How to Build a Go-Cart for Dummies!

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Curiousgeorge206

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Sorry to sound like my title, but was wondering if there are any newbies out there who has a step by step plan on building a go-cart, (frame, engine, steering, brakes, etc.)

The reason I ask is that I had printed out a blueprint plan of a frame from the website and I had shown it to a metal fabricator! Being a experienced fabricator, he said that it looked very complicated! He questioned me on why the frame asks for angle iron instead of square tube steel as it was stronger and less bend! As he said it was my first project like this for my boys, I should look for someone who has built a go-cart from the frame up and if they had the simple instructions and problems they encountered, this would help!

I've decided to go by way of a gas powered engine, (got a roto-tiller engine), instead of an electric engine!

So now looking for a easy Go-cart for Dummies type instructions! anyone out there can send them to my e-mail address: vpd206@yahoo.com, thanks!
 
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Curiousgeorge206

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Okay, I'm off to the races! I've acquired a 3 hp Briggs and Stratton roto tiller engine! Anyone know what speeds I can get it to go with what sprockets, etc.?

Frame is next! More to follow!
 
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modelengineer

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Well my 3.5hp 2stroke will (just) get me to about 40kph on the flat and it's not topping out it just doesn't have enough power to go faster. If I was using chain, and not belt, then I would gear it for about 30kph top speed to get more acceleration for powersliding (the fun part).

Your fabricator friend is right, use square tube to make the frame. I would use 1 1/4" square with a 2mm wall. Much stronger than 1" square.
 
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fluxcored

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George, I'm in the same the boat. expect to make mistakes when you're at our level.

I ordered wrong size tubing to begin with but will prolly buy stronger tubing within the next 2 weeks. I also got a 3.5HP 4 stroke motor in the wings.

I'm on an extremely tight budget so I plan on using wheelbarrow wheels initially. How that pans out I'll have to see.

I recently picked up a seat (free) and got a line on a Momo steering wheel (hopefully free but I'm not paying more than $5). So, I'm getting there slowly.

I'm really stuck on using round tubing - guess I'm a sucker for punishment and found a fab shop that'll do the bends at a $1 per bend. - a very risky decision though and may revert back to square.

I still do'nt know exactly how I'm gonna do the steering and the breaking but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

I do'nt aim to build a fast or good looking fancy kart - I want to get the kid riding, if he likes it then we can upgrade the engine, better wheels, etc., etc.

Just take your time looking at the plans - it's not really that intimidating and take it one section/component at a time and try to understand how that fully fit together.
 
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modelengineer

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I used wheelbarrow wheels. They are OK for the front, but after 3 days of using the kart on dirt both back wheels had tears in the and had to be replaced. SERIOUSLY, stretch your budget just the tiniest bit to get good wheels. It will be cheaper in the long run.
 
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fluxcored

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modelengineer said:
I used wheelbarrow wheels. They are OK for the front, but after 3 days of using the kart on dirt both back wheels had tears in the and had to be replaced. SERIOUSLY, stretch your budget just the tiniest bit to get good wheels. It will be cheaper in the long run.
Click to expand...

I'm continuously on the lookout for better wheels but they so darned expensive over here and I can find none locally.

I missed a great deal the other day - full 1980's racing kart with aluminimum rims, brake setup, tubular chassis, Honda engine, etc for $50 - when I called a few hours after the ad was place it was taken.
 
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Curiousgeorge206

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I've been reading the posts on whether square or round tubing and it looks like square 1" tubing will work for me!

Is anyone aware of the plans that on this site if you have built a cart from those dimensions and angles? In the plans they picture a angle iron frame? If I used square tube, can I cut the tubing on the angles specified and than have my friend weld them? Thanks!
 
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brennan miller

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ok im new to go karts so i need help.i need some one to email me a blueprint so i can start and i need advice for cheap starts
 
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phwahh

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modelengineer said:
Well my 3.5hp 2stroke will (just) get me to about 40kph on the flat and it's not topping out it just doesn't have enough power to go faster. If I was using chain, and not belt, then I would gear it for about 30kph top speed to get more acceleration for powersliding (the fun part).

Your fabricator friend is right, use square tube to make the frame. I would use 1 1/4" square with a 2mm wall. Much stronger than 1" square.
Click to expand...

hmmm... powersliding seems fun! :drool5: Is live axle better for 'sliding or single drive?
 
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go live its all around better. and if you have the powa and a light enough frame it will kick right around.
 
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brosef

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wheres the best place to get somewhat nobby tires for on road and off road that wont wear too bad
 
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