Michael Richard's Journal

Spindlekraft

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 22:40:31 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Still working on the spindles. I took a different direction on these from others. I'm hoping this design will help alleviate the stress on the part of the 3/4" bolt at the hex head to shaft junction. The stub axles will interference fit into the spindle ring, and just be tack welded from the rear to keep from overheating the bolt at the weld. We'll see. The tie rod you see is just a fiberglass piece to use for figuring out max steering angle. KPI is 8 degree's, and stub axles are welded at 10 degree's to give the desired 2 degree's positive camber. Caster is at 8 also but is adjustable, Pressing on.

<spindles6>	<spindles8>	<spindles9>
<spindles5>

Posted 2020-03-08 22:40:31 by Michael Richard

To Arms, To Arms!

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 21:29:18 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Started building up the spindles by getting the bushes in and sorted, and the steering arms welded. Just some 1/2 inch bolts holding her up there. 5/8 on the way. Another piece will be welded cross-ways in front of these for the stub axles to fit through. Add a little bracing and some grinding for appearance and we should be on our way to steering.

<spindlearms2>

<spindlearms3>

<spindlesrams1>

Posted 2020-03-06 21:29:18 by Michael Richard

Spindle Brackets

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 19:37:59 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Fabbed up the spindle brackets,, cut the axle to length, and have the first pass of welding done on them. 8 degree's TPI, and 8 degree's caster, which is adjustable later. This Martyr is finally starting to look like something.

<spindlebrackets1>	<spindlebracket2>	<spindlebracket3>
<spindlebracket4>

Posted 2020-03-01 19:37:59 by Michael Richard

Front Friction Shocks

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 23:24:05 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Finished the front friction shocks today. I used valve springs for tensioning as I had read on a hot rod sight. They work pretty well, but will disassemble and paint them when the frame is finished so I can soak the wood discs in oil before reassembly.

<frictionshockfinish2>

<frictionshockfinished1>

<frictionshockfinish3>

Posted 2020-02-23 23:24:05 by Michael Richard

Spindle Work And Cockpit Mock Up.

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 22:08:00 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got a start on the spindle assy's today. Forgot pix, but will get them up. Threw together a rough mock up (very rough), of the cockpit floor and rear firewall. Just used foam I had laying around and duct taped it up to get a little idea of how much room I had, and aprox. ground clearance to play with. The frame is currently sitting at about ride height. Going to be tight width wise up front due to these big feet, but it will work fine with some thinner profile sole shoes. Had on my old sneakers and the bottom sticks out further than my foot. I wanted it all snug. Guess you have to watch what you ask for. lol

<cockpitmockup1>

<cockpitmockup2>

<chickencoop4>

Posted 2020-02-19 22:08:00 by Michael Richard

Fiddly Stuff.

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:36:51 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Worked on the spring retainer clamps for the suspension today, and a few other small things.

<frontsuspension1>

<rearsuspension3>

<rearview1>

Posted 2020-02-18 22:36:51 by Michael Richard

Almost Front Shocks

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 19:15:46 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got the front friction shocks welded up today lacking a small cross brace on each. Welded the foot box floor in, not pretty, but won't show. It did sturdy up the frame a bit. Welded some side travel limiters on the front spring mount blocks, which are aluminum. I actually feel like I'm making a little progress for a change. Seems about this time in the build it looks like you really are getting nowhere, then it all starts coming together. Nice! I'm mounting the front friction shocks a ways back on the frame underside. Doesn't help anything that way, but should a front spring break it should support the front end until you can get her stopped, hopefully preventing the nose digging in the ground and doing an endo. Those weren't fun on a motorcycle, so I'm pretty confident they're bad on a CycleKart as well.

<Footbox>

<frontshock1>

<frontshock2>

Posted 2020-02-12 19:15:46 by Michael Richard

Foot-box,frontspring Keepers, Friction Shocks.

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 20:41:14 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got the front friction shocks version 2.0 almost finished. The first iteration was a bit weak. Started forming the foot-box floor, and need to tweak it in before welding. Finshed fabbing the front spring keepers and have a bit of fine tuning on one bolt but otherwise happy. 78 degree's today. Ugh. I'm not ready for the start of that yet. Maybe I never am.

<frontfrictionshocks2>	<Springkeepers1>	<footboxfloor2>
<Footboxfloor1>

Posted 2020-02-11 20:41:14 by Michael Richard

Front And Rear Work.

