Vintage Go Kart Build

[GoAlterBridge]

I can finally say I've started on my go kart. Last night I got 40 feet of angle iron, and today I started cutting and notching it. I've finished the cutting to leingth, but I'm not quite done notching it. I can't start welding it all together until the welder from harbor freight gets here. Speaking of which, It says on the FAQs on there site that it takes 10-14 business days to arrive. Even though they're in California, it shouldn't take more than a week at the most. Does anyone know why it'll take that long?
Once I start welding, I'll post a bunch of pics for you guys.
Thanks.

 

[kibble]

They might say that just to be on the safe side. The welder itself is quite heavy though, if it's the same one we were talking about on the other thread.

 

[GoAlterBridge]

Ok, I thought that might have been just for "just in case". Yeah, it's the same one as in the other thread.

 

[GoAlterBridge]

Yesterday I went to Lowes and bought a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder, and some cutting and grinding discs. I was able to finish cutting and notching most of the angle iron pieces for my go kart. If my welder comes this week, you'll probably see some pictures of it, and I'll probably be able to finish the frame this week.

 

[GoAlterBridge]

My welder arrived yesterday, and I spent the day getting used to flux core welding. This afternoon I started fabricating the front axle. I bent the angle, ground both ends, cut and welded some triangular filler peices into the gaps on the bends, then ground down the welds to make them look ok.

 

[2or3wheels]

Sweet, dont forget pics.

 

[GoAlterBridge]

I didn't forget, but when I try to post them, the "manage attatchments" page goes blank while it's uploading.

 

[GoAlterBridge]

Oh, crap. I tried it again but the same thing happened.

 

[RobertD]

wait longer is my only advice..?

 

[GoAlterBridge]

Here is a pic I just took of it.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z51/GoAlterBridge/DCP_4397.jpg

If you look in the background you can see the rear bumper that I bent today. I couldn't weld it today since it was raining and I have to do it outside.

 

[subidrift]

Hey It Looks Great Wat Motor U Using

 

[GoAlterBridge]

I'm using this engine:

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=275&d=1178299508

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=279&d=1178299864

To all those guys I told that it was a Briggs, I might be wrong about that.
Yesterday my brother called up Briggs to find out what engine it is. (It doesn't have any marking on it except a serial number.) The lady he talked to said that the numbers didn't sound like they came off a Briggs and Stratton engine. so I go and look for ANY marking that might tell me what brand it is. I took the starter motor off, and on it it says, "Tecumseh. Made in the USA" so I look at some pictures of Tecumseh engines, and I think I have an older model of this engine:

http://www.tecumsehpower.com/Produc...tos/4-cyclehoriz/Formula/4H3040Compact_LG.jpg

Tell me what you think.

 

[RobertD]

kinda looks like a kohler to me. I don't have a lot of experience with either of those brands though.

 

[GoAlterBridge]

I think it's probably an older Tecumseh.

Update:
It just started raining again so I had to pack my "shop" up, but I was able to work on the go kart this morning for about 40 minutes.
I finished the rear bumper, welded two 8 inch long pieces to the rear of the frame,and then welded the rear bumper to those 2 pieces.
It's finally starting to look like a go kart.


http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z51/GoAlterBridge/DCP_4398.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z51/GoAlterBridge/DCP_4399.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z51/GoAlterBridge/DCP_4400.jpg

 

[2or3wheels]

Looks great. That motor is probly a Tecumseh. Take a pic of da carb. That motor has electric start which is always nice. Are you going to hook up a battery to it so it will be "push button"?

 

[GoAlterBridge]

Yeah I'm liking How the kart is turning out so far.
About the electric start; Well, he, he, for some reason the electric start takes a house current, 120 volts! It's an AC motor. I don't know why it isn't a 12 volt DC. lol

 

[kibble]

Gas engine with 120VAC starter? WTF? Me fail english? That inprobable! That's like putting a fireplace in your car for heat. I'm sure there's gotta be some reason for it though.

 

[GoAlterBridge]

Yeah I know, I'm thinking the same thing.
I probably won't get any work done on the kart today, seeing as it's STILL raining, (40 days and 40 nights!) and that I'll be gone for most of the day.

 

[mikeandike]

LOL 120 volts?? Mabe it was for something around the house. But i dont see why you wold run an extension cord to your house to start the engine. Isnt that one of the reasons you buy gasoline engines, no cords more mobility? I'd rather buy an electric motor than a gasoline motor with electric start (120 volts) and cut down on emissions.

Anyways enough with my rant... Nice kart!! I'd go check and see if you can find a replacement starter thats 12 volts DC.

EDIT: At least its got recoil backup

 

[ryf]

120 volt starters are usually for snow blowers/small garden tillers/etc from what I've seen. (the thinking is who wants to fool with dead batteries/and the space they require, and for those inept in small engine maintenance).

you can get the other starter more than likely. the places below sell starters, never shopped them, but use them to price compare alot. yo

http://www.mfgsupply.com
http://www.precoparts.com
http://www.smallenginestarters.com
http://www.mowpart.com

good luck!