$40 Rusty Go Kart into Awesome $$$ Kart W/ Harbor Freight Predator

Tear down and restoring an old rusty go kart frame into a sweet 2 seater kart that my kids are loving!
This is kart #40 that I've either built or restored.
What's next predator upgrades, live axle setup, brakes?
Tools and Supplies I used:
Drill Combo Kit: amzn.to/3P15Txb
Surface conditioning tool: amzn.to/3WXtuki
Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3N30LWH
Wheel Bearings: amzn.to/42zmLhF
Foam: amzn.to/3J5L6EU
Marine Vinyl: amzn.to/3oT9ouV
T- Nuts: amzn.to/3NllFBz
Pneumatic Stapler: amzn.to/3qwjJ0d
Brake Band: amzn.to/3X1DWHe
Clutch and Chain: amzn.to/3CmlAYg
79cc Engine (In case you don't have a HF near by): amzn.to/3J58h2b
Chain Breaker: amzn.to/3NllPZH
Master Link: amzn.to/3P85YPx

[@pyromonkee2510]

I thought I was watching Project Farm for a second.

[@jauken83]

Very impressive!

[@themexicanjesus3079]

I thought I was tripping too 💀

[@jbranche8024]

Had similar kart as kid, a lot of fun. Neighbors asked and we added some orange flag flex poles so cars could easily see us. We would go through a clutch every 2 months.

[@MechMaster]

I bet, that's awesome!

[@jimmywilson1388]

That turned out nice. I bet the kids love it.

[@MechMaster]

Thanks, they do.

[@ElijahMiniBikes]

Holy cow! I thought I was watching a project farm video with your voice so similar to his.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

This is like my dream gokart they sold at Sears in the 80's.

[@Rondawwg]

Great job!!

[@butters18104]

Had that exact kart as my first yard kart. Broke it so many times but always easy to fix

[@jaywill530]

We had two of those Manco Red Fox karts. We ran those things for 15 years, with original engine (good regular oil changes on the stock Briggs flathead engines) and they never let us down. We organized races with friends and family and set up cones in a large parking lot to race them. We'd cookout, listen NASCAR on the radio and run them all day swapping drivers so everyone got a chance. They just kept on running...we went through a LOT !! of tires, but the frame and engines never quit. I'd guess they had at least 2000 hours on them each. I sold them in perfect working condition.

[@SOUNDINTHECITY]

Great video man. I’m always thinking about making a go kart, or buying one… just gonna live the experience through your videos for the moment.

[@co_rust]

ive been trying to get a go cart for 5 years but noone whoud hire a kid under age my parents whoudnt get me one

[@user-oy4fv4wc1c]

an electric one of these would be so fun

[@MechMaster]

Maybe on the next build!!

[@tedbastwock3810]

I really enjoyed watching your gokart playlist, I learned a bit and had fun watching. Thanks for sharing. Do you have any interest in building off-road vehicles, or have you considered it?

[@CarrotDugTooDeep]

I have the exact same go-kart! It is a Fox. I restored it years ago, but it has been in my garage, sitting for last 10 years or so. Probably time to get it out and restore it again...lol Thanks for the upload!

[@MechMaster]

Right on! Go for it!

[@restalva]

can this kart be found , id like to buy it . i like the frame , it looks like it should give good handling . is it called a fox ? or is that a name you gave it ?

[@CarrotDugTooDeep]

The manufacturers name on it was Fox. It was on the steering wheel hub with a Fox logo. I still have mine in the garage.

[@Creteboi]

this guy sounds a lot like project farm lol had to do a double take

[@MachSpeed767]

Pro tip……when stapling, turn your gun so that the staples go in parallel to your seat edge. Much greater holding strength than what you did in this video. Plus it looks cleaner when done correctly.

[@mpos559]

Looks a lot like one I had back in the 60’s

[@TimWelds]

Nice work, Jeff!!!

[@MechMaster]

Thanks Tim!

[@scottrothe5947]

Addressing the paint. Paint needs a surface prep so it has the correct base to stick to. That is where primer comes in. If paint is put directly on metal without primer it wil eventually peal off. Going the extra short distance to prep the metal surface correctly will pay big dividends down the road. Just do it right. The hard part is getting the rust off. It's easy to spray primer then paint! Do it right!

