The 100$ Kart.

[J_Walker]

Here's what I'm looking at from the guy a few blocks from me. He said a 100$s the tires need to be replaced, and an air filter on the Engine. I Was thinking of trying to bring it down to 90$s just trying to save the extra dollar.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Wow, that's a tad bit overbuilt! I don't know what the front axle beam is from, but it looks like it could anchor a sailboat!

It's a tough call. For a guy that has the knowledge and equipment, sure. I don't know if this is a good first project for a noob, even if you are stoked to learn. It's going to need more than an air filter and tires.

-I don't see any kind of braking system on it, at all
-Tie rods and rod ends appear to be missing
-I always get nervous when I see an engine without an air filter. To me, this is a sign of a PO that did not care for/maintain his stuff. What sort of shape is the engine reallyin?
-are the missing rims included?
-Is it just me, or are the pedals not the same distance from the seat? Is the guy's left leg really short?
-That roll hoop looks unsupported. In the event of a roll, it'll just fold.
-Where is the clearly missing front bumper?
-How many HP is the engine?

These are just thoughts, you should think too. How adventurous are you feeling? I probably would just for the challenge, and the fact that you can't get any go kart anything for $100 around here.

Perhaps you should appear interested, but keep shopping while you weigh out your options.

One final thought- Given that this is a homebuilt kart, you can't just "order" specific parts- you'll really have to do your homework. But then, that's what this site's all about.

EDIT- I'm really beginning to think those spindle brackets are actually automotive u-joint yokes! Anybody else?

 

[J_Walker]

the engine is 6.0 HP and the front bumper has to be welded back on. And for the rims, Idk Didn't ask while I was there, he was headed out the door.

How hard is the breaking to put on?

I Was planning to take off the roll bar...

I don't even think the peddles are attached..

Tie rods???

I was planning onto getting this Engine > - wait for link -

Also, I Gotta get something soon, my dad goes on deployment, and well Idk If I could handle buying something like this with my moms money, Without first approve of him first to reassure my mother, Its some work.. And I know two local guys who will help me with tools. and let me work on it over there houses as well.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

For some frontend I.D. basics, have a look-

 

[J_Walker]

Ohh, I see Yeah. So Is it worth it, or should I just give up on a go-kart till about a year or so? Cause Its so hard to find something in below the 200 range.. around here, isn't really a southern kinda town, so no old carts laying around.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

heres what i would do, seeing that i am a kid just like you, and when times are tough, money definitely has to be saved!

• part out the tecumseh. convince your parents to get an ebay acount, and sell the con rod+piston, valves and cam, crankshaft, carbeurator, block, head, and shrouds ALL seperaely and ill bet you can recoup almost all that $100.
• use the money you got selling parts from the tecrapseh to buy a honda clone and keep it stock to avoid breaking parts (i learned the hard way...)
• go ask the guy for the tie rods... i mean come on, he SAID all it needed was TIRES
• if you cant get the parts back from the guy...i bet you can find some used tie rods for cheap on ebay or MAKE some out of either some scrap metal pipes with holes drilled for the bolts, or if you can weld then weld on some flanges.
• buy some split rim harbor freight tires and weld the rims stronger. THEY ARE $4 EACH!!! then all you would need to do is make an adapter for a live axle. WHICH i do know of someone on this site that did, i can find out his username or link you to his thread anyways.

i want to see this thing done.. ill be checking back to see how its going and feel free to PM me with any questions.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Don't be in too much of a hurry. I'd hate to see you come here, all stoked to go, and then get in over your head and end up giving up in clouds of regret. Is the guy in a big hurry to sell it? I suggest you look around a bit. I'm not saying "don't buy it", I'm just suggesting you sleep on it. Also, let some of our other members weigh in on this first, too.

I undestand a crappy market. You'd be lucky to come up with a gas tank around here for $100. For that reason, I would be all over this. But you and I are different. Sorting that kart out is something I am able to do without hesitation. I'm really glad you're ecited to go, and I want to see you do well with a project. But I also know that biting off a bit too much can quickly discourage a person.

Consider the following, then think about the purchase.

*Time is money, or rather, if you have little money, you'd better have plenty of time. Doing things on the cheap requires patience. Waiting for sales and good trashpicks, scavenging, Craigslist ads to appear, etc.

*Relying on friends' skills and tools is also going to add to your timeline.

*This IS going to take some money unless you have many horseshoes in uncomfortable places. Go into this thinking you'll likely spend up to $500 over time. It may not be this much, but the mindset helps.

*You are learning, and you can't possibly figure everything out straight away. again, time and patience

*If you think you're buying a "go kart", DON'T!
*If you think you're buying a "project", go for it!!! I DO think it's doable.

That's my 2 cents with applicable taxes. Cheers!

 

[powerstrokekid]

I agree with toystory and bluethunder. This kart is over built. and yes those spindles are yolks off a driveshaft of some sorts. Not having an air cleaner seems to set off a red flag. Running an engine without one is a big no no haha. I would do like bluethunder says and part out the tecumseh engine they always tend to be trouble (I learned the hard way). You are definitely getting a project kart. But if you have the time and patience you can create your very own unique kart. I am waiting on a powerplant for my most recent project. I would stay around 5-6hp -or- something you are comfortable with (don't overkill with the engine one your first kart) also go for a honda clone as bluethunder suggested it's a great engine. I'm still a noob with karts also, and it's always trial and error it's the only way to learn about these things. But for $100 i couldn't even get a frame around here.

