How to Build a Go Cart

A Go Cart is a small car like thing with simple, uncomplicated design, four wheels, a brake and an automotive engine. Go Cart is also called Go Kart, Off-Road Buddy and Gearbox Kart. Driving a go cart has the same pleasure as driving a car, without the fear of applying for a license! Though it is fairly easy to build a go cart, one does require investment in the form of time, money, patience and special tools.

Here is how you can Build a Go Cart

  1. Build a go cart taking into consideration the age and weight of the people who will drive it. If you are making a go cart for children, make it 35 inches wide by 50 inches in length. For adults, you can have it 40 inches wide by 70 inches in length.
  2. Cut metal tubing according to the design you prefer, and then weld. You can also use gussets at the corner areas for more grip.
  3. Make use of a half inch steel rod for steering linkage and about ¾ inch for your axles. You may have to make a ninety degree bend in the ¾ rod.
  4. With a straight piece of ¾ steel rod, build your real axle. You can make use of cotter pins and washers through the axle to maintain the positioning of the assembly.
  5. Fix the drive pulley on the axle before building up the axle in the bushings. Utilize a set screw to keep it in the position or you can weld it straightway to the axle. Make sure it is in line with the pulley on the engine.
  6. Weld a flat part of the 3/16 inch steel plate to the frame on the behind, so that you can sit your engine. Keep the engine on the plate, and make holes for mounting bolts so that the engine pulley is aligned with the drive pulley on the axle.
  7. Fasten the throttle cable to the hand throttle. Make your seat and floorboards from metal or plywood lumber.

Some tips on building the go cart

  1. For spare parts, you have to ask lawn mower repair services or find them in junk yards. Go for four cycle engines with horsepower ranging from 3 to 5, with a drive clutch assembly and a horizontal shaft.
  2. Though you can always buy a manufactured go cart that may be sophisticated than the one shown above, the above method shows you how you can build a go cart on your own.