[@mikedavis6566]

I suppose, if you wanted to do a 'quicky' job to maximize your money to time spent, this works.... Couple of hints for those who want to do this right. 1) The frame should have been stripped. All the rust you covered over will cause the new paint to peel off. 2) Use a good primer for adhesion of the paint. 3) Always replace the bearings, I could see the front bearings you put back on were shot. 4) Sand and repaint the rims. This gives the entire kart a new look. 5) Always use locking nuts on the axle, spindle and steering arms or drill and cotter key them. Kids will be ridding these things. 6) You don't believe in greasing anything, do you? 7) Do not use OSB for seats. Karts are usually left outside, or driven in wet conditions. The bottom of the frame is open and OSB disintegrates when it gets wet repeatedly.

[@Jeremy-kg1zr]

Yeah, this was certainly a half-assing it sort of job. It kinda hurt to see him just slapping parts back on it without doing quality work, and when he was just spraying paint over parts that were two separate parts which he didn't bother unbolting/cleaning before painting. The quicky job to maximize profit is the part that actually hurts if he did sell this. If you wanna half ass your own thing, whatever, it's yours. But if you're selling a thing, assuming doing so morally, you should be doing quality work, not just making something "look good" at first glance. Someone buying something like this for their kids might well just be trying to get something fun for the kids and probably wouldn't realize it was actually a rusty pile with a half-ass restoration. Hopefully the poor seat reupholstery would be a giveaway at least. Essentially if you don't explain and disclose the situation fully to the buyer, you're just trying to pull one over on the buyer to make money at their expense. Cringe.

[@zakarino_01]

You sound EXACTLY like Project Farm.

[@gardenfork]

Wow what fun. Did not realize there were old frames for sale 😊 Eric.

[@MechMaster]

Yes indeed! Thanks!

[@user-ls1uu8xh2r]

your voice really sounds like tronicsfix on youtube! style and everything

[@MechMaster]

Looks like I need to do some tech repair!

[@user-ls1uu8xh2r]

@@MechMaster YES! XD

[@user-vr1vg1ll6r]

I restored the same go kart , but need to replace the front wheels . Where and what do you suggest?

[@MechMaster]

BMI Karts, Amazon, Ebay!

[@ZacharyC]

0:50 , you mention that it is not cheaper to build one. Man I wish I had known that before getting knee dip into my build. It would've save me a lot of money to just restore one. Overall great video!

[@KE5ZZO]

05:30. Leave raw wood exposed. It gonna rot out faster…. Try coat of anything paint. Stain. Then cut piece of same vinyl to cover back / bottom of seat and staple that

[@MechMaster]

Totally agree, I've actually already painted the back!

[@radrcer]

Used to be black&white go cart catalogs you could order by mail for a couple dollars back in the 80s. I think Manco was the main builder

[@bankstonmills]

Very cool man !!! Fun fact, you can’t be pissed off and riding a go-kart at the same time !

[@wrigzor]

Just painting right on top of rust, does that last long?

[@greggv8]

Red, orange, yellow paints need a primer. They're translucent so what they're painted over affects how they look. A dark grey or black primer will make them look darker while a white or light grey will make them brighter. Use a yellow primer under light red paint and you'll give it an orange cast. A quick coat of rattle can primer, any primer, on this and you could have used a lot less red paint, and it would look better.

[@MechMaster]

Good point.

[@jjmonty8090]

I keep waiting for him to say, “And we’re gonna test that”…

[@MechMaster]

PF reference? I'll take it!

[@jjmonty8090]

@@MechMaster 🤣 Yes sir!

[@dingobabyeats596]

well done. Love the details covered

[@restalva]

can this kart still be purchased today ? can it handle a 250 pound man ? its a really cool low kart . the small wheels are great for giving that go kart feeling .

[@brandonthompson6449]

That mtf going to spin that tire😂 i love it takes ne back to when i had 1

[@MechMaster]

So far the kids have convinced me to keep this one around!

[@ALMIGHTYGARAGE]

There's one them about hr from me for 50 just main frame tho but I wigo get this week if still available I love mancos I just picked up a Murray and a Ken bar streaker yesterday complete really nice minus engines for 75 each they will be on my channel tomorrow of you want to check it out and I'm building a manco we'll restoring one for my nephew I'm almost done not exactly sure what frame it is I know manco but don't know what model it is I love go karts I make videos of stuff I do small channel but I have tons of stuff that someone like you and me would Die for lol I has many karts choppers quads minibikes alot of projects awesome video man

[@ahmondeboxley2950]

I have and old frame that I could use help with getting it back running again are you located in the south

[@awesomo9k]

I love when people cover up rust with a shit rattle-can job and sell it off! Super ethical!

[@robd9026]

Have you ever heard of a wireless remote shut off switch for a go-kart? Thinking that might be good for gas, powered carts and younger kids?

[@MechMaster]

Nope, but sounds cool!

