How to Build a Go Kart Frame

Build a Frame Using Tubing

• 1

  Sit down on the floor, picture yourself in your Go Kart and draw with chalk the measurements that are comfortable for your legs. Usually frames have a width of one third to two thirds the size of the frame at the wheel base to fit two riders. A wider wheel base creates better stability so it doesn't tip over.

• 2

  Cut the metal tubing first with a chop saw, and then lay out the frame to see how it looks.

• 3

  Weld round to round tubing using a tubing notcher. The round tubing where your feet rest has to be wedged accurately to the tubing, so that the pieces are joined solidly together, a process called "fishmouthing."

• 4

  Connect round to square by sawing the round tubing flat and welding it to the square. Another option is to heat the end of round material and hammer it flat.

• 5

  Use round tubing to install a roll bar in front and over the rider's head to prevent injury in case of an accident. Customize the frame and seating arrangement from 2 inches off the ground to ensure a solid center of gravity, so the Go Kart doesn't flip over.

Build a Frame Using Angle Iron

• 6

  Use angle iron for the entire frame, or just for parts of the kart that you need to bend into angles. Use Step 1, Section 1 to create the basis of your frame.

• 7

  Saw off one side of the iron, and then heat and bend as necessary.

• 8

  Weld after reaching the desired shape through heating and bending. Reinforce the frame by adding filler material.

• 9

  Decorate your frame with bends using a Harbor Freight pipe bender.