Newbie - Margay Kart identification what is this?

[horneth145]

I'm new to karting and looking at this kart as my way in. I'll I really know is that it's a Margay, but don't know the year, model, etc. Can anyone identify this and tell me anything about this model, or what I should look at before purchasing?

Thanks!

 

[anderkart]

If i had to guess I'd be thinking somewhere in the early to mid 70's era. Lots of race kart owners (including myself) were led to beleve they had a Margay when it was actualy some other brand. This kart may (or may not) be a Margay, but if it is you'll probably find a serial # stamped somewhere near the R/F spindle. If you find a # there you can contact Margay to ID its year and model.

Here's the contact link: http://www.margay.com/contact/register.htm

Looks pretty cool, how much does the dude want for it. I just picked up a simalar looking 70's race kart with a KT100, starter and a wheel around trolley stand for $100. I'm still not sure what brand my chassis is but I definitely stumbled across a smokin deal.

 

[freakboy]

Look at the botom on the chassis see if its all scratched up see if the rear axle bearings are good and smooth check if the turning is nice and smooth and look for rust and also look for cracked welds.

 

[horneth145]

Thanks! He wants $600 with a spare engine, gears, exhaust etc.

If i had to guess I'd be thinking somewhere in the early to mid 70's era. Lots of race kart owners (including myself) were led to beleve they had a Margay when it was actualy some other brand. This kart may (or may not) be a Margay, but if it is you'll probably find a serial # stamped somewhere near the R/F spindle. If you find a # there you can contact Margay to ID its year and model.

Here's the contact link: http://www.margay.com/contact/register.htm

Looks pretty cool, how much does the dude want for it.

 

[anderkart]

If the engines run and everything else looks good that might be a pretty sweet deal.

Make sure the bottom of the frame rails aren't all ground down and D-shaped from dragging against the track. This is a fairly common problem and seriously lowers its potental value, sometimes you run across karts wore all the way through the frame...

 

[horneth145]

Owner says it's a 2001

If i had to guess I'd be thinking somewhere in the early to mid 70's era. Lots of race kart owners (including myself) were led to beleve they had a Margay when it was actualy some other brand. This kart may (or may not) be a Margay, but if it is you'll probably find a serial # stamped somewhere near the R/F spindle. If you find a # there you can contact Margay to ID its year and model.

Here's the contact link: http://www.margay.com/contact/register.htm

Looks pretty cool, how much does the dude want for it. I just picked up a simalar looking 70's race kart with a KT100, starter and a wheel around trolley stand for $100. I'm still not sure what brand my chassis is but I definitely stumbled across a smokin deal.

 

[1992suburban]

things are only worth a $ value.. to the person Selling

I am sure you know what I mean..

If you want it.. and have the cash GET IT

 

[anderkart]

Owner says it's a 2001

I could be wrong but I think it older, Its prety common for guys to fudge on the year of race karts. Your seller might trully beleve its newer cause thats what he was told.

I think yours looks quite a bit like this 77: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977...ItemQQcategoryZ46105QQitemZ130343654334#v4-35

Heres an 89: http://www.gokart2000.com/classifieds/view-ad-2087.html

Into the 90's Margays had larger diameter axles and had evolved to look more like this: http://www.uship.com/shipment/MARGAY-RACING-GOKART-90s-VINTAGE-ROLLING-CHASSI/17742462/

Around 2000 most all popular brands of sprint/shifter karts went to a new style of nerf bar, front mounting style to comply with sanctioning rules. These new styled nerfs had their front bar entering the frame rail at a streaght orientation instead of angled like most older designs.
Like this 2000-era Margay:
http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/chassis/usedkart06/14sportsman.jpg

 

[horneth145]

Well, Keith at Margay says it's NOT a Margay!! He said he's sure of it!

Still a good deal, or should I run??

I could be wrong but I think it older, Its prety common for guys to fudge on the year of race karts. Your seller might trully beleve its newer cause thats what he was told.

