materials for go kart frame?

[bassandgokarts]

i went scrapping and i got about 40 ft of galvanized fence post its about 1 1/2 inch diameter, was wondering if it would be strong enough to use as a go kart frame

 

[kevbo22]

wear a mask when welding...or get the fever!

 

[bassandgokarts]

oh yea for sure i know welding galvanized gives off fumes, think it will hold up though?

 

[areams]

Along with your mask, a high quality respirator as well as a highly ventilated area is a MUST with galvanized. At least a fan that moves a lot of air pulling the fumes away from you.

Should hold up decent for a lightweight kart as long as the welds are quality.

 

[anickode]

Along with your mask, a high quality respirator as well as a highly ventilated area is a MUST with galvanized. At least a fan that moves a lot of air pulling the fumes away from you. Trying to weld through galvanizing contaminates the weld and cause porosity and weak joints, ESPECIALLY with mig welding. A fluxed process is marginally better, but still not good to weld through zinc.

Should hold up decent for a lightweight kart as long as the welds are quality.

And to get quality welds on galvanized, you need to FULLY REMOVE THE ZINC from the weld area. Not only will it make the weld better, it will reduce the amount metallic fumes you are exposed to.

There are multiple ways to do it... My favorite is make all your cuts and copes, then stand the pieces up in a pan (like an oil drain pan or shallow container) with a couple inches of cheap white vinegar in it. Let them soak for a day or two. The acid will eat the zinc away, and you can pretty much rinse it off, wipe it dry, and weld. It leaves a cleaner look than grinding the zinc off (no grinder marks or accidental gouges). You can paint the frame or use cold zinc spray over the welded areas.