Recommendation for a kart build

[odledh]

i want to build a go cart

how should i go about doing this

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

1) Where and how will this kart be used? On road, off-road? What kind of terrain? Mostly hills, flat land?
2) What is your budget?
3) What is your mechanical skill level?

Let's start there.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Scroll up to the top of the page and click on DIY GOKARTS .

You'll find a lot of good information there on the basics. Make a general layout of the plan for the frame and post a picture of it and it's intended use and post here.

Be aware that building a ground up kart is EXPENSIVE and a pretty ambitious effort for a rookie.

How much welding have you done now and have you tested your welds. I know you just started welding.

We'll walk you through if you're committed to building one from scratch.

What is your budget for this build?

 

[odledh]

1) Where and how will this kart be used? On road, off-road? What kind of terrain? Mostly hills, flat land?
2) What is your budget?
3) What is your mechanical skill level?

Let's start there.

1) i would like this to be an off road kart, there will be hills.
im thinking it should travel at most 30 mph

2) i do not have much of a budget so i will be buying stuff over time, materials ect.

3) well im a mechanical engineer at a machine tool shop.
so i have access to lathes and mills if i need them

other notes

i would like there to be some kind of suspension system on the cart,
this would almost be like a small side by side
i would probly use the pred 6 hp motor

the way i see it is i want the entire thing designed before i start any welding.

 

[odledh]

i said it would be an off road kart,

how i use it?

go to local atv park ride it around

drive around friends farm

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Putting the harshness aside (looking at you Po)... it sounds like you have an ambitious desire, now I would suggest developing a less than ambitious concept.

Start here: http://www.diygokarts.com/kart-plans/plans-frame-how-to-design.html

Click through the links at the bottom of the page.

 

[Grape Ape]

I would believe a little more if you said Electrical Engineer, so many believe its nothing to a go kart (simple motorized vehicle) but start pricing all components and it gets expensive quick. Always (maybe not always) better to start with a basic kart and modify to do what you want BUT you need to know what you want out of the kart. Options are endless but so can be the cost.

 

[Poboy kartman]

I would believe a little more if you said Electrical Engineer, so many believe its nothing to a go kart (simple motorized vehicle) but start pricing all components and it gets expensive quick. Always (maybe not always) better to start with a basic kart and modify to do what you want BUT you need to know what you want out of the kart. Options are endless but so can be the cost.

Actually....Wal-Mart sells a Coleman kart with full suspension for $995. People new to karting don't realize that building a similar kart from the ground up will cost more in the long run. Build it over time? Wal-Mart has layaway.

But....per usual...the most sensible and economical recourse is to search Craigslist and pick up a fixer upper....then you ride faster and can improve on the flaws on the original kart didn't fit your needs....or even if a kart is practical for your needs.

 

[ultralight01]

You're looking at at least $400 for a 30mph off road kart. Check craigslist, see if you can find a frame or an older kart that you can modify and work on.

Parts to build a kart new, not including the engine, easily reach $500-$600. I rebuild go karts from craigslist and buy new predator motors for $350 on average.

 

[OzFab]

In short, adding full suspension will almost double the cost of a kart, which is very ambitious for a first build; as mentioned, it would be cheaper & easier to find what you want on craigslist or a similar site & fix it up then you can see where to go, what to do if you still wish to build...

 

[odledh]

Thank you for all the responses!

One of the main reasons i want to build from scratch is to get experience welding.

This first cart as i think about it may be a little too much to try and incorporate suspension in it. so i might save that for a later date.

Other wise thanks for the suggestions. I will keep a post for build pics as i go!

 

[OzFab]

Search google for "free go kart plans", there are a few out there; there's a lot more if you're willing to part with $30 - $40...