[@meredithholman4047]

So you're telling me the school stapler won't go through fabric 🤣

[@MechMaster]

Only if you add Elmer's school glue with it!

[@danuvip]

is it difficult to build a gearbox on it? asking for a friend of mine oc ;)

[@sqnhunterx]

I would have sandblasted the frame...lol!

[@MechMaster]

If there is one that I know for sure I'm going to keep I definitely would sandblast.

[@mintberry6014]

Anyone know who manufactures the frame? I have the exact same one. Pretty much doin the same resto with my 7 year old. Great first fixer upper project.

[@larisbj8021]

What is a good motor option for this? Something that is not to crazy fast for my son.

[@MechMaster]

HF predator engines are good. You could always govern it back like I did with this one.

[@Rudimentary007]

Hot damn too cool.💪👍🇺🇸

[@user-yd4fp9jw2s]

That's an old red fox! We had one growing up

[@hipstergrandma228]

So is it better to buy a go kart or to make one i live in europe croatia and its pretty hard to get a go kart here bcs nobody ships to here maybe u know some sites if u do that would help a lot. I was planing next summer to make one with my friends but the parts and the shipping would make it litterally impossible

[@MatthewKohler-cj5hy]

was 79cc large anough, and where did you get it from and how much was it? I was going to find one too build and put a 212cc on it, is that overkill?

[@nutpunch4126]

where should i buy old frames

[@meoff1969]

A trick on that foam if you set something very heavy it will press down give a more detailed look

[@MechMaster]

Great tip, thanks!

[@bubbles4314]

please help me!!! I've been trying to figure out how to properly connect the acceleration part to the engine. and I need help on adding a kill switch which I don't know how to put it on

[@MechMaster]

Does this help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqrQdY1moL6rqKs

[@t.crouse]

what a cool dad

[@MechMaster]

Thanks!

[@Egg-Dude]

One question, is that a live axle or dead axle

[@mr_t0w1]

could you make a video about making a gokart frame? cuz im willing to make one where i can put like a shifter engine in it

[@MechMaster]

I have plans in a couple months to make another from scratch, probably will do a full video on the frame alone. Stay tuned!

[@thecornelliusjamesshow852]

Where did you get the apolstery

[@randykubick]

everyone should drive go karts as daily drivers

[@kaptunkordan6656]

you need a sand blaster

[@ricgomez1]

Whats the top speed on this 6.5

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

75 miles per hour.

[@SLO-Ride]

Why not add some angle iron to the bottom or sides of the frame, to take out most flexing, or bending to keep it from bottoming out?

[@MechMaster]

With just the kids, it's plenty stiff enough. If bigger kids were to be on it I'd definitely think of making it stronger.

[@jdmtechllc6589]

Too rigid would become uncomfortable and darty in the handling department

[@jordanbabcock9349]

​@@MechMasteryou opened the video talking about either selling for $500 or keeping if the kids insisted ...

[@schreez5730]

would i be able to somewhat easily convert a pressure washer engine to a usable kart engine?

[@MechMaster]

Yes, if it's a horizontal shaft. Those are great for go karts!

[@danielnunez3518]

0:53 I didn’t believe this a year ago. 1.5” Mild steel tubing is like 11 bucks a foot here

[@MechMaster]

Another reason why it's expensive to make an entire frame from scratch!

[@user-dv7gi5ej5i]

Did you remove the governor from the 79cc engine ?

[@fortheloveofcake93]

Your voice sounds like project farm

[@user-uo1jk7ln1f]

I have the exact same cart just I need a seat I need like the fame for the seat but can’t find one online

[@MechMaster]

You can make one! Steel would be better but you'll have to weld it, wood could maybe work.

[@codykastler4709]

How did the side hustle turn out? Are you still restoring them and selling them?

[@MechMaster]

Great! I did end up selling this one and one to the next one!

[@nopehope7600]

Would there be a way to convert a cart like that to a 1 person?

[@MechMaster]

Sure, switch the seat out to a bucket seat and you are set!

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Old Manco Gokart maybe 305 model? Anyways ive Had my 1998 Manco Products INC Terminator since then. Still start it up once in awhile. Its my channel.

[@markgonzalez4070]

Where did you get the throttle bracket? Great video

[@MechMaster]

Go power sports

[@adaminyoutube1448]

how it go ?

[@Motor_Enthusiastic]

I have a question I really want a answer to I wanted a link to the key nut for the wood I am rebuilding the seat and I want to have a link for a bolt and I wanted to know ow how to fit the seat on the mount on the mango dingo black fox ist pls help 🙏🙏

[@Motor_Enthusiastic]

Was the on off switch bar mounted on the go kart or u made it urself pls answer ❤

[@MechMaster]

This one came with one but I have used these in the past: amzn.to/3Q4atKL

[@Motor_Enthusiastic]

@@MechMaster I’m talking about did you make the Bar under see the Steering wheel where u mounted the switch ?

