Potential Purchase, need your guys advice

[MetalMech]

Ok guys so I finally got to go look at this kart that I want to buy. I don't know what model or year the go kart is but the guy said its like 60yrs old. I think its a really nice looking frame, but its been beat hard, and repaired kinda shoddy. I don't mind a kart that needs some resto work but I think I may be over my head here. Especially since I don't have a welder yet, and this kart needs a bit more then just a few touch ups. I am posting a link to my flickr account because it will probably take a while to approve the photos since I am a noob still. I kinda need advice and opinions in the next 21hrs.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30252834@N03/sets/72157636064330894/

 

[qtband]

What's he asking for it?

 

[MetalMech]

$300

 

[itsid]

Uhhhh that's a lot of coins for a lot of rusted broken welds, isn't it?

It's up to you if you think that thing is worth $300,
but I'd say pay the engine -if it's running- (~$50) take the rest for free.

Or find one that was treated better the last 30 or so years.
Maybe Kelly can visualize what's left inside this pile of rods, I honestly can't.

'sid

 

[OzFab]

Are you serious?

I'm sure the original frame is under there somewhere...

UPDATE: After a quick trip to CL I see you live in one of those locations we often talk about where gokarts are ridiculously overpriced. It seems it would be cheaper to find something in south Jersey, including the drive to pick it up...

 

[Poboy kartman]

I can't believe this kart is that old.I can't see the crappy workmanship holding up anywhere near that long and too many things are just not jiving with the time frame IMHO.

This is going to be one of the few times I disagree with Sid- but screw it- I wouldn't give 50 cents for it.The motor is probably no better than the rest. Don't walk away- run!!!! Anyone asking $300 for that pile of welding practice is probably a crook and a misguided soul at best.

 

[jandj]

First of all, IMHO it isn't anywhere near 60 years old. 1st Kart came out in late 50's, this one didn't! It's hard to tell on my dumbphone but unless someone welded a lot of crap on it I don't see anything "Vintage" about this one. If it's in as rough shape as you say I'd pass on it.

 

[itsid]

This is going to be one of the few times I disagree with Sid...

Thou shalt not disagree!


Personally I wouldn't touch that thing, but I wouldn't have touched that monstrosity Kelly bough just recently either,
and that turned out to be a good base for a nifty rod;
so maybe there is something beneath all those nasty nastiness that's worth a visionary try.

I'd let Kelly judge to be sure, or indeed run

'sid

 

[OzFab]

I can't believe this kart is that old.I can't see the crappy workmanship holding up anywhere near that long and too many things are just not jiving with the time frame IMHO.

First of all, IMHO it isn't anywhere near 60 years old. 1st Kart came out in late 50's, this one didn't! It's hard to tell on my dumbphone but unless someone welded a lot of crap on it I don't see anything "Vintage" about this one. If it's in as rough shape as you say I'd pass on it.

50yo maybe but not 60yo

Someone has welded (& I use that term very loosely...) a lot of excess metal on it; did you not see my previous comment?

I'm sure the original frame is under there somewhere...

 

[MetalMech]

The "60 year old" coment didn't register with me until I got home and did the math. The craptastic welds wouldn't bother me if they were just the side pieces and the engine frame, I could refab those. I think what killed it for me was all the cracks and bad repair welding done on the important parts of the frame. About the only thing I think it may be good for is a blueprint for building a new one. I am figuring that if I want one tha looks like that I could just buy a basic cart and fab up all the stylistic parts.

I will also take the advice of looking for carts in other locations.

 

[jandj]

Fab, I did see your comment. I was emphasizing the point that even with all the "additions" there didn't seem to be anything "vintage" in the sense of Rupp, GoKart, Simplex, etc. about it that might make it worth something even in the shape it's in. I'm guessing 70's era yard kart at it's birth although it's hard to tell from the pics.

 

[zbuck]

The only thing I can see good about that kart. is the Kaw engine. Is does not look like the the rear wheel hubs are keyed to the axle, looks to be pinned or bolted In some of those pictures, it looks like some of the factory welds, leave a lot to be desired let alone the ones that someone attempted to repair I would let the next guy/gal worry about that kart.