Hey +CarsandCameras I love your guys videos! I'm not sure if you accept advice very well it being that I am only 15 but I think I may have a solution to the chain slack problem. You obviously have plenty of chain tension and even if you applied more you would still have a substantial amount of slack in the chain. You guys were on the right track with applying a tensioner and also which side of the chain you placed the tensioner on (the under side with the least amount of tension), but i think it would be much more efficient to apply tension the other direction to the underside of the chain (applying tension upward from the underside of the chain which is the part of the chain that is lowest to the ground). I'm very sure this would help solve your chain slack problem because not only would it apply chain tension but support the weight of the chain. I hope I'm able to help if you haven't already fixed it yourselves. I love your videos, keep them comin'! -Jonah
Hey guys! Thanks for the video of the radio kart. You allowed me to make up my own radio flyer kart. I'll post up a video of it when I get all the kinks worked out.
if you add nylon blocks in between your chain pulleys that pull the 2 sides if the chain toward each other that should give you better tension and keep the the chain from jumping. all your pulleys are doing now are being chain guides and not so much a tensioner.
You guys are great! I enjoy your videos and have been following the many videos for each of the builds. I came across you looking for tips and tricks to my rat bike project. Thanks for the perspective. Keep it up and keep'em coming!
Cool project, I know a lot of people on choppers use spring tensioned chain tensioner with skateboard wheels as the pully. With grab the slack as the chain heats up and expands.
IMHO you should use a bigger engine side sprocket and a smaller "middle" sprocket so it doesn't bottom out on stuff. I would also use delrin/Teflon to make a chain slider that supports/tentions the chain from the bottom rather than pressures it downward. Awesome build! Keep at it!
+Isaac Jennette I dont know if you saw my comment a couple videos ago but I picked up a MIG welder based on a recommendation you gave me. Just wanted to say thanks again for that advice! Cant wait to start buildin'!
I think the only thing I would do is a purely cosmetic radiator grille on the front all in chrome either like an old unused ford model a grille or an Optimus prime style grille with vertical bars in it
For the exhaust pop on deceleration, it needs some kind of baffle. Look up 'motorcycle lollipops' here on youtube. It will quiet it down some on the low end but will stop 95% of the popping. Good Job so far! I'm excited to see part 8!
Looks pretty good already! But I think if you guys change the sprocket on the jackshaft to a smaller one and then have a bigger gear on the rear axle, it won't be hitting the roots in the yard so much. It would also reduce the stress on the chain a bit, but i'm afraid the chain guard and the tensioners have to be modified then.
The tensioner should be forcing the chain into the sprocket the length of chain requires you to have a tensioner on the outside of the chain kinda like the one in the front chain off the motor thanks enjoying
I normally just watch and don't comment.. Love the build.. Makes me wanna make one similar.. But you posibly thought of this/maybe has been said (haven't read other comments). Make a lower skid plate/ lower chain guard to keep that front chain from hitting roots/dirt etc... That way u can have fun driving on grass aka Madd drifting yO!!... Lol sorry had to get that out of the way..
can u do a descriptive video to engine modding. like step by step for the mods u did to the predator. as a new person to engines and mini biking it would help alot
Dude(s), cool project wagon. No darts here; but a thought: I have a 1964 WheelHorse garden tractor & it runs a long V-belt the full length of the chassis with no issues. I think the short jack shaft chain you are running should work fine, but if problems persist, consider a v-belt for the long drive. BUT, that chain and all its associated apparatus looks raTical fine.
will you guys make a better looking frame on top or around the wagon, or keep it the same, also will this be a 2 seater cause it takes 2 to enjoy a ride
for a brake you could put a pully on the rear axle and put a kevlar belt around it and tention the belt with a braking pedal, it would work like a belt brake. i used this setup on my 390cc gokart build and it works very good and its cheap to build and maintain.
