[Kartbuilding] Home made kart (fwd)

[Stephen Burke]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 19:51:48 +0000
Subject: Re: Home made kart

On Fri, 2007-01-05 at 11:54 +0000, Stephen Burke wrote:

> I had thought of making a special trailer with enclosed body which I could
> store and transport two karts in!
>
I run an LDV 400 long wheel base van, this allows the kart to just go in
the back doors and still have some seats for the family

> You got me there! It came up very well. Did you use special heat resistant
> paint? I presume so.
>
Hammerrite silver on the engine cowling.

> I saw the photos you sent on - thanks very much.
> I also see that your turned your formers!! - Nicely done. Thats the
> hardest part - and as I dont have a metalwork lathe (or easy eaccess to
> one) its a pity. I had thinking of turning the formers out of oak/ask/teak
> on a woodwork lathe (which I did have access to). Another idea to make the
> formers was to get the various tube sizes bent in an engineering works -
> and then to saw the bent tubing in half - and to weld in supports etc.
> This would give a suitable former also.

The formers did take several hours each to make, so quite an investment
for me in time.  Perhaps a local engineering co would do them for you.

> I actually have finished up a set of PDF plans for a racing kart (putting
> a copyright notice). They are at: www.kartbuilding.net/racingkart
> See what you think. If you have any comments or changes I should make - I
> would be interested in hearing them.
>
> As for the smaller issues such as chain guard and roll cage etc, I feel
> that if people get enough plans and information to start making the kart
> and to get it moving - they will have motiviation to go on and include the
> pieces and parts *they* want. I didnt want to have too many plans or
> details. Just simply plans to get them off the ground. It would however be
> nice for me to include all details in a kart. Hummmm.... for another days
> work.
>

The plans are fine and look good.  You are obviously skilled in cad
packages, something I have not done for a long time.

> I head to an industrial estate on weekends - it does be very good - apart
> from the odd speed ramp. I had often thought of heading to a isolated
> beach somewhere. Anyways...Ive been out of the making and racing of karts
> for a year or two now.

The runs at work went OK today, no long stretch and only have around80
yards in a line before you have to turn around, an ind estate or closed
off  business park would be ideal if the local security guards could be
persuaded.  I will give some of them a try.  Good idea.

One of the last things I am waiting for from an eBay seller is a
electronic speed computer.  Really meant to be mounted on a push bike,
powered by a small button cell you programme in the circumference of the
wheel and mount somehow on the back axle, they can give speed in MPH or
KM, distances trip etc. max speed etc.  All for less then £10.  Not bad
I thought so would be well worth any karter to fit to see what is being
achieved.



> Thanks for your information and help.
> Best Regards,
> Stephen


All the best

Adrian