rearenginekarts.com

After a couple of months of trying to figure out a strategy for getting a vintage kart on the track, I'm still not there. There appear to be a few routes to this goal. The idea of restoring a tired frame to it's former glory, feels like the right direction, but it may ultimately be the most costly. Craigs list may be the answer, but who can camp out on the computer, sorting through Mancos to find a deal. I could always just say screw it, and spend a young fortune and buy something read to race on Ebay. A barn find would be nice too.
So, just when I figure I see no more options, I see a Dart frame on Ebay, that the guy intentionally cut into three sections.
I like to give others the benefit of the doubt, but jeez, I don't get it. I can understand that you may be able to sell the parts of a complete kart, for more than a roller. Is the "it's only original once" idea only for other motorized vehicles? Can anyone out there able to understand this?

Rupp Karts - ROBRON Inc. - Complete karts and parts - Home of the "Rupp Karts"
ROBRON, Inc. is the maker of the Rupp Dart Karts using the original tooling. ROBRON is the Rupp parts supplier for original parts for restoration. Robron Chaparral upholstery with 1" pleat.
Robert Stanton
800-624-7383
mailto:robroninc@bellsouth.net

http://rearenginekarts.com/Robron.jpg

Mike,,,I saw that too and thought WTF......is this guy for real or was it just a POS frame.....I mean damn , its only original once......I'm thinking maybe the drugs are better on the west coast ??????????????
I got lucky anfd found two very nice rebuilders in the first 2-3 months ..all depends what you want, and I guess what you will settle for ...kinda like at the club at 2 in the morning....

been looking for a Big J Lancer sidewinder(70-72) for 6 months and still no got...but I got time, and I know what I want....

Good luck
Gary W

i saw that kart on ebay myself.
even bid on one section i could use.

while it may seem nuts it wasn't a huge loss since there are tons of decent rupps out there.
also robron is still building them.
in the sellers defense, i've seen over the years is breaking up a kart (or anything) will almost always bring the seller more money.
mostly because the parts on rare items are hard to come by.

what you need to do is be patient and watch for what you want.
and yes you'll spend alot of time searching but that's part of the game.
or you can buy a built kart they are around and usually will be cheaper to buy complete than anything you can build on your own.
this is definitely a hobby where you're lucky to break even on the money you actually spend forget about your time.

i have something like forty karts that i've found with careful searches and persistance.
rupps,bugs,mccullochs margays,etc. etc
some rare - some just nice and complete..
most are restorable but need alot of work.

my experience in putting them up for sale is that everybody wants a deal.
they won't pay anywhere near what i'd get by breaking up the kart and selling individual parts.
since i personally am against doing that i just hold onto what i find.
which is a shame since many that i buy are just bought to save them from being farmer browned.

eventually one of three things will happen
1. people agree to pay a fair market price.
2. i restore everything and have a neat museum.
3.most likely i get really old and die and then they're sold for whatever my decendents can get!!!!

but i'm a fool for punishment so if you're interested send me a p.m. and maybe you'll be able to buy a kart without to much hassle.
dave

Dave,
Thanks for your insightful, and kind reply. Your logic makes sense to me. I guess the hunt may be part of the fun. Perhaps it's the idea of rescuing (sp?) something from becoming a yard kart, or worse yet, the door or a Toyota. I don't even want to think how many really great karts have met a similar fate.
One option that I failed to mention is building my own frame. I do have friends who can bend the tubing, understand steering geometry, have weld shops, and one who has a body shop. Sure it won't be the Caretta, Bug, or any of the other sought after names. I just want to be able to show up with something that fits the "spirit and intent" ( I borrowed that phrase from the nostalgia drag racing guys) and have fun. To guess that my driving skills have probably diminished somewhat, would be like saying, that Detroit is not as nice a city as it once was.
I'll just keep on working towards that goal. My fiance is all for it. I know that patience will be required. Judging from the people I've run into on this site, the worse that can happen, is that I'll make some new friends.
Thanks again, Mike

HERE'S A NICE LANCER UP THE STRRET FROM ME.
SADLY I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY BUT IF YOU'RE INTRESTED I CAN HELP YOU GET IT HOME .
FOUND ON CRAIGSLIST WITH A SIMPLE SEARCH TODAY


Go Cart 1964 Antique Lancer GT - $1900 (Ct.)

Date: 2010-02-05, 8:53AM EST
Reply to: see below

Original and complete 1964 Lancer Go - Cart One of the 1st go carts to come with a susupension frame . Has a Mac 91 B engine , with a circle crank , Kendick pipe, Horstman slip a disk clutch, Air Hart disk brake set up. Posi traction, Slicks, temp guage, have some literture, have a trophy for the 1973 Senior points champion. This cart has won many races up and down the east coast . I have four boxes of extra engine parts, 16 sprockets etc. Go cart is in very good condition for being 46 years old. Always stored in doors.

A Lancer Go-cart very rarely comes up for sale. asking 1900.00 or best offer Must sell.... 860-558-8791

I have the bottom seat cushion Just not in picture.

HERES ANOTHER
McCulloch made this engine from 2/63-11/63 Its a MC8. It is a very rare engine in excellent condition. It has very low hours on a new crankshaft, connecting rod, piston and rings. The carb was rebuilt, points and condenser was replaced and tuned up by a Mcculloch racing expert in Ohio. The engine has a good clutch on it and comes with a new spare. This engine puts out about 12hp @ 14,000 rpm. The kart is vintage but the exact year is unknown. It has a solid axle with slicks on the back. The are newer 2-piece rims on the front with turf tires. Needs a new sprocket carrier and sprocket for the rear axle. Brakes are there but need to be tweaked. Depending on the gearing, this kart runs around 55mph. Not for someone who wants to have fun around the yard, this is a racing kart designed for the track. Serious interest only, & Cash only. thanks
Pete
(401) 369-5042