How do I make a Go Kart (WITHOUT a Welder)

[Gan]

Hey all! First post on these forums.

I want to make a go kart. I am aware that the best and safest frame would be a steel frame that is welded together, HOWEVER I live in an extremely dry area that is prone to fires. Any small spark could be the start of another wild fire, which I do not want to be responsible for. For those of you skeptical about the possibility of a fire starting, a friend of mine who owns a welder had his rag catch on fire when welding. I also have zero experience with a welder.

I am willing to invest up to $1000 to buy the parts and am willing to invest more down the road in repairs. My goal in building a go kart is just to have something fun to drive around in. I am not looking for a racer and do not expect speeds of over 30mph from this kart.

I have viewed many go kart kits and I am not sure that all the parts included are absolutely necessary. I cannot find a clear list that states everything I need.

1) I would really appreciate if this forum could be me put together a list of the bare minimum that I need besides the frame. I would also really appreciate if you included links to places that you find trust worthy.

2) Also, what is the next best (and safest) frame option that I can choose besides a welded steel frame? Is it possible to do a bolted steel frame? PVC pipe frame?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I am completely new to this hobby and really need some guidance. Thank you for your time.

 

[chancer]

Here you go
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_1039461_1039461
$749.00 no welding, Just add a $100.00 Predator engine.
and you are still 150 bucks under budget.

---------- Post added at 02:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 PM ----------

Here is an example of one being built and the final product.
https://www.affordablegokarts.com/azusa_fun_kart.php

 

[tinamcjittles]

There are tons of frames on ebay and craigslist if you're up for some steep shippibg costs.. a bolted frame is possible, but you'd need to add a lot of metal to make it sturdy.. If you can't buy a bare frame for some reason, then just take square tubing, a drill, washers, and a bunch of lock-nuts to build the basics of your frame. Then brace each corner with a diagonal piece of square tube and bolt it a foot in from the ckrner on both sides! Do this for any structurally integral parts of the frame so that it doesn't flex! But dude get a welder and learn it, wildfires arent a problem if you prepare a large and well ventilated area! Also, for the parts, just cross those bridges when you get there, build the basics, then see what you need for the dimensions you end up deciding on..

 

[DeathMachine]

Buy a used kart for $100 and spend the other $900 on making it pretty. Should have $500 left over even after that.

 

[tinamcjittles]

Buy a used kart for $100 and spend the other $900 on making it pretty. Should have $500 left over even after that.

Wonder why he didnt just buy one already? That's the best idea but wonder why he wants to build one

 

[DeathMachine]

I can understand wanting to build one, it's a great feeling of accomplishment. But you have to be realistic about your skills and tools.

 

[Gan]

Here you go
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=33565
$749.00 no welding, Just add a $100.00 Predator engine.
and you are still 150 bucks under budget.

---------- Post added at 02:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 PM ----------

Here is an example of one being built and the final product.
https://www.affordablegokarts.com/azusa_fun_kart.php

Thank you for that . Will definitely look at that thread. I have seen azusa frames and they seem like a good option!

---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:37 PM ----------

There are tons of frames on ebay and craigslist if you're up for some steep shippibg costs.. a bolted frame is possible, but you'd need to add a lot of metal to make it sturdy.. If you can't buy a bare frame for some reason, then just take square tubing, a drill, washers, and a bunch of lock-nuts to build the basics of your frame. Then brace each corner with a diagonal piece of square tube and bolt it a foot in from the ckrner on both sides! Do this for any structurally integral parts of the frame so that it doesn't flex! But dude get a welder and learn it, wildfires arent a problem if you prepare a large and well ventilated area! Also, for the parts, just cross those bridges when you get there, build the basics, then see what you need for the dimensions you end up deciding on..

Thank you so much! Do you have a picture to go off of? That would be very helpful.
I don't think I can really use a welder even if I purchased one. Thing is, I don't have a large ventilated area to learn welding in. I have a fairly small garage with little ventilation, hence the risk of a fire.

---------- Post added at 02:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 PM ----------

Buy a used kart for $100 and spend the other $900 on making it pretty. Should have $500 left over even after that.

The reason why I am not looking at that option is because my local craigslist has no reasonably priced go karts. For the amount I spend on a go kart from craigslist, I might as well just buy a new one.

 

[tinamcjittles]

Here, just my idea.. may want to stick with a basic rectangle or whatever shape these bros reccomend.

 

[ML-TOYS]

The reason why I am not looking at that option is because my local craigslist has no reasonably priced go karts. For the amount I spend on a go kart from craigslist, I might as well just buy a new one.

So what is your local craigslist

 

[Poboy kartman]

Yeah...if he would have bothered to fill out a profile location or at least told us where he was....he could probably be riding now...

 

[ML-TOYS]

If your willing to spend a grand then it sounds like a couple hour ride or more may be the best. Travel cost included in quality kart.

 

[Gan]

Here, just my idea.. may want to stick with a basic rectangle or whatever shape these bros reccomend.

Thanks man! I think I will definitely utilize this plan if I decide not to go with a pre-made go kart frame.

---------- Post added at 04:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:53 PM ----------

Yeah...if he would have bothered to fill out a profile location or at least told us where he was....he could probably be riding now...

This is the internet... and strange things can happen. Which is why I don't reveal where I live LOL

 

[Poboy kartman]

Thanks man! I think I will definitely utilize this plan if I decide not to go with a pre-made go kart kit.

---------- Post added at 04:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:53 PM ----------



This is the internet... and strange things can happen. Which is why I don't reveal where I live LOL

Idiot! I guess there's only one person in your state.

 

[Gan]

Idiot! I guess there's only one person in your state.

Chill

 

[mckutzy]

Hello and welcome...
Gan... This is an international forum... We're all over ... Although alot are in Texas...
It will help us help you if at least you tell if in N,America , ex..better if in USA or Canada...

 

[Gan]

Hello and welcome...
Gan... This is an international forum... We're all over ... Although alot are in Texas...
It will help us help you if at least you tell if in N,America , ex..better if in USA or Canada...

Thank you for the tip. Just updated my profile. I am from the USA but am not comfortable revealing where at this point in time.

 

[chancer]

Strange things do happen. I can respect that. But we only ask for a General location. Like what State or even if you prefer Region. Desert Southwest or Northeast.
It just helps determine where is a good place to send you for parts.
A Guy in Az may not want to order form a supplier in Ohio when the Texas Supplier is much closer.

Plus we want to stalk you! lol

[edit] Looks like we were all typing at once

 

[tinamcjittles]

They could just find the IP assigned to your comments and track you that way.. its pointless to try to hide a location on forums hahaha If you're willing to build a kart then you have time, how long have you been searching local ads for a kart?

 

[Gan]

They could just find the IP assigned to your comments and track you that way.. its pointless to try to hide a location on forums hahaha If you're willing to build a kart then you have time, how long have you been searching local ads for a kart?

Good point but if y'all are so determined on stalking me (don't know why though) , do the whole IP bizz haha.

I did look in the local ads for a few hours, but I really would like to build it myself to give me that satisfaction and learning experience.

 

[tinamcjittles]

Good point but if y'all are so determined on stalking me (don't know why though) , do the whole IP bizz haha.

I did look in the local ads for a few hours, but I really would like to build it myself to give me that satisfaction and learning experience.

Heck yea man, if you will complete it then by all means go for it! I learned things that I didn't know existed in steering geometry and random areas like that.. are there any steel suppliers or fabrication shops near you?