Spider Cart Recluse and Black Widow

[Aladinbama]

I've searched here and discovered the more advanced spider cart plans have issues, but ...
Are the Recluse and Black Widow plans decent enough to build a cart off of? I'm 6'1" so I will be extending them some, but just wondering if the plans were worth buying?
I'm just looking to build something with a live axle pretty inexpensively. I'm new to this so it's going to be my "learning experience". And yes, I am considering some other BASIC plans, but these two look pretty neat.
Oh, and where this will be my first kart, I have built things like boats and overhauled motors! I'm pretty good at following instructions and modifying "issues" when necessary.

 

[Nodroz]

I've seen somebody building a recluse on the forum.
See here: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18124

I'm building a gokart off diyden.com plans (the dirt devil). I like the plans and they really helped me get the basics done.

 

[Aladinbama]

I dove!
I purchased their plan packet. I really just wanted the base two, but thought if I wanted to do one of the others and added it later it would cost me more than their packet price.
First down will be the Black Widow. I plan on adding at least 6" in length (probably go ahead with a foot), and about 2" in width (4" if I go to a foot in length).
The plans look pretty straight forward. Trying to pick up a welder for my b-day (1st week in Oct.) and will be collecting the necessary tubes for then.
Wish me luck!

 

[Nodroz]

Goodluck mate! If you are in any doubt, don't hesitate and contact us!

 

[JCB003]

I am building a Recluse now with my son...that's my thread Nodroz linked to. The Recluse as it is dimensioned in the plans is a kid's kart. It's really small - like 5-7 yr olds size. If you're 6'-1" I would lengthen it 20"- 24" maybe more and widen it by 4"-6". You can get almost all the info needed to build it off youtube - there is a Spidercarts channel where they build the Recluse and give you the dimensions. It is divided into 20 some videos that are easy to follow. There is also an archived Spidercarts forum where there a few detailed threads on adult sized Recluse builds. YOu can find a link to it on the Spidercarts Facebook page. It's very helpful as all the errrors and omissions in the plans are noted.

Unless you have parts laying around it's not going to be cheap. Expect to layout around $800-$1000 dollars using parts they suggest. The parts are not expensive on their own, but they do add up, most expensive being the tires/rims.

I can help if you have any more questions.

 

[Aladinbama]

JCB, I've seen that thread and I know what you mean about the tires. I'll be going with a cheaper brand. I found these guys and they seem affordable (somewhat) - http://www.smartkartparts.com/ - if you go with their rims it will require tubes, but no biggee! I'm still shopping around as I have plenty of time.
I'll be starting with the Black Widow. Most likely I will add @10" in length and about 4" in width. I may just put the center beam at 6' adding 16" and add measurements from their (probably 6" in width). I'll probably draw it out on the concrete first with chaulk - LOL!
Thanks for the youtube info! If you give me about a month, I should have some questions.

 

[JCB003]

The Black Widow looks like a nice simple build for a first try. Google Sketch Up is easy to use and free for working on your layout and dimensioning parts. Concrete and chalk works too, probably a good idea since you can actually sit down and see how you should fit.

 

[Aladinbama]

I actually took a 2x4 and layed it out and measured it. The 56" of the plan is definitely too short and I think that adding just 8" putting it to 64" would work out pretty well. I measured 6' (72") and it seemed tooooo long. I could make it work adjusting the seat, but why?
So, I'll be adding 8" to length and can't decide on 3" or 4" of width (probably just 3")! I will also bring the rear sides up 2" and put supports across both sides (of the back). The new plans have one on one side to help support the engine mount - thought I'd just put one on the other too!
Saturday I go tube shopping and maybe buy a cut-off saw and then I'll be waiting on the welder! Thanks again JCB!