My First Go-Kart

[Theshandman]

Someone once told me that if no video, it didn't happen. :)
Well, Here's a vid of my first go-cart, last Saturday. I'm sure it will seem a bit boring to you guys who did it a long time ago, but its always a grand time the first time! Sorry for the abrupt end; haven't stitched the multiple vids together yet, not that anyone wants to see 20 minutes of go-cart. ;)

Started the build-inventory actually-Dec 15 2021 and began drilling rivet holes Jan 1 this year. I have a fabulous build bud who is really quite an adept mechanic. Probably due to his years as a MotoGP racer (and 3-time champ). Spent a lot of time on rough alignment and got it quite close. Ride height was interesting; lots of adjustments to get 4/4.5 f/r. I was kinda worried about my steep driveway with its rather abrupt transition to the street but this forum member Alec's Miata made the trip up and down without scraping so I figured I'd be good. Apologies for the shaky video at times. The GoPro was clamped to the rear cockpit vertical wall which flexed a good bit. We had started the engine a number of times (still working on that video) and all systems were functioning properly so we deemed it good to go. Steering wheel look a bit wonky? Mounted this way I can see both speedo (didn't have the GPS antenna mounted) and tach perfectly. Maybe I'll put it right later...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/w38lmauzyuzvbws/GH010392.MP4?dl=0

[wallace18]

Congrats!:cool:

[Chopper]

Congrats on the go cart! What's causing that jerking from the rear end while driving? Is your pinion angle ok?

[460.465USMC]

Congrats! Very cool! I still get a big thrill each time I fire it up. And, go-kart? 15 miles and counting. Congrats again. Big milestone!

[F500guy]

Steep Drive way, I see why the brake test were done!

[Theshandman]

Congrats on the go cart! What's causing that jerking from the rear end while driving? Is your pinion angle ok?
Hey Chopper. That jerking is strictly the GoPro cam mounted on the rear cockpit vertical wall. I had clamped it with an Irwin clamp that added mass to that alum panel so it vibrated much more than without it but I needed to secure the cam. At 5:00 I reached back and grabbed that panel for a sec; stopped the vibration. Looking at alternate cam mount methods. The ride was vibration free! So smooth! Totally thrilled with it.
Art

[Theshandman]

Steep Drive way, I see why the brake test were done!
Yep! You probably heard the brake chatter as I applied them. I like to think it was due to brand new pads and rotors still with their paint. It stopped after bedding the brakes per Wilwood's recommendation.
Art

[Railroad]

Might want to check that steering wheel. I think it is 180* out. Congrats on the ride.
The shaking seems to be manifested by something, maybe the tire alignment, especially while turning the wheels.

[nucjd19]

Awesome vid and milestone Theshand! I alway love the TN mountains. the ravines and hollows are so cool!

[GoDadGo]

A Big Congratulations From The Bubba Gump Swamp Swimmers!

[Jeff33Ford]

That is so B.A.!! Can't wait to have the opportunity to do the same. Very Exciting!

[Fman]

Congrats! First go-kart is a great feeling, enjoy the buzz... where did you pick up those little ear plugs?

[ggunter]

Congrats on the gokart drive. That was one of the memorable moments on my build. It's a good thing you don't get snow. That driveway would be a real hoot with about 3" of snow on it. I understand why you did all the brake checks before you ventured out too far.

[Theshandman]

Might want to check that steering wheel. I think it is 180* out. Congrats on the ride.
The shaking seems to be manifested by something, maybe the tire alignment, especially while turning the wheels.

LOL. Yep, the wheel is definitely 180 out. Did that intentionally so I could see the speedo and tach with no wheel spoke interference. I'll need to put it right when everything is complete. The shaking is due to a very insecure GoPro cam mount on a flimsy trunk panel. The ride was actually vibration free save for the irregularities of the road surface and the car tracked perfectly straight, no pull or drag. We spent a good bit of time getting as good of an alignment and C,C,T as possible given less than pro alignment tools.

[GTBradley]

Congratulations! Nice to have such an enjoyable road to drive on every time you go out for a drive. Can we close that down and have an FFR Cobra only road race sometime?

[Theshandman]

Congrats on the gokart drive. It's a good thing you don't get snow. That driveway would be a real hoot with about 3" of snow on it.

Not so fast ggunter. We actually do get snow here in nawth Jawja. :D. Maybe only once or twice a year, and yes, it turns that driveway into a nightmare, or sledding nirvana depending if you're talking to me or the daughter although she's now an active duty US Army MSG and no longer has much -if any- time for sledding shenanigans. ;)

[PointmanUSMC]

Congrats on the go cart phase! Glad it was vibration free. The shuddering video had me worried thinking why is he not returning to base?!? I noticed the steering wheel flipped over as well. Seems like a nice area to drive with the tree lines. In Illinois we have lots of corn field country. Have to travel a little further sometimes for a drive like that.

[hineas]

For me, watching other's first go-kart videos is never boring! I may have 5,000 miles on my car, but I still enjoy watching first start, first go kart, first drive, etc. Every time I enjoy the excitement and remember how excited I was.

Congratulations on a great milestone!!!!

[Al_C]

I guess I'm a little behind the curve on this one - just saw it, and the original posting was a month ago! Congrats on the go-kart! It is always a great experience. I noted the ear protection - is that for your hearing, or just to keep the hat on? (both can be an issue...) The upside-down steering wheel is clever, too!