Picked up a kart, need to shorten pedals.

[babzog]

Picked up a kart, need to shorten pedals. (PICS ADDED)

Hey all, first post!

Traded some steel I had and didn't need for a kart that the fellow had and didn't need. I was planning to build my young lad a kart but this has given me a jumpstart. It's a racing kart of some description, came with a Honda GX140 (144cc) engine, a few sets of sprockets and needs some TLC to get her running.

EDIT: After a cursory examination, engine needs to be remounted (have the mount but am missing one lower mount clamp for the tube frame), shaft cleaned up (pretty rusty), a clutch sourced and installed, new chain, fuel line and some guards made up for the clutch as it's right beside the seat (don't want the younguns to get hair or body parts caught up in the engine). And I need to get some turf tires as it'll be run on grass and gravel, which will mean I'd need to reposition the engine somewhat to give clearance for the carb. Sources for parts would be welcomed!

She also needs the pedals shortened to fit the boys' legs. I'd rather not do a lot of demo work on the kart if I can make (or have made) something myself. Any thoughts on shortening pedals by 8, maybe 10"?

 

[Suffolk JK]

What my buddy did was make a back pad for the seat, which pushed his son forward 6" then made 3" pedal extensions that bolt onto the factory pedals. That way, adults can drive it too with removing the pad, which just sits there, and unbolting 4 bolts.

Should've kept some of that steel!!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

You need to "shorten" the pedals, or move them closer to the seat? Bit of a difference. Got pics? Welcome to the forum.

 

[babzog]

What my buddy did was make a back pad for the seat, which pushed his son forward 6" then made 3" pedal extensions that bolt onto the factory pedals. That way, adults can drive it too with removing the pad, which just sits there, and unbolting 4 bolts.

Should've kept some of that steel!!

I just traded the big stuff I'd never use. Have plenty of smaller stuff for other projects. Interesting about the pad idea, that might just work out nicely. Are you able to get pics of the pedal setup?

 

[bighead]

Perhaps you can flip pedals from side to side turning them around?

 

[babzog]

Pics and more detail added to first post. You can see the pedals in pic #3. I'm wondering if I just make up new pedals that simple take out that half loop.. should buy me about 4" or so. Would make it a bit harder for Daddy to drive it though so something that's removable would be perfect (though I'm probably not going to drive it that often [says he right now from the comfort of his desk] so it's probably not a huge issue).

 

[anderkart]

something that's removable would be perfect

Check out the Aluminum Pedal Extension Block for Junior Drivers at this link: http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/chassis/cpa/pedagrip.htm

Those are exspencive but you could make your own...

 

[babzog]

Hmm... those are neat. ^^ I wonder how well they'd stay in place though, during use.

I suppose an alternative could be to weld on extensions and grind them off when no longer required.

I'll pop by my local welding shop (cause he's got al.) this week and see what he has to make up something like those.

 

[Jake.B]

it looks like there are 3 set screws to hold it on. What if you took 2 bike seatpust clamps the ones you tighten with allen wrenches. 2 6-8 inch bars welded one to each of the clamps then to those then a 3-5 inch bar. or how ever far you want it apart to the ends of those 6-8 inch bars

 

[Jake.B]

im trying to insert a destription on microsoft word.



i cant get it to insert.

But somthing like this, you can get cheaper ones just an example. then weld 8 inch pipe on both then weld it together with pipe and use that peice to determine how wide it is. It ends up looking like a rectangle but 2 long sides and 1 short side and then 2 seatpost clamps on the opposite side of the short side. its hard to explain does anyone understand?







http://http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=27588&category=168

 

[DaiSan76]

I am having a hard time finding a picture of it, but you can just add another set of pedals, located closer to the seat, with the pedals facing the opposite direction to keep them out of the way. Then link the two sets of pedals with a solid rod. That way, when you push the first pedal, the connecting rod pushes the second pedal, and that works the brake or throttle. I would draw it, but my art skills suck.

 

[bighead]

Correct if I am wrong. But with those type of pedals can you just flip them around from side to side?

Make a double pedal design.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I am having a hard time finding a picture of it, but you can just add another set of pedals, located closer to the seat, with the pedals facing the opposite direction to keep them out of the way. Then link the two sets of pedals with a solid rod. That way, when you push the first pedal, the connecting rod pushes the second pedal, and that works the brake or throttle. I would draw it, but my art skills suck.

That sounds very doable.

 

[landuse]

I remember Jerryassburger had a kart called the Tree Frog kart. It had dual pedals. I think DaiSan is trying to explain something like this. Here is a pic of it.

This thread also has a pic showing a similar kart setup

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13993

 

[DaiSan76]

Right, except that the pedal faces should alternate so that you can push the forward set without gouging your leg on the rear set.

 

[babzog]

I will stare at it a bit over the next few days to see if I can add alternate pedals... might be just the trick. Thanks for the thought!