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:33:11 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Just some photo's of a little work I snuck in today.

<frontend>

<rearspringsliders>

<rearsuspension>

Posted 2020-02-04 15:33:11 by Michael Richard

Friction

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 21:45:00 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

On my way to some less than elaborate friction shocks for the front end. Not much to them and will be using an old hot rodder trick of valve springs on the inner side for tension. Yes there are other ways, but simple is what I'm striving for here. Even if they only work some they are better than nothing.

<frontfriction1>	<frontfriction2>	<frontfriction3>
<frontfriction4>

Posted 2020-02-02 21:45:00 by Michael Richard

Front Axle

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:10:54 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well the front axle is hanging by its brackets now, almost done welding them up, then on to the friction shock/lower axle mounts. Pressing on.

<frontaxlemounted1>

<frontaxlemounted2>

<oldkatsrule2>

Posted 2020-01-28 19:10:54 by Michael Richard

Onward!

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 19:39:23 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Work on front axle brackets, and rear spring sliders.

<frontaxlebrackets3>	<frontaxlebrackets4>	<spring=guifes1>
<springslider>

Posted 2020-01-26 19:39:23 by Michael Richard

We Be Swingin!

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 19:22:17 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Finally got the swingarm halves mounted, and they came out pretty even. They will be attached to each other forming a one piece swingarm once I get an axle mounted and can double check alignment. Also got the remaining two bends in this wild bent axle set up. Not sure why the original is like that, but is is a visual peg for this particular car. Enclosed is a photo of the original. Pressing on.

<swingarmsmounted1>	<swingarmsmounted2>	<Front axlebendcomplete>
<1932 gn jap martyr instone speacial vincent chamont-2 800 copy>

Posted 2020-01-25 19:22:17 by Michael Richard

Bout Time To Get Back At It.

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 21:11:20 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Been a really bad time here lately, flu, deaths, weather, just plain bad luck, but I did get back at it today so maybe I can get some things done on this build. I had a piece of tubing laying around the barn and various other doo dads, so I fabbed up what turns out to be a pretty good tubing bender for the front axle. I have the first bends in and two to go. I hung her up on the front with clamps just to eyeball it and she's ral close on both ends. Bill C. here graciously offered to fab me one up (Thank You Bill) but I had to try it myself. I'm sure it isn't as pretty as what he would have bent for me, but the DIYer in me just had to give her a go. I also rebuilt the swingarms to beef them up a bit. They'll eventually be welded together to form just one swing arm assembly for the rear suspension. Fabbed up another brace for the motor mount and will box that in when I'm through mounting everything rear suspension-wise so I can make sure to clear for the rear frame loop. IN all, I guess I just feel good about being back on task. Felt good today. Bad foot and back are complaining, but hey.

<frontaxle1>

<frontaxle2>

Posted 2020-01-17 21:11:20 by Michael Richard

Hey Jack!

Sat, 28 Dec 2019 15:51:59 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well I forgot to get pix, but the jack shaft is mounted with the sprockets slid on for giggles. Long way to go, and although we're in the 70's here, it's just too wet. Did I mention the lights don't work in the barn when it's raining? lol Oh well even a little time is better than no time. And freezing? Nah, it would have to wait.

Posted 2019-12-28 15:51:59 by Michael Richard

Rear Spring And Swingarm Mock Up.

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 21:57:55 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

And on we go.

<swingarm5>

<swingarm6>

<swingarm7>

Posted 2019-11-10 21:57:55 by Michael Richard

Swingarm Mounts

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 18:06:11 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

About done with the swingarm mounts. Took two tries to get them like I wanted. Now I have to get the jack-shaft mounted before I can mount the swingarms so I can clearance the chain.

<swingarmmount1>

<swingarmmount2>

<swingarmmount3>

Posted 2019-11-07 18:06:11 by Michael Richard

Home Made Brake Disc

Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:07:02 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well it was cheaper this way yanno. And I can build it to the size I want.

<brakedisc1>

<brakedisc2>

<brakedisc3>

Posted 2019-11-03 15:07:02 by Michael Richard

Motor Mount Follies

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 19:28:09 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got the motor mount tacked on and motor mounted to check clearances. Fabbing up the slide adjuster for underneath now. Pressing on.

