ok i know this isnt car related so lock if needed. anyhow i was curious on what i would have to do to build a homemade go-kart that wont require welding and get to atleast 10mph with me (220lbs 6ft tall) person in it and that could be done by one person. i was thinking i'll probaly have to use wood to make this work. so what should i all need and how much could i expet to pay. i would like to keep around a 100bucks if possible. i have no idea where to begin. thanks. also i dont even really need a engine since i can just push it down my hill. but i would like a engine eventually. could i use wheels from a bicycle along with chain/chain wheel and pedals or is it to much weight to push? thanks.

 

Instead of removing parts from a bicycle, why don't you just ride the bicycle?

 

so you really want a soap box car

 

Go here:

http://www.diygokarts.com

I've build two cheap karts for my kids. They'll haul me (200lbs) at about 20-25mph. They can be made to go much much much faster though.

 

Yeah basically a soap box, build a frame our of 2x4's or 4x4's depending on how confident you are, and then plywood covering, this part is pretty cheap and easy to build.

the axles are a bit more difficult, you would start with some metal tubing, you gear or spocket , and wheels, take the metal tubing and a bolt that fits the bearing in your wheels and weld or can use JBweld, also depends on how brave you are. I'm about the same size and I don't know if I would trust it,

as well as putting the larger sprocket on the bearing with weld or jbweld.

There is a couple ideas for steering. The easiest way would be to set up a center bearing on the front axle allowing the whole axle to pivot and tightly secure ropes to the ends and bring them inside the box.

you will need the pedals bearing, sprocket and chain, combine them together where you feet will be to pedal, connecting with a chain,

for a brake fashion a 2x4 with a wider rounded in at the bottom, tapered up to a handle, secure with glue and screws a heavy piece of rubber to the end and secure into frame either a heavy bolt of screw, it should be tighter enough not to fall on it's own but loose enough to be able to use


ALWAYS wear helmet and or other protection and I cannot be help accountable for any injuries or mechanical malfunctions of any kind. This is not a how to only a suggestion and does not reflect the opinion of the forum or even the person who posted it. Have fun, try not to die

 

I've got a spare 750cc motorcycle motor, miscellaneous brake components, plenty of stainless rods for linkage, and a welder in the garage so I've often though about this. The only problem is that I have no where to drive it unless I go ~1.5 hours north to my Aunt's farm and if I do that it would be a lot easier to haul my dirt bike instead. I definitely have the desire just not the need... then again, do I really neeeed Koni shocks either? lol

 

Well when looking at the at the earlier posts, it was more like a push car.

A little bit of welding skill will go a long way. I will say though with a 750, depending on how you gear it, this thing will fly. You would need a fairly strong frame, and good welds to make it safe but it is doable. The average go kart has 5-10hp and that's enough to pick it up and go decently. A 750cc will probably run you......about 10 times that, probably 50hp on the lower end. You will need to gear this properly to A. make it safe, and B. utilize power properly. If build right it may almost be more fun than you dirt bike

 

I know how to weld and have a MIG in the garage with a TIG at work that I can use. The 750cc motor I have is rated at 98hp and 54ft/lbs from the factory, so yeah, it will "fly." Power delivery won't be an issue when there are 6 gears to choose from. As far as frame strength is concerned, this thing would probaly end up being more of a mini baja buggy then a go-kart because the trails on my Aunts farm have a good number of jumps (the longest is ~18') and banked turns. When all is said and done, yes it probably would be more fun but that will require a lot of time and money to complete. Since the dirt bike takes up so little room and I already have it, I'm just going to stick with that for now.

If this thread doesn't end up getting locked, keep us posted on what you do iroc stangs. To keep it thirdgen related, you could make a body for it in the shape of a Camaro/Firebird.