Jeff
Dork
7/27/11 8:51 p.m.
Hi all,
I want to build a go kart that will use the Honda 6.5 HP 4 stroke (or a clone). Anyone here done that? Looking for advice and plans. This will be my first fabrication project (see welder thread).
Any and all insight appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff
Just Google go carts, tons n tons of suppliers and ideas. You'll be needing their axles, brgs, sprockets, clutches, wheels/ tires etc anyway. You can usually find their wheelbase and track listed on cart sales site, then go from there. Youtube is good for ideas also.
Where you going w/ this?... staight axle or a-arm front, swingarm rear w/ shocks
n you're gonna want a mig welder and tubing notcher
In reply to AquaHusky:
I shouldn't have seen that.
There was a Grassroots Go-Karts article in the mag a few months ago. I dont think its posted online. yet.
It involved converting old rear engined riding mowers to karts for cheap. I guess that wouldnt really tickle your fabrication itch so much though.
Loosecannon:
How far are you from the 918 area code?
I cut the wheel base of a sic stock cart. Camber and angle have been pushed extreme for drifting. Basically I cut them short and re-welded. Dropped San eleven horse four stroke on the break and welded some mounts. You can always fabricate from an existing chassis fairly easy.
Woody
SuperDork
7/28/11 7:52 a.m.
I still don't understand why this book doesn't get more attention around here.
mndsm
SuperDork
7/28/11 7:59 a.m.
Because the woman on the cover is freakin' scary?
Ron looks kind of scary there too.
Because an off-road buggy doesn't pull Gs around my local Kart track?
RossD
SuperDork
7/28/11 8:51 a.m.
$163.20 say my little desktop widget.
Not sure if you're interested in the destination or the journey, but you'll probably save money by finding a frame on CL.
I picked up a sweet chassis with a live axle for $50 with a running motor. I later found out it's a vintage racing kart and I'm now spending money to restore it. Otherwise, it would have been perfect for what you're looking for.
Even for a fun kart, I would model it after a racing kart which would have a live axle.
Jeff
Dork
7/28/11 12:30 p.m.
For this one, I'm interested in the journey. I'm going to use this to learn how to fabricate. And hopefully end up with a cart that I can drive without killing myself.
I need to just bite the bullet and order all of Ron's books. They need a place on the shelf with the rest of my reference material.
Thanks,
Jeff
Probably a good thing you're that far away!
Jeff wrote:
For this one, I'm interested in the journey. I'm going to use this to learn how to fabricate. And hopefully end up with a cart that I can drive without killing myself.
OK. Enjoy the journey.
Only caution I'd toss out would be to make sure whatever cart you build will be one you will use and enjoy. Be it a yard toy, a track racer, a cyclecar, or some bizzare creation.
NOHOME
Reader
7/28/11 3:32 p.m.
Karts are great. Where are you going to use it?
The first cart you need to build is the one for your welder.
The practice will be good so that you don't have your new go-cart do a keystone cops routine!