Cool build guys..How about trying a pair of shorter chains ? Put a pair, side by side gears where the first tensioner is to shorten and help prevent chain whip inside the chain guards. I see that as a means of taking whip and vibration out of that long chain and it would help keep a 32 chain tight at the same time. Just an observation and idea I had. Never know, right ? Been watching all the vids on the build, good luck to completion !!
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BUILD im doing the same thing but stepping it up and putting a lawnmower driver train under one 20hp vtwin sound good to you guys?
You can wait until after the ratrod wagon is finished before trying this one, but why not craft a basic suspension with a few small springs to soak up some of those roots. I'm sure it doesn't have to have it since it already seems like a cool and fun ride, but it could be a fun build process and make the ratrod wagon mini-series last a bit longer. I could speak for most people here and say that we enjoy your videos so anything to make them last longer is cool.
It need bigger front wheel. I see that you can't have the tire diameter be any small due to ground clearance issues, but it would look awesome if you put some bigger front wheels, same size tire. Also for the seat an old tractor seat would look pretty slick. It would also provide a little "suspension". I don't know if you guys got around to it yet or not, but there is a wire near the bottom of the motor and if you unplug it, it will stop the engine shutting off when it thinks the oil is low. This thing is pretty cool though. Great Job!
I wonder if putting a torque converter on it would solve that (engine side) chain issue by not having the sprocket so low? I believe that might be the issue with derailing itself while on the grass, just from the side view it looks like there might be about an inch, or less, ground clearance for that big ole sprocket. Just a thought anyways but now for some brakes...before it's not fine LOL.
You guys should get a plasma cutter. Like when you were making the slot for the chain adjuster... Would have taken about 30 seconds with a plasma cutter. Also try moving the engine forward slightly to tighten the short chain. For the long chain get the smallest sprocket you can get (Probably a 6-7 tooth) put it under the bottom of the chain a couple of inches back from the front on an L shaped metal bar about 6 inches long, make a pivot point in the middle and attach a strong spring to the other end pulling that end of the bar back. This should work really well.
Why do I get the feeling you have overlooked the fact that the dang big sprocket that drives the long chain in the front is barely clearing the floor and then it pops the chain off when going into the grass? Tilt the engine or do something to give it more clearance
The big sprocket on the jackshaft does look like it's more than likely what's giving you issues off-road. Is there any way to shim the mounts for that and pull it up a little? You've got all your gear reduction there, looks like 1:1 on the long chain, what if you used a smaller sprocket on the jackshaft and another one about the same size on the rear axle? Basically split your gear reduction between the two chains. That way neither of the big sprockets has to be as big as that one big one you're running now. Might also reduce the strain on the longer chain so it doesn't stretch as much. That and some springs for the tensioners could go a long way.
What do I think? I think you guys need a much MUCH smaller reduction sprocket. That thing is like, 3/4 of an inch off the ground, and the engine doesn't struggle at all.
Maybe you could add some lubricant to the bottom of the chain guard some time. Sounds horrible when the chain clanks against the guard. I must say, I'm really liking this build series.
for the drive system, you should do a series of driveshafts with 45 degree sprocket gears running to the back if the chain system doesn't hold up in the long run
on you Axel chain, you could make a chain guide out of some dense plastic. that can take up a Lil more or the slack but mainly Will quiet it down, since the chain Will be hitting plastic instead of steel. looks good so far guys! keep it up! BTW is that a z32 300zx I spot in the garage??
haha, awesome project guys! Come on though, get a free speedometer app for your phone!!! Freeze framed it on the wheelie, need a t-shirt with this picture and a caption, "It'll be fine"
+CarsandCameras me and my cousin are trying to build the same thing, but were having problems finding parts on account of a short budget, were willing to spend a good chunk on the motor, but where do you guys get the wheels and the motors from?
+CarsandCameras Im sorry to bother you again, but i forgot to ask do you know what the motor is called, how much hp its running, and if its vertical or horizontal shaft. thanks again in advance.