I think yours looks quite a bit like this 77: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977...ItemQQcategoryZ46105QQitemZ130343654334#v4-35

Heres an 89: http://www.gokart2000.com/classifieds/view-ad-2087.html

Into the 90's Margays had larger diameter axles and had evolved to look more like this: http://www.uship.com/shipment/MARGAY-RACING-GOKART-90s-VINTAGE-ROLLING-CHASSI/17742462/

Around 2000 most all popular brands of sprint/shifter karts went to a new style of nerf bar, front mounting style to comply with sanctioning rules. These new styled nerfs had their front bar entering the frame rail at a streaght orientation instead of angled like most older designs.
Like this 2000-era Margay:
http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/chassis/usedkart06/14sportsman.jpg

 

[anderkart]

It still might be a good brand but I kinda get the feeling that karts had a pretty tough oval racing career and probably hasn't been maintained very well. Its kinda hard to tell much about this thing from his crappy pics.

What did he say about the missing rear caliper?

Are you getting a seat, kart starter and a kart-stand with the deal?

Looks like something is disassembled on the engines clutch shaft, whats up with that? (does it have a clutch on a jackshaft?)

 

[horneth145]

It still might be a good brand but I kinda get the feeling that karts had a pretty tough oval racing career and probably hasn't been maintained very well. Its kinda hard to tell much about this thing from his crappy pics.

What did he say about the missing rear caliper?

Are you getting a seat, kart starter and a kart-stand with the deal?

Looks like something is disassembled on the engines clutch shaft, whats up with that? (does it have a clutch on a jackshaft?)

He said that it needs brakes, not sure if he has the calipers or if I'll need to purchase them. He also said that the clutch is bad and he removed it. He said he disassembled it and has all of the pieces to put it back together.

He said the motor on it runs and starts right up, but I'll find out tomorrow when I go see it, as I don't see a gas tank... He said he has a spare engine, racing carb, extra gears, lots of extra parts, wheels, tires, 4 exhaust pipes, and a starter that needs a battery. Not sure about the seat or the stand. I'm meeting him around noon tomorrow (EST) and will bring my camera for more detailed pics.

Thanks for your advice, it's appreciated!!
Brian

 

[anderkart]

You should probably study up on clutches so you know what that might end up costing ya: http://www.google.com/search?source...UTF-8&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS221US222&q=kt100+clutch

Unless everything looks a lot better than his pics, I don't think I'd offer over about $300 to $400 for everything. He was wrong about the chassis brand, so I'm not sure if I'd trust him saying the engines (or anything else) are in good condition. It'd be a bummer to have to spend more money freshening an engine up right away on top of the clutch and brake issues.

Looks like the rear of the frame is super rusty, like maybe it sat outside or something. That's not a great thing for the rear axle bearings, make sure you give the rear axle a spin. It should spin smoothly and not have any exsesive up/down or side to side play.

He didn't picture the front bumper, but if its all bent up just keep in mind they don't come cheap to replace. You could always make one but sometimes they're difficult to find new for some kart brands.

Are you thinking about racing this kart at a track somewhere or just some neighborhood/parking lot cruising for now?

 

[horneth145]

Was thinking about taking it to a local road course but not to race competitively, just for fun

You should probably study up on clutches so you know what that might end up costing ya: http://www.google.com/search?source...UTF-8&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS221US222&q=kt100+clutch

Unless everything looks a lot better than his pics, I don't think I'd offer over about $300 to $400 for everything. He was wrong about the chassis brand, so I'm not sure if I'd trust him saying the engines (or anything else) are in good condition. It'd be a bummer to have to spend more money freshening an engine up right away on top of the clutch and brake issues.

Looks like the rear of the frame is super rusty, like maybe it sat outside or something. That's not a great thing for the rear axle bearings, make sure you give the rear axle a spin. It should spin smoothly and not have any exsesive up/down or side to side play.

He didn't picture the front bumper, but if its all bent up just keep in mind they don't come cheap to replace. You could always make one but sometimes they're difficult to find new for some kart brands.

Are you thinking about racing this kart at a track somewhere or just some neighborhood/parking lot cruising for now?

 

[mnmcol]

i'M LOOKING FOR A PANTHER X IF ANY BODY HAS ONE FOR SALE.. CALL ME
MARC 561-72-6208