Newb, need help with rear assembly.

[canad1an]

Alright guys, I'll admit this is my first go kart attempt. I have years of wood working experience, but never engines, bearings, axles, etc. So please be nice

I am building a wooden go kart, well it is more like a cycle kart:
http://www.cyclekartclub.com/regist...eKart_Custom_Unpainted_Donald_Bledsoe_000.jpg


I have the base frame built, and I purchased a Predator 212cc engine.
That's basically all I have.

I've been reading around the forums for a few days now, and have a few things lined up for purchase, but I wanted to consult the experts before purchasing

I am really looking for an explanation of parts of the rear live assembly. Maybe even a checklist for parts I need to purchase.

I have no welding experience and would prefer to do all of this without welding.

What do I need to purchase to create the assembly?


A little Bio to help:
I am 150lb.
The cart will probably be 75lb when finished.
I plan on using bicycle wheels.
Predator 212cc with centrifugal clutch

Thank you so much in advance!

Matt

 

[canad1an]

Guess I should give some more details about the cart too

It will be 6ft long, 2ft wide (just wide enough for tiny me).

Pics attached.

 

[chancer]

Sorry I cant help Texans, OR Canadians. LOL Just kidding, Welcome to the forum. But seriously I don't think wood is a good idea

 

[canad1an]

haha chancer,

So regarding wood, you don't think its sturdy enough or what?

 

[OzFab]

That's just one issue...

We often have people pop up wanting to build a wooden kart, some are successful, most are not...

Personally, I've worked with wood & metals &, knowing what I know, I would never attempt to build a powered, wooden kart...

The first thing to remember is metal parts will be necessary, such as the rear axle assembly & the front axle/steering assembly; there needs to be a solid join between the two, as in, large, strong, heavy steel brackets & connecting the two will mean weakening the wood to do so; for this reason, hard wood is suggested, which is strong but heavy...

The next thing to consider is bike wheels of any kind don't like side load, that is, remaining vertical while turning at speed; most people lean a bike into turns, removing any side load...

 

[landuse]

We generally strongly advise against using wood on a gokart. It is not strong enough to handle the stresses that an engine throws at it. Also, if you crash, you can die a thousand deaths from splintered wood.

I am not saying that a wooden kart cannot be made, but it has to be structurally sound using the right materials. Stuff like pine and medium density fibre board (chipboard or composite board) cannot be used. Have a look at this thread for something that is half decent.

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=22693

Even though it worked well, it still broke

 

[Poboy kartman]

Welcome to the forum.

I could build one out of wood or metal, but metal is just faster and cheaper in the long run.

I do have a welder!!! And not only can I help you weld up a kart...but give you some lessons to DIY!!!! I can also tell you where to get steel for cheap here in town.

I did see one kart here (this forum) ....made out of 3/4" Baltic birch plywood that looked pretty well made.

BUT: Also, bicycle wheels aren't gonna cut it....I can tell you where to find a starter frame which is much more realistic than what you are suggesting.

What's your budget for this endeavor?

 

[Connell]

for a live axle you would need, a solid steel axle, 2 cast iron pillow blocks with bearings (sized appropriately to the thickness of steel you were using for the axle), a disk brake carrier, a disk brake to fit that carrier, a sprocket and carrier, two hubs which suit your wheels. however i do not recommend making the kart out of wood, and bicycle wheels is probably not a very good idea either.

 

[Poboy kartman]

for a live axle you would need, a solid steel axle, 2 cast iron pillow blocks with bearings (sized appropriately to the thickness of steel you were using for the axle), a disk brake carrier, a disk brake to fit that carrier, a sprocket and carrier, two hubs which suit your wheels. however i do not recommend making the kart out of wood, and bicycle wheels is probably not a very good idea either.

Aye....but these arre thee the robust American bicycle wheels!!!!

Not the pitiful wannabe ones you ave in the Godforsaken place you call home!!!! JK...

No! As I previously mentioned....bicycle wheels are not going to get it done....

Now........did ya hear about tha Scottsman that road his bicycle in his kilt wthout a chain guard????? All the fellows say it wasn't a pretty sight....but he did take a bride because of it!

 

[mckutzy]

Hahaha... Spat my pop over the forward seat in the bus...
Really funny... Kinda made my day...
My $.05(had to round up, we don't have pennies here anymore) to the Poboy fund... Well spent...

 

[canad1an]

Hey guys,

So i'm usually pretty stubborn, but I try to not be stupid So i've scrapped the wooden go kart idea. You all seem very knowledgeable and after further research, I don't want to "die a thousand deaths from splintered wood." I also went down to the local go kart store in town and had an hour and half talk with the owner, he said the exact same thing as you guys.

My intention of building it was to model those cycle karts that I had mentioned, I thought they just looked cool. Thought maybe I could drive around the streets with style. Without welding experience though, I can see how difficult that would be.

I'm in contact with Poboy, since he's local to DFW, maybe he and I can fix up an old frame into something nice.

Since you can't really ride go karts in the streets, or on sidewalks, or in parks.... where do you guys ride them?

 

[chancer]

Poboy will help you. As far as Texans go he is pretty alright!

 

[Poboy kartman]

Poboy will help you. As far as Texans go he is pretty alright!

At least I can fool Californians into thinking I'm alright......

Unfortunately, the prosecutor, judge, court appointed attorney, and court appointed psychiatrist.....arent as easy to fool.....JK....

 

[landuse]

Parking lots are good places to ride karts