MIG doesn’t normally seem to be the welding method of choice for 4130, and from what I can gather from the internet it’s around the local intensity of heating that comes with the MIG arc. Do you have any thoughts on this?
It has led me to gas-weld any chassis repairs to date, rather than MIG, when TIG hasn’t been available.
I think most of the talking point of TIG vs MIG on 4130 is biased toward controlling the HAZ on a safety cage. Technically a MIG weld could be slightly more brittle than a TIG weld because the HAZ may be slightly bigger and hotter, but, I mean, it’s a go-kart…
IMO, normally the tube will “flex out” before a weld gives up.
When I run production chassis after my first big batch of team test chassis, they’ll probably be TIG just because it’s prettier.
3D printed mockup of the new lower steering support that accepts our Runner heelstops and cadet pedals…
Small modification then off the fab shop that does our laser cutting and bending.
Did we talk about what CW stands for?
Are these the new Burpo Rocket Karts livery?
I don’t think I have discussed that here.
CW stands for Chris Worthington. He was one of our dear kart racing friends for many years. He was very passionate about the sport. He was a big part of me starting Croc Promotion Indy when I did that. Chris took his own life in 2021 and this is kind of my way of keeping him at the track.
That’s a very cool way to remember/honor a friend.
Wow I’m kinda speechless, glad I asked. What an amazing tribute! I never met Chris but I did hear of his impact and passing.
I’ll write some more up one day after I get rolling.
Current News:
I’ve sourced a place for CNC bending for my tubing. Currently waiting on 7 sets to get done.
My custom lower steering supports are being produced.
Looks good! I like that you kept the fairing mount as part of the pedal stop plate. One less little separate tab to weld by itself. Looks plenty beefy too.
@CrocIndy can you give some let’s on learning about how to accurately cut round tubing, drill holes, etc. such that one can fabricate things?
I’m not going to make a chassis but if like to be able to weld up stuff.
Thanks.
I’ll try to do some video clips on some stuff like that when the new tubes come back from the CNC bender!
Man, I’m horrible at doing updates.
I got tubes from the CNC guy finally. He had some machine issues and the replacement stuff comes from Japan…
I have 3 karts done and on track now… they all seem fast, so hopefully we can show results at the double header this weekend.
Last chassis weighed 154# with a CRG extended porch, 17mm spindles, 40mm axle, and 506 bodywork.
I’m confident with the new steering upright design, 507 pods and nerfs, and normal front hoops that we get under 150# no fuel. Target is 149 on a normal chassis with a 25/50 setup.
Matthew,
When you guys go into full production… will you be making the chassis in your own facility or having one of the foundries make to your spec?
I’ll be making them.
Hands on, American made in a 25x50 shop in the middle of the woods in Redneckville, Indiana.
I want a redneck mobile eventually! Looking forwards to trying it out.
Outta curiousity, is it better from a profitability standpoint to do it yourself or does the foundry have scale that you can’t match or something?
Never looked into getting them done overseas or anything. The whole point is to have something built here in a small shop that can stomp the $5k+ Euro chassis.
As far as profitability, there’s never any big profits in the selling of chassis.
Gotcha. Good luck! 20 welds
