Hi, everyone. My son has been begging to build his own Go Kart for months. I figured that it would be a great project to do together as the weather begins to cool. I've started to do some basic research and come to the conclusion of: WHAT HAVE I DONE?! I am familiar with basic mechanics and electronics but have never taken on a project like this. We plan on using electric conduit and maker pipe fittings for the frame, but that's about all I know right now. I'm looking forward to leaning on this community for advice. Thanks!
Hello from Chicago!
- Thread starter CeeJayD
- Start date
Denny
Canned Monster
And no conduit! Go to Harbor Freight and buy a mig welder and some water or gas pipe. It will be safer and stronger. Don’t worry we’ll help you look like a hero instead of a zero! 
it will be an experience your kid will never forget! Also find a used kart for a first build, it will be cheaper in the long run. But get a mig welder! Trust Us!!
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Denny
Canned Monster
Where in Chicago do you live, I’m from Whiting Indiana originally. Bobo lives in Chicago also, big city.
Hello, Denny! Given this is probably going to be V1 of this cart I thought using EMC would be a good trial and error kind of material. I figure at the very least we can make a frame and tweak it to our liking. If need be we can replicate it with stronger material and welds. I have ZERO welding experience so I'm a little hesitant to jump into that first crack.
it will be an experience your kid will never forget! Also find a used kart for a first build, it will be cheaper in the long run. But get a mig welder! Trust Us!!
Such a small world you're from Whiting! We currently live in the Skokie area but my wife was raised in Whiting!
Denny
Canned Monster
Whiting a great little town back when I lived there. Moved away in early 2000’s. Where about did she live? Anything zinc coated is bad for your health. I suggest black pipe to learn on and build with. We can help you learn to weld, give proper safety instruction and general instructions. No need to fear!
panchothedog
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CeeJay. Listen to Denny. Building a go kart frame out of electrical conduit is about like building a bicycle frame from plastic drinking straws. Goes together really quick, and looks good. When push comes to shove, it just isn't strong enough.
Also suggested by Denny, buy the 1st one. This is something I do for my grandkids. I have 4 karts. Three of them were real beaters. Doesn't matter if it even has a engine. Believe me there will still be plenty enough to do that for you and your son it will be a nice father and son project. New engine, seats, tires, and of course sanding and painting the frame. When its all done you will have something that looks and runs like new. BUT the most important part is that the frame will have been built on a jig, in a factory, out of the right material, square and true. And in the long run probably cheaper than building from scratch. Watch Craigslist, Offer Up, and Facebook Market place. All 3 of my beaters came from those places, and all 3 look and run great. FWIW, I couldn't weld if you put a gun to my head. And the 4th kart ( actually it was the first ) I bought brand new. 2008
still running strong. 19 year old grandson still has a ball in it.
Also suggested by Denny, buy the 1st one. This is something I do for my grandkids. I have 4 karts. Three of them were real beaters. Doesn't matter if it even has a engine. Believe me there will still be plenty enough to do that for you and your son it will be a nice father and son project. New engine, seats, tires, and of course sanding and painting the frame. When its all done you will have something that looks and runs like new. BUT the most important part is that the frame will have been built on a jig, in a factory, out of the right material, square and true. And in the long run probably cheaper than building from scratch. Watch Craigslist, Offer Up, and Facebook Market place. All 3 of my beaters came from those places, and all 3 look and run great. FWIW, I couldn't weld if you put a gun to my head. And the 4th kart ( actually it was the first ) I bought brand new. 2008
still running strong. 19 year old grandson still has a ball in it.
Master Hack
Well-known member
DON"T EVEN THINK ABOUT USING CONDUIT! Sorry for shouting, but yer gonna waste a bunch of time and maybe even hurt someone...