<motormount>	<motormounta>	<motormountb>
<motormountc>

Posted 2019-10-27 19:28:09 by Michael Richard

Rear Swingarm/friction Shock Mounts

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 20:20:36 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well this is fun. Got the mounts fabbed up but foot gave out so will weld it later. Goint to get new springs for the rear. I figure Part # UNA-176 230 pound leaf with radial slippers will be a better choice and closer to the originals.

<rearswingarmmount1>

<rearswingarmmount2>

<rearswingarmmount3>

Posted 2019-10-24 20:20:36 by Michael Richard

Motor Mount And Start Of Rear Swing Arms

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 20:12:26 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Fabbed up the start of a motor mount, with still a lot to do to it. Very early fab of rear swing arms. Might be a few days not working on it due to injured foot, or maybe an old injury that finally let go. X rays will tell Monday. Anyway life goes on. LOL

<motormount1>

<motormount3>

<swingarm position>

Posted 2019-10-18 20:12:26 by Michael Richard

Just Fiddlin And A Little Mocking Up.

Sun, 13 Oct 2019 12:59:54 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Lazy day today. Didn't do much, but looks like a jack shaft is the answer.

<rearengine mockup>

<enginemockupside>

<enginemockupfront>

Posted 2019-10-13 12:59:54 by Michael Richard

Rear Springs Mounted.

Sat, 12 Oct 2019 21:05:51 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Onward! Now to get a couple of square U bolts and make up a swingarm assy.

<rearspringmounted>

<rearspringsmounted2>

<rearspringsmounted3>

Posted 2019-10-12 21:05:51 by Michael Richard

Rear Springs

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:44:48 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Not much done as the dog decided it hadn't been to the vet in a while and thought a great idea to change that. Anyway.....Just some mock-up or the start thereof for the rear spring and swingarms. Still pondering whether to go with a jack-shaft or just make the swing-arm pivot point line up with the TAV output shaft. Oh bother!

<rearspringmockup1>

<rearspringmockup2>

<rearspringmockup3>

Posted 2019-10-11 17:44:48 by Michael Richard

Front Springs

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 19:50:00 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got the front springs sorted today. They're only mounted with threaded rod and nuts so now off to the hardware store for some real (ah-hum) hardware. Started the rear spring mounts and got the parts laid out for the front friction shocks/radius arms. Still in the infancy stages on the rear suspension, but she'll get sorted.

<frontspringstop>

<frontspringsside>

<frontspringsmounted>

Posted 2019-10-09 19:50:00 by Michael Richard

Spring Mounting

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 16:57:44 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Worked a bit on the front suspension today. Got them mocked up and temporarily mounted with just one bolt to see how the main sail sets , as they say.

<mail 18>

<mail 19>

<mail16>

Posted 2019-10-06 16:57:44 by Michael Richard

Front Leaf Spring Frame Mounts.

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 16:54:38 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Fretted over how to do this and still look somewhat original. After studying the photo's a small difference shouldn't be too noticeable and this extra width ensures the spring cradles are flush down on the frame when mounted. Or something...maybe.......sort of.......I think.

<mail 13>

<mail 15>

<mail12>

Posted 2019-10-02 16:54:38 by Michael Richard

And So On...

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 17:03:24 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

More framework.

<mail (4)>	<mail (6)>	<mail (8)>
<mail (9)>

Posted 2019-09-21 17:03:24 by Michael Richard

I've Been Framed!

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 19:07:54 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got most of the forward portion of the frame welded up today. Still have to weld up the rear riser/spring mounts. Included also are the photo's of the front frame cross-brace. Finally starting to look like something.

<mail (3)>	<mail (2)>	<mail (1)>
<mail>

Posted 2019-09-19 19:07:54 by Michael Richard

Frame Beginnings

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:54:38 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got the frame nose cross-brace fabbed up today with the dip that is on the original car. I cut an arc piece out of the top and welded it on the bottom. I cut it 1/8 inch proud on both ends to account fot the diagonal of the frame rails. Then welded up sheet steel over the open top and bottom. Forgot to get a pix so it will be easier to understand when I get that photo, probably tomorrow.

<Like this!>

Posted 2019-09-16 15:54:38 by Michael Richard

Video??!!

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 21:44:15 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

It's not often one gets to see a seat side view from the actual inspiration car he's fallen in love with. And the sound......swweeeeetttt!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIygbiogUXw

Posted 2019-09-12 21:44:15 by Michael Richard

Odd.

