New here wanna run a few things by you guys.

[project_evolution75]

Okay so i got the plans for the classic cruiser, but iim thinking i wanna build mine a little different. for starters im tinking of using black iron pipe from the plumbing section of home depot. will this work, and should i use 3/4 or maye 1 inch pipe for this? also ive been reading a little, and it seems something called a torque a verter is popular. what does this do exactly? will it be okay if i run my chain directly off my motor to the sprocket like a gocart? also what size wheels do you guys reccomend and where can i get pedals instead of the throttle kit for my cart, as i wanna put a steering wheel on it? i was going to post this under frames but it seems i dont have access there for some reason.

[Mike Bean]

I would recommend you stick with 1" pipe because the frame uses 1" square tubing.

As for iron pipe, I believe you can weld it the same as the square tubing. I am no expert on iron pipe, but I built a project where I did use some iron pipe for a special mount and I MIG welded it to some mild steel and it worked great.

For the TAV, if you have the money in your budget you will be much happier with one over the cheapie clutch. For more information on the TAV, just do some searching in the forum, lots of talk about them.

For rim and tires, check eBay, lots of deals if you are trying to save some money.

Mike Bean

[mudboger07]

I built mine from 3/4 inch pipe, 1" pipe measures 1 1/4" od 3/4" pipe measures 1" od it seems to handle well using 3/4 with no frame twisting.

[project_evolution75]

Is that the black iron gas pipe you used? also if anyone could post a pic of how they hooked pedals to the frame so i can get a feel for positioning.

[c.schulz]

Im interested to see one of these made out of pipe???


Chris

[mudboger07]

c.schulz, here is the link to my post pics before it was painted

http://www.barflyracers.com/showthread.php?t=2399

[Heff]

Just my opinion but it seems to me that pedals for controls might be hard to keep control of the throttle. These babies are really rough riding and your going to be positioning your legs and feet to keep from getting ejected!!You can still put a steering wheel on your stool and have hand controls. Check out the pics in the members rides and you`ll see some. Heff

[Frozen Bohemian]

I agree with Heff, put the controls on handlebars. So you can drive it like a madman!
I have foot controls on the "cheapo barstool" and I also used them on my latest creation the "keggerkart" or "koolerkart" (not yet finalized). I wanted to use a steering wheel on both projects, plus I only cruise the neighborhood (under 40mph)
As far a pipe frames ..I used 3/4" (nom) pipe for the main frame on the keggerkart. It measures just over 1 inch dia. Plenty strong and easy to bend with a pipe bender. BUT....it is a bitch to have to notch it to join intersections. Takes a lot more fab time to make nice tight joints for welding.

KEGGERKART


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/frozen_bohemian/keggerkart.jpg


KOOLERKART VERSION

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/frozen_bohemian/kk07.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/frozen_bohemian/kk06.jpg

CHEAPO BARSTOOL

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/frozen_bohemian/bs7.jpg

[fenters2005]

would that black iron pipe bend pretty good with a Harborfrieght bender?

What does it coast for a 1"x 20' stick?

[Frozen Bohemian]

Yes I got a Harbor freight bender, 12 ton, bends 1/2" and 3/4" pipe no problem. It comes with bending dies to bend up to 2" pipe but I have not tried that yet.
I did fill the pipe with dry sand to keep it from ovaling out during bending.
I got 10 ft. lengths for $8.00 at the local Home Depot
Big downside to pipe is that it is coated or painted with a crap paint that needs to be sanded off, and some pipe is pretty rough looking under the paint.

[project_evolution75]

i had wondered about the bender doing the job, but i guess ill haveta try one. seems like it would be easier than trying to cut and weld. i may still go for the tav, but am at the moment leaning toward a cheapo clutch as this will be my first one. i plan on getting started this week so ill prob have a few more questions as i go......

[zukimoo]

Black iron pipe is also called Schedual 40 pipe. A cost saving thing that I found over the years was to go to the local industrial plumbing supply store and ask if they have bent pieces. I'll go in and tell them that I got $40 or $50 and don't need a receipt and they come out with 5,6,7.

They rarely come out with less that 4 pieces. It all depends who is working. I don't go ask for one piece because you never know what they will come out with. I've only had one piece that was really bent badly.

As for bending in the benders, if it's grade "A" it will bend really good but the grade "B" stuff really sucks. Most places carry the grade a material because nobody wants to fight with the "B" crap.