On 5 Jul 2005 07:43:07 -0700, "spongehead"
wrote:

I did some searching in the news groups but didnt quite find what I was
looking for. I would like a project for me and my 10 year old son,
he's quite crafty with his K'nex and legos always making some weird
contraption along with the old pc parts and vcr's. So I thought it
would be nice to move on to something larger scale, like a go kart or
something similar. I know that horizontal shaft engines are easiest to
convert and I should be able to find an old roto tiller or something
similar, but have no idea how to make a working drive train from motor
to wheels. I was thinking of making the frame out of wood and
re-inforcing with angle iron since its much easier to shape.
I was hoping that theres some diagrams or pics out there and maybe a
few helpful hints

Most simple go karts use a simple centrifical clutch and chain
sprocket setup.
Try any small engine repair shop for the parts at a decent price.
You'll need a horizontal shaft engine, say a Briggs or a Techumseh.
A centrifical clutch and sprocket assembly to match the shaft size of
said engine, a few feet of chain and a final drive sprocket and shaft.
Also drive hubs and wheels.
I've seen some older models of riding mowers adapted for use as a
go-kart. You might look into that also.