Rupp Project, Advice Appreciated

[gokarteddie]

Just found this old Rupp Go Kart for 60$ whoever owned it before me stretched it. At this point I cant decided if I continue restoring it with the stretched frame or cut it down back to originality. Any piece of advice is appreciated, this will be my first build so experience kart builders chime in! also this kart is going to be used mostly in the grass, any motor/ tire/gearing/ clutch/ TC suggestions that all contribute to absolutely ripping?

 

[itsid]

hmm tough..
I'd cut it back to stock;
especially since the stretch looks to be somewhat crooked.

The problem is, you ideally need a jig to do so properly,
so you do not end up with a kart too short -or worse- no longer square.

'sid

 

[Hellion]

I was waffling on being for and against meself, but you cannot go wrong with restoring the original dimensions and tidying up the welds (and passing it off as an original/never altered kart to some poor unsuspecting rube). Just kidding...

But you’re increasing the value or perceived value of your “investment”.
I don’t get why people lengthen karts for “more room” as the originals were designed small and the correct driver posture was knees-in-your-chest from the get-go.

They were designed as adult toys, never children’s toys....(until later).

 

[Dingocat]

Another one I've seen. People move steering columns. Mt dingo they added 4in to the support. And a friend's they moved the whole thing forwardsand switched over the steering.

 

[Hellion]

Click on the words ‘DIY Go Karts’ on the site banner at the top, it will take you to the main information page and start reading up.

All the info you could ever want is there, also the FAQ is a great sub forum.

 

[landuse]

now for the next question what should I use, I want this kart to absolutely rippppp

There are too many suggestions to mention. One is getting a Predator and doing a stage 2 upgrade?

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Better yet, get a Briggs 5 HP flathead and build it to Raptor spec! VINTAGE!!
Personally I think putting a Honda or clone on there is heresy, but that's just my worthless opinion.
What'd be really cool is if you could track down an old Westbend or McCulloch 2 stroke.
FYI Original Poster - All of these options will be bonkers fast!

 

[Budget GoKart]

Is that your plan jt? Mine is just a fun briggs build id just put a straight piped ungoverned 5hp briggs it would be bonkers fast anyway

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Almost.
I just don't trust stock flathead rods, mostly. Especially because just about all of the flatheads nowadays are used and abused, you can't tell when somethings outta whack and the engine's gonna grenade on you.
I'd trust a brand new Predator 212 rod more, since it's brand new, and I don't care too much if they die.

But flatheads are a non renewable resource!!

But yeah, a stage 1, ungoverned flathead would still boogie.

 

[gokarteddie]

That or a 2 stroke 65 dirt bike motor lol . Those old McCulloch motors riiip I would like a 2 stroke for fair price. Have any of you seen dual predators on a rupp? I’m trying to pop wheelies
.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

There's a new member, BullyBike that recently joined, and he mentioned he's trying to sell, I think it was a Westbend 820.
P.S - Dual flatheads would make more torque.
Just sayin'.

 

[Hellion]

I just wanna riiiiiiiiiipppp

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

^^
Yeeeeaaaaah....