Los Angeles

[chainuh]

hey does anyone here live in los angeles or near by who have experience with building go karts, or know of any shops where i can turn to for advise? im completely new here and i just dont know where to start. thank you for the help

 

[fowler]

do u wish to build a kart or buy one

 

[chainuh]

i want to build one but i just dont know where to start. so if someone can help me that would be real great. and normally how much does it cost to make one . nothing too crazy just to ride around the street and my driveway.

 

[r97]

cost depends if you buy nice parts, use stuff you have laying around, fabricate alot of the parts, how fast you want to go, 1 seat or 2 seat,, roll cage or no roll cage, ect, prices can range from $0 to $3000+, the price gets higher if you need to buy a welder and other stuff. the best place to start your project is choose what kind of kart you want, then select a reasonable budget, and start drawing up a sketch.

 

[devino246]

Id say, if your missing alot of tools, $1500 including purchasing tools wouldnt be an unreasonable estimate. The best bet for a budget build would be to get an old cheap kart and use the parts from it(steering setup, wheels, etc.) on a new frame. Look around this site and you can find lots of ideas. Start with the kind of kart you want, then brainstorm frame designs. For a first kart, a simple yard kart would be best.

 

[redsox985]

If it's just to scoot around your neighborhood, you could get away with probably $300-400 if you have the tools. I'd suggest buying a parts kart from Craigslist, usually with out a motor is what will bring the price down, and then drop in a centrifugal clutch and and Harbor Freight 6.5hp motor and go.

 

[Bill CNC]

I do, kinda, ...

Were in LA, ... The actual city of LA or which suburb?

Bill

 

[chainuh]

i live in 626 which is san gabriel valley. my dad has welding tools and whatever you would need i guess... he does construction, but hes a tool so he doesnt want to help me. i just want to make a random cart that kinda looks like the one that rob dyrdek has, not the gymkhana one. i have a lawn mower laying around. as far as frame goes i dont want anything too fancy. i just want to do donuts. i was thinking of only spending 200 bucks.

 

[r97]

rob dyrdek has a nice kart, his cart is a racing frame with a harbor freight 6.5hp clone, you can make a cheap copy of rob's frame for pretty cheap, but you will need a pipe bender, along with the other standard tools your dad has. you may also be able to find a cheap used frame on craigslist but that will prob still cost several hundred bucks. rob's kart looks like it has low gearing which is what lets it do donuts but it also de-creases the speed. let us know how it comes along, many people here want to build that kart. http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8389&highlight=fantasy+factory

 

[redsox985]

If you want a low race style chassis then you need some pipe, a welder, and tools. You don't NEED a pipe bender. A motor will be $100 from Harbor Freight. You can not use a lawn mower engine with out some serious mods, added weight, and difficulty. The HF motor is the easiest solution, a centrifugal clutch, and a like 9:1 ratio on #35 chain.

 

[r97]

yea, i guess you don't need a pipe bender, but they are prob handy, i forgot to mention the lawn mower engine, thanks redsox, lol

 

[Bill CNC]

Well I pass through their everyday down the 210.