Go kart seat

[Econdron]

I've been building go karts completely from scratch for a little while now. I'm able to get many of the supplies for really cheap because I work at an industrial supplier and can get most of my supplies for a little more than the cost to manufacture them. I've been able to find ways to fabricate most of the parts on the go kart. The one that I can't figure out is the seat. I'm not necessarily asking if anyone knows of a good way to fabricate the seat, but more so how can I get one for cheap? I swear BMI karts used to sell one for $20 but I don't see that now. I'm pretty close to being able to build a 212cc go kart from scratch with front suspension for $400. I'd really like to be able to get a seat for $20 or less. Any ideas?

 

[r_chez_08]

You can make them from some plywood, vinyl, foam and a staple gun.

 

[souperman000]

or even an old folding chair, lawn chair, school desk chair etc...

 

[used2jeep]

I'm at that point in my build too Econdron. I know the concept of the seat but the frame for the back is perplexing me. How high/wide etc. heheh <bang>

 

[ML-TOYS]

i am considering a vinyl seat out of a mustang

 

[raposak]

Just hit up the junk yard. thats my plan in a week or.so. i got a nice set of honda prelude seats for my jeep for like $40

 

[ML-TOYS]

i plan on welding the upright so it doesnt move and will use the rails for front to back adjustment

 

[pipehack]

Ever think about fabricating a seat like this????
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Lightened-Aluminum-Bomber-Seat,20828.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Kirkey-Vintage-Class-Bucket-Seat,4566.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Aluminum-Bomber-Seat,4043.html

I'm not sure what show I saw one built on.. Gearz or maybe the Spike Powerblock Saturday morning slot. It only took them a half an hour to make one. (Just kidding) It doesn't have o be made out of aluminum. Hey.... It's just a thought.

 

[pipehack]

Here's one made out of a beer keg...

http://www.killbillet.com/showthread.php?t=5580

Here are some instructions on how to make one from Rod and Custom..

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/techarticles/0910rc_aluminum_bomber_seats/viewall.html

 

[ML-TOYS]

i ran a sheet metal fabrication shop and those seats need lots of expensive equipment to make

 

[mckutzy]

On my chopper bike I made, I used a kneeling pad for gardening, a piece of plywood, the material off of the back of a broken office chair I found in the alley. All cut and stapled down. looks kinda professional too. I think I spent about $5 for the pad, but I guess I could have used the seating material aswell, had I found it first, making it free.

I reckon in a few hours of scrounging around and mucking about you could have something tooled out in no time.

 

[pipehack]

i ran a sheet metal fabrication shop and those seats need lots of expensive equipment to make

Couldn't agree more. BUT...........One can and or COULD be made with a some hand tools and some resourcefulness.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94912

If you go down a few posts you'll see that one of the guys has some plans that can be downloaded for free. You DO NOT need big dollar sheet metal tools to make one of these.

 

[r97]

i ran a sheet metal fabrication shop and those seats need lots of expensive equipment to make

Really? A bit of aluminum sheet, some clamps, scrap angle iron, a hammer, a trash can, and some pop rivets would take care of a very simple one.

I would not say you need a press brake, and aluminum welding rig for something like that, especially just one. Of course it would be a perfect excuse to buy/make some new tools!!!!

 

[pipehack]

Really? A bit of aluminum sheet, some clamps, scrap angle iron, a hammer, a trash can, and some pop rivets would take care of a very simple one.

I would not say you need a press brake, and aluminum welding rig for something like that, especially just one. Of course it would be a perfect excuse to buy/make some new tools!!!!

Thank You Sir...

 

[cmbone]

Hi, The Go Ped Trail ripper Kart uses a boat seat just like this. I found this kind on ebay for around $40 shipped. Maybe someone else has um cheeper? There good seats cuz i am fat, (almost 3 bills) & it never broke on me.

 

[ML-TOYS]

Really? A bit of aluminum sheet, some clamps, scrap angle iron, a hammer, a trash can, and some pop rivets would take care of a very simple one.

I would not say you need a press brake, and aluminum welding rig for something like that, especially just one. Of course it would be a perfect excuse to buy/make some new tools!!!!

True, it's always more fun to get more tools

 

[pipehack]

True, it's always more fun to get more tools

Hell yeah!

 

[ML-TOYS]

This past few months they opened 2 harbor freights near me and every 2 weeks is 100 bucks

 

[r97]

Just stop going to HF! At first I was angered the closest one was about an hour drive, and that I would need to beg someone to drag me over there. Now though I am much happier because I'm finding myself getting nicer tools (spending a bit more yes) or making nicer tools!

 

[pipehack]

Just stop going to HF! At first I was angered the closest one was about an hour drive, and that I would need to beg someone to drag me over there. Now though I am much happier because I'm finding myself getting nicer tools (spending a bit more yes) or making nicer tools!

+1 Better off going the estate sale/garage sale route.