First kart project.

[Chappy99]

Hey guys, I found an old cardboard refrigerator box I am wanting to build a gokart out of.

Do you guys have any advice you can offer that I won't take?

 

[oldbikerarlo]

Hey Ya, you could glue those cardboard corner protetors into the box and renforce it with some styrofoam Use a 20 hp vangard, and 1:1 gearing, Steer it with rope, Probly won't even need brakes.

 

[Gopedude]

Hey guys, I found an old cardboard refrigerator box I am wanting to build a gokart out of.

Do you guys have any advice you can offer that I won't take?

First off, i am using wood not cardboard.
Secondly, i NEVER asked specifically for advice with my frame in my posts. I never asked for advice over ANYTHING at all, other than the drivetrain and steering

If your going to sarcastically insult me, get your facts straight first.

 

[machinist@large]

Hey guys, I found an old cardboard refrigerator box I am wanting to build a gokart out of.

Do you guys have any advice you can offer that I won't take?

Hey Ya, you could glue those cardboard corner protetors into the box and renforce it with some styrofoam Use a 20 hp vangard, and 1:1 gearing, Steer it with rope, Probly won't even need brakes.

Does that about sum it up?

 

[Gopedude]

Does that about sum it up?

 

[machinist@large]

:toetap05: Actually, I was agreeing with them.

 

[Gopedude]

:toetap05: Actually, I was agreeing with them.

So? My project is laughable.

 

[J_Walker]

To me, not takings sides, not trying to have to many "opinions"

But he already said he's willing to change his frame for something better.. and that "box frame" someone posted - SCARY!!!

This whole thread has made me wanna build a wooden gokart.. but the amount of money I'd spend on hardware. I could of bought a mig welder and some steel..

 

[machinist@large]

To me, not takings sides, not trying to have to many "opinions"

But he already said he's willing to change his frame for something better.. and that "box frame" someone posted - SCARY!!!

This whole thread has made me wanna build a wooden gokart.. but the amount of money I'd spend on hardware. I could of bought a mig welder and some steel..

It's not the material, it's the design that's generating such an uproar. When you design something, you have to take the limitations of your chosen material into account. Based on what he's shared with us, those of us with experience with wood construction are genuinely concerned that he has not done that. That's why people are carrying on like this. We're trying to help him succeed. No more, no less.

 

[oldbikerarlo]

Back in 1957, The neighbor boys, mounted a Maytag washing machine engine on an old soapbox derby car. They screwed an old pulley to the wheel, the engine was mounted on a 2X4 with U bolts on the axle, and the brake was a board bolted to the side of the car so you could drag it on the ground, They had to reach behind them to work the carb. The clutch was a rope tied to engine that tipped the engine to tighten the belt. That cart made it clear to the end of the road (about 1/8th mile) and back. He hit a pot hole, lost control and ran into a split rail fence, after going through the ditch. Totally destroying the whole thing, tearing a section out of the fence, and cutting and bruseing himself up pretty good. But hell he did it his way.

So I say do it your way, post a video of the first couple runs. I want to relive my youth vicarisly.

 

[DaiSan76]

Back in 1957, The neighbor boys, mounted a Maytag washing machine engine on an old soapbox derby car. They screwed an old pulley to the wheel, the engine was mounted on a 2X4 with U bolts on the axle, and the brake was a board bolted to the side of the car so you could drag it on the ground, They had to reach behind them to work the carb. The clutch was a rope tied to engine that tipped the engine to tighten the belt. That cart made it clear to the end of the road (about 1/8th mile) and back. He hit a pot hole, lost control and ran into a split rail fence, after going through the ditch. Totally destroying the whole thing, tearing a section out of the fence, and cutting and bruseing himself up pretty good. But hell he did it his way.

So I say do it your way, post a video of the first couple runs. I want to relive my youth vicarisly.

When I was 8, I grabbed my Dads skillsaw, chopped a piece of plywood into a triangle, called it a hang-glider and jumped off the barn. I survived, but it hurt a lot. Trying to save this kid some pain, and give him a successful first build instead of a family sized dose of road rash. Some very minor modifications would change this build from a catastrophe into a mild disaster.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

First off, i am using wood not cardboard.
Secondly, i NEVER asked specifically for advice with my frame in my posts. I never asked for advice over ANYTHING at all, other than the drivetrain and steering

If your going to sarcastically insult me, get your facts straight first.

This is (unfortunately for you) what you can expect, posting on a public forum. You cannot pick and choose who is going to post, nor can you restrict the overall nature of the posts recieved.

From my own personal perspective, I find myself at a bit of an impasse. While my opinion does not technically reflect the opinions of DIYGK.com, I feel a strong responsibility to do my best to assure you that you are in major contention for a Darwin Award. Call it a loyalty to the site, and a desire to not see anyone get hurt, while enjoying our sport. There is also the sad fact that we live in a litigious society. Who's to say that you don't totally fk yourself up on Herbie's maiden voyage, and you or your folks try to sue the site? So- Now it appears in black and white over many posts- including this one- that your current build plan is neither condoned nor encourged. Proceed at your own risk.

My personal opinion is as follows: I LOVE seeing kids getting creative, and doing something that involves tools, not bandwidth. I do not want to see you get hurt, either- but I cannot hold your hand. I can advise you based on my knowledge and experience, (please note my age), but if you insist on ignoring the advice given, then you're on your own. My last impression looks back to the first thing I said- about choosing answers. I'm going to say what I wish to say- regardless of whether it's something you want to hear.

