Rat Rod Go Cart

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Nick701

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So i started this build just wanting a regular go cart, well plans change.

It started with a 20dollar rolling frame, then a 2.8hp $40 motor to get it moving. that was fun but not fast enough for my friend an I. So off to harbor freight for the 6.5hp clone. modified the frame to fit that motor and had some fun.

then we built another one for my friend and scooted around with two of them.

Well we decided to take it off road and started bending rear axles from the bumps and jumps, it was to be expected. So the 78 CB750 bobber project didnt need its springs anymore so we built simple swingarms and attached the springs. worked great.

here are some pictures and videos i have, then ill tell you where im heading with the project.


$20 frame


2.8hp

6.5hp


My buddy riding, 2.8hp
http://youtu.be/aS4rAMmlFh0

My buddy crashing, 2.8hp
http://youtu.be/ZVxkCOqqZdY

6.5hp w/ new exhaust
http://youtu.be/MJohtLRyc7U
 
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Nick701

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So now this is what i want to do...



and this is what i got so far...




Wish me luck, ill keep you all posted on the progress
 
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Nick701

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In a way, yes i guess, rat rods usually run with no hood and since there is no front mounted engine and only steering i needed a picture with a hood... and every ones opinion of 'rat rod' and 'hot rod' is completely different. i think this is a hot rod.. perfect paint, body, motor, etc



but hey to each their own
 
devino246

devino246

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B man said:
well i think the major difference is age and how they look. new and shiny vs old and rusty.
Click to expand...

Age has nothing to do with it, both are 30s & 40s vehicles. Hot rods are generally shiny and fixed up with no rust. Rat rods are just rusty rusty and "ratty".
 
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Nick701

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devino246 said:
Age has nothing to do with it, both are 30s & 40s vehicles. Hot rods are generally shiny and fixed up with no rust. Rat rods are just rusty rusty and "ratty".
Click to expand...

I completely agree, i just dont have any rusted 30s or 40s go cart bodies laying around to turn into a rat...cart. so ill build one, well try to atleast
 
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Nick701

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Progress with the front end... dropped axle, will be using small bicycle tires up front




 
Doc Sprocket

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Be prepared to post another "crashing" video.

Bicycle wheels, (and this has been discussed here before), do not lend themselves well to the lateral loads associated with cornering in a 3- or 4-wheeled vehicle. When a bicycle turns (or a motorcycle for that matter), the load remains perpendicular to the axle. This is how you can have those wee spokes putting up with everything.

When a vehicle does not lean into a turn, there is quite a lateral load applied to the wheel. The stresses become parallel to the axle, something those same wee spokes are not designed to handle. This ultimately results in the rim trying to fold under the axle. These forces are the same reason those famous Harbour Freight dolly wheels are unsuitable for kart use.

For your build, the wheels are as much for form as they are function. So I can certainly understand why you want to use them. If your kart has a reasonably low speed use, such as parade duty, you'll probably be fine. Otherwise, you'd be smart to look into "plan B".

Excellent kart concept, by the way. Where'd you get the grille shell?
 
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Nick701

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Very good point and i see exactly where you are coming from, i had been thinking if they would be strong enough. Hmm i like the style but may have to come up with a plan B.

I cut the grille shell out of foam and i will be fiber glassing it. Just free handed the shape the best i could


actually used a sander to shape the foam a bit as well
 
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