CarsandCameras buys four vintage karts, then protects the original frames
A $550 parts haul includes a minibike and McCulloch engines, with a twin-engine restoration in mind.
Why this story? The channel's weekly summary: what went up this week, what is drawing views now, and where the channel stands among similar channels.
We Bought 4 RARE Go Karts from the 1960s for $550 in Pieces! Will They Run?
Video summary
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- 0:18John introduces four vintage kart frames, engines and a minibike bought together.
- 5:18The crew sorts loose sprockets, intake parts and exhaust manifolds.
- 9:30Split-collar engine mounts take shape to preserve the original chassis without drilling.
- 10:19Inspecting the McCulloch clutches reveals missing matching parts.
- 16:32A McCulloch MC-91 goes onto the bench for a starting attempt.
Twelve years of building go-karts, and John says this is CarsandCameras' first opportunity to buy examples this old. The week's only new upload starts with four disassembled 1960s racing karts, a minibike and enough loose hardware to make sorting the purchase a project of its own.
In "We Bought 4 RARE Go Karts from the 1960s for $550 in Pieces! Will They Run?", the crew examines a Rupp frame's original twin-engine plate and works toward a setup with McCulloch MC-91 engines. The thoughtful detail is underneath: they fabricate split-collar mounts rather than drill into the original chassis. Getting these machines running matters, but so does leaving the frames intact. The episode also contains a sponsored apparel segment.
Loose sprockets, incomplete clutches and vintage starting mechanisms give the workshop plenty to untangle. A bench test brings compression and fuel-flow problems, sending the mechanics toward the reeds and another engine. Viewers have made that troubleshooting their own conversation: several suggest reversing the reed petals, one recalls racing karts with his dad, and others ask for a follow-up using the repair suggestions. Another talking point is the longer format, with viewers welcoming the extra workshop time.
The upload reached roughly 180,000 views and is the channel's most active video right now. The retired rental-kart project and the big-tire Chinese import are also drawing views. Across the channel, the week added more than half a million views while subscribers stayed level; daily viewing is currently well below its usual pace. For this particular project, the comments offer something more useful than applause: a workbench full of vintage-engine memories.
Published on Trari
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What viewers say
It makes me so happy that you guys went to a long format for your videos! I love hanging out with you all!
@ozarksmyhomeSee it on YouTubeWe used to flip the reed valves over to get more life out of them.
@ZZChevySee it on YouTubeI'm 75 and raced carts as a child with my dad. This is my info, you can flip the reed valves over and save some of them. We always ran our carts direct drive (no clutch) even on dule motor carts. Make sure the jug is sealed to the bottom end, along with good crank seals.
@BulletSponge308See it on YouTube
5 more comments
If I remember correctly on the 2 strokes, a straight piece of smaller pipe went into the exhaust between the head pipe and the expansion pipe they'd be held together with Springs, and you could tune the RPM range by how long or short that pipe was.
@chesterringwald7198See it on YouTubesometimes you can flip over the reed petals on the reed plate and they will seal, also if overtightened can also raise the reeds a bit, if you can put a flat edge on the reed cage sometimes they can warp and need to be resurfaced flat.
@heinj83ifySee it on YouTubeGather up the repair and rebuild parts needed to give them a real shot, they deserve some love!
@stephenredmon-bw1qeSee it on YouTubeYou guys better do a part 2 with all of the suggestions from the comments to get those other engines running to give the 1960s go karts justice
@minecraftnoob4273See it on YouTubeI love this episode of cars and cameras❤
@TylarWilliams-c2tSee it on YouTube
Public comments from the video's page on YouTube
The videos drawing views on CarsandCameras right now
- Channel
- CarsandCameras
- Subscribers
- 1,310,000
- Channel views, last 7 days
- 542,504
- Videos published this week
- 1
- Video published
- October 14, 2026
- Video views so far
- 180,253
- Views on its first day
- 112,605
The numbers
Here is how CarsandCameras' week looks in views and subscribers.
💡 Test your knowledge
Which mounting method does the crew choose to avoid drilling the vintage chassis?
The crew fabricates split-collar mounts to keep the original chassis intact.