[@MechMaster]

@@Motor_Enthusiastic that's why you always read twice! You clearly said bar in the first comment. It came with it. Ones that don't have them I've put them on any of the flat bars like up under the seat and even on the floor pan.

[@cobi1kenobi]

I thought this was project farm for a few seconds

[@kingsunited3013]

Do you go to jimmy drestas go kart meets

[@user-wm2ho2lv6t]

Can u put the throttle cable kit link

[@MechMaster]

This is for the 79CC www.gopowersports.com/throttle-kit-79cc-predator-engine/?campaignid=15940148387&adgroupid=&adid=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwldKmBhCCARIsAP-0rfz9yVotmjvBJo4-hg9Dv6IDqAiylVECieimtm8dr8W_0xioGpekQS8aAiXREALw_wcB

[@donavanklingardt3337]

Can u please make a limozine go-kart

[@g4engineering173]

Jeff, this Frank from westech days. Just found your channel and subscribed. Hope you are well.

[@MechMaster]

Right on! Thanks old friend!

[@jordanbabcock9349]

First time here.. crescent wrench backing up an impact... aaaaand goodbye!!!

[@eg9549]

For the Back of the seat get a thin shit of wood and wrap it in leather and then staple the thin piece of wood to the back of the seat to give it a cleaner look

[@MR.STUMBKES]

What is the GK called?

[@MechMaster]

It was an old Manco

[@jackjones2156]

You sound a lot like ProjectFarm ngl

[@itzspyce]

Where could I get a new rim like they two piece you got ?

[@MechMaster]

They are becoming less and less common but you can find some on ebay and amazon, search "split rim go kart wheels"

[@Jrc21809]

I have one of these

[@Fewcobra-lt2zv]

We’re do you find the cheapest carts

[@MechMaster]

My local classified ads for sure. Awesome deals come up all the time but you have to be fast and jump on it right away.

[@alexrodriguez275]

maximum speed??

[@rja8441]

How many staples in the seat 😂

[@MechMaster]

I should have added one more!

[@sierraandnick]

i do this monthly 🗣️ a lot of money out here with people selling things like this for cheap

[@timgoodliffe]

they want 4-500 minimum for just a frame here in my state, insanity

[@serialistic4321]

Are you related to project farm or something? Lol

[@user-le3rd8po8w]

Can you send me a off that same engine off that

[@Sam_Bam]

you should add music, too many awkward silent moments

[@chardelraconner7324]

see you said ew in another way

[@craftymulligar]

It would be nice to see adult size for 6 foot people. Guess thats what cars are for. Illegal probably anyhow on public roads.

[@brianbassett4379]

Is that why you beg so much on KZbin because you don't have the money to shop anywhere but Harbor Freight?

[@MechMaster]

If you mean "beg" in that I have way too many welders and tools from HF then yes, that is true!

[@brianbassett4379]

@@MechMaster People like you always have way too many low-end POS items. They build up when all you do is use them to beg with. I pity you, man. Stop wasting your life begging online.

[@Spiritof_76]

$500? Tear down and "restoring"? No-primer paint job on top of wire-wheel burnished metal that should have been sanded and the wrinkled-ass upholstery; it was all rushed. Take a little pride in your product.

[@ElijahMiniBikes]

It’s a go kart dude. it’s not a car.

[@Spiritof_76]

@@ElijahMiniBikes It could be an electric frying pan or a tricycle, any job worth doing is worth doing well the first time.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Its a gokart for the kids to ride. Not going to Barrett-Jackson auto auction.

[@Spiritof_76]

@@TOMVUTHEPIMP Quality workmanship lasts and only takes a little longer.

[@thorfinsky1427]

Dude....he just sped up the video.

[@Niobium23]

Is there a way I can reach out to you to purchase or commission a kart build?

[@MechMaster]

I just do it for fun and for the kids. I don't want the hobby to turn into a job! What part of the country you in?

[@bigdickpornsuperstar]

I get not wanting to sandblast but at least treat the rust before just painting over it, ffs!

[@user-uo1jk7ln1f]

I have the exact same cart just I need a seat I need like the fame for the seat but can’t find one online

[@MechMaster]

You can make one! Steel would be better but you'll have to weld it, wood could maybe work.

[@restalva]

what is its actual name ?

[@Motor_Enthusiastic]

@mechmaster

[@MechMaster]

Right on!