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.