First Go-Cart Build (on Free Frame)

[Cob]

I have been reading thru project after project, looking for ideas and information, and found enough to get started. I recently aquired a used go-cart frame that was destined for the junk yard from a friend at no cost, so decided to try to buid the "cheap-cart". My objective is to have less than $150.00 in this thing, and still ahve it useable.

I have replaced the tie-rod ends, and greased the steering, so it is functional. then found some 10" and 13" pneumatic tires/ rims from tractor supply, and now have a rolling frame that is steerable (like ig going down a hill).

I'm still looking for several parts, including engine, (found a Honda "Sideshaft" for $35.00, and another generic horizontal shaft engine for $15.00) and am also going to use a single rear sprocket/ chain for propulsion.

The rear wheels have a 5 lug pattern, not sure how to proceed with sprocket, i do not yet have one.

Can i use a modified bicycle sprockets and chain on this build?

it's going to be used one kid at a time, and the whole thing does not weigh much more than a bicycle.... The bicycle has carried me (220 lbs), and a kid seat with a kid no problem, think the weight with pedal power will be less than that with this kart...

 

[jrmints1415]

bicycle sprockets and chain are way to weak but there are a ton of go kart part stores online that you can order parts from. You are most likely going to want to use a dead axle (one wheel drives while the other one spins free) because your wheels run on bearings. Good luck with your project!

 

[Cob]

You are right, the"dead" axle is welded to the frame with two threaded axle "spindles" on the rear.

I know that i will need a sprocket that bolts on the tire, just not sure how to go about it.

Do i need a special "spacer" to go between the sprocket and the wheel/tire?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

You need a "hub".

 

[Banditz]

You need a torch. LOL to cut that one wheel pull out and install a live axle.


Just kidding man. Toy's right..They make hub's that have spocket's bolted to them. You can get them places like Northern tool and even true value hardware. IF you have those around you. seems like the wheels you have on there are harbour frieght brand..Or at least in the same line. All honesty here if your even remotely a larger fella like me your gonna HATE those tires on the rear. You will be breaking the rim all the time with any kind of sideways action you may do.

 

[Cob]

bicycle sprockets and chain are way to weak

This is funny, as I have always considered go-karts as weak, and just a step up from a bicycle. This go-cart is not for me, but for a 9 & 12 year old kid. It is not intended to be used for racing, but is intended to be a step-up from a milk crate on a skateboard.

I have about $58.00 in the tires/ rims/ & 2 new ball joints on the steering, They were purchased from Tractor Supply, as roller cart or lawn mower wheels.... the two 10" front ones are rated for 330 lbs each, the two 13" rear ones are over 400 lbs each. I feel they will carry a 64 lb & 90 lb kid with ease. (not at the same time)

I will look for a combo sprocket tire/ wheel locally at Northenr tool.

 

[Justin9]

I have about $58.00 in the tires/ rims/ & 2 new ball joints on the steering, They were purchased from Tractor Supply, as roller cart or lawn mower wheels.... the two 10" front ones are rated for 330 lbs each, the two 13" rear ones are over 400 lbs each. I feel they will carry a 64 lb & 90 lb kid with ease. (not at the same time)
.

Those 330lbs 10" tires you have there are rated for use on a hand truck/dolly... the welds on the hubs that came with those rims are horrible and the metal is very thin and weak... they where designed to be used at low speed with an upright load on them going straight line (such as a hand truck).... but putting them on spindles and turning the kart with speed... the 150-200 pounds of go kart and kid will exceed 330 pounds...... we are just trying to warn you before you can not take them back....

 

[kendelrk]

Those 330lbs 10" tires you have there are rated for use on a hand truck/dolly... the welds on the hubs that came with those rims are horrible and the metal is very thin and weak... they where designed to be used at low speed with an upright load on them going straight line (such as a hand truck).... but putting them on spindles and turning the kart with speed... the 150-200 pounds of go kart and kid will exceed 330 pounds...... we are just trying to warn you before you can not take them back....

i have been through my share of harbor freight tires, there like those but cheaper and they actually hold up for a while, but with ****ty steering and higher speeds than youd think (feels like 40-50, cant remember the gearing) they didnt pop for a few weeks, but they do need to be spacered, tightened down, and used correctly, it felt shaky at those speeds, but the steering wasnt correct either

 

[jrmints1415]

This is funny, as I have always considered go-karts as weak, and just a step up from a bicycle. This go-cart is not for me, but for a 9 & 12 year old kid. It is not intended to be used for racing, but is intended to be a step-up from a milk crate on a skateboard.

I have about $58.00 in the tires/ rims/ & 2 new ball joints on the steering, They were purchased from Tractor Supply, as roller cart or lawn mower wheels.... the two 10" front ones are rated for 330 lbs each, the two 13" rear ones are over 400 lbs each. I feel they will carry a 64 lb & 90 lb kid with ease. (not at the same time)

I will look for a combo sprocket tire/ wheel locally at Northenr tool.

fine dont take my advice and use the bike sprocket but have fun pulling out metal shards out of your leg when it breaks :biggrin5:

anyways sprockets arnt that expensive and like you said a wheel/sprocket combo will be your best bet.

 

[Cob]

I will look for a combo sprocket tire/ wheel locally at Northenr tool.

fine dont take my advice and use the bike sprocket but have fun pulling out metal shards out of your leg when it breaks

Did you miss the last part of the quote, which you posted above? I'm going to look for a combo rear tire with sprocket, that's a little heavier than a bicycle sprocket.

this will be mated with a Honda horizontal engine, I think it's 4.5 HP.


I will admit that i have spent $25.00 to keep from buying a $15.00 part before... it's my stubborn nature..., & I find I must like doing things the hard way... But then again, this same streak is what led me to try to rebuild this discrepid cart to begin with, and I'm having fun in the process, building another piece of artistic junk to hang out in the shop... I think the kids are enjoying it though, and i'm incorporating them into the build some as well.

 

[jrmints1415]

anyways sprockets arnt that expensive and like you said a wheel/sprocket combo will be your best bet.

???

 

[Majorpede]

You need a double flange hub. like these. Be sure to get the correct length for your kart so that it lines up with you pinion gear.
http://www.bmikarts.com/shop/index.php?keywords=double+flange&match_criteria=all&x=0&y=0&shop=1

I've been doing the same as you. I noticed with the Harbor freight wheel and tie. That the tire would spin in the wheels on the drive tire. This will end up cutting the valve stem causing a leak.

I made my own hub out of wheel hubs bolted, and welded together. I went with a stronger wheel, and bearing after the first run with the habor freight wheel, and tire. Now its solid.

 

[Cob]

Thanks Majorpede, I was at Harbor Freight yesterday, and noticed that the tires were on sale for $5.99... I also found a 5.0 hp horizontal shaft Honda engine locally for $35, it runs, and i mounted it today... plan on taking it off, as i still have just abit of work to do to the frame, but it's coming along.

I am going to get a hub like the one pictured, and decided to upgrade the rear tires, but using the cheap tires on the front.
A local lawn mower retail and repair shop has a few parts, he said to bring it by, he could help me get the kart going..
here's a pic with motor.