 

[J_Walker]

Nvm, This whole kart thing is apparently causing to much fighting. Really isn't worth it to me. I called it off, Told my mom and dad off. and let it be. I can't help it I'm not a f$@*# normal child like they want. Doesn't matter anymore, I'm not even taking rides from my mom or dad to or from school. Not dealing with bus crap. So Going Eco Friendly..! Riding my bike to and back from school! Thanks for you all help tho.

Glad someone isn't to mean to at lease explain something to me, without having to get mad and walk away...

 

[Bluethunder3320]

Nvm, This whole kart thing is apparently causing to much fighting. Really isn't worth it to me. I called it off, Told my mom and dad off. and let it be. I can't help it I'm not a f$@*# normal child like they want. Doesn't matter anymore, I'm not even taking rides from my mom or dad to or from school. Not dealing with bus crap. So Going Eco Friendly..! Riding my bike to and back from school! Thanks for you all help tho.

Glad someone isn't to mean to at lease explain something to me, without having to get mad and walk away...

dont feel like that.

not being able to build or work on go karts and mini bikes, auto related things, etc..., to me, id rather die. dont be totally negative and think your a disgrace or something. building go karts is something you have to put some effort into, not just dish out $100 and start to drive.

if you want to get serious at this stuff.. like i am... you need to build up a line of tools, i.e. welder, grinder, drill, ratchet set, etc. and slowly take on projects. i feel that i like the hobby so much that i will be going to tech school and taking auto classes, and most likely i will be a mechanic. this is my life.....

take this slow, look at your options, get organized, and you will have a go kart.

there have been many times in my life where i have came so close to giving up, because i have been so frustrated seeing a project all of a sudden take a beating, IT HAPPENED TODAY. i was trying to start my home made mini bike, just as i am coming up on finishing it, and it didnt start. it finally did, then it bogged out and smoked. i got off it and the chain fell off. then i was pissed so i kicked down the kickstand and let go. the kick stand broke off and it fell into the snow. what do you think i was thinking? i thought it was a piece of ****, and i cant build anything for ****. i went inside, cooled down, got over it, and then assessed the problems.

apparently i drilled out the main jet too much, so i had to get a new one. $12 shipped. :toetap05: then i welded the kickstand back stronger. and finally, i noticed the bolt on the chain tensioner was too loose. so, i tightened it.

all good to go... its a beast.

good luck... dont give up. dont just quit here.

 

[bighead]

Nvm, This whole kart thing is apparently causing to much fighting. Really isn't worth it to me. I called it off, Told my mom and dad off. and let it be. I can't help it I'm not a f$@*# normal child like they want. Doesn't matter anymore, I'm not even taking rides from my mom or dad to or from school. Not dealing with bus crap. So Going Eco Friendly..! Riding my bike to and back from school! Thanks for you all help tho.

Glad someone isn't to mean to at lease explain something to me, without having to get mad and walk away...

Sounds like your parents love ya man. Parents walking away mad is beater than a parent beating you over it. (in my case)

Joing shop class at school. Then use the class at school to break the ice about go karts with your parents. I bet they would say yes if the school was envolved.

Good luck

 

[fowler]

if u dont think u know much about karts and engines than welcome to being the magority.
if u want to learn than just stay around the forum and read threads, u will find tonnes of info
when i joined i didnt even know how an engine works. 1 month in i did, 6 months in i could rebuilt one, and im a slow learner

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Wow, ain't that a kick in the junk... Do you mind me asking why your parents have such an issue with this? Surely they would rather you learn something constructive and challenging rather than be glued to an XBOX 24/7?

As a parent, I'm dying to know what the issue is. I do everything I can to encourage my kids to use thier hands and stay off thier butts. I just bought my 10 year old his first socket set for Christmas! Anyway, I don't mean to toot my own horn. What I'm getting at is they probably have a good reason or two for resisting your efforts and maybe if it's decently addressed, they'll come around. Money? Safety? Nowhere to drive? Surely these things can be dealt with...

 

[Bluethunder3320]

Wow, ain't that a kick in the junk... Do you mind me asking why your parents have such an issue with this? Surely they would rather you learn something constructive and challenging rather than be glued to an XBOX 24/7?

As a parent, I'm dying to know what the issue is. I do everything I can to encourage my kids to use thier hands and stay off thier butts. I just bought my 10 year old his first socket set for Christmas! Anyway, I don't mean to toot my own horn. What I'm getting at is they probably have a good reason or two for resisting your efforts and maybe if it's decently addressed, they'll come around. Money? Safety? Nowhere to drive? Surely these things can be dealt with...

good point. i had the option to get an XBOX like all my friends but instead i got tools and a new angle grinder.

my parents dont mind the noise of me working in my shop... they are willing to send me to tech school, and this stuff is basically my life...

remind them that working on that go kart will give you an experience about how things work and its better than XBOX because it requires you to at least stand up...

 

[B man]

what big city is near by you?and what state are you in?