I use a 420 chain on my Rat rod 212cc chopper I also took a the exhaust off of a 55chevy pickup and used that for the muffler, I've found that the bigger the pipe the meaner it sounds
Hey +CarsandCameras I love your guys videos! I'm not sure if you accept advice very well it being that I am only 15 but I think I may have a solution to the chain slack problem. You obviously have plenty of chain tension and even if you applied more you would still have a substantial amount of slack in the chain. You guys were on the right track with applying a tensioner and also which side of the chain you placed the tensioner on (the under side with the least amount of tension), but i think it would be much more efficient to apply tension the other direction to the underside of the chain (applying tension upward from the underside of the chain which is the part of the chain that is lowest to the ground). I'm very sure this would help solve your chain slack problem because not only would it apply chain tension but support the weight of the chain. I hope I'm able to help if you haven't already fixed it yourselves. I love your videos, keep them comin'!
-Jonah
Hey guys! Thanks for the video of the radio kart. You allowed me to make up my own radio flyer kart. I'll post up a video of it when I get all the kinks worked out.
Kill-switch wouldn't be a bad idea to add to the handle or the tub.
+Andrew Miguelez
Yes, a kill switch would be great for safety. Safety third, right?
+Stephen Troyer It'll be fine
11:30 is that big sprocket as close to the ground as it looks😬?
Chain guard look like a cool steampunk type look. Awesome work guys.
why don't you mount motorbike handlebars to use the brake /throttle
+sya792 That's the plan!
if you add nylon blocks in between your chain pulleys that pull the 2 sides if the chain toward each other that should give you better tension and keep the the chain from jumping. all your pulleys are doing now are being chain guides and not so much a tensioner.
gokart,and rat rod race once be awesome. who else agrees?
This is becoming even more awesome than i thought it would be. love the noise it makes.
hey I just commented on the last video saying we need new videos lol thanks for the update! have a great day!!
You guys are great! I enjoy your videos and have been following the many videos for each of the builds. I came across you looking for tips and tricks to my rat bike project. Thanks for the perspective. Keep it up and keep'em coming!
ike is so cool he just has such a relaxed chilled feeling i get from him
Cool project, I know a lot of people on choppers use spring tensioned chain tensioner with skateboard wheels as the pully. With grab the slack as the chain heats up and expands.
IMHO you should use a bigger engine side sprocket and a smaller "middle" sprocket so it doesn't bottom out on stuff. I would also use delrin/Teflon to make a chain slider that supports/tentions the chain from the bottom rather than pressures it downward.
Awesome build! Keep at it!
That sound is AMAZING and that side profile at the end is awesome!!
+mrkthmn thank you
+Isaac Jennette I dont know if you saw my comment a couple videos ago but I picked up a MIG welder based on a recommendation you gave me. Just wanted to say thanks again for that advice! Cant wait to start buildin'!
your welcome. good luck with your builds
I think the only thing I would do is a purely cosmetic radiator grille on the front all in chrome either like an old unused ford model a grille or an Optimus prime style grille with vertical bars in it
Yes
+Scott Anderson - Good call dude.
+Scott Anderson maybe the front of an old pedal tractor or something...
smccravy Or one of those hotrod style grills inspired by train cattle guards?
carsandcameras please do this!
I still cant get over that crackle 9:12 :D so awesome!
Keep it up guys love the rat rod wagon! It's a rat rod, ain't supposed to be pretty!
For the exhaust pop on deceleration, it needs some kind of baffle. Look up 'motorcycle lollipops' here on youtube. It will quiet it down some on the low end but will stop 95% of the popping. Good Job so far! I'm excited to see part 8!
Looks pretty good already!
But I think if you guys change the sprocket on the jackshaft to a smaller one and then have a bigger gear on the rear axle, it won't be hitting the roots in the yard so much. It would also reduce the stress on the chain a bit, but i'm afraid the chain guard and the tensioners have to be modified then.
