First kart project.

[mckutzy]

Well you could try a scrapyard, that would be a start. But I think that adding more weight to a potential death trap Isn't going to help anything, especially basically describing how your quite inexperienced at constructing such a machine, or at least have limited skill to do such a task.

 

[Gopedude]

well here is an update on the frame.
I had a old wagon laying around, so i took off the front and rear wheels and bolted them on. i will be removing that stupid handle and install a steering wheel with a custom ackerman type steering setup. frame holds my weight well and doesn't wobble.

 

[mckutzy]

 

[mckutzy]

Ahhh...... I see it now..... using ye' olde flintstones brakes to stop right....

 

[Gopedude]

LOL
I know it looks hilarious , but it works surprisingly well. i will figure something out with a brake setup. Either that or get some VERY thick shoes hahaha.
But, this should be more durable than drilling holes in the wood and mounting the axles in there..... right?

 

[mckutzy]

The main part, is that you agree it looks hilarious. But as to how well it works is debatable. Perhaps unless your intention is that this is firewood and just have strung us along for a good laugh.

 

[Gopedude]

The main part, is that you agree it looks hilarious. But as to how well it works is debatable. Perhaps unless your intention is that this is firewood and just have strung us along for a good laugh.

well i can tell you that i sure hope it doesnt turn in to firewood!
When im done with this, i will upload videos proving it works. just wait and see.......
my goal for this project, is to spend the least amount of money possible. we will see how low i can go. so far, i have used stuff i already have.
After i get it running, im putting a stereo in it and blasting ridin dirty while driving down the street

 

[DaiSan76]

That frame is terrifying. You need to get some basic carpentry skills if you insist on continuing with the herbaceous frame.

 

[mckutzy]

Wow, that is gold......
......Herbaceous frame.
Just made my day man, good on you.....

Herbaceous frame.........

 

[Gopedude]

It may be terrifying, but if it works, thats all that matters
The only thing i plan on buying for sure is a clutch. So i will be able to say, i built a gokart from scrap with only $30. Thats not facturing in the price of a good helmet however.

 

[Gopedude]

That frame is terrifying. You need to get some basic carpentry skills if you insist on continuing with the herbaceous frame.

I wasnt trying to make it look pretty. I am making it strong. The only planning i had was some drawings i made, and i went from there.

 

[ak99]

Thats a good idea. I plan on making the motor mount out of yes ~ wood. I dont know where to get the metal for the motor mount. Where do you usually get metal tubing/poles?

All you need is an offcut of steel plate for an engine mount ( Must be plate, NOT SHEETMETAL).

I'm unsure of your location, however if you have a steel yard nearby that the best place to start.

They may even be a bit on the "generous" side. If I'm buying steel from my local yard and need some additional odd small pieces they are happy for me to raid the offcut pile, free of charge.

( Probably does them a favour anyway....)

 

[landuse]

I admire your ingenuity. I hope it all works out for you.

The funny thing is....is that I really think it will work, but it will drive badly and things will probably break pretty soon.

Go for it, but just be 100% sure of all the risks. Wear a helmet even if you are doing 5mph

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Herbacious indeed... I dub thee, "Herbie".

 

[jandj]

I gotta give you credit for persistance. On the other hand, Custer was persistant as well. Get a real good full face helmet. Some shoulder pads might not be a bad idea, either given the steering and treadwidth. Make sure to tell your parents you love them before you ride this thing.

 

[DaiSan76]

I don't think his head is going to take the brunt of it. I think those tiny gussets are going to give it up in short order, and his manhood is going to descend upon the resulting pile of broken 2x4s and dirt at an alarming rate.

If you really want to do this, pull the entire thing apart, stand the frame rails on edge. Then put some 3/4" plywood gussets on the corners, and put the 2x4 cross-members down in between the rails instead of on top. Gusset it with plywood as well, then post a picture of the result and we can re-evaluate the impending doom of your testicles.

 

[Gopedude]

Is this the most ghetto build you guys have seen?

 

[landuse]

Is this the most ghetto build you guys have seen?

Nope. Have a look at this thread I made a while ago

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15641

 

[jandj]

"Ghetto" and "Impending accident" aren't the same thing. We're not trying to be hard on you. We'd much rather have you as a member of the karting community, preferably without any steel rods or pins in your body and the family jewels intact.

 

[OzFab]

but it works surprisingly well

... until you hit a corner & the whole thing tips over...