How to Make a Go Cart

From the early days of our youth, it seems their has been a preoccupation with vehicles and racing, pushing the boundaries and limits of acceleration and speed. The inner-kid's desire to build a go-kart may still be burning inside of you. Or, perhaps, you have a kid now and, while reliving your glory go-kart days, can help establish theirs. It may not be pretty, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wheels from a lawnmower or wagon
• a sheet or two of plywood
• 2x4's or as much scrap wood as possible
• nails and screws
• drill, hammer and screwdriver
• a helmet
• rope
• wooden or metal dowel to fit in the wheel

The Need for Speed is just a Go-Kart Away!

1. Lay down your design on a piece of paper, calculating the exact amount of materials you will need. Remember, the idea here is not to make a smooth looking corvette, but a working go-kart, even if it looks like it was put together with trash.

2. Get your wheels and fasten them on to your dowel. The dowel should fit snugly into the wheel holes. Make sure to fasten it on with by drilling a hole through both and inserting a couple screws.

3. Cut a large piece of plywood for your car's base and secure the wheel axels underneath it with u-braces, making sure to leave some room for the dowels to move, so you can turn it.

4. Tie a piece of rope around each end of the dowel. This will be how you "steer", by pulling on one side of the rope and thus changing direction of the wheels.

5. Build the body of your car to your own liking, hammering or screwing in as many boards and plywood as you like.

6. Add a seat. Build one out of wood, or secure one down by using an old riding lawnmower or car seat.

7. Make a break by taking a piece of wood, gluing rubber on it and nailing it onto the side of you car. That way, when you want to stop, you simply pull up on the board, allowing it to sping behind you and press up against the back wheel, stopping you vehicle. If you like, add a hole in the base of your kart so you can put your feet down, if needed, and stop a la Fred Flinstone.

8. Decorate your car, adding stickers, flags, a number, and painting it to your own liking. Be creative as you want.

9. Give you kart a name and try it out. Have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• By doing an online search of go-karts you will be able to find more complex and accurate ideas for the wheel axles. It will take some more time and money, but will give you a car that is easier to steer and fits specifications for locally-held go-kart derbies.
• Remember, these are the blue prints for a simple go-kart and is not designed to be raced in competition or down steep hills. Have fun and be safe, always wearing a helmet.

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