keep the rears on?

 

[chancer]

No. Is there a threaded porttion on your axle end for a big nut? or a threaded hole in the axle center to put a bolt and washer?

 

[wiwest]

Nope, its a 1 inch axle that has a keyway that runs to each end. The front has the threaded ends and bolts but not the rear. No hole running through it either.

 

[mckutzy]

Ya sure, use the lock collars. Tighten the setscrews and use lock tite.

 

[chancer]

There are two kinds of locking collars. be sure to get the kind like you have on your axle next to the bearings. the other type does not clamp down like those. it is just a collar "ring" with 1 set screw.

 

[wiwest]

Got everything set up and running. The kart won't turn with steering turned all the way over. Any ideas the staring setup is pretty simple. I don't really have a way of adjusting for camber and caster. It is a live axle. Let me know if you need pics and what of exactly. I posted a pic of the front end at the beginning of this thread. Thanks again

---------- Post added at 07:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:18 PM ----------

If I turn hard the front wheels skid. I don't remember what it's called. If I'm stopped and turn the wheel hard over and gas it the engine revs but can't move the cart. This is on pavement

 

[chancer]

Show a pic of the front end. standing in front of the kart looking straight down.
What tires are on it?

 

[wiwest]

Cheap hf front tires in the front.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Show a pic of the front end. standing in front of the kart looking straight down.
What tires are on it?

OMG! You asked for it.... You sure you wouldn't rather see Poboy pics???!!

And HARBOR FREIGHT wheels...with a ton of toe out? It's a wonder that Ralph Nader kart turns at all.

 

[chancer]

That is what I thought.
Those tires are no good. Seriously thy are not good for anything but an ashtray on your workbench. That is a big part of the problem.
#2 Adjust the tie rods on the front end so that with the steering wheel straight the tires are both pointing straight ahead.
That should help alot. Then we can talk about Ackerman angle.

But first you must get new wheels and tires.

---------- Post added at 11:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:55 AM ----------

The front tires I recommended in post 7. Are very similar almost identical to the front tires of a riding lawn mower, May be easier to find locally than buying online and waiting for shipping.

 

[wiwest]

I knew that was coming, wasnt trying to avoid it, lol. Tires and wheels first. Headed out to look locally. What determines what's good quality and what isnt?

 

[Poboy kartman]

He doesn't need tires....he needs wheels! The rims aren't any good either!

Usually, what determines a good wheel..(or tire and / or rim) is price. (You get what you pay for.) On rims, high speed sealed wheel bearings and heavy gauge steel. On tires, amount of plys.

I kinda think differently on where though. I would rather buy online from an established gokart supplier such as GoPowersports, MFG Supply, or BMI to name a few. It usually only takes a few days to get stuff anyway, and I think it's less expensive and more reliable to get what you really need.

At any rate...it's a good idea to post up what you are considering purchasing here before you buy.

 

[chancer]

I said "but first you must get new tires and wheels"

I agree a good Kart supplier would be best.
I was just thinking since the kart is otherwise ready to go. and I have kids and I know they are impatient... local may be faster.