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How to Build a Downhill Go Kart

Before the advent of television, internet and video games, go-karting was a tremendously popular sport during the summer months. While go-karting has died down in popularity in recent years, there is still a die-hard group of go-karting enthusiasts who practice the sport, many of them with their children. There are many types of go-karts available through building kits, but if you prefer to build your own you will find that the process, while time-consuming, is a rewarding task.

Things You'll Need

2-by-4 long wood planks
2-by-4 short wood planks
Plywood
Measuring tape
Nails
Hammer
Saw
Wheels
Steering wheel and mechanism
Bicycle brakes
Zip ties
Caulk or hot glue gun

Instructions

Building a Downhill Go-Kart
- 1
  Construct the chassis. A basic chassis involves a single plank of wood, or "spine" to run along the bottom of the entire go-kart. Use a hammer and nails to secure smaller planks of wood, two or three rows, perpendicular to the spinal plank. At the ends of these smaller planks, create a box-shaped cage around the front of the vehicle. Use the other two long planks of 2-by-4 wood as support beams inside the box you have constructed to prevent the box from swaying or potentially tipping over.
- 2
  Measure the sides and top of the go-kart and cut the plywood accordingly. Be sure to account for the size of the person who will be driving the go-kart when taking the measurements.
- 3
  Scavenge some wheels. Strollers, baby carriages and grocery carts are an ideal source for wheels that are durable and the perfect size. If you want larger wheels, consider using the rear wheels of tricycles.
- 4
  Acquire a wheel and steering column. Old riding lawn mowers and motorized toddler vehicles are ideal as they are pre-constructed and roughly the size of a downhill go-kart.
- 5
  Secure the wheel to the frame of the go-kart. Using either aluminum secures or a lot of zip-ties, secure the steering wheel and column to the interior of the go-kart. Ensure the lower spokes protrude from the go-kart's body enough that you can attach the wheels. If not, you can extend the spokes by replacing the metal bar with another longer bar.
  
  Note that you may need to use a wrench to fasten the nuts to the spokes.
- 6
  Attach the braking mechanism to the go-kart. If you want a simple braking system, use a single piece of wood on a swivel as a lever, pressing one end against each of the forward or aft wheels. If you want something slightly more advanced, take the hand brakes from an old bicycle.
- 7
  Lay the plywood on the frame of the go-kart. Use nails to secure the plywood along the bottom, sides and top of the go-kart. Secure the corners together using either a caulk or hot glue gun. This will work with the nails to keep the sides connected to the top and bottom, as well as keep any water or paint out of the interior of the go-kart.

Soap Box Derby