Any ideas what kind of Kart this is?

[Don Peterson]

Hello all, I was wondering if any of the forum members can assist me in determining the make and vintage of this Kart. This is the link to additional pics on photobucket. http://s1000.photobucket.com/albums/af1 ... Go%20kart/

Thanks for looking, Don

[Tom Smith]

Maybe a better subject might be, Any ideas what kind of kart this was? It's an early Bug that has been altered to say the least. The spindles are the earliest style Bug produced.
The Mcculloch Mc-10 is a stroked or Super Mc-10, the thick head gasket indicates it has a stroker crankshaft. The missing primary wire from the coil is for the kill button or switch which isn't necessary for running the engine.

[Don Peterson]

Thanks for the info Tom. Now that I know it is an early Bug (kinda), from what you can see, is it restorable or maybe a better question, is it worth restoring? If not I may just leave it as is, let the kids enjoy it and look elsewhere for a more suitable "vintage" kart project. Iv'e been told that the Mc-10 and a couple of parts that came with the kart are worth quite a bit more than I paid for the whole setup. I'll be dissapointed If the kart itself is not worth restoring but it wouldn't be a total loss. I am determined to aquire and run a kart at a vintage event that is scheduled at our local track this October. Thanks again, Don

[Rob Voska]

What's wrong with it? It's period correct modifications. Kinda cool in an add way. Put that MC10 on there and have some fun. You got some nice wheels. a brake people are looking for and something to get you started.

[david a luciani]

Hi Don,

i agree with Rob,
why not just clean it up a bit, swap in the correct motor and run it as found?
it is a neat looking kart the way it is, except maybe the push bar in the back.
my gk1200 is a multi-colored rat with stuck together upholstorey old recap slicks ect ect.and i love it .

it's all period correct except the mc91 motor and oil clutch.
it'll have a mc10 and dry clutch on it eventually.
i think people are starting to forget these karts were made to run and paint and chrome are optional.
getting out on the track with a safe ride is the number 1 object to me.

my two cents
dave

[Alan Warn]

I think you should put some turf tires on it and let your kids do some hot laps around that palm tree. Lawn looks too nice. Maybe laying down a little rubber on that dyed concrete would give you the "lived in look." I can send you some pictures of my landscaping makeover. Neighbors just love it! If you finally mow your lawn and find a go kart...... you might be a redneck.

[Don Peterson]

Thanks for the excellant feedback everybody. As teenagers in the late 60's and 70's a bunch of my buddys and I were in to every kind of 2,3 and 4 wheel toys we could get our hands on. We never took it beyond recreational, neighborhood streets, parking lots and high school running tracks (my favorite). I have just, in the last month or so, discovered the "Vintage Karting" community and I am jazzed beyond belief. I've bought a couple of toy karts over the years for my kids and I bought this one for the Grand kids. Truth is, I'm pretty sure I was always more excited then they were about karting. The Wiffey and I like to RV and need more long weekend destinations. Me thinks Vintage kart events fits the bill perfectly. I'm glad to know that "period" correct, not "original" is acceptable for event participation. Is there any guess as to what year bug mine is. I would like to be able to answer that question when asked. Once again, Thanks to all of you for your input and encouragement.

[Don Peterson]

I think you should put some turf tires on it and let your kids do some hot laps around that palm tree. Lawn looks too nice. Maybe laying down a little rubber on that dyed concrete would give you the "lived in look." I can send you some pictures of my landscaping makeover. Neighbors just love it! If you finally mow your lawn and find a go kart...... you might be a redneck.

Alan, we've got an acre+ of flat field out back that we have well used over the years for mini bikes, yard karts, RC toys, kites etc. My neighbors definatly prefer that to my front yard. Hmmmmm, I'm wonderin' if theres any room for asphalt in our budget....If your gonna dream, dream big, right?

[Alan Warn]

Hey Don, your Bug is a '59 or '60. The MC 10 is as well.

[Tom Smith]

Don, The original pedal mounting holes are still there in the lower original frame tubes directly below the current pedal location. The actual Bug remains look to be fairly complete from the seat back forward. Behind the seat is another story altogether. The front half of the frame appears to have been a Bug dead axle kart, circa '58-'59 judging from the seat hoop and seat side pads. The Palmini hydraulic brake and 6" Hands rear wheels are both items that later Bugs were supplied with.
Bug was thinking about reproducing their early Wasp model frames a couple years ago. I don't think they followed thru but if they do you have just about everything you would need to outfit one with except for a Palmini gas tank and the correct ulphostery. Your floormat even looks like the original item.
I have seen a number of vintage karts with similar updates (?) like yours has. Probably more uncommon is an early kart still all original but there are some.