Making go kart parts

I’ve got a side project with my little setup and that’s the build of an electric go kart for my lad. We’ve got a rolling chassis but we need some hubs. These will screw onto the (sack trolley) wheels with a circa 32mm thread then have a wider collar to take six threads to hold on a mountain bike brake disc.

im thinking aluminium is the right material for this?steel seems over kill? Anything I should know before I order a ‘lump’ technical term off eBay?

Nick, 7075T6 is a very good material but supply in the UK is by specialised dealers and most charge high rates.
6082T6 may be OK for your job but a bit more info would help, a detailed drawing would be good but a sketch with dimensions indicated would be helpful.

Emgee

Hi Nick,

An electric go cart sounds like a good project but answers to your question often go off on a tangent on this site with members not completely understanding your problem. Some photos of the existing rolling chassis, available tools, etc would clarify this.

Cheers, Paul.

Cheers chaps! A diagram shall be produced

Nick

I have experience with designing hubs for racing cars and mainly used 6082 T6, occasionally using 2024 T4 if needs dictated. 6082 T6 which is very easy to get hold of and will be acceptable for your application, providing you do not go mad. 7075 is a total overkill and complete waste of money in this case, it also a lot more susceptible to corrosion issues unless protected properly.

Dave

For a Go Kart I think you will need something more substantial than a bicycle disc brake. If you used a go kart specific brake system like those made and sold by 'Air Heart' you can fit a single disc onto the rear axle rather than have the added weight of hub mounted brakes.

Air Heart produced both mechanical cable operated callipers and hydraulic master/slave systems.

Here is a photo of the rear brake on my Classic Racer from 1966 - a genuine fitment at the time. Quite capable to haul the bike down from 'flat out' to 10mph on the IoM!

Disc mounted on Gold Star 'Crinkle' hub

Disc carrier and hub

The Air Heart calliper with cable operation.

.

Thanks for posting that nice clear photo

... I’ve grabbed the patent for future reference : **LINK**

https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search?q=pn%3DUS4102440A

MichaelG.

Michael,

No Probs! I like photos to be clear and well defined - that was taken by my main camera (Apple iPhone!)

The cable operated calliper is a simple 'ramp' system with adjustment by way of the central bolt which acts as the pivot point. The actuating lever can be reversed for either left or right hand 'pull' - simple, efficient and practical.