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 12:37:11 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Amazing the looks you get when you own a Ford Ranger pickup with a topper and have a 24 foot piece of steel tied on top. LOL Steel is on hand in the barn, so looks like it's time to get the final measurements down and dig in.

Posted 2019-09-09 12:37:11 by Michael Richard

Finally! I've Decided

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 21:29:07 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

You know how it is, you fret and scheme, and study and measure and, and, and. Well in starting from scratch I had in mind what I wanted to do, and a lot of how to do it. I wanted a quarter elliptical front end, narrow sleek body, L-O-W profile, and was hoping on simple. So I came up with a kind of mix and thought to myself, it isn't an actual replica of anything so I guess I will resign myself to the custom Kart garage. Well hold on folks. I'm perusing the wide wide world of webdum and there it is. I mean seriously there it is staring me right in the face. She's a 1931 GN Martyr Instone Special. Seriously she's as if I designed the thing. So she's gotts ta be what she's gotta be. Now the enthusiasm just came back, the downs I felt on canning the last try are history and I gotta inspiration car. Boy do I!! Can't wait. And the frame steel comes in tomorrow. Woo hoo!!

<gninstone martyr>

<download>

<ob 8e0c84 dsc07582>

Posted 2019-09-08 21:29:07 by Michael Richard

Finally!

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 17:36:03 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Steel is ordered and will be ready for pickup Monday. Ordered 24 feet of 3x1x.065 for $27.00 U.S.

<happy-as-bird-with-fry>

Posted 2019-09-06 17:36:03 by Michael Richard

Quarter Elliptical Spring Perches

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 19:01:05 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Started on the spring mounts and perches today. Sourced the material to make the spring clamps. So the perches are done, and spring cushions installed. I cut some medium hardness clear malleable plastic sheet and heated it with a heat gun to get it to mold into the spring perches. Worked really well and can't move them at all. The spring clamp (cover shown on far end of spring) will have tubing welded on each of the four corners for 5/16" bolts and will have a similar clamp piece on the bottom of the frame. The whole thing assembled should ensure the spring stays where it is mounted. Haven't gotten the steel in yet so waiting on it to ensure they are a close fit to the side of the frame tubing.

<spring7>

<spring6>

Posted 2019-09-02 19:01:05 by Michael Richard

Standard Or Custom?

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 12:19:57 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

I'm really torn as to where this build will belong. For the most part it will copy a Fiat 806 Monza, but I will be cutting the length on the tail, and I just love the quarter elliptical front end. So is it a modified standard kart, a hybrid build, or a custom kart? Any thoughts? So it kinda comes out as a Fiat Miller? Anyway, for the most part it fits the suggested scheme of things. It's not like I'm going to Tieton in the foreseeable future. But I do want to play in the sand box with the other kids.

Posted 2019-08-24 12:19:57 by Michael Richard

Do-over.

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 11:43:47 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

OK so here I go again. Time to start on the second iteration of my build. Hopefully with a lot more planning forethought, and common sense. But I learned a lot in the offing.These springs will make up the new quarter elliptical front end. I got them when I was in a local machine shop. They were just laying there covered in crap and dust. I asked them about these and they said it was from a buggy they were helping restore for a customer and he never came back and picked them up. So after laying there waiting on me for about five years, I asked if they would sell them and the nice lady replied sure, how does $5.00 each sound? Well it sounded just dandy and I threw them in the truck before someone changed their mind. So I have three, and have compared them and chose the two that matched the closest. I pulled together the first mount plate pair and dressed them up. They have a somewhat weird size end loop, but a 1/4 brass pipe fitting will fit handsomely with just a bit of sanding. So once again. Here I go. I don't consider the first frame and front end a failure. More like a training kart.

<spring1>	<spring2>	<spring3>
<spring4>

Posted 2019-08-24 11:43:47 by Michael Richard

On Second Thought.

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 14:08:29 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

I had time the other day to sit back and really think this project through. After much consideration, and a few beers, I have decided to shelve this entire build. She's sturdy, but completely misses the point of the original genre. So I am redesigning on a new build, one which follows the norm a bit more, without being mundane. No hurry, and I just was getting less satisfied with the build as I went along. So out with the old, in with the new.

<happy>

Posted 2019-08-20 14:08:29 by Michael Richard

Rear Frame

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:45:20 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

It's just been too darn hot to get much done, but on the one day it was tolerable I did get started on the rear frame, motor mount. Some gusseting, measuring and brainstorming. Camera is junk but it serves. Temp humidity index of 111 degrees yesterday. Humidity was so high I should qualify as a certified underwater welder. Jeez!

