Questions regarding design possibilities

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Since I am thinking of designing a go-kart from scrap metals from the local dump(hey.. theres usually tons of metal there) I want to design it to be as fast, crash friendly(you'll see why,) and as all terrain as possible...

I was thinking that I would want it to beable to be used on Dirtbike/ATV trails, but in the sandpits as well(we have some out here in RI.) Since this is where my friends tend to ride(parents would never let me get a dirtbike, but perhaps with a 4 wheeled vehicle it would be fine(considering I am a year from getting my permit...)

Can a go-kart travel these? The design I was thinking about would be a 2 seat(since I am sure people would want to drive/ride it) and using a salvaged/HF engine... What is the minimum CC/HP for these?

Would a go-kart be able to handle jumps(like sand dunes) if it has a suspension(I like my *** thanks...)?

Can these generally handle mud and small creeks okay(we have some definate wetland around?) The clearance would be atleast a foot, as to accomedate stumps and jumps....

Can they tow things? I might try to register it(can you register custom vehicles) so that it can be driven on the street, to tow things for friends(like bikes.)

Is it common to have a battery to run lights and perhaps a radio off? Is this complex to run?

Thanks
-Flex

 

[fowler]

most questions depend on what you are building if u are building a sidewinder then it performs most of those tasks better than a quad but if u are biulding a little 7hp cart it may struggle
gokarts can tow stuff
i dont think it can be driven on the road if so there would be serous mods
and yes if it is a big cart it is easy to wire up lights

 

[JHen]

Street legal would require fenders over tires. You can make these bolt on so you can remove them if so desired. A windshield, which can also be bolt on. Something as simple as a piece of plexiglass with holes in it and bolts will suffice. Turn signals, headlights, break lights, seat belt, and at least one mirror. And since it will have an exposed engine, you need a fire extinguisher mounted on board somewhere. I don't know if you need bumpers or not. I've seen sand rails that were licensed and drove on the street. I see no reason a go kart can't be driven on the street since those little motor scooter type things are as well.

Go to your DMV and ask.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I think I will try for a large cart(large engine...) but might I, the noob, ask what a sidewinder is? Thanks

 

[fowler]

look up Modeleningeers build on this forum or just type it into google
it is more like a super offroad car than the typical go kart

 

[Stratogeezer]

This may give you some design ideas - I know I borrowed from others:

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/album.php?albumid=56

Here's a sort of step-by-step through my building progress:

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6548&highlight=stratogeezer

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

look up Modeleningeers build on this forum or just type it into google
it is more like a super offroad car than the typical go kart

I was unable to locate it using search nor google.

But, I think that I might very well go with an ATV suspension/breaking package(off a totaled ATV) so that might solve the issue of bumps and stopping...

What would be the best bet for an engine. I would like max speed, maximum power, and cheapest price... the latest is primary....

Does 4 wheel drive work for this type of application? I was thinking that I could scavange some chains(from motorcycles/atvs/bycycles even) and link the front and rear axles, so both are powered... would this work? I would probably have to create a large guard, so that things cannot get in the chain...

Also, are gas tanks needed, or can you merely bring a gas can with you, and fill up when you run out...?

Also, what about a windscreen, are they common, or is it seen as unneeded.... I might put a roof on it, should I continue, so I guess then I might have to.... because I really hate getting soaked....

And lastly, are firewalls needed? Not to protect from fire...because I am certain I would feel that.... duh... but to protect against the heat of the engine/engtanglement/burns? Entanglement really I just mean things like a harness, or stuff liek that.....

 

[fowler]

use the engine from the quad
look up 280 off road shifter in the new posts section
yes if u get a 4x4 quad all wheel drive is posible but otherwise dont bother
and yes a fire wall is requied to stop u sizzling

last of all a sindwinder

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Yea....the 3rd degree burn part doesnt sound too fun... did that on a woodstove...

What are firewalls made of?

Okay, so, how much do you think a totalled 4 wheeler would cost? Or anyway one that still 'works' but is unrideable....?

 

[fowler]

fire walls are made of steel plate but how thick is the question
i sugest 2 4 wheels one totaled one for the engine and one with no engine to get all the parts
my one with no engine was a slap of carlton dry (beer)
the engine cost aus$600 but i didnt try very hard and if u live in a rural area or a place where quads are riden then just ask around im such u could get one for aus$100 to nothing

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

hmm... I might try that...

Now these things get heavy? Do y'all use a hoist or are they generally liftable? Or do you build it on the ground? I would hate to build it on a table/bench, only to find out I couldnt get it down....

 

[devino246]

Get a jack and some jackstands

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_auto-repair+jacks

 

[Benjo]

hmm... I might try that...

Now these things get heavy? Do y'all use a hoist or are they generally liftable? Or do you build it on the ground? I would hate to build it on a table/bench, only to find out I couldnt get it down....

they are pretty heavy, my kart uses a 280cc quad engine, have a look at my build thread it sounds similar to what you want to build.

 

[fowler]

get a mate

 

[Stratogeezer]

hmm... I might try that...

Now these things get heavy? Do y'all use a hoist or are they generally liftable? Or do you build it on the ground? I would hate to build it on a table/bench, only to find out I couldnt get it down....

I got one of those 500lb lift tables from Harbor for like $99 with a coupon. Works great in the garage or at the track - although it is slightly heavy to carry for any distance alone.

I built mine on the ground and use this lift table for ongoing repairs. I can also leave a kart hoisted up on it and it frees up a small amount of garage space when lifted.

1/4 Ton Capacity Hydraulic Lift Table
ITEM # 94822

Hydraulic Lift Table can raise 500 lbs. anywhere up to a 27-1/4" height, to put your workpiece within easy reach.