How hard would it be to build a go kart?

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S

SaltyNuts

Platinum Member
May 1, 2001
2,398
277
126
I was thinking about this recently. I don't think it would be that hard. I would love to be driving one around the 'hood with the kid.

The engines seem cheap as hell:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3041019132...O6lUIObo9MXd3Qgxva8Qe1uW49SR|tkp:BFBMoJ6OgLpg

$150 for 7 HP.

Or:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/403560142253?hash=item5df60f15ad:g:qAkAAOSwk9BgqWqf

$300 for 15 HP, you know that sucker would MOVE!!!!

So I could build the frame just out of wood I already have lying around.

The front wheels would be easy, just push some into the ends of a 2 by 4 that will serve as the front axis that would be attached loosely to the front end via a screw so that it could turn, then I could just have two bit screws coming out the top of each end of the 2 by 4 near the wheels and I could tie ropes to those and use those ropes to steer. Trying to keep it as simple as possible.

The engine/rear wheels seems a little harder. Anyone know what all parts I would need? It would need to take that shaft coming out the side and convert it to driving the rear wheels (as all motors should do LOL). Then how would I set it up so the motor only engages when I pull a string for the gas? I guess I would need some "clutch" like thing.

No transmission, this baby is gonna have 1 speed and 1 speed only, and that is FAST!!!!

Thanks for any help.
 
S

SaltyNuts

Platinum Member
May 1, 2001
2,398
277
126
Damn, that is a lot of pieces herm0016. Hope it doesn't get that complicated, I want to keep it nice and simple LOL. Thanks!@!!
 
D

[DHT]Osiris

Lifer
Dec 15, 2015
16,717
15,701
146
Not terribly. If it were me, I'd attempt to build a 1:1 wooden prototype, verify the structure makes sense, doesn't have any obvious weak spots, learn the lessons we invariably learn from failing to do something right a few times Then, redo the whole thing in steel or aluminum frame, depending on what I could get hold of and how structural the component is.
 
S

SaltyNuts

Platinum Member
May 1, 2001
2,398
277
126
[DHT]Osiris said:
Not terribly. If it were me, I'd attempt to build a 1:1 wooden prototype, verify the structure makes sense, doesn't have any obvious weak spots, learn the lessons we invariably learn from failing to do something right a few times Then, redo the whole thing in steel or aluminum frame, depending on what I could get hold of and how structural the component is.
Click to expand...


The wood thing is exactly what I am talking about Osiris. One 2 by 4 for front axel, one probably like a 4 by 4 running down the middle connecting to the back axel, and on that 4 by 4 is bolted a simple seat and the motor. Something like that.
 
Captante

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
30,337
10,855
136
Azusa 3551 Go Kart Kit w/ Aluminum Wheels

$1108.00

3551.jpg



Honda Engines GX270 8.5 HP Horizontal Engine

$678.00

gx270ut2qa2.jpg
 
D

[DHT]Osiris

Lifer
Dec 15, 2015
16,717
15,701
146
SaltyNuts said:
The wood thing is exactly what I am talking about Osiris. One 2 by 4 for front axel, one probably like a 4 by 4 running down the middle connecting to the back axel, and on that 4 by 4 is bolted a simple seat and the motor. Something like that.
Click to expand...
You wouldn't use a flat board for the axel, go for a wooden dowel and build a very rough axel housing (?) to hold it in place, and wheel wells to restrict left/right movement. You'll have friction but the point is a proof of concept. With steel framing and axels you open up some new options like plastic/rubber grommets, lubricants, etc. Same applies to other sections of the cart. Make sure you understand principles of steering and shock absorbers though too, they'll be necessary for a functional cart.
 
Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
69,735
13,351
126
www.betteroff.ca
Buying a kit is probably the easiest. Price of steel is very high now days though so whether you buy a kit or build yourself it probably ends up being super expensive. Not the same, but probably cheaper to just buy a used ATV if you want a vehicle to play around with off road.
 
Tsinni Dave

Tsinni Dave

Senior member
Mar 1, 2022
559
1,378
106
SaltyNuts said:
I was thinking about this recently. I don't think it would be that hard. I would love to be driving one around the 'hood with the kid.

The engines seem cheap as hell:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304101913276?epid=3048963166&hash=item46cde2f2bc:g:ZhsAAOSw7L9hEyJ-&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAA4EzuRxc+1FRNxn1UsLHa5Bx2Em4EEpcn9Bi5f8ZkZQq7lfCZ/qtj9BdJkH0zx+T6hmp2wmvg2tvQW+Jzznu5HhL8/HQ46I+8TnSaDND7HlScS/04UD7jpYuu8WyVaVZTJhQdPEfnzI8BN4cZWeN/nDe39+zO44IV4BazlcpYtTsAwxxXlo1a2Za7gI5CDWwbGe690/dtuv1Qm766o+5WKq4UTJOyCi2cxeO92M4ukkKYRy06Zj96804pZ5JIYtkQtgHjbATfHcOZJAsQO6lUIObo9MXd3Qgxva8Qe1uW49SR|tkp:BFBMoJ6OgLpg

$150 for 7 HP.

Or:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/403560142253?hash=item5df60f15ad:g:qAkAAOSwk9BgqWqf

$300 for 15 HP, you know that sucker would MOVE!!!!

So I could build the frame just out of wood I already have lying around.

The front wheels would be easy, just push some into the ends of a 2 by 4 that will serve as the front axis that would be attached loosely to the front end via a screw so that it could turn, then I could just have two bit screws coming out the top of each end of the 2 by 4 near the wheels and I could tie ropes to those and use those ropes to steer. Trying to keep it as simple as possible.

The engine/rear wheels seems a little harder. Anyone know what all parts I would need? It would need to take that shaft coming out the side and convert it to driving the rear wheels (as all motors should do LOL). Then how would I set it up so the motor only engages when I pull a string for the gas? I guess I would need some "clutch" like thing.

No transmission, this baby is gonna have 1 speed and 1 speed only, and that is FAST!!!!

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Don't use wood for a frame and especially not steering parts. Centrifugal clutches are old tech and reliable. Ropes aren't going to cut it for steering either. Look up "death wobble".
 
Mai72

Mai72

Lifer
Sep 12, 2012
11,562
1,741
126
How hard? If this Chinese dude can build a lambo for his son, then building a go kart should be a breeze.

 
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