Howdy-
I just joined the forum yesterday. I live in Seattle, have never owned a kart of any type, really only driven rentals on vacation at the beach. I do have some experience working on cars. I'm a former Chevy mechanic, went to vo-tech school and then worked at a dealer before learning that I don't like being dirty all day and getting yelled at for going too slowly. So I went back to school and became a research scientist. In the mean time I've restored at least 50 cars and trucks and motorcycles in my spare time, so I do know my way around a wrench. And I can weld, wire and machine just about anything. And I've got a heated shop out back with plenty of space and tools and light. And no current projects. I want to find an old kart to restore and maybe do a little vintage racing with. I fully expect to spend far more time and money than I could ever recoup in a sale. That's ok.
Started looking at the ads here and on craigslist and ebay. There's one in particular I'm interested in. Looks like an early 60s Go Kart 800. Here's the ad:
https://portland.craigslist.org/yam/cto/...33849.html
I have no idea if it's worth $650, could be in the ballpark, if a bit high. But it's definitely the sort of starting point I'm looking for. Any feedback would be appreciated.
-Rick
Rick, I have no idea how "large" or tall you may be. I used to sell Go Kart 800/1200 back in '61/'62, and I ran them until they went out of business. I restored a 1200 in my little Weiser, Idaho apartment in 2003-2004. Once it was done, I found I couldn't sit in it any more. I still think the G.K. is one of the best rear engine karts, but they are prone to break behind the seat, and the front axle extensions are often bent back and repaired. If these repairs were made improperly, you may have issues. Look the frame over carefully, and sit in it before you buy. The price is pretty good. Ted
Hey Ted-
Thanks for the tips. I'm 5'6" and 180 lbs, so hope I'll fit comfortably. I'll definitely sit in it first. I'll also look over the frame carefully. There's no way to really see damage without putting eyes on it in person. I'm assuming you agree that it looks like a GK 800, right?
-Rick
It's certainly a GK 800, probably a '60. No front bumper, looks like a 3/4" tube seatback hoop, steel wheels, but has a Bendix brake. Most of the '60 800's had the Azusa Posi Stop disc brake. Look at the inside of the frame rail on the brake side, behind the seatback cross member. There may be evidence of material ground off if there were a brake that someone removed. We recently removed a Posi Stop brake from Pruit Ginsberg's GK 800. At any rate, the Bendix is a much better brake, and new shoes can still sometimes be found on eBay. DO NOT use the later Azusa brake shoes. The Azusa components are inferior, so make sure to dig out original Bendix shoes. The Azusa springs that hold the shoes in place, and that retract the shoes may be used. If the frame's solid, the 800 will handle any single or reasonable dual engine setup. Most of the earlier 800's were solid red, rather than the candy colors on the late 800's and 1200's. If it's solid, it'll give you a great ride. Jack Canady has an 800 that he's powered with a variety of engines, including a much modified PP AH-82 that runs as well as most West Bend 820's. The kart handles the power well. There are a number of the karts still out on the track all over the country.
BTW, there's a complete Bendix on eBay right now, without the drum. It looks good. Item No. 282863487664 Ted
first welcome to the forum.
on kart
gk800 for sure.
price is close to very good as it seems really complete.
i'm 6' 220# and fit in the gk karts just fine.
i have a few in my pile one of my favorite karts.
if you have a bit of extra "front porch" in the belly area you'll need to run a butterfly steering wheel.
any frame issues for a guy with welding ability and your experience should be easy to address.
my advise buy it as it's very complete and don't waste around too long getting to the kart .
around here one that nice would've already been scooped up by somebody.
offer them 450.00 .. has what looks like simplex steering wheel and wrong brakes but that's a good thing orig brakes kinda suck anyways ..id be shocked if seat back aint been broke welded atleast 3 times lol..
west bend prolly 580 three port looks like right side drive ..has broken piece outta side cover ..about every fin looks like broke off flywheel ..
great first project ..sounds like you have plenty tools good shop and I imagine enough money to do it .. . about 1/10th cost of a car ..for 2k you can go long ways on a kart ..lol..
Thanks for all the feedback, guys. I talked to the owner and will be going down to check it out. It's a 3 hour drive but I need to visit my mother who lives nearby anyway. From the pics it looks pretty good to me, I hope it works out. The engine was seized when the owner got it so he tore it down and soaked it in oil but no luck yet. I can probably get it unstuck, and expect to need a bore. Are new oversize WB 580 pistons available (if that's what it is)? -Rick
Rick, O.S. 580 pistons are where you find them! They haven't been manufactured in fifty years. Getting the cylinder bored is not an easy task, as it is a blind cylinder. You'll have fun driving the 800. I ran mine with twin modified Mac 20's on the kart. Won a ton of B Super races in Central Florida with it. Ted
steves right offer less if you can pul off a lower price so much the better.
i assumed the engine is roached.
your best bet is to figure on getting a different engine.
replace it with any era correct power plant.
these karts weren't built to fit any engine in particular as they were racing equipment.
typically the kart could be bought with or without a power plant.
any early mcculloch ,west bend ,power products,homelite motor or even some foriegn motor fit up fine.
Rick,
Glad to have you on board.
Your height is likely to work fine with the GK 800. I'm 6'0" and I really can't drive one at all comfortably.
Teddy Johnson's advice is always great, as he and his dad used to sell them.
I got a nice straight one and fixed it up for my buddy, Tim, and learned a lot about them in the process. You can see photos on the "member projects and collections" page here on the Forum.
Good luck with your project!