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Mower Building / Setup Help => Project Builds => Other Interesting Builds => Topic started by: frstimeracer on January 09, 2011, 07:19:02 pm

Title: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: frstimeracer on January 09, 2011, 07:19:02 pm
Grandpa's Mini Model A

Story goes,
After Grandpa was done building Sherman tanks for the War, his kids wanted a model A for a hot rod, he could not afford much! As his kids (my mom, aunt and uncle) were 8,9, 11, One day he got the idea to build a mini A. That's the short story.

This was to be passed down to my uncle and then to me. In its day this was fast, my grandpa built the entire A, using many of his home made parts and ingenuity. He came up with a fun go cart for his kids.

It is now in my hands, needs to be fully restored, I plan to redo the hole car and update as necessary.

the motor is a Clifford 3 horse, this is the 2nd motor, and its junk! I plan on using a 5+ horse motor, .

it does have a full windshield and chrome nerf bar bumpers, not in the photos.
This is how my uncle gave it to me.

posting photos soon, need to resize them
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: GRUBDIGGER on January 09, 2011, 08:29:36 pm
NICE!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: frstimeracer on January 10, 2011, 01:14:27 am
Thanks,

just found out the 5.5 honda motor will not fit  :mad: :noplease:

I need a  up right  5hp motor

this is the honda motor, bought it at a swap meet for me! may need to build something around the motor now!
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: Doug on January 10, 2011, 02:17:21 am
That thing is cool but i think you should stay with a flathead motor maybe find you an old 10hp briggs or Kolher but a v-twin would fill that bay up real nice.............i wish you lived close to me i have the motor you need

Doug
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: frstimeracer on January 10, 2011, 10:36:35 pm
thanks Doug, greyhound may ship a motor with all the fluids drained, but 10hp may be too big too, I am going to revisit the idea of changing the steering to fit the Honda but am reluctance to do so.
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: George Herrin on January 10, 2011, 11:36:58 pm
I wouldn't change a thing, That thing is awesome. Restore it like it was built and let the memories continue and grow.
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: fordman21 on January 25, 2011, 08:04:48 am
I agree that is an awesome machine, I would leave it as it was built as much as you can. That is a work of art.
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: GRUBDIGGER on January 25, 2011, 09:26:59 am
HOWS THE REBUILD COMING?
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: frstimeracer on January 26, 2011, 12:13:59 am
the rebuild is slow, The honda motor will not work at all, I removed the steering box from under the hood and will have it in the cab, and still the Honda will not fit  :mad: :mad: :mad: its bad because it runs to DANG well to resell, but want a Flathead brigs to bolt right in, once a motor is found it will be a quick rebuild. I dont plan on redoing the paint or any out side appearance but make it road worthy. will post some more photos soon
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: frstimeracer on January 26, 2011, 06:58:08 pm
A long shot here, Does any one have a briggs 5 horse flat head motor, side shaft. no need for a preformance motor, a stock on will do. thanks for the help guys.

 :woo:
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: 2nstoys on January 26, 2011, 09:55:49 pm
I have a couple plus a bigger one. Not sure what size. I will get back to you and send some pics.
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: frstimeracer on January 26, 2011, 10:36:37 pm
2ntoys please do, The one motor was a 3 hp motor and the 5.5 honda bolt pattern worked too, It was just too long. post up some photos when you can. thanks James
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: Chris on January 27, 2011, 08:45:57 am
That thing is AWESOME
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: frstimeracer on January 27, 2011, 03:58:56 pm
Thanks chris! cant wait to get it on the road!  8)
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: pootrol on January 30, 2011, 01:58:03 am
whats the motor in there now. looks old and original. id be tempted to keep that and rebuild it to keep it all the same age. looks good.
Title: Re: Grandpa's Mini Model A Gocart
Post by: McKayjosh1 on April 12, 2012, 08:46:40 pm
I have a lot of single cylinder diesel engines, four lambordini 5 HP one is liquid cooled and a Lister petter 6.5 HP. One may work, would be sweet if it had a diesel in it!  :woo: