Before
This is a picture of the Manco Baja 200 when I bought it. It had lots of rust, the engine was seized, and the tires didn’t hold air. It was a large restoration, and in the end I actually made the kart much better.Here are all the parts I purchased for it. I put it in the DIYgokarts 2013 build off, but did not finish in time. Here is a video of the go kart parts that I started out with
Next i had to fix the rusty go kart rims. This video shows how to fix the rusty rims, fill in with sand-able primer, then paint so the tires will not leak air at the bead.
I found out that the original owner messed up the key-way, and ran the rim on one side with out the key, damaging the axle. Instead of throwing them away, i decided to TIG weld the rim and axle back together.
I painted the go kart metallic gold, metallic grey, and black with metallic flecks in the paint.
After getting a new engine and welding up a custom motor mount with jackshaft for the kart, I was impressed with the power it had! It could pop a wheelie easily, and took off like a rocket.
I still needed to upholster the go kart seat, so I made my own using plywood, T nuts, high density foam, marine vinyl, and piping.
The kart was pretty much finished, so the rest is just showing it off doing donuts, and wheelies!
What about a hill climb in the snow on rocks? I am glad that i welded the sprocket protector on it (do you notice the giant dent in it?) That kept the chain and sprocket from being damaged as it ran over the rocks.
I took the go kart out in the winter to see how it would do in the snow. It was able to do a full 720, donuts all over the place, and do its normal thing (be epic).
Like this restoration? Check out my other go kart restorations.
I recently picked up one of these go karts as well and have been restoring it. But the one thing I am struggling with and can’t figure out is the breaks. What type of brake band did you use? I just bought a standard 4” but it isn’t long enough to reach the standard hole. Is there a specialty band that goes with it?
Hey I’m new to this and just picked up one of these frames. I’m having motor alignment issues. It came with a beat up 10hp Tecumseh that I didn’t want to mess with. I picked up a predator 212 and now it seems to put the belt at a sharp angle. The crankshaft/ pully seems too short, and really close to the torque converter. Is this engine too small based on power and fit? I know I will need an adaptor for the crankshaft to go from 3/4″ to 1″. Thanks
the shaft is shorter, see if you can run the driven’s chain sprocket on the outside of the driven, or use a spacer on the crank. The center of the drive and driven unit’s “valleys” should be lined up.
I have this frame no engine. It was left behind and I have no use for it. Do you know what the frame would go for. I’m looking to sell it. It’s in solid condition. Just sad to see it sitting there. I tried looking it up but just keep coming back to yours TIA
Depends. Most rollers go for $100 or less. Depends on what all is missing. I literally bought what you see in the top pic for $100
Nice work! I recently just created almost identical Manco 8 Dingo, got tired of the stupid Briggs flathead on it and realized I had a GX 340 from a pressure washer that I cracked the pump on 2 years ago. Made a new motor mount to raise it up and based it off the CTC distance on the clutches from the Briggs setup which was 7.5”. Found out later through google it should be 7.25”
Anywho my kart doesn’t even come close to lifting the tires. Decent top end, unsure of sprocket sizes but just by looking your drive sprocket definitely looks smaller which could account for it. I’m jealous now I’ll have to take it back apart so I can lift the front wheels also.
its more about weight distribution that just raw power. Slap an 8t type c jackshaft sprocket for 40/41/420p chain on it and it will give you some decent torque.
I recently bought a piece of land and found one of these go karts abandoned on the lot. I was wondering if there is a kit to rebuild it or at least semi restore it or would I just have to buy piece by piece. The motor is locked and the brake lines are bad.
look up the model and then google the model name plus “parts diagram” and im sure you could find some information there.
FANTASTIC !!!
In the middle of a rebuild for this same kart. Trying to evaluate a motor shaft extension on an 8 h.p. Briggs motor with a tapered shaft for torque convertor. Not sure if current shaft has enough length, currently 3″ end to motor housing.
Jay
What type of engine did you use?
honda gx390
One last question, what size sprocket did you use? 54T?
54 or 60 is fine.
I just bought the same exact go kart. I am going with a predator 420. How long is your jack shaft? I bought a 14″ long 5/8 shaft threaded on bother sides. Will I need a locking collar on the inside of the clutch for the jack shaft? I’m using pillow bearings to support the jackshaft instead of custom making one connected to the motor mount. Was the extra height necessary for the motor mount? Even thought you switched the clutch to the front?
Height was for bolts to go through motor mount. They don’t fit if it’s too short. Instead of locking collars, pillow blocks have set screws built into them. You can also use a piece of pipe as a spacer if you want. Nothing wrong with a locking collar though.
The wheelies…
Can I get a list of pretty much all you used?
What kind of jackshaft did you use for the custom motor mount?
– Mr. Spindle:D diygk username
5/8″ rod, and i custom fabbed it up using 3/16″ steel plate and some tubing with a 1 3/8″ ID.
Thanks*
I like this kart very much.