How to Build an Off Road Go-Cart

Everyone loves to go go-carting! But why spend the money to buy one when you can make one yourself? It is not a simple or quick task, but in the end you'll be able to scoot around in something you can be proud to say you created on your own. Because this is something you or someone else may drive around in, take special care to follow every instruction carefully.

Things You'll Need

• Welding Iron Work gloves Safety glasses Metal cutter Metal file Steel tubes for frame: 12-inch, 12 1/2-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, 54-inch, two 62-inch, 45-inch, 59-inch, two 11-inch, 19-inch, two 60-inch and two 9-inch tubes 2 go-cart seats Back tube: 27-inch on back, 29-inch on angle and 17-inch on ends Old steering system from small car 2 drive axles 8 sprockets 4 chains 4 wheels and wheel tubes

Instructions

1. Use four steel tubes to construct the A-frame of the go-cart. The two long sides will consist of the 12-inch and 12 1/2-inch tubes. The two ends should be constructed using the tubes measuring about 6 inches and 8 inches. The end pieces should slip into the tubes attached to the long pieces. These tubes should be perpendicular to the long pieces, making it easy to slip or screw into place. Repeat this step to create a second A-frame.

2. Attach the spindle to the 6-inch end of each A-frame. Set the double A-frame aside and continue to the next step.

3. Use a wide floor space to lay out the main frame pieces: the back should consist of a 54-inch tube, the right and left sides should each have tubes about 62 inches long and the front tube should measure about 45 inches. This layout should look somewhat like a square, allowing the side tubes to jut in as they reach from the back to the front tubes. Weld these pieces together.

4. Weld a tube about 59 inches long, down the middle and center, from back to front. Jutting out from the front of the frame, weld two 11-inch tubes so they are pointing out. Attach the ends with the 19-inch tube by welding it into place.

5. Measure the attachments on the go-cart seats and weld two 54-inch tubes parallel to the back tube and as far apart as needed to attach the go-cart seats.

6. Secure the go-cart seats into place.

7. Weld the long bent tube for the back. This angled tube should stand straight up as parallel to the seats.

8. Weld 9-inch tubes on each side of the main frame, sticking straight up about 45 inches from the back frame. On each side of the go-cart frame, weld tubes measuring 60 inches. These tubes should be parallel to the main frame and the floor. These 60-inch tubes should rest on the two 9-inch tubes on either side.

9. Place the steering system so that it will be within a little longer than arm's reach of the driver.

10. This is where it gets tricky! Drive axles are essential and need to measure correctly for the right kind of ride on the go-cart. Weld the four drive axles at the proper angles you would like them, and then attach the springs for some shock absorbency.

11. Assemble these all together. First place the wheel on one end of the wheel tube; the wheel tube must be attached to the axle so that it has free-moving motion and the sprocket at the other end of the wheel tube. Attach the chain to one sprocket. Place the other sprocket where the axle meets the frame. Attach the chain to that sprocket. Repeat this step on all four axles.

12. Design any kind of flooring or covering you want, and be on your way!

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt of how to weld or follow other directions, look at a manual for go-carts that explains in extreme detail.

• Always accurately follow each step and secure all parts before going out to drive.