Most expensive parts?

[blake]

So my friends and I decided that we wanted to make a go kart for our highschool senior program. But we have come to the realization that it will be a little bit more money than we wanted to spend.
So I was wondering: what is the most expensive parts of making a go kart? I have found a couple 5-6hp horizontal motors on craigslist, and we plan on making our frame in order to save costs. Could someone please give me a couple other parts which are the most expensive parts so I can find them used? thanks a lot guys.

 

[souperman000]

If you don't have the fabrication experience or equipment, buying a frame on craigslist will be a lot cheaper than building your own.

Wheels are always expensive, but its really the shipping that kills ya.

 

[mckutzy]

Tools, if you dont have them will cost alot. But mostly depends on what kind of cart it will be.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Have you got a competent welder in your group?

 

[blake]

tools should not be a problem, my parents have reffered me to their friend who owns a metal shop.

 

[fowler]

Engine and drive train will cost u a bit
So engine, clutch, chain, sprockets, axles, bearings, and wheels

Apart from the engine each peice is cheap but it quickly adds up

 

[johnt98]

If you spend a lot of time browsing, researching like me then I would say you can get everything for under $300. My first go kart was a Manco that was horribly beatup and I either found used parts and fixed them up or fabricated into the part I needed. But all in all I would probably say the tires or clutch/torq would be the most expensive. I can post a pic of my old kart later when I get home.

You can find a lot of good/cheap deals just takes time and patience!

 

[landuse]

I would say the parts that will set you back a bit will be engine, clutch , wheels and sprockets

 

[smgs92]

engine and frame.

 

[qtband]

What kind of senior program is it? Shop class??
I would look on CL for a roller frame and then canabalize it for your parts, or modify it.

 

[blake]

the senior program is a 3 week, do whatever you want to do, program. this is ambitious, we know, but we hope to get a functional product in that time whether we need to build the frame or buy one. thanks for the response guys, great community.

 

[Evilmongoose]

Building my own from scratch, bought all the angled iron for the frame and the engine for 10$ at the scrap yard, the wheels cost me 4$ each with free shipping on sale at harbor freight. So IF you make your own spindles ( sticky on first page) the most expensive part will be your clutch 30$ your drive sprocket 15$ and your chain 10$. My advise is to build your own frame, it is not hard and a money saver

 

[RadioFlyerrr]

I would say search craigslist for a cheap kart with all the major parts and make your own frame from your own design .

 

[OzFab]

Building my own from scratch, bought all the angled iron for the frame and the engine for 10$ at the scrap yard, the wheels cost me 4$ each with free shipping on sale at harbor freight. So IF you make your own spindles ( sticky on first page) the most expensive part will be your clutch 30$ your drive sprocket 15$ and your chain 10$. My advise is to build your own frame, it is not hard and a money saver

WOW! I can't wait to see this one

 

[landuse]

Building my own from scratch, bought all the angled iron for the frame and the engine for 10$ at the scrap yard, the wheels cost me 4$ each with free shipping on sale at harbor freight. So IF you make your own spindles ( sticky on first page) the most expensive part will be your clutch 30$ your drive sprocket 15$ and your chain 10$. My advise is to build your own frame, it is not hard and a money saver

If those are the wheels I am thinking of, then good luck with that. You will be getting some more VERY quickly.

WOW! I can't wait to see this one

LOL. Me too...

 

[Evilmongoose]

Sorry I don't have a better picture ATM I only get to work on it every other weekend. This is what I have so far after a couple weekends of work. It's missing one wheel for measuring and what not with the main sprocket and with my budget I cannot afford better wheels/rims/hubs ATM . Ill try and post more if you guys want

 

[zbuck]

Is it me, or the picture, as I am not seeing square tube for the right side frame rail?

 

[Evilmongoose]

Is it me, or the picture, as I am not seeing square tube for the right side frame rail?

A little bit of both maybe because its all 1-1/4" angled iron, no square tubing

 

[mckutzy]

Angle iron aint going to cut it. Potentially when you step on the gas the whole back end could bend on you. Aswell as when you hit a good bump or the edge of the curb you might bend it aswell.

Tubing round or square is what you need. sorry buddy.

 

[Evilmongoose]

Actually I've been going off from multiple sources but especially some of the plans on the DIY home page, specifically the ones off the modern mechanix magazine from the 60's, they say square tubing and/or angles are fine as long as you weld it right and know where to double up support (the modern mecanix plan only uses angles). This little kart wont be doing anything too crazy but i think the angles should be fine. if by the time I'm finished it proves otherwise ill be sure to post updates
http://www.kartbuilding.net/Highway...ur_Own_Street_Legal_Kart--Modern_Mechanix.pdf
http://www.diygokarts.com/kart-plans/plans-frame-how-to-design.html
http://www.diygokarts.com/images/plans-kart/kart-done-700.jpg
http://www.diygokarts.com/kart-plans/frame-1-seat.html