Hi from GA

[ed1380]

Hi Ya'll,
I'm new here, obviously, and have always wanted to have a go-kart. I'd like to build one this upcoming summer in my free time if I can. I'm mainly into computers and other electronics, but still enjoy doing mechanical work and geting my hands really dirty.
I've read the site and it looks great, with alot of helpful tips for a noob like me. :D

How much would a cart cost minus the frame?

[Crabapple]

determining factors
how nice looking you want it
how big you want it
how fast
how technical
how reliable
how powerful
how the heck are you going to do this
how much time you have
how much money you have

[ed1380]

Average looking-functionality is more important
medium sized, cause my little bro will drive it mostly
fast is nice, but I"m thinking up to 20mph (It'll be driven just in the back yard)
Maybe independent suspension front and solid live axle rear
If it's too reliable then It'll be boring not to get to take it apart ;)
power=good; I don't know how many hp I need. Will ~7 be good?
I have access to angle iron,various metal, metal cutting+drilling tools, MIG welder, and oxy/acetylene cutter
after work during summer (so no clue)
next to none (I'll have to scavange alot)

[rocko]

here are some of the parts

live axle bearing set up 40.00
steering shaft 25.00
wheels off a riding mower FREE
disk brake 24.00
steering wheel 24.00
live axle sprocket 25.00

total:140.00 not including shipping

[ed1380]

I'm in the middle of drawing up plans and I have a few questions.

-If I decide to use a independent rear suspension, I'll need a dif. Will one off of a pickup or suv work? Will using something like this (http://www.git.com.au/~theedge/product_pircv.htm) be better? But of course I'm not going to spend $3000 on it ;)

-Will the u-joints used with socket wrenches be strong enough to handle the torque produced by the engine? If so up to how many hp? Just need a guestimate.



I've done more research and found a kart just like I want to build. Heres (http://www.gokartforums.com/pages/page2.asp) a gallary of it. It's called the puma 2.0. it's the 3rd one down on the menu. It just like something I want, but I wanna go a little less technical with the rear drivetrain.

-Where do I get the axles? or from previous question will u-joints welded unto rods work?

Guess I need to plan a trip to the local junk-yard. :D

[robertdjung]

Welcome to the site! That pic off the buggy is a big-time differential! I know that they sell differential axles at BMI and at Northern tools for less than $100. Here's one. (http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/ddiprod?lid=41000000009404703&pid=1369)

Good luck on the kart, and keep us updated!