<build74>

<build75>

<build76>

Posted 2019-08-16 13:45:20 by Michael Richard

Meanderings Of A Mad Man.

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 19:44:55 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well I didn't really accomplish a lot today with a temperature humidity index of 105 but I did mess around on setting up the rear frame, started a motor mount, and re-clocked the TAV to 10 0'clock. However this black thing sitting in the back of the shop keeps beckoning me to do something diabolical. LOL

<build70>	<build71>	<build72>
<A>

Posted 2019-08-06 19:44:55 by Michael Richard

Minutia

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:25:12 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Made up the panhard rod today, got the mounts welded and set up the side play. Everything clears, and mounted so that when Kart is a mid travel panhard will be level.

<build63>	<build64>	<build65>
<build67>

Posted 2019-07-26 18:25:12 by Michael Richard

Got Lazy Sort Of.

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 14:39:47 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

It's just too hot, and then thunderstorms so I goofed off a bit with the build. I got the brackets fabbed for the pan-hard rod, the plates for the foot pedals, and cleaned up some stuff that looked a bit ugly( no the car, not me). Had a piece of cardboard laying around so I carved it up and played around with it. I think the upper body line will be lower than this, but like I said, just goofing off.

<build58>

<build62>

Posted 2019-07-20 14:39:47 by Michael Richard

Frame Some More

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 15:55:17 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Fabbed and welded the headache loop. I couldn't make it in one bend with what I have so sectioned and welded with inserts at all joinery, and rosette welds on top of that. If I do break it I feel it won't have been good with or without it. Rear subframe is next on the agenda, but still working on layout. I think it's going so slow because the heat index is 104 today, and after the rain last night the humidity has fish walking the sidewalk with no distress.

<build54>

<build55>

<build57>

Posted 2019-07-14 15:55:17 by Michael Richard

Steering Wheel

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 15:29:58 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Fabbed up and welded the steering wheel today. Need to do some more tidying up on it before paint and wrap but hey I think it turned out alright. Fabbed the tab on the brake pedal to attach the brake rod. So not a lot done, but at least it's something. Still suffering through the agonies of receiving an incomplete TAV, so we'll see where that goes.

<build51>

<build52>

<build53>

Posted 2019-07-10 15:29:58 by Michael Richard

Bummer..

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 20:59:40 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well I had high hopes today. Got my TAV in started fiddling with it and have two missing parts. So I got it mounted the way I want it and put her away. We'll see if I have any luck with the supplier. And something is amiss with the install so need to work that out. However on a positive note, I did get the half hoop and center spoke formed for my steering wheel. It came out nice so far, but thunderstorms moving through doused my light so I couldn't get pix of that. Try again tomorrow.

<Picture0709191101 1>

<Picture0709191103 1>

<Picture0709191121 1>

Posted 2019-07-09 20:59:40 by Michael Richard

Light Duty

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 18:39:35 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well now I have a pred. 212 and oiled it up checked it over gassed her up and ran her with no problems for about 30 minutes at various throttle settings. I'll run her some more so I can get her through some heat cycles then change the oil and do some innards exploration. Throttle was pretty stiff, but I surmise that this is in the design for use on various and sundry equipment. It all goes away eventually anyway. Started fabbing up a dead pedal, and sat the engine up at the rear of the frame to get an idea of how much room I have. Looks like plenty, but have to wait for the TAV to arrive to make sure. Now back to the festivities.

<build48>

<build49>

<build50>

Posted 2019-07-04 18:39:35 by Michael Richard

Starting Rear Frame Section.

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 22:19:52 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Fabbed up the axle mount plates in rough. Final trimming and drill for axle bearings and flanges to come. Still fiddling with the wheelbase though. Will definitely be 66 inch or somewhat less. Depends on engine and tav mounting clearances. So I guess I need to order a TAV. Did I mention it's hot?

<build45>

<build46>

<build47>

Posted 2019-07-02 22:19:52 by Michael Richard

Moe Pedal Stuff

Sat, 29 Jun 2019 17:28:39 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Finished the pedal return and spring mounts, fabbed up the travel stops and adjusters and installed. Then proceeded to get heat sickness and am laying low in front of the air conditioning vent. Cats seem to enjoy my company on the floor. LOL

<build42>

<build43>

<build44>

Posted 2019-06-29 17:28:39 by Michael Richard

Lazy Day.

