Young Kart Enthusiast looking for info

[Ryan Burman]

Well you guys have new member coming to tbo im going to need help but i will definetly be there i just need the date and location i will have my dart kart as a roller there hopefully i will leave with it running or at least the parts to get it to run now. Your rules for racing mention saftey wire what exactly is this i will run dual motors if i can find to westbend motors but i will start off with just one. Also what can i do to upgrade the brake system without going to exspensive.Also are sawtooth tires ok for racing?lastly i happen to be a little worried about the front end of the kart am i alloweld to weld functional but good looking bracing to the front arms and make a round tube front bumper just incase it gets nasty.Lastly ima looking for some seat upolstry i am willing to pay whatevr the cost for good but will accept decent. Money orders will have to be accepted as payment

[ted johnson]

Ryan, you won't need front bumpers at TBO. There is no racing, and it doesn't get nasty, and lots of us don't run bumpers. If you do decide you want a front bumper, there might be used ones at TBO that bolt on using the kingpin bolts. They were very popular for Darts in the early days. No welding needed. The front and rear axle nuts need to have cotter pins or safety wire. The kingpin (spindle) bolts, tie-rod bolts, steering wheel bolts and any brake system bolts also need cotters or safety wire. This prevents any nuts/bolts from coming loose. Look at the REAR guidelines on the left side of the REAR home page. You do not need slicks to run, but the Cheng Shin slicks are almost as cheap as ribbed tires, and lots of us run them. Lots of guys brace up the front axles with diagonals welded in. Not a problem. There will probably be engines for sale at TBO. You may need to clean them up and install new crankshaft seals and gaskets, rebuild the carbs and maybe even install new piston rings. Running engines are usually available, but will cost more. See you there! The Swoopster is nearly ready to go. Ted

[Ryan Burman]

alright thanks exactly how do i run the cotter pins for the axle nuts?do i drill i hole through the spindles/axles?ive also heard u have to safty wire the steering linkages how is this done?

[ted johnson]

Yes, if the axles are not drilled, you will have to do this. Very careful measuring is needed, plus a method of drilling through exactly on center. You'll need a drill press. Having the machime shop do this is highly encouraged! You can buy a drill block from most any of the on-line karting shops to drill bolts up to 3/8" on center. You probably will need longer bolts for the steering abd brake bolts. Thin slotted nuts are available from the karting supply shops for the axles. DO NOT use cheap grade 2 hardware-store bolts for steering or brakes. Be sure to get a good quality bolt, at least grade 5's, and grade 8's are better. Some grade 8 bolts are so hard that you cannot drill them. If you buy black oxide socket head cap screws from www.mcmaster.com you will be able to drill these with patience and lots of cutting oil. For these, you must use a drilling block and a drill press. If you buy 5/64" (.078) cobalt or titanium nitride (TiN) coated drill bits it will help. Buy several, as they can break! Hanson or Irwin brand are great for the money and can usually be bought locally. It would be good to go to a karting event and look at the way they are done. Good hunting! Ted

[Ryan Burman]

I guess ill wait for tbo and see what some peoples setups are i would like to be able to meeet some of u guys at the show if thats at all possible?cause im going to need alot of help.Right now the kart is done in a cheap rattle can job but i did sand as much rust off as possible im doing this to get the kart looking decent and i want to get everything running and then blow it apart again for the detail powdercoat

[Rob Voska]

Do not powder coat. If frame gets a crack it makes reapir a big headache.

[Ryan Burman]

so the spray paint job was ok? i will repaint it tho cause im not all that pleased with the outcome. so im probably gonna sandblast the frame bit is it ok to blast aluminum? im gonna do a meatallic lime green with black wheels and accesories