Sequoia Electrathon Racer

[Functional Artist]

A couple of weeks ago someone posted a question about a lightweight hydraulic brake system
...so, I did a quick looksie, found one & posted a link
https://www.ebay.com/itm/174516036541


Then, a few days later I got a message that that brake system was "on sale" ~$65.00

*Thats for the master cyl.
...(2) front calipers w/rotors
...a rear caliper w/rotor
...& the lines (all connected together, bled & ready to go)

Suddenly, my left brain told my finger to hit the "buy button" (before my right brain even knew what was happening)

When I asked myself what the heck that was all about, my left brain says enthusiastically "Are you ready?"

Well, Polaris needs a competitor
...& I've been bouncin' around some upgrade ideas
...so...

I guess
...since we already have a brake system
...Yea! Lets do this

This stuff seems pretty "beefy"

Plus, a couple of extra bonuses are
...the rear caliper has a parking brake feature

...& the master cyl. even has an automotive style brake switch incorporated

 

[Functional Artist]

Upgrades:
This kart will have a hydraulic brake system
...with heavier duty (more properly sized) components (thicker rotors & bigger calipers)
...(3) wheel braking (for better control)
...& we'll also, work on properly "sizing" the rotors, to the wheels

 

[Functional Artist]

Yup, I've been thinkin' about this for a minute (always thinkin'- gift or curse??)

For the wheels, I think I'ma gonna stay away from plastic &/or bicycle stuff
...&/so, did a lot of thinkin'
...& even, some lookin'

Maybe scooter?
...or moped?
...or motorcycle?

Those are ALL designed to be "top loaded"
...which is fine for a rear wheel application
...but, "out of spec" "if/when used as front wheels & mounted on spindles/only supported on (1) side

Hmmm...how about go kart wheels?
...or golf cart wheels?
...or maybe even trailer wheels?

Probably a "better fit" because they are ALL designed to be spindle mounted
...& are better able to handle "side loades"

Size:
I'ma thinkin' a bit smaller than the 20" wheels on Polaris
...but, not too small either (maybe ~16")

Weight:
Gotta keep weight in mind (but lightweight is NOT of overall importance)

Mounting:
I'ma thinkin' "bolt on" for quick/easy tire changes (if/when necessary, during a race)
...without messing with or having to deal with the chain (& re-adjustment)
...the brakes (more work=more time)
...&/or wheel alignment (a total nightmare, when in a hurry)

Cost:
Racers are always look for deals
...& this is "supposed" ta be a low cost sport
...so, lets try-n-keep 'em down as low as possible

 

[Denny]

Use a narrow trailer tire, less rolling resistance. You should probably get through with and race the Polaris before building another one first though. After the race you may ding you don’t want to change anything, or change everything!

 

[Functional Artist]

Use a narrow trailer tire, less rolling resistance.

Hey Denny,

Like these?
...see again, were thinkin' alike

You should probably get through with and race the Polaris before building another one first though.

IMO Polaris is just about in "ready to race" condition
...just gotta do a few little paint touch ups
...add some body panels
...& (maybe) add an additional roll bar

After the race you may ding you don’t want to change anything, or change everything!

I'ma thinkin' I've put over 10 miles on 'er while test different components (motors, batt packs, steering modifications etc.)
...& IMO already learned some stuff (thanks again) that (I think) would make for a better racer
...so...I'ma doin' it

* After all of these years, you should know, I'm kinda more in it for the "journey" (designing & building)
...than, the "destination" (getting 'em done)

** The test driving & (maybe) racing are just "free bonuses"

 

[Denny]

A smooth highway type sawtooth pattern would have less rolling resistance. You should build a gas GoKart. Chart new territory!

 

[Functional Artist]

A smooth highway type sawtooth pattern would have less rolling resistance.

Well, a frugal racer (me) found these (4) bolt on, golf cart, steel rims with 4.80 4.00/8 studded tires (new take offs) for ~$75.00
...that's ~18.75 per wheel
...or ~$9.38 per rim & ~9.38 per tire
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165450044896

They are 8" rims
...so, there is a wide variety of tires available (go kart, golf cart, lawn care & trailer)
...a wide variety of treads available (sawtooth, studded, ribbed & even slicks)
...& also, available in a wide variety of use applications & speed specs (for highway use, not for highway use etc.)

They bolt on for quick tire changes (check that requirement off the list)

Plus, there is a (4th) wheel (check that requirement off the list-too)
...so, we got's us a spare tire (all ready to go if/when necessary)

You should build a gas GoKart. Chart new territory!

OMG
"I just puked in my mouth a little bit"

Not really new territory
...more like building a model T
...or a steam engine

Not my "cup of tea"
...or within the Electrathon rules

 

[Denny]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165450044896


OMG
"I just puked in my mouth a little bit"

Now you know how I feel when you start a new ill fated project.

 

[Functional Artist]

Now you know how I feel when you start a new ill fated project.

Well, ya might wanna get ya some Tums
...& it may be best ta get the big bottle

...'cause I may have a "fleet" of these racers, built by the next race (May 2024)

So, whilest I wasa waitin' on stuff

Maybe...

 

[Functional Artist]

Hey Denny,
IIRC you wasa golf cart guy a whilest back
...so, maybe you can comment on what they use &/or how they install front brakes, on golf carts
...when your tummy settles down, of course

 

[Denny]

Front brakes on golf karts was after my time in the industry. Sorry.

 

[Functional Artist]

Front brakes on golf karts was after my time in the industry. Sorry.

Oh yea, you guys used Flintstone Brakes, back then

So, I'ma thinkin' probably something like Dual Flange Hubs
...that can be mounted on standard go kart spindles

This way, I don't have to make the spindles, I can just use factory made "off the shelf" parts
...plus, they come with an automatic upgrade, to 5/8" axles

* So, far (for the record) we gonna have
...stronger wheels
...with better traction
...& better brakes
...plus "beefier" axles too

 

[Functional Artist]

Now you know how I feel when you start a new ill fated project.

??

Ill-fated
...destined to fail or have bad luck
...is an adjective that means having or destined to a hapless fate, or that causes or marks the beginning of misfortune.
...destined, as though by fate, to an unhappy or unfortunate end.
...is an adjective that means unlucky and unsuccessful, often resulting in death.
...it can be used before a noun to describe something or someone who is ill-fated.

 

[Denny]

Ill fated= makes me ill and that’s my fate!

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

I had a golf cart once at work. It got a flat, so I convinced the bean counters to buy 4 new wheels/tires. Got trailer wheels (4-on-4 bolt pattern). Less rolling resistance from both contact patch and higher tire pressure. Woke that thing up in a big way and made it way more fun to drive.

 

[Denny]

I’ve been using trailer tires on them for over 25 years. With rims as big as 13”!

 

[Functional Artist]

Indian Summer
It's been ~50* here in NWO, for the last couple of days
...so, I made some progress

 

[BaconBitRacing]

Purdy!

 

[Denny]

We call it Native American Summer now. Indian is a racist term.

 

[Functional Artist]

Rough sketch

Dry fitting the lower frame members

Rough (real world) layout of some of the vertical supports