Model – T go karts range from plastic, fiberglass, and steel bodied all the way down to the DIY versions made out wood and metal. The Model T gokart styles endeavor to duplicate a scale version of the Henry Ford Model-T all the way down to the engine placement.
The Model-T go-karts shown on this page were made by McDonough Power Equipment, Crue-Cut Manufacturing, Sharp Manufacturing, Mini-Kars Inc. and Uccellini Manufacturing Company. McDonough Power Equipment produced the original Model T-10 between 1959 and 1965. The exclusive rights were then sold to Crue-Cut who built cars between 1966 and 1985. It then went James Mini-Cars and finally Sharp Manufacturing who produced cars between 1995 to 1999. Mini-Kars and Uccellini, both appeared in 1973 as competition to Crue Cut.
For more detailed information on the McDonough and Crue Cut Model T Go Kart go to the Tin Lizzie Go Kart page.
Brief Over View:
There really are only two styles: the vertical engine drive and horizontal drive systems:
(1.) The horizontal system is a hand activated belt tensioner-reverser system with rubbing style brake. The transmission uses a belt drive that is tightened by a hand crank to engage the transmission. The horizontal type system is by far the most common, found on McDonough and early Crue-Cut and Uccellini.
(2.) The vertical drive systems were incorporated with the Mini-Kars, with late Crue Cut, and Sharp. The vertical drives also changed to include gas and brake pedal in the cabs.
You will see people who have abandoned the transmission and brake system and built their own drive line, as is shown below by Tom La Ferriere with a simple belt drive system.
The brakes are of the rubbing style. As a side note: See the brake modification upgrade system which we offer a much safer drum brake option. The brakes stop on a dime, not in three feet, like the original rubbing system.
The throttle is engaged at the steering wheel like the old model T style cars.
Check out ourThe stock rims were either wood, plastic or cast aluminum. The steering is a reduction gear system making the steering very smooth. Replacement aluminum wheels are available.
These are vintage carts, so parts are hard to come by. If you have any questions about how to procure parts go to our Model T Parts Store, or how the go kart is supposed to work, please submit a question on our inquiries page.
We procured a Model-T go-kart and are restored it back to running condition. As with any old go kart, the carburetor and the points were a problem and required attention.
If you are considering purchasing a vintage Model-T go-kart that you know has been sitting around for several years, be sure to take into account a new motor, or at least purchasing around $100 to $150 worth of engine components to get it back into running order.
The overall go kart is fairly rugged. The parts that seem to be replaced a lot are rims (wheels), hubs, and hub caps. We have access to all the parts that are on the cart, so any questions you have we should be able to answer.
Here are some pictures of a restored Model T Gokart by Tom Laferriere and the late 1970’s Model T Crue Cut gokart that we restored.
