Newbie as F***.

[momoe]

hey guys, whats up ?
a couples of days ago i was talking with a friend about building a gokart, we go karting often but its really expensive so we decided to build our own

now, im really really new at this, i dont know if it happened to most newbie.. but ... i mean i was tripping out over where i'll get metals but not anymore. i over think too much i keep thinking about will the front wheels will be attashed to a bolt - wheel mount -or how does it look complicated and varies in diamter size ?! ?! mean not only that i keep thinking about whats a hub -__- and if the wheel "hubs" and axle holder hubs and brake hubs are all gonna be the same size and how can i make sure they all are ... sorry im getting frustred... :l i have nooo idea how does anything work with bushing and bearings nvm engine, brakes, wheels, tires .... ) i cant understand the measurment for **** ,, my case is severe ?

also ... i wana start out by buying an engine, a seat, and then measure, cut and weld,,, but after that with the whole king pin mount and stuff i get lost with sizes and why they should be at these sizes ... i did alot of search,, and still nothing ... thanks guy

 

[HaM551]

First you gotta decide what sort of kart you want ?

 

[momoe]

a racing one sir !

 

[HaM551]

Have a search on CL or gumtree depending on where you are, would be easier if you bought a chassis or unfinished project to get you started, you might even find a cheap running one.

 

[momoe]

a " racing " one.. not offroad or buggies

edit: i still wana build it i like the challeng

 

[HaM551]

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16543 basic chassis idea

 

[landuse]

Building is going to be more expensive that buying a rolling chassis and getting it up to scratch. I would suggest looking at all the sticky threads around and do some serious reading to get up to speed

 

[OzFab]

edit: i still wana build it i like the challeng

No, building a kart from scratch is a challenge for someone like me who has 25 years experience in mechanical & metal fabrication. For someone like you, it's more like a death wish.

Don't take that the wrong way; I have no idea of your experience or skill level but, it sounds like you're a bit overwhelmed just thinking about it.

I also suggest you buy a roller or a running kart to have some fun on &, when you get to know & understand a bit more, then try your hand at building one

 

[momoe]

thank you for the suggestion lol and yeah i kinda am overwhelmed but its like .... when i started searching about building a gokart i was waaayy more confused than now
btw if your user name on youtube is brendonv101 then hey man u were the reason why i joined this forum

 

[Doc Sprocket]

If his boobtube name is brendonv101, then he;s had an identity crisis...

The deal-maker (or -breaker) is: can you weld, and well?

 

[mckutzy]

And have a decent welder, aswell as having some mechanical inclination.

 

[momoe]

i cant weld ... but i can learn. they give scrap metal here for free in montreal CA ... and i found a welder for like $70

tomorrow im going to 2 local go-karting places - where u pay for races... i wana ask them for wheels and where they get their supplies or if they could sell me anything ... u guys think its a good idea ??

i mean im still building it but if they could supply me with wheels and tyres and stuff that comes with it that'd be great ...

another question .... if you're buying a 3/4" axle and mount it and all ,,, how do i connect the rim to it ? what do i need to buy and what can i do ??
i know its WAAY early to know but i like to know almost everthing in advace ... and it is crucial to know what ur gonna do before you attempt anything, right ?

thank you soo much guys i really feel welcomed here, i hope

 

[HaM551]

you use a wheel hub
http://www.kartbay.com.au/c/117308/1/wheel-hubs.html

which connects to the axle, and the rim is bolted onto the bolts, just gotta match the axle and wheel hub size ,oh, dont forget to use a key in the keyway

 

[OzFab]

i cant weld ... but i can learn. they give scrap metal here for free in montreal CA ... and i found a welder for like $70

Even more reason to stick with a premade frame

tomorrow im going to 2 local go-karting places - where u pay for races... i wana ask them for wheels and where they get their supplies or if they could sell me anything ... u guys think its a good idea ??

You can ask; if they're decent enough guys they will help you out.

That being said, most people who run a business are in business to make money, not help people out. Chances are they will sell everything to you at much inflated prices. It would be cheaper to get something off craigslist & source parts from the same or BMI or similar

 

[momoe]

thank you so much landuse & ham551... i did some serious search it clears alot of confustions !
fabroman it costs alot more to buy a frame and metal here is dirt cheap.. i work at an area full of mechanic shops, scrap yards, alot of industrial businesses there ... im sure i could learn it ...i think im too eager and agressive about it all ... like id give my left nut to drive something i built -_-

 

[landuse]

thank you so much landuse & ham551... i did some serious search it clears alot of confustions !
fabroman it costs alot more to buy a frame and metal here is dirt cheap.. i work at an area full of mechanic shops, scrap yards, alot of industrial businesses there ... im sure i could learn it ...i think im too eager and agressive about it all ... like id give my left nut to drive something i built -_-

Metal is the least of your costs making a kart. The expensive parts that are going to put a dent in your budget are the clutch, wheels, hubs to attach wheels, tierods, etc.

If you get a rolling chassis f craigslist then it becomes much cheaper.

If I were you I would price things individually and then look at the cost of a roller. You will see the difference

 

[HaM551]

Have you had a proper look on CL ? and whats your budget ?

 

[momoe]

yah i have looked on CL ... coudnt find a siiiiiingle thing ... typed go kart in 50 different ways .... NOTHING popped up .. and if i buy it online, its way more expensive

and my budget is good since im doing it with 2 close friends ... MAX $1500. with buyin tools too,, like welder, metal cutter - idk whts it called -, grinder and im also counting on machine shops for drillin if i need it ..

ok am i planning right , here is wat i wana do, not in order, but somewhat is
1- seat
2- engine
3 -wheel and rims and hubs ( online purchase if im desperate )
4- axel ( online purchase if im desperate )
5- draw out my frame
6- big massive bolts and little bolts ( with sizes that make sense )
.
.
.
but am i doing the right things ? first knowing whats what and how stuff works before i attempt to built it ?

p.s.: im sorry if im starting to annoy some member with this, im really into it tho and i wana learn

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Nothing wrong at all with wanting to learn. But I urge you to take it slow, and research your butt off, long before actually picking up a tool. In between research spurts, get yourself a welder and practice, practice, practice. The frame is a rather critical element. Not something you want giving way at speed. As a general rule, I advise people NOT to make a frame as their first welding project.

If Quebec is anything like Ontario (there's a joke in there, I'm sure) then I can see why you'd be having trouble finding an existing frame. Have you had a look at Kijiji? Try posting a "wanted" ad, too.

 

[jandj]

With all due respect: A racing kart chassis is NOT what you want to "learn" as your 1st project. Odds are it won't be a good result. For $1500 if you curb your enthusiasm and are patient you can probably buy what you need. Wait for a rolling chassis then look for a motor. I will tell you if racing is your goal the best way is to hang out at the track. Decide what class you want to run in and talk to guys already doing it. They may point you in the direction of a kart. I don't mean to sound pessimistic but if your goal is to buy tools, equipment, and parts then assemble your first kart and race it you will most likely be broke long before you are done