It needs a little keg in the back
+Juan Santi
That would work great with the theme
Stephen Troyer eve if it is the little keg from Heineken that would look like it belongs
TheLilbenjamin or just for the "looks"
+Juan Santi Two mini kegs in the back, that would be sweet. Brushed aluminum.
Nathan Hovey yeah man
New exhaust sounds great! Especially the decel pops.
+Bronco289 it does sound awesome
Very entertaining, yet again! Keep up the good work, really excited how this ends up.
That big sprocket looks like the problem,need a smaller one so you guys can ride in the yard .
hey jonh and ike great build just wondering what type of welder do you guys you's
+Hunter Gray-Ruggi Hey, we use a Lincoln Power Mig 210.
Just wondering when you guys are gonna put "It'll be fine!!!" stickers on things. Adds 10% reliability.
Man she's looking pretty! thank you guys for making it look easy lol
The tensioner should be forcing the chain into the sprocket
the length of chain requires you to have a tensioner on the outside of the chain kinda like the one in the front chain off the motor
thanks
enjoying
don't change your presenting style or level of detail discussed, the balance is just right at the moment. Keep up the good work, it'll be fine
I think after yall get the build off done yall should build an offroad kart with full suspension.It would be new and a great challenge for you guys.
I normally just watch and don't comment.. Love the build.. Makes me wanna make one similar.. But you posibly thought of this/maybe has been said (haven't read other comments). Make a lower skid plate/ lower chain guard to keep that front chain from hitting roots/dirt etc...
That way u can have fun driving on grass aka Madd drifting yO!!... Lol sorry had to get that out of the way..
can u do a descriptive video to engine modding. like step by step for the mods u did to the predator. as a new person to engines and mini biking it would help alot
+MasterTuttoo I'll likely be doing that for our build off!
+CarsandCameras thank you so much. much appreciated
+CarsandCameras thank you so much. much appreciated
+CarsandCameras thank you so much. much appreciated
+CarsandCameras and when would that build off be?
Dude(s), cool project wagon. No darts here; but a thought: I have a 1964 WheelHorse garden tractor & it runs a long V-belt the full length of the chassis with no issues. I think the short jack shaft chain you are running should work fine, but if problems persist, consider a v-belt for the long drive. BUT, that chain and all its associated apparatus looks raTical fine.
have you guys thought of a set up like the timing chain on a v8 with overhead cams .... like an acrylic chain guide/tensioner?
Did you guys ever make that big main gear smaller to allow for more clearance when on rough ground?
+Tyler Murray i think you will like our latest video and you will like what we have done on it in our next video
will you guys make a better looking frame on top or around the wagon, or keep it the same, also will this be a 2 seater cause it takes 2 to enjoy a ride
I cant wait for more. I wish these were longer like 30-40 min
You guys should mount a old tractor seat in it,That would look great!!! Great video
+Richard Gottshall thanks. i do have a tractor seat i was going to try
for a brake you could put a pully on the rear axle and put a kevlar belt around it and tention the belt with a braking pedal, it would work like a belt brake. i used this setup on my 390cc gokart build and it works very good and its cheap to build and maintain.
for the throttle are you guys planning on doing a dirt bike style throttle, or a quad/snowmobile type throttle?
Cool build guys..How about trying a pair of shorter chains ? Put a pair, side by side gears where the first tensioner is to shorten and help prevent chain whip inside the chain guards. I see that as a means of taking whip and vibration out of that long chain and it would help keep a 32 chain tight at the same time. Just an observation and idea I had. Never know, right ? Been watching all the vids on the build, good luck to completion !!
I was thinking the same thing, it would definately make getting the alignment perfect easier as well
Looks awesome!!! Small suggestions: change the gas tank and air cleaner to look more "rat rod" everything else is looking good. Nice work guys.
+Michael Bendos we are trying to find a brigs 5 hp engine for it . more old school. probably look more correct
Won't the tensioner get worn out really easy though and where did you get them from?
What if you made one of the sprockets slightly larger to help with chain stretch?
