Mike Poinsett's Journal

I stumbled upon the Cycle Kart website quite by accident, and I am really glad I did. I have long desired to build some type of replica of an early 1920's - 30's midget race car. My dad used to take us kids to the races way back when, and I have loved those little cars ever since. So, the build begins.

I began with the typical CK frame, 1x3 rectangular tubing but I shortened up the wheelbase to 63 inches to conform more with the look of the midget cars. Drive train is a Predator 212 cc engine from Harbor Freight and a Comet type TAV2 torque converter clutch. I have used this combination on lots of minibikes (I restore old ones) and it has proven to be the most trouble free and reliable way to go. The rear axle, hubs, bearings, etc. are all the typical gokart items that I picked up at BMI Karts in Versailles, Ohio. The front springs are buggy seat springs that I got from an Amish buggy repair shop in my area. I initially tried to use a set of 300lb trailer springs, using only the main leaf, but this proved to be way too stiff.

So far, everything is just tack welded together. After I get everything where I want it, I will go back and finish welding everything.

I made a little progress in the last couple days. Got my engine plate done and the slots milled in it. Tack welded that in place. I also had some material removed from the clutch mounting plate to add clearance for the chain. Got that idea from watching one of Dennis' videos. I made spring shackles and mounts for my front springs and got all that put together. I hope I got the angle of the dangle right on the rear shackles. My brother said it's important.
I now have to get my spindles ordered and the front axle material bought. I have a friend who has a mandrel bender, so I'll have him bend that up for me. I'll use 1-1/2 inch tubing for the axle.

It's coming along, slow but sure. I am amazed at how much scrap I am creating with mistakes and poor engineering on my part. I have a lot to learn.

Well, at last it's a roller, kind'a. Got the front axle and springs in. Crappy welding on my part, but I got a real good grinder. Made up the bracket and handle for my hand brake. I think it's time now to start thinking about the body. I will probably snag some cardboard and mock up something for starters. At least it's finally beginning to resemble a 4 wheeled vehicle.

I scrounged some cardboard to make a basic profile for the body to see if this thing is going to look like an early midget. The cardboard that I used was to short to complete the tail section, but you get the idea. I am still tweaking the design a little here and a little there and when I'm satisfied, I'll begin the basic plywood tub. I got the front axle and suspension finished. I dialed in 5 degrees of caster which I think will work OK.

Got the basic tub put together. Still have a couple more bulkheads to fabricate, then it's time to get cracking on the steering. Need to order all the components from BMI tomorrow. Once that's installed, I should be able to take her out for a trial flogging. Can't wait.

Finally got her on the road! Works great with only a couple minor tweaks to do on the front end alignment. Accelerates amazingly quick with the 6 to 1 gearing and will top out in the 40+ mph range. I'm happy with that! Now it's on to finish the body and make a rear tail section and a radiator shell.