Upgrades to the pedal-kart conversion, the "Spider"!

[7th_Son]

Hi everyone, long time lurker just registered. Thanks DiyGoKarts, your site and members have been helpful during this project.

I present: The Spider!




Build video

Ride video

 

[madprofessor]

What's the big red doughnut on the right front axle, a spacer?

 

[7th_Son]

Yes a wooden spacer, red for visibility (lots of axle to catch an ankle on). That was the logic, but it's not necessary really. They've already been improved and hopefully this week they'll be gone altogether with new wheels.

 

[madprofessor]

However it ends up, kudos for putting it on the outside of the hub instead of spacing the wheel out from the inside. Too much strain on an axle to put the bending force "out on a limb", like that would have been if not done smartly.
Axles are obviously longer than needed for those wheels, but you're getting new ones. Will the axles be right for them? Not that having extra axle length really matters as long as the spacers are outside of the hubs.

 

[7th_Son]

The new ones look perfect, and they took some finding. They'll need smaller spacers, and I'm thinking of using rubber to help absorb some of the impact.

 

[madprofessor]

Don't use any cushioning at all, the hubs should be as one being with the axles. Cushioning via rubber washers or anything else will only allow the wheels to "lean" in a turn, and the wrong way at that. Hubs should be absolutely rigid on the axles.

 

[7th_Son]

Fair enough, I appreciate the advice, I am but a newbie! I already have rubber spacers at the rear, everything feels fine, and there's not enough movement to throw the chain or anything. Figured I'd do the same at the front, but perhaps I'll reconsider. With no suspension whatsoever, it can be rough on the old girl, just trying to protect her delicate bones.

 

[madprofessor]

The new ones look perfect, and they took some finding. They'll need smaller spacers,

With no suspension whatsoever, it can be rough on the old girl,

If the spindles give you any grief, try these on for a change without a redesign...............
Front end spindle with spring for DIY go kart kits. (gopowersports.com)

 

[7th_Son]

If the spindles give you any grief, try these on for a change without a redesign...............
Front end spindle with spring for DIY go kart kits. (gopowersports.com)

Thanks, yes I foresee those being an issue at some point. The rear axle mounts and mounting points scream 'toy' as well. It's mostly been an exercise in keeping weight down, so that I can carry it downstairs under one arm!

 

[madprofessor]

Used to snatch my teenager up under one arm and carry him upstairs to his room like that. Good training for toting your kart like that.

 

[7th_Son]

36v 800w upgrade, new wheels & some cosmetic changes.



36v video

 

[7th_Son]

48v motor, fresh higher capacity batteries, 2-wheel-drive, gearing adjustments, freewheel, 2 shiftable rear sprockets!

 

[BaconBitRacing]

Great work, much faster than I would expect. Also, I must say, a great video. Well filmed, well explained, and well edited, not to mention the still-cam shots.

 

[7th_Son]

Thanks Bacon! My earlier efforts were poor on-board footage, and people complained that it was "a 10-minute video of your feet"! I hadn't really noticed the feet myself. Concentrate on the road ahead, people!

 

[Functional Artist]

Nice work!
...& she zips right along too

No noise or smoke
...just crusin' around
...& havin' fun

 

[7th_Son]

Thanks FA! It's been quite the learning experience. I'd like to do a build from scratch next, instead of having to work around the limitations of this janky toy frame. Maybe next year!