Should I scrap this frame and get another?

[johnnyKart]

I'm trying to decide on using this frame or trying to find another. I was hoping for opinion. Thank you.

My thoughts are to scrap it and get another but I am not sure.

 

[newrider3]

I don't see anything wrong with it from the pics, just needs some wheels, a seat, pedals, etc. Unless it is bent and cracked everywhere, that is something I can't tell from the pic.

 

[johnnyKart]

I don't see anything wrong with it from the pics, just needs some wheels, a seat, pedals, etc. Unless it is bent and cracked everywhere, that is something I can't tell from the pic.

What about how the brake is the kind where they press against the tires to stop it? Is that "too old"?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Scrub brakes are definately at the bottom of the heap. But that's no reason to scrap an entire frame.

 

[johnnyKart]

Scrub brakes are definately at the bottom of the heap. But that's no reason to scrap an entire frame.

What would I use for brakes? I am looking at getting the harbor freight 6.5hp. Will the scrub brakes be able to stop it?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

There're several brake options out there. There's the band brake, drum brake, mechanical disc, and hydraulic disc. Some are pretty much bolt-on affairs with the right parts, some require fabrication. The scrub brakes, if adjusted ideally, will stop you. eventually. Just don't expect to hit 'em and lay a couple 'o' strips of rubber...
You could perhaps, use them just to get started, then upgrade them after you're up and running.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Scrub brakes are definately at the bottom of the heap. But that's no reason to scrap an entire frame.

I personally like Scrub Brakes. You receive equal stopping pressure across the rear of the kart, you have no need to worry about brake calipers, drums, bands, or pucks. The one time these brakes perform sub-par is in very wet weather for obvious reasons. Unless you decide to spend the majority of your time riding outside in the rain I'd say this is a fine brake set-up.

Can you tell me why you think Scrub Brakes are worse than others? There are some reasons beside the water issue that make them difficult for many people to adapt to their style. For example, you can't change tire size unless you cut and re-mount the scrub brakes. Lets get the ball rolling from there.

Obviously if he does choose to remove them and want to keep a one wheel drive set-up he'll be using band brakes the other choices would be ill conceived.

Johnny, I vote that you keep this frame, if you want a fast little kart you have one, Manco made a very sturdy well engineered yard kart. You really can have one slick looking frame if done correctly. If you are wondering from factory you had 4.10x3.50-5 tires rear and 4.10x3.50-4 tires front.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Can you tell me why you think Scrub Brakes are worse than others?

Subjectively... I don't think they are worse, they are. There's the aforementioned water/mud issue, tire sizing, tire wear, contact patch, mechanical force... As compared to a hydraulic disc brake setup, yeah- no comparison.

Objectively... For a one-wheeler, you do get braking on both tires, and they are simple.

None of the above is reason enought to scrap the frame, though. Unless it's beaten to death, looks like a keeper to me.

 

[Blazkowiez]

On a one wheel drive, unless we place hubs on each wheel we have a lack of ability for hydraulic disk brakes. I know its an open debate and I'm not trying to take over this man's thread. I just wanted to say why I think they are a legitimate brake system in this day and age when most consider them outdated. Tire wear is not to the level you would consider when the scrub is properly constructed. This'll turn into a neat kart.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I don't disagree with that... At any rate, I hope Johnny keeps it!