How to Make a Soapbox Go Cart

Cut a ply base approximately 450 mm wide by 650 mm long. This forms the seat of the cart. Cut two plywood sides and a plywood back to fit the seat. Use a jigsaw to create rounded sides. Secure the sides and back to the seat base and to each other using wood glue and 50 mm screws through the underside of the base.

Cut the main pine chassis to a length approximately 1.5 meters depending on the size of the likely driver.

Use a router and sandpaper to cut and smooth a recess to fit and house the rear wheel axle.

Fit the seat base to the chassis using glue and 50 mm wood screws. Ensure that the axle recess is located beneath the seat where the axle can slide to fit snugly but in a fixed position.

Cut the pine front wheel axle support to the same length as the seat width (approximately 450 mm). Fit it to the front of the chassis using a coach bolt and washer. Ensure it is secure but loose enough to swivel so the cart can be steered. Fit the two axle brackets to its underside using bolts.

Slide the axles into rear recess and through the front axle brackets. Fit the wheels, secured by locking pins and washers.

Drill holes at each end of the front axle support. Fit and tie the rope to form a steering loop, long enough to be held while in the seating position.

Paint and decorate with a dash of paint to give your cart a special look, perhaps of a racing car with its number emblazoned on the front or a slash of lightning down the side. Apply a coat of varnish to make it sleek.