I wonder how you guys will make the throttle work since it's so small
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BUILD im doing the same thing but stepping it up and putting a lawnmower driver train under one 20hp vtwin sound good to you guys?
What job does this guy have?! (Not the one with the southern accent). Has a big house, in the woods, with a huge backyard, and more than 3 cars..
Donovan it’s all his dads
i love yur guy's videos they make me laugh
You can wait until after the ratrod wagon is finished before trying this one, but why not craft a basic suspension with a few small springs to soak up some of those roots. I'm sure it doesn't have to have it since it already seems like a cool and fun ride, but it could be a fun build process and make the ratrod wagon mini-series last a bit longer. I could speak for most people here and say that we enjoy your videos so anything to make them last longer is cool.
Home built Predator powered boat or maybe an amphibious go-kart still seems like a good idea... Especially with all the water around here lately.
It need bigger front wheel. I see that you can't have the tire diameter be any small due to ground clearance issues, but it would look awesome if you put some bigger front wheels, same size tire. Also for the seat an old tractor seat would look pretty slick. It would also provide a little "suspension". I don't know if you guys got around to it yet or not, but there is a wire near the bottom of the motor and if you unplug it, it will stop the engine shutting off when it thinks the oil is low. This thing is pretty cool though. Great Job!
+Zach Mikko thanks
are you going to put any kind of suspension on the kart?
Woo can't wait to see this thing done!
U guys r great. Great video and now I might just build a go-kart of my own
You guys should do a hand throttle and hand brake since the cockpit is so cramped.
I wonder if putting a torque converter on it would solve that (engine side) chain issue by not having the sprocket so low? I believe that might be the issue with derailing itself while on the grass, just from the side view it looks like there might be about an inch, or less, ground clearance for that big ole sprocket. Just a thought anyways but now for some brakes...before it's not fine LOL.
Yeah the way the sprockets are set up could be done much better.
You guys should get a plasma cutter. Like when you were making the slot for the chain adjuster... Would have taken about 30 seconds with a plasma cutter. Also try moving the engine forward slightly to tighten the short chain. For the long chain get the smallest sprocket you can get (Probably a 6-7 tooth) put it under the bottom of the chain a couple of inches back from the front on an L shaped metal bar about 6 inches long, make a pivot point in the middle and attach a strong spring to the other end pulling that end of the bar back. This should work really well.
Another cool video ... This little thing is neat .........
your videos are all i look forward to on my subscription keep building go karts
+trayspratt spratt we look foward to yall watching them
42 chain is what you need. for throttle run either a minibike throttle or a thumb style off of a 4wheeler. then a regular bike brake handle.
You guys should totally build an offroad predatorpowered kickbike/scooter thing!
You should get a new seat for your go kart and use the old one since it's all leaned back, that would be cool on the rat rod wagon
can you use 2 chains instead of the one long one...have another 2 sprockets where the tensioner is to take the front chain and back chain
are you guys going to put peddles or keep it where your arm has to stretch out to the engine
+I DONT COMMENT UNLESS YOUR DUMB we are putting hand throttle and brake on the steering
nice....
The exhaust sounds awesome!!!
+tim Healy thanks
Can you put a 31 ford or rat rod style radiator cover on it? Like a small one just to go in front of the engine for looks?
+Joseph Woodruff working on that right now
Why do I get the feeling you have overlooked the fact that the dang big sprocket that drives the long chain in the front is barely clearing the floor and then it pops the chain off when going into the grass? Tilt the engine or do something to give it more clearance
+VochoTalacha they just need to get one that is slightly smaller
a torque converter would fix that
would it be possible to move the jackshaft up to get more clearance?
+Gslash25 not enough room
oh yeah
when will the net one be out, im really want to see it
The big sprocket on the jackshaft does look like it's more than likely what's giving you issues off-road. Is there any way to shim the mounts for that and pull it up a little? You've got all your gear reduction there, looks like 1:1 on the long chain, what if you used a smaller sprocket on the jackshaft and another one about the same size on the rear axle? Basically split your gear reduction between the two chains. That way neither of the big sprockets has to be as big as that one big one you're running now. Might also reduce the strain on the longer chain so it doesn't stretch as much.