And that's how it is, from where I sit. You're going to do whatever you want- right or wrong, smart or not. Just be sure to film it.

 

[Gopedude]

To me, not takings sides, not trying to have to many "opinions"

But he already said he's willing to change his frame for something better.. and that "box frame" someone posted - SCARY!!!

This whole thread has made me wanna build a wooden gokart.. but the amount of money I'd spend on hardware. I could of bought a mig welder and some steel..

not nearly as expensive for the hardware to make the frame, compared to the cost of a good welder and steel scraps.

That said, if i had the money, i would pick a welder up as well as some steel.

 

[Gopedude]

This is (unfortunately for you) what you can expect, posting on a public forum. You cannot pick and choose who is going to post, nor can you restrict the overall nature of the posts recieved.

From my own personal perspective, I find myself at a bit of an impasse. While my opinion does not technically reflect the opinions of DIYGK.com, I feel a strong responsibility to do my best to assure you that you are in major contention for a Darwin Award. Call it a loyalty to the site, and a desire to not see anyone get hurt, while enjoying our sport. There is also the sad fact that we live in a litigious society. Who's to say that you don't totally fk yourself up on Herbie's maiden voyage, and you or your folks try to sue the site? So- Now it appears in black and white over many posts- including this one- that your current build plan is neither condoned nor encourged. Proceed at your own risk.

My personal opinion is as follows: I LOVE seeing kids getting creative, and doing something that involves tools, not bandwidth. I do not want to see you get hurt, either- but I cannot hold your hand. I can advise you based on my knowledge and experience, (please note my age), but if you insist on ignoring the advice given, then you're on your own. My last impression looks back to the first thing I said- about choosing answers. I'm going to say what I wish to say- regardless of whether it's something you want to hear.

And that's how it is, from where I sit. You're going to do whatever you want- right or wrong, smart or not. Just be sure to film it.

i know i can not control who posts.
When someone tells me to tear my frame apart and do it their way, i dont have good proof that it will be better than what i have.
Now, i am taking Jwalker's advice about the cross supports and will be incorporating that into the frame. Mostly, because it seems like it would add strength in my mind, but also, it would calm you guys down.
I know a wooden frame will be rather quick to break, but to be honest, i dont care. NOT because im "young and stupid" but because i dont have the money for a proper cart. I am going to make this cart as sturdy as "herbally" possible and hope it lasts 2 months. Then, i can earn some respect here by making a steel one.

Video will be in HD when done

 

[landuse]

i know i can not control who posts.
When someone tells me to tear my frame apart and do it their way, i dont have good proof that it will be better than what i have.

You don't need PROOF. You have the experience of everyone on the site!!

Mostly, because it seems like it would add strength in my mind, but also, it would calm you guys down.

I am not too sure about that....

I know a wooden frame will be rather quick to break, but to be honest, i dont care. NOT because im "young and stupid" but because i dont have the money for a proper cart.

It is not the money we are talking about. We are not telling you to go and spend any more. All we are saying that if you make a few modifications, you will be less likely to have wasted your time.

You say that you don't want to tear it apart and start again. Seriously!! It is not like you have really gotten that far. How long would it really take to pull it apart and reaarange it differently. Hmmmm? Come on.....2 hours max??

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Proof? LOL... How much proof would you need to convince you that clambering naked over a razor wire fence is a bad idea? Or maybe jumping out of a plane with a homemade parachute made of kleenex in a rainstorm, despite the fact that a bunch of experienced parachutists have just told you that it may not be the best plan? Gawd- this just keeps getting better.

Regarding the cross braces- while not a bad idea, that addresses but ONE of many issues.

 

[OzFab]

I'm gonna sum up this whole thread with one line:

To be old & wise you first must be
young & stupid​

That sums up all of us: Gopedude; if you want to do it, do it. If it works, great, if it fails miserably, well, if nothing else, you gained experience. Which brings me to the other side of the coin:

We've all been there & done it, we learned from our experiences, we are now old & wise because, many years ago, we were young & stupid.

 

[traxxaskid]

I feel I should put in my 2 cents. As a kid with 3 karts and a hovercraft under his belt I have something to say. I understand you can't get a welder but that's no reason to go suicidal. Do you have a hacksaw and a drill? Why is a bolt together steel cart not an option but one made of popsicle sticks is?

 

[qtband]

As a teacher, I like your enthusiasm! You hear what everyone is saying but you're not listening. That's the way kids are. However, PLEASE re-design the frame if you insist on wood, which I know you do. There is a reason that the floor joists in a house are turned on end. It can support 10 times the weight. Turn your 2x4's on their side!!! And when you take it for its maiden voyage, GO VERY SLOW!!!

 

[Gopedude]

Proof? LOL... How much proof would you need to convince you that clambering naked over a razor wire fence is a bad idea? Or maybe jumping out of a plane with a homemade parachute made of kleenex in a rainstorm, despite the fact that a bunch of experienced parachutists have just told you that it may not be the best plan? Gawd- this just keeps getting better.

Regarding the cross braces- while not a bad idea, that addresses but ONE of many issues.

It is commone sense to not do the things you listed. It is not common sense to know which design will work better without myself actually trying it.