How to Build a 3 Seater Go Kart

Instructions

• 1

  Set three 2-by-4 wood planks onto the ground to form the letter "I". Center the top and bottom planks in the middle of the vertical plank and hammer two nails into each end to secure the three 2-by-4's. The "I" Frame need to extend 5 feet in width for both (front and back sections supporting the wheels and drive systems.

• 2

  Place a flat sheet of plywood over the "I" frame. The plywood overlap cover should cover 5 feet across and 8 feet long. Line up the bottom planks with the plywood. Use a marker on the plywood to outline the position of the planks. The Plywood pieces, which make up the body, needs to be cut 4 feet long (when turned, up right) and the 8 feet length adjusted to the karts body. Hammer approximately 7 to 10 nails to secure the plywood to the 'I' frame. Cut two plywood pieces in a perpendicular fashion 4 feet long, trim down the plywood in order to enclose the side of the go-karts.

• 3

  Place old lawnmower wheels (or similar) at the ends of each of the horizontal planks. Use screw bolts to attach the wheels to the planks. For best results, use a wrench to twist and fasten the screws.

• 4

  Attach your go-kart steering controls. If you're making a go-kart without an engine, consider connecting two ropes to steer the kart.

• 5

  Drill a 3-inch hole into the center of the 2-by-4 within the front "I" frame, drive axle. Add a 6-inch swivel hinge within the wood beam, secure with nuts, and tighten with a wench. Connecting the swivel hinge to the front section of the drive axle, will allow for side-to-side motion of the front axle. If you've designed a go-kart without an engine, connect a 4-foot rope to the swivel hinge in order to steer.

• 6

  Connect the rope ends around the swivel hinge where the beam connects the front axle. When you tug on the rope, the front axle of your go-kart will move in the direction you pull. If you choose to use a motor, you need to assemble the steering wheel with bolt anchoring screws and mount the entire steering system by connecting cables or belts to the front axle frame. Make certain all screws and cables are secure.

• 7

  Cut nine 2-by-4 beams 6 inches wide and 3 feet long. Space the nine beams one foot apart, starting from the center and ending at the rear of the go-kart. Hammer the beams onto the plywood and "I" Frame. The nine cut beams will supply the base for the wood and balance the seats. The legroom inside this go-kart will measure 91 inches front to rear and provide enough legroom for three adults six feet tall and under. Shoulder room inside the go-kart will extend 52 inches from right to left.

• 8

  Bolt the three seats to the plywood floor of your go-kart, by place two planks onto the plywood centered on the "I" frame. You can find a bucket seat from an old car or use three individual seats such as computer chairs. With a wrench, twist anchor bolts to secure the seats to the plywood and wooden frame.

• 9

  Place your motor onto the plywood frame behind the seats. If you're planning to utilize an electric motor, use a 100-amp 36-volt motor that connects to your accelerator and brake pedals by pulley belts. You will want to strap your battery pack down onto the plywood frame. If using a gas motor, consider a push lawnmower engine with a pull cord string. Mount the engine and use a heavy chain sprocket or a pulley belt that goes around the rear wheels.

• 10

  Construct a brake system. Utilize ordinary bicycle brakes or, if you have a bigger engine, or metal disc brakes. Attach the brake cables to the wheels and run the cables through the plywood bottom to a floor pedal.