Radio Flyer Racer

[monkey-1]

I have started a new project. I am taking a Radio Flyer wagon and turning it into a go cart.
http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer//DSC01977.JPG
http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer//DSC01987.JPG
Notice my little 'helper' in the background:
http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer//DSC01990.JPG
As soon as I get more of my parts and pieces in I will continue the build. You can follow the buildup in my website. (http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/radioflyer)

[myplace46]

Uh, where’s the driver sit? Looks like it could get hot! :eek:
I like the wheels!

[DOUGHBOY]

i think i saw that on spike tv... funk master flex had some guy on his show that made those.. they were very cool... would love to have one

[moody]

Uh, where’s the driver sit? Looks like it could get hot! :eek:
I like the wheels!

looks like he'll add a seat over the motor

[monkey-1]

Update on my radio flyer racer:
http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer3/dsc02039.jpg
http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer3/dsc02045.jpg
I still have some odds and ends to add, but here is where I am now.

More pics here (http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/).
__________________
-Monkey-1
http://www.studmonkeyracing.com
michael@studmonkeyracing.com

[Timinmb]

Love it! Good work. I've always wondered whether most go-karts use a differential or a solid rear axle. What is typical for use on pavement? What kind of clutch did you use?

[Mike W]

I kind of remember the days when I had time to do stuff like that. :rolleyes:

[monkey-1]

Love it! Good work. I've always wondered whether most go-karts use a differential or a solid rear axle. What is typical for use on pavement? What kind of clutch did you use?

Thanks!
I prefer the live axle, but it does increase the turning radius. Most all of your high end go carts are live axle and the yard carts are single wheel only. I used a Max-Torque clutch.

[cjm]

Could you tell me what wheel and tire combo would be the best for a BSR if I get them from BMI. The are so many tires, wheels and hubs to chose from. Thanks for any help.

[monkey-1]

This is what I used on my barstool:

11x6.50x5 on 6.5x5 Rear
10x4x5 on 5x5 Front

I havent bought any from a retailer. I have bought all of mine from ebay (http://search.ebay.com/cart-tires_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQsojsZ1QQfromZR10Q QcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQcoacti onZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch). I got an email from www.gokartrims.com (http://) the other day, they have some good prices. If you have any questions let me know, or you can check this forum out: http://barflyracers.com/forum.

[c25]

I like the frame design with the extensions on the front, reminds me of the frame horns on a model A hot rod. What are they made out of? Why build it that way rather than the traditional design of a longer frame, is it just for looks?

[monkey-1]

I like the frame design with the extensions on the front, reminds me of the frame horns on a model A hot rod. What are they made out of? Why build it that way rather than the traditional design of a longer frame, is it just for looks?

I was wanting it to look sort of like a T bucket with a dropped front axle. I made the plates out of 1/4" plate steel. I tried to get the rake just right to go with the big rear tires and have that hot rod look.

[cjm]

Thanks for the help, Those sites will be good for the future projects I have planned. I went a cheep rout. I got some 13" lawnmower wheel tire and hub combos for my first bar stool racer, or should I say bar stool off-roader. It may have not been the best idea because the tires are very large for something you are trying to keep a small wheel base and width on but for the first project they will do. I am setting it up with a drum brake that I think is a bad idea also but I can change it if I need to. Got a Briggs 5.5 OHV and just a regulare gocart clutch. Should be fun no matter what. Thanks agin.

[monkey-1]

Thanks for the help, Those sites will be good for the future projects I have planned. I went a cheep rout. I got some 13" lawnmower wheel tire and hub combos for my first bar stool racer, or should I say bar stool off-roader. It may have not been the best idea because the tires are very large for something you are trying to keep a small wheel base and width on but for the first project they will do. I am setting it up with a drum brake that I think is a bad idea also but I can change it if I need to. Got a Briggs 5.5 OHV and just a regulare gocart clutch. Should be fun no matter what. Thanks agin.


Start a thread and post some pics! You will be wanting to change out that drum brake. They are horrible and with 5.5hp that thing (depending on the gearing) will get up and go. I went with a inexpensive machanical caliper and it works good. It is made by Carlisle and is way better than one that looks similar. Also, if your going with a higher center of gravity, you might want to use a shorter stool, that will keep it easier to manage. BSR's are dangerous, but as many people as I had on mine before I sold it, noone ever even wrecked it, and most of them were drunk when they drove it. I think one of the keys is having the handlebars (or steering wheel) above the seat for better control. Keep us posted!!

[cjm]

Hey, yea I figured the 5.5 would be powerfull but allot I see have the 6 or 6.5 Hondas. I am using a 14 tooth clutch and a 72 tooth sproket for the rear. I will build it for now with the drum. I am already $600.00 in and dont want to get a $125 brake. I am building the stool myself out of aluminum.So I plan on keeping it low. Just going to keep the design real simple and do a three leged stool. I am keeping every thing as low as possible so it shouldnt be to top heavy. And yes I planed on the bars comming up higher than the seat for more comfort and control. I have to hunt down my junk digital camera and Ill post some pictures. This is just some experimenting before I build my kid a gocart. If I had more time to do this kind of stuff it seems like it could get really fun. Later

[monkey-1]

I finally finished the mockup. I still have to tear it apart and smooth and paint the frame, but here is it so far:
http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer5/DSC02350.JPG
http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/radioflyer/radioflyer5/DSC02354.JPG

This thing is a blast ro drive and is very quick. Here are a couple of vids:
Vid 1 (http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/vids/radioflyer5.html)
Vid 2 (http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/vids/radioflyer4.html)

[n2jeepn]

That is very cool! One of these days when I finish my '47 Willys CJ-2A I'll have time for something like that. :D

[KennyG]

Totally awsome Monkey. You did a really nice job man.

