Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the input. It was not my intention to rattle anyones cage. As you know, we all attach a certain tone to emails, post... what have you. I just did not want have the conversation derailed. If I offended anyone I'm sorry
I will post some videos of the D300 project later tonight on my Youtube channel, as I got a lot of work done on it today/this weekend.
I have the '88 Briggs and Stratton 5HP which is in excellent mechanical shape. I went through the carb and replaced the diaphragm, cleaned the carb, the jet and polished the needle. I also put a new clutch on it because the pull cord was only engaging 50% of the time.
My plans for the D300 are not to do period correct restore. Even though this is not a racing kart, the lines of it are beautiful. I like the straight bumper in the front and the narrow steering hoop especially. You have to understand that I'm a designer, well, of everything. Therefore, I have the "need" to improve the form and/or function in very subtle way, whereas it does not violate or rob the period look.
I have 3 '72 CB500 in various stages of design, building.. what have you. I take cues from the approach to bikes which naturally will carry over to the karts I have.
Ok, enough about my "deep" thoughts.
I have removed the original Fun Kart plastic wheel and cut off its welded on steering shaft. I purchased a new A-Bone chrome steering shaft with the hub from RobRon (Robert Stanton... very cool guy). Cheap too. $30. This way I can mount a proper Rupp racing steering wheel. Of course they look cooler.
The entire frame, spindles will be stripped (not sandblasted) down to its mild steel... patina and all. I will clear it over with a nice Eastwood-brand flat clear made to preserve patina.
The engine has also been stripped down to bare metal and will be cleared as well. Once you see it, I think you might agree... it looks very cool. It's what I want.
As far as the muffler goes, I just want to make it throaty, but not obnoxious. this is purely a form thing. It has to sound cool. The upholstery will be the A-Bone stock kit OR I might go with a distressed brown leather like on my Honda Brat tracker CB500.
I will be losing the Rupp turbine wheels. Don't like the way they look. I will be putting Azusa Tri star wheel and a period correct slick (safety).
Like DJ said, we all are in this for many different reasons. And no restoration or build is wrong if it provides gratification and pride for the owner or the driver.. or the kid!
Thanks again guys. I will be sure to post more on this as I get more content (pictures, video, to share).
Best,
John