New to build, take a look at what I have to work with

[DeepSeaB]

I wanted a Father, Son and Daughter project. So this is what I came up with from CL for $107. It came with a 5HP honda, but I also have a 6.5hp Kohler as an option. The axle is bent pretty bad, and a few other minor things seem to be missing or need to be put back together. I plan to do a full strip down, add some tubing for safety, sand blast and powder coat. As far as getting started, i am a bit lost on the axle/gear/clutch options. Let me know what you all think and any advice is welcome. Thanks for looking.

 

[souperman000]

first off, to the forum!

Secondly, nice kart! You got a heck of a deal.

If the axle is bent that bad, you should just replace it. This is a good time to check all of te parts that go on the axle. Bearings, brakes, sprocket, etc. Obviously you should reuse the good parts. It looks like you have a driven for a torque converter. That is good. Could you take some detailed pics of the driven so we can help you identufy it and make sure you get the compatible driver?

What extra safety tubing did you have in mind?

 

[DeepSeaB]

Thanks!
The axle is pretty bad and had been repaired(not very good) once before. I'll take some better pics tomorrow during the day.

As far as the safety tubing, I figured a type of guard/fender that spans from up front about where the steering column support is to just in front of the rear tires, there is a pipe just behind the seat and in front of the rear tires on both sides to connect to, imagine a "fighter wing" shape. And also some sort of light upper roll cage idea?

 

[DeepSeaB]

one more pic of rear end

Here is another picture i have for tonight of the rear end.

 

[jandj]

As far as the safety tubing, I figured a type of guard/fender that spans from up front about where the steering column support is to just in front of the rear tires, there is a pipe just behind the seat and in front of the rear tires on both sides to connect to, imagine a "fighter wing" shape. And also some sort of light upper roll cage idea?

The side bars sound like nerf bars which are designed to keep the wheels of karts in close proximity from becoming entangled. They might help if you are worried about your Daughter clipping something with a rear wheel, then again they may not. As for any type of cage on this Kart my personal opinion is "Don't do it". It won't offer the protection you may think it will and it will make a nice looking Kart ugly as hell. You may be better off starting her out with a smaller motor (maybe a 2.5 hp) unti she gets familiar with the Kart then getting a bigger motor.

 

[DeepSeaB]

Ok, thank you. You are right about it turning ugly, lol. I'll more then likely pass on the roll cage idea. As for the Nerf bars, I guess the person had them on before the axle would prob not be bent. So I was thinking it a good idea...?

 

[jandj]

On a Kart not used for racing the axles are more likely to get bent by running over something than by the wheel hitting something. You don't say how old your kids are (and I didn't mean to imply your Daughter was more likely to hit something, I just did a quick read and missed the "Son" part). If it was me I'd leave the Kart the way it is and explain to the potential drivers the importance of paying attention to where they are going. If you do go with side bars try to use something that doesn't detract from the look of the Kart, it's a nice one.

 

[DeepSeaB]

True, I do like it. I'm not very knowledgeable on go-karts, it just seemed as if something was missing. I'll prob pass on it to save time and $. My son is 10 and my daughter is 8. I was actually looking for something a bit smaller, slower and a two seater. But when I came across this one I jumped on it. It will make a good learning project, something that I'll prob enjoy more then the kids. All the while I'll keep an I out for a little 2.5hp two seater as we build this one.Side note, interesting...I see you are in Williamsburg, I am in VB.

 

[chris_the_poser]

Idk where your kids will be driving but if your around trees the nerf bars also help bounce off of them instead of nailing them and instant stopping which could end up breaking things or hurting them selves. I know I've done it and so have my younger brothers

 

[jandj]

I'm right up the road, if I can be of help let me know.

 

[qtband]

Welcome to the forum!!
Are the tires all the same size? They look different. Could be camera tricks!

 

[DeepSeaB]

The rear tires are a little larger then the front. I'll have to post a few more pictures soon, I meant to this weekend but got caught up in kids sports and honey do lists..lol