1st go-kart

[jroberts]

So I decided to go into the cold and take the pics even though I cant work on the kart today (ran out of welding wire). So this is what I have so far.

I was also wandering what's the average price a costume go-kart goes for and if it would be worht the time/money to put on a body.

 

[OzFab]

That depends on how much you can get a body for. If you're talking about a custom body, that depends on your skill set...

As a side note, I think you'll have handling/steering issued with the current setup because the engine weight is behind the axle, which will lighten the front; the further behind the axle the engine is, the lighter the front will get...

 

[jroberts]

There will be weight added where needed and if need be I'll switch it around. And I'll make a custom body with thin sheet metal. Not looking for it to be fast so its ok if its a little on the heavy side.

 

[jroberts]

http://barrie.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-other-Go-kart-W0QQAdIdZ552108850 for $175 is this a good buy for parts?

 

[itsid]

http://barrie.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-other-Go-kart-W0QQAdIdZ552108850 for $175 is this a good buy for parts?

no,
it's a $50 pedal cart with a $40 chainsaw engine...

'sid

 

[firemanjim]

Oh haaYull NO..... Dude, don't waste your cash on that. For one,it looks like a death trap. For two, it's worth maybe $50, well, to me anyway.....

 

[jroberts]

alright, was just curious

 

[jroberts]

So it's been a long time since I last came on here sorry about that :S Any ways, the go-kart was finished (pics will be up shortly) went out on a test drive and the chain snapped on me... so it's been sitting there for awhile rusting and everything... Now it needs a new tire and new chain link and paint... Yay me Just hope I can sell it and still make a profit so I can start my next project. A mini chopper with atv tires that I had sitting around So I'll have the pics up of the kart once i fix it up and see what you guys think and what I may be able to sell it for. Hope to here from everyone again

 

[jroberts]

All right, I fixed up what I could till I get the parts in a day or two. So here's the pics I promised. What do you guys think I could sell it for?

 

[OzFab]

I don't want to sound harsh or rude but, personally, I wouldn't hand over money for that; you may find some kid who'll buy it, if it was cheap enough but, anyone who's serious probably wouldn't give it a second look...

 

[jroberts]

Sad but I figured that's what you would say. But oh well, was my first cart from scratch and I already have better ways to make my next projects. Any pointers to my next ones and where this one went wrong?

 

[OzFab]

The 4 main issues I noticed are:
1. The seat; really?
2. The wheelbase is too long for the track width, which would make the turning circle huge
3. The right side axle section isn't supported well enough &, from the pics, it appears to be skewed
4. The outermost tubes on the sides should be cut on the opposite angle & welded closed on all 4 sides, not open & welded on one side, as you've done; the same applies to the steering "wheel"

For your next project, do lots of research regarding engineering & fabrication basics; your welding looks good but, your fab skills could use a bit of work, as in, placement & alignment of one piece to another...

Look at lots of different frames & don't limit your search to go karts, look at welded metal framework in general...

 

[landuse]

I agree with Fabroman, but for a first kart you didn't do too badly

 

[Scout]

I've seen worse.

I agree on the length, but not just because of the turning radius, also because having little weight on the front wheels compared to the rear they will not have the traction needed to turn well.

 

[jroberts]

May not have turned out well but it's my first so meh. And actually it turns great, I have no problems. And it's being sold (kinda). Person wants it for $600 but can't pay till august

 

[landuse]

May not have turned out well but it's my first so meh. And actually it turns great, I have no problems. And it's being sold (kinda). Person wants it for $600 but can't pay till august

Is he blind?

 

[OzFab]

Is he blind?

Come on now, that's not nice...

For a first attempt, it's not bad...

 

[landuse]

Come on now, that's not nice...

For a first attempt, it's not bad...

I completely agree, and said so in a previous post, but if some guy is willing to pay $600 for the kart, there must be something wrong with him. I am not saying that the kart is bad, just that it is not worth $600

I am sorry if it came off as sounding bad....I am having a bad year

 

[jroberts]

That's alright. Honestly it gave me a good laugh when I woke up. But no, he isn't blind, just stupid

 

[itsid]

So hopefully he doesn't find this thread ...

'sid