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 20:41:19 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

I fiddled around with seat placement, rear frame parts patterns and such. I scrounged three pieces of long plastic and clamped then on the rear just to get a feel for how much room I will have to play with for drive-train. As a public service announcement if you have one of the cheapo chinese parts washers and it quit on you, it was probably from using a petroleum distillate as cleaning fluid. They didn't but now do have a warning that it will eat up the pump. Hooowever...I got one for free that had quit and decided to give it a whirl today. Motor ran, but no flow. So I tore it apart and what had happened was the filter, and the bottom of the intake grill had dissolved clogging the pump. Cleaned her out good, Turned the filter grill upside down and put a scotchbrite pad in for a filter. I had to clean out the wash nozzle tube with a coat hanger, but she runs like a new one. I've heard a strong mixture of simple green works great and won't kill the pump and motor so here we go. A lazy day, but turned out good.

<build39>

<build40>

<build41>

Posted 2019-06-28 20:41:19 by Michael Richard

An On........

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 17:38:12 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Fabbed up the pedal mount and pedals today. No bellcranks yet as I need to have the rear built before fabbing linkages.

<build37>

<build38>

<build39>

Posted 2019-06-27 17:38:12 by Michael Richard

I Thunk Then I Rethunk.

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:07:53 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

So while I'm welding the side diagonals for the spring perch, I'm standing there looking at the whole thing dumbfounded. Why ( I ask myself a lot) do I have the whole front end dangling way out front on one piece of 1/4 steel? So I rethink and fiddle around and decide to move the whole shebang back directly on top of the stantion. Clever? If so why did it take this long to see it. She's a ton stronger just losing 1 3/4 in on the projected wheelbase so no big deal. I like it better. I left the old mount tab sticking out of the front just in case I need it for something, but it's most likely gone. I started making the hanger brackets for the foot pedals. I want them hanging style (yes I know it's a pain to run cable etc., but I can handle it). Also Just before I gave it up at 95 degrees and 60 percent humidity, I got in and played with the seat back angle. I'm goiing with 55 degrees, why you ask, because I like the more reclined seating, my body has been bent in almost every flexible location to not function as originally designed, and it looks cool. I used 1 3/4 square for the frame so I'm looking at an 8 inch floor drop in the rear. I'll wait to fab that up when I get some wheels to double check ground clearance, but she is coming along. Did I mention it's hot?

<build32>	<build33>	<build34>
<build35>

Posted 2019-06-24 15:07:53 by Michael Richard

Hot, HOT,HOT!

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 16:02:44 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Temp. humidity index today of 105. So the work wasn't long. I did get the side bracing for the spring perch fabbed up and hand fit ready for welding. Definitely done for the day.

<build31>

<sneaktysnake>

Posted 2019-06-22 16:02:44 by Michael Richard

And The Fun Continues.

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:32:04 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Fabbed up the perch for the leaf spring. Still have some welding and more braces to fab, but attached the front end to see how the main sill sat. Couldn't help but prop her up and crawl in. Snug but that's what I was looking for. I couldn't see sliding all over a wide cockpit. So onward. Looks like the weather will hold me up a day or two, but then again I'm not scurrying about gathering nuts for Tieton. LOL

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Posted 2019-06-20 15:32:04 by Michael Richard

Frame Start

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 14:51:39 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Started fab. on the frame. Had some 1 1/2 square tubing laying around so went that route. Is cheap unconventional? Oh well. Front of frame is 12 inches wide, and rear of fist section is 22". The side rails are 55" long. I set up a makeshift seat back and tried her for fit. Snug, but that is what I was after. I'm hoping this layout when finished will place some of the weight more forward. Am thinking of a seat mount that pivots in front in a way to place more of the drivers weight forward,. But I digress. She''ll have a 66" wheelbase.

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Posted 2019-06-19 14:51:39 by Michael Richard

Little By Little.

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:31:54 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Started on the spring perch for frame attachment, and started fabrication of panhard rod mounts.

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Posted 2019-06-18 19:31:54 by Michael Richard

Spring Mounts Welded

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 22:41:42 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got the spring mounts welded up today and assembled everything to double check clearances. Looks like it's time to source some frame steel.

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Posted 2019-06-14 22:41:42 by Michael Richard

Spring Mounts.

