Plans for cars from Popular Mechanics in 1950s?

[jeffmorris1956]

I found plans for cars from Popular Mechanics in 1950s. Some of them have electric motors.

https://www.slideshare.net/zebratwo/38720563-vintagegokartminibikeplans1950s

I can't decide which car to build. Any suggestions besides using motor controllers, SLA/AGM batteries, and motors.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Couldn't resist this.

 

[Joe-405]

The flying cart.

 

[Hellion]

What are your interests?
Building for yourself or a child?
You really need to specify your likes/dislikes...

Wait a minute. Check out page 73. There's your answer:

"MI's Highway Kart"
Looks oddly familiar, doesn't it?
That kart and rider is the forum mascot. Outstanding!



What a freer country we had back then, where you could "plate" a go kart you made in your own garage and ride it to work.

 

[jeffmorris1956]

I was given a 3-wheeled mobility scooter missing batteries, case, and charger. I found out that it only goes about 5 MPH. I was going to replace the motor and controller with new ones but the motor shaft has a slot that accepts a small piece of metal (key?) and the shaft in the transaxle also has a slot for the key. The tires are "solid" rubber and the scooter doesn't have suspension. I found out that the smallest car is the Peel P50. I wish that I could build a car that is as small as Peel P50 but with 4 wheels and electric motor, controller, and batteries. I know that there are go-kart kits without engines but they don't have suspensions.

 

[2SlickNick]

Good read!

 

[Kartorbust]

I was given a 3-wheeled mobility scooter missing batteries, case, and charger. I found out that it only goes about 5 MPH. I was going to replace the motor and controller with new ones but the motor shaft has a slot that accepts a small piece of metal (key?) and the shaft in the transaxle also has a slot for the key. The tires are "solid" rubber and the scooter doesn't have suspension. I found out that the smallest car is the Peel P50. I wish that I could build a car that is as small as Peel P50 but with 4 wheels and electric motor, controller, and batteries. I know that there are go-kart kits without engines but they don't have suspensions.

How much suspension do you want? You can go basic/cheap and buy a springer spindle kit (coil springs that sit in the bracket above the spindle and gives very little suspension) or full suspension?

My vote is on the MI Highway, as mentioned, our Forum's mascot kart.

 

[jeffmorris1956]

Full suspension. I found plans for what looks like a minibike with four wheels at http://gokartplans.com/plans/atv1/index.htm but I don't have metal-working tools and welding equipment. There are mobility scooters with suspension and that go up to 15 MPH but they are expensive.

 

[jeffone]

The lady on page 60 looks like 1%er scary.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Hehe, here's the off road mini bike plan on the website:https://www.slideshare.net/zebratwo/fat-tire-mini-bike
Once I get a welder I think I'm gonna have to build the go kart featured on this site....
And I love that idea for a flying kart! Must do it someday!
If you look at the comments for that file it's been spammed with people advertising a "miracle brain pill" thingamajig. NONONONO!!!

 

[Kartorbust]

Hehe, here's the off road mini bike plan on the website:https://www.slideshare.net/zebratwo/fat-tire-mini-bike
Once I get a welder I think I'm gonna have to build the go kart featured on this site....
And I love that idea for a flying kart! Must do it someday!
If you look at the comments for that file it's been spammed with people advertising a "miracle brain pill" thingamajig. NONONONO!!!

Did you forget that, that was also on here as well? http://www.diygokarts.com/bike-plans/offroad-bike-overview.html

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Sorry, didn't choose my words right. I already knew it was here on DIY, and I was just sharing that it was one there as well.
But yes, now we know where these plans came from!