[Ryan225]

Thats Awsome.

[moody]

that thing looks awesome

another one for my build list :)

[DOUGHBOY]

that is just way tooooo cooooll!!!! i gotta have one!!!!!

[fatfrank]

That does look like a lot of fun. Looks like you have plenty of room to ride it.

[welding king jr]

and it has a seat warmer for the long cold drives to work lol

[bugspray]

That's too cool! Radio Flyer should buy it from ya and use it to advertise!

[moody]

Radio Flyer should buy it from ya and use it to advertise!

that would be great

edit
just saw the vids
looks like everyone likes the project, even the dog :D

[rjt70]

I have a rear differential from a golf cart, would that work under a go cart? I see most people use the chain/sprocket setup.

[hrdhatdivr]

looks really great , but looking at it ,i envision the motor behind the rear wheels ,and a set of wheely bars , maybe a bigger motor . take to the track i'm sure it would be a hit .
image doing a wheel stand for a quarter mile on a radio flyer wagon . :rolleyes: :eek:
it would stir alot of interest

[monkey-1]

Thanks guys for all of the comments. I am going to still build a custom exhaust to eliminate the nad heater effect that I currently have going on and build a wheelie bar from some roller blade wheels I recently 'acquired' from a rarley used set of blades (shes gonna be pissed when she notices). I will post some pics after I get it totally finished.

[RcRacer]

Oh man! I can't show this to the kids, they will never leave me alone begging for one. Aw heck, they don't have to, I want one! :D
That's very cool, very creative ;)

[moody]

i think it needs a seat belt

wouldnt want to go flying off of that thing :eek:


Whats its top speed?

[monkey-1]

i think it needs a seat belt

wouldnt want to go flying off of that thing :eek:


Whats its top speed?

Thats already happened:Flip (http://www.studmonkeyracing.com/v2/vids/radioflyerdaniel.html)

My buddy Daniel wanted to ride it, and I told him, be careful until you get the hang of it. He replied that he used to race go karts and knew what he was doing. You see the evidence of his experience. He was on it less than 10 seconds total.

The top speed is hairy fast. I am going to say over 40, but I am going to find out for sure when I get it put back together. I have a State Trooper that lives around the corner from me and he said he would clock me with radar when I get ready.

[Manny]

i think it needs a seat belt

wouldnt want to go flying off of that thing :eek:


Whats its top speed?

Darned if I'd want that thing strapped to me barrel rolling across the ground! You strap yourself inside of a protective cage, not something with no cage. Think about it, how many seatbelts have you ever seen on a motorcycle?
Manny

[darelldd]

OK, when you're all done and it is painted up all pretty and has the exhaust just right... I want it! Me first! Dibs!

[Royal Fe]

Mike,
Great Web Site! I saw where your in Bolton. Where are your getting your parts locally? Are you buying the chains, sprockets, engines, etc. on ebay?

BTW save the aggrivation of snatching the roller blade wheels. I got these at Freds for $1.99 complete with two allen keys but you must supply the bolts for axles! They are replacements for a Razor type scooter.

[monkey-1]

Mike,
Great Web Site! I saw where your in Bolton. Where are your getting your parts locally? Are you buying the chains, sprockets, engines, etc. on ebay?

BTW save the aggrivation of snatching the roller blade wheels. I got these at Freds for $1.99 complete with two allen keys but you must supply the bolts for axles! They are replacements for a Razor type scooter.



Duke,
I am ordering all of my parts off of the net. Sometimes off of ebay and a couple of other online shops. Thanks for the heads up on the wheels, I will get by my local Freds and see if I can grab some.

[KartRacer55]

Be careful with those treaded tires on pavement. Those are bridgestone rain tires, and are made from the softest rubber compound they have, and you will wear them out before you know it. I can kill a set of them on a dry track in about 15 laps if im not pushing the kart too hard.

You will find that you might have a tendancy to lean the thing while turning, because of the combination of such a soft tire, no rear differential, and no suspenstion. to go around a turn, a kart goes up on 3 wheels due to the solid axle, so depending on the flex that thing has, you will either lean the thing over totally or, if you are lucky, get the inside wheel to scuff around the turn. Id be careful. You will probably be much safer/cheaper with a harder compound of tire.

What compound of dunlops are those in the first picture, they may be harder. remember the softer the tire you have, the faster it will wear out, and Im not at all joking when I say you will be buying a new set of tires for that thing after about 1-2 hours of riding with those rain tires.

check out the chart on this link.
http://www.tsracing.com/store/showprod.cfm?&DID=7&CATID=3&ObjectGroup_ID=11

dont go any softer than the colum for "YHC" compound. your rain tires are the first or second softest.

for you, your not going for handling like we do on a kart, so i doesnt matter how hard your tires are.

PM me if you have any questions

Jim

[monkey-1]

Jim,
Thanks for the headsup. I only swapped the treaded tires for the slicks because the grass was wet the day I finished it. I am going to put the slicks back on there when I paint it and reassemble it. If you have some tires that are past their prime for racing, I might be interested in them for other projects I am planning. Let me know.

[moody]

I have a State Trooper that lives around the corner from me and he said he would clock me with radar when I get ready.


ever find that top speed?

i have to get parts and build one of my own