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 22:18:43 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got the leaf spring mounts sorted and will finish them up tomorrow. Threw the whole thing together to get an idea of how she swung and am pleased.

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Posted 2019-06-11 22:18:43 by Michael Richard

More Front End Fiddling

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 22:37:57 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

I cut the roughs for the transverse spring mounts and got them drilled for radius rods. The plates have an opening that allows the spring to go through them, hopefully making the entire assembly more compact. I'm hoping also that this design will help should the spring break, maybe holding everything somewhat together until the Kart could be stopped. Couldn't do any welding today because of the wet barn floor. I kinda don't like standing in water when I'm SMAW welding. Anyways I mocked it up kinda for an idea of how it will look.

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Posted 2019-06-06 22:37:57 by Michael Richard

More Front End Work.

Fri, 31 May 2019 19:02:00 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Finished welding the spindle mounts to the axle, and got the bushings installed. Fitted the spindle backing plates to the spindle mounts but haven't drilled them yet. Made the spindle, stub axle weld bushings and will finish fit them to 9 degrees before welding . That way I can use the weld bushing as a guide for the stub axle hole so I hopefully end up with 2 degrees positive camber. Added a photo of a home made bushing installer in case anyone needs to know how to make one. You don't need fancy tools, just some imagination. Trudging along it was nicer today only 95 with 45% humidity. Almost a cold snap LOL.

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Posted 2019-05-31 19:02:00 by Michael Richard

Michael Richard's Journal

Wed, 29 May 2019 16:57:27 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Got the spindle mounts welded first pass with E6011 rod, and will fill weld two more passes with 6013. I increased the KPI from the 5 degree I was going to use to 7 degrees. She's made out of some heavy stuff, but was almost free and should hold up to the hard South Georgia clay that is concrete when dry,, and sliperier than owl crap when wet. Freshly burned out drill press is going to slow me down for now. Temperature in the barn was around 115 with the fans going. Down here you just drown in your own sweat. Doesn't even evaporate.

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Posted 2019-05-29 16:57:27 by Michael Richard

Change Of Plans

Fri, 24 May 2019 08:40:03 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Finally came to the conclusion that the Jappic has to be done right, so I'm tabling it for now and starting on an Austin 7 Special. I've acquired most of the parts for the front axle/suspension, but am waiting on the DOM tubing for the axle end pivots. I've ground out the ends of the 1 5/8 straight axle to accomodate them at 5 degrees KPI. I went conservative on this as the general consensus is that while it does make a difference, not so much on the light front ends on these Karts. Axle without ends is 30.5 inches with the kingpin mounts it should be 31 7/8. I'll build the caster in with the radius arm brackets that will give me some adjustment on this. I went kinda backwards from the norm in that the spindles are made of 3 inch 1/4 steel "C" brackets that will have a reinforcing plate welded to them, and then the 3/4" stub axle will be drilled through, installed from the back and welded in there. I'm hoping that this will take any weakness from welding and place it on the non- load bearing back of the spindle bracket. We'll see.

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Posted 2019-05-24 08:40:03 by Michael Richard

Gettin There

Sat, 05 Jan 2019 15:30:55 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well the Kart build table is almost ready. Sanded the top, and now throw a coat of paint on it. Scored a Wagner power steamer at Goodwill today for $7.00 so wood bending is in the works. Will try it on a few plywood pieces before diggin in. I've almost gotten started getting started. LOL

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Posted 2019-01-05 15:30:55 by Michael Richard

Random Accumulations.

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:25:37 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well I now have both a table saw and a bandsaw. Not of the highest quality mind you, but I have finally reached a point where a space is cleared in the barn, saw horses are made, I've acquired a stainless steel medical table to do fiberglass work on and things are reaching a closing on the build supply parts list. So hopefully this project will actually see some fabrication going on soon. No hurry as the budget is small, but my scrounging abilities are legendary. LOL So now we will see if I have any woodworking skills.

Posted 2018-12-13 12:25:37 by Michael Richard

Jappic Front View No Camber?

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 23:05:41 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

Looks like no + or - camber in this photo. If there is it can't be much.

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Posted 2018-11-23 23:05:41 by Michael Richard

Wheels. Etc.

