1961 Leecart

[Scott Grundfor]

I recently acquired a 1961(?) Leecart. It was raced in the San Francisco area by Don Martin of San Leandro from 1961-1964. In 1964 he put it in a shed under the work bench and there it stayed until this summer. It has only been cleaned and is original as found except the steering wheel and bottom cushions. The Maico is a 175cc kart engine. I am hoping to have it ready to run at Riverside. I had a 1961 Bug with a Mac 10 direct drive many years ago. I was able to pick up the back end and drop it on the run and jump in. (except for the time it took off with out me). The Leecart is direct drive (double chain). Is it going to be a big pain getting started? Does anyone remember Don or this Kart?

[Tom Smith]

I recommend that you make sure you know what the right type of fuel mix for it is and pressure test for air leaks before you run it. If it runs on alcohol make sure to have a couple of spare plugs the correct heat range. Aircooled engines mounted directly behind the driver without any air scoops usually don't cool very well.

[steveohara]

Scott,

Great find whether it runs or not!
Hope to see the kart at Adams
Steve O'Hara

[louie figone]

Scott,
That is a great find! Contact Dave Bonbright and Ernie Fisher, they raced in the SF Bay Area those years and probably knew the kart and the owner. I raced during the same era in the Bay Area but I do not remember that kart.
I would do as Tom Smith recommends but also would pull the barrel and clean all the bearings of any gum that may have formed on them.
Beautiful looking kart!

Louie

[Rick Chapman]

Louie..
Would you tell me what are the brand of wheels on the kart and what sizze??
At a glance, they look like the same wheels I was just given and I'd like to see if they are a match.
Thanks
Rick

[ted johnson]

Rick, they're C.T. Alloy 5" wheels, made by Chuck Trantham (Titan Karts). Will Rogers makes repops today. They were about the lightest American wheels ever made for karts, though you could break the spokes out of them. I spun the spokes from mine with a triple Mac setup. The C.T. Alloy should be cast into the rims at the beads. Ted

[Scott Grundfor]

Thanks guys for the advice. Good idea to pull it down and check and clean everything. Regarding check for fuel type: I have only run gas in my karts. Can you tell by the size of the jets in the carbs? Any other way to check? I will bring her to Adams running or not.