That and some springs for the tensioners could go a long way.
+Darwinpasta im redoing the chain setup so( it'll be finer )
+Isaac Jennette Can't wait to see :)
wheelies are awesome! that's sweet wagon guys.
This little wagon is bad ass!
+gratefulRed69 thanks
Ahh, Ike makes me smile
What do I think? I think you guys need a much MUCH smaller reduction sprocket. That thing is like, 3/4 of an inch off the ground, and the engine doesn't struggle at all.
Hey do you guys live in Wyoming? I saw an ad for a wagon go kart exactly like this for sale
Maybe you could add some lubricant to the bottom of the chain guard some time. Sounds horrible when the chain clanks against the guard. I must say, I'm really liking this build series.
Thanks you for inspiring me!
Also get a seat!
You guys have inspired me so I built a go kart but when will you make vids on your kart
for the drive system, you should do a series of driveshafts with 45 degree sprocket gears running to the back if the chain system doesn't hold up in the long run
on you Axel chain, you could make a chain guide out of some dense plastic. that can take up a Lil more or the slack but mainly Will quiet it down, since the chain Will be hitting plastic instead of steel. looks good so far guys! keep it up! BTW is that a z32 300zx I spot in the garage??
If you make long chain into 2 sections w/ idler in middle, that should correct both problems, chain slap and stretch.
Childhood goals
What kind of welder do you guys use? Brand.. Type.. Thanks
awesome job! love this series of build vids keep it up!
have yall thought about using a belt for the long chain
+lee jones yes we thought about it but it just wouldnt look right
What kind of tires and wheels are on Johns gokart? I'd like to buy some myself. ;)
where did u guys get those tires ? ? ? ? and I like it 👍
+YourBoy Andrew (14st) front tires are from the wagon the rear are from a shifter cart
+Isaac Jennette where could u find the back tires ? and what would u prefer a go kart or mini bike ?
i like karts. the tires are taylors cart. dont tell him. lol
+Isaac Jennette lol but where can I buy lol
I can't wait for you guys to jet up the carb and try and get some more power out of it
So are you done or are you going to finish it and show us cause I would like to see the finished project
+Mastblood We're still working on it! We're coming up with a new game plan since our jackshaft/chain system isn't working too well.
Oh ok cool
have a look at any chain driven motor cycle and they are all tensioned under the the lower stretch of the chain
Yes definitely a pan seat. It would help with the wheelies
The main gear is pretty low on the ground, mabey that's why she doesn't like the gras. Cool build!
Are you guys planning on making a fuel tank
haha, awesome project guys! Come on though, get a free speedometer app for your phone!!! Freeze framed it on the wheelie, need a t-shirt with this picture and a caption, "It'll be fine"
Where is part 8 ? Kidding great vid
+CarsandCameras me and my cousin are trying to build the same thing, but were having problems finding parts on account of a short budget, were willing to spend a good chunk on the motor, but where do you guys get the wheels and the motors from?
+Carl Piraino We had the wheels sitting around, and we got the motor from Harbor Freight for $100 on sale.
+CarsandCameras ok thank you, can't wait to see the next installment of the rat rod wagon saga
+CarsandCameras Im sorry to bother you again, but i forgot to ask do you know what the motor is called, how much hp its running, and if its vertical or horizontal shaft. thanks again in advance.
You should've found or made a smaller chain tensioner like a skateboard wheel and put it under the bottom of the long chain
I use a 420 chain on my Rat rod 212cc chopper
I also took a the exhaust off of a 55chevy pickup and used that for the muffler, I've found that the bigger the pipe the meaner it sounds
Haha loved the wheelie!
instead of one long chain, how about putting a 2nd jack shaft in mid way back and run a third chain? might help with the slack as well.