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 17:10:53 -0600

Michael Richard's Journal --

OK finally I have settled on the wheels for the Jappic cyclekart. Believe me it ain't been easy. I kept going back to the scaling software I was using and came up with 18 inch wheels, so I looked some up and was watching them on Ebay, but something just kept nagging me. What nagged me was that magic number 17 that everyone is so hooked on. So in the spirit of the thing I started searching some more and found Honda cr80 17 inch front wheels for the front. They had a disc brake but the flanges for the disc mount can be machined off to give it that no front brake look, because the original had no front brakes. The rears were more standard fare so no need to go there. I have been scheming on a new way to mount the rears and will probably make my own flange mounts. I'll advise as time goes on, but I just can't feel comfortable with the standard mounting even though it is rather inexpensive, and torture tested. Unrelated, I have decided to incorporate a manual drum auxiliary rear brake/parking brake in the car making parking on a hill more comfortable and not having to prop it against something to keep it from rolling off. I don't run very fast anymore unless under direct fire, which seems to alleviate( although momentarily) all lack of speed and pain from old injuries. I've pretty much got the front end sorted out on paper. Straight axle 1 1/2x.095 wall DOM tubing, bottom of said mounts to the forward spring ends and top mounts to the friction shocks via control arm and heim joints, which will allow me to tinker in the right caster angle. The KPI because of the mounting won't be much, and I've looked the original photo's over carefully and it doesn't look like it has any camber angle at all. Odd that by what I have read here so discussion is open on that. Toe in will be moderate because of the extended wheelbase, but I can tinker that in as needed. I have decided to step outside the original formula set out in the holy scriptures in a very few ways. Wheelbase is going to be long. It was in the original and I've cut it as much as I dare and keep the look that I love so much. O.A. length is outside the norm also because of this and that long swooping tail, again something I just love, long swooping tails, sounds nice doesn't it? I have also decided to ad a whiskey flask and holder for those moments when the driver will need comforting, or for medicinal purposes such as snow snake bites. More later.

Posted 2018-11-23 17:10:53 by Michael Richard

Photographic Meanderings

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 18:11:26 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

I took a photo of Dennis Thomas' kart build and did a little (what might very loosely be termed) art work on it to get an idea of where this thing will be going. Now if memory serves his karts are around 66 inch wheelbase. The drawings I have so far are 72 inch WB. So the photo is kinda cramped lengthwise and it bothers me no end, but this does give me a visual reference to judge by.Still up in the air on the wheels but since I've made no concrete decision there should be no concrete discussion on that. It's merely something to get my head around the body shape which is almost a modified lake racer drop tank car. I can work aluminum a bit, but I have more knowledge and more friend resources to draw on with fiberglass, and have recently found a way to make the final resin coat look like real aluminum so there is that advantage. I have an E mail into a leaf spring manufacturer of very lightweight trailer springs of the slip variety and am hopeful they come through with a more weight correct spring. I'm kinda feeling I bit off more than I can chew as the internals are going to resemble a barn built Supermarine Spitfire. LOL I could throw the thing together and probably still smile from behind the steering wheel, but I just have to challenge myself on this after all those years of racing. No I'm not building it to race, but I do want to smile at the things hidden under the skin as much as those everyone see's.

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Posted 2018-10-24 18:11:26 by Michael Richard

Oak Build

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 21:25:50 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

So while perusing I came upon this cyclekart with a wood frame similar to what I am trying to come up with. It's a little lighter than I dare build for around here, but the basic frame design has given me some great ideas. The simplicity of it has made my design a lot easier to put together as there is a minimum of wood bending. The suspension is much like where I am at layout wise although the axle set up will be quite different they are both straight axle. Interesting engine compartment also, but I would definitely reinforce that with metal.

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Posted 2018-10-19 21:25:50 by Michael Richard

Plywood Chassis Mock Up Modelling

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 18:05:21 -0500

Michael Richard's Journal --

Well I drew, scaled, schemed, ranted, and cried, but finally decided on a plywood chassis. I built a somewhat to scale model of the main substructure to evaluate the stiffness on each axis and it's pretty much come up fine. Still some bulkheads to mock-up and seat back will be part of the bottom structure. I'm trying to get all of the structural strength built into the lower half of the car except for the dash/seat back and a solid support stringer between those. Also there will be sheet metal truss along the lengths of plywood which are lacking support. The flat end of the model will be the front. Remember this is only a proof of concept design and very rough. Now if I can just get the photo's over here..........

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Posted 2018-10-15 18:05:21 by Michael Richard