adventure sports are deeply penetrating society and more and more of us are fans of hobbies like karting, where speed makes our adrenaline levels rise and we forget about our daily problems for a few kilometers. If you are already tired of renting the same vehicle every weekend or you would like to have your own but the crisis means that you cannot purchase one, the easiest thing is to make your own.
The pride and excitement of knowing that you are going to be able to drive a kart made by you is everything. But the first thing you have to do is follow all the steps to get to that moment. We will give you the necessary tips and if possible, without you getting ruined. So take note, let's get started!
We are not going to deceive you, you have to have time, space to start building the kart and desire to carry it out, although it is also true that when you have a hobbyany time It's good to dedicate to it. That's why we're going to start by looking for a place to get to work. It is best to find a workshop or garage, as it will allow you to have the tools at your fingertips while not taking up much space. Also, as the kart takes shape, you will need a place to store it.
But, "selling the bear skin before hunting it" is never good advice, so we will start by making a list of all the materials you need to build your go-kart.
Steps to make a homemade kart
1. Gather all the relevant materials that the kart will need. Look around your house for tubes that you may have or go to a junkyard where you can find them in good condition.To make a kart you will need:
- 9 m square tube and approximately 2.5 cm in diameter.
- Round steel bar measuring 1 m and about 2 cm in diameter.
- Steel bar 2 m and 1.5 cm in diameter.
- Wooden plate with a length and width slightly larger than the motor but a thickness of 0.5 cm will suffice.
- A motorcycle engine or even a lawnmower engine that you no longer use will work. If it is possible that it is two-stroke and that it has two strokes, with or without a gearbox (with it you can reach up to 130 km/h.).
- Plate/s (depending on how many seats you want the kart to have) made of wood or metal. Whatever you prefer.
- Another plate of the same material that you have chosen for the seats for the base of the kart.
- Chain so that the motor fits on the wheel.
- Bolts and washers.
- Plastic tank for gasoline.
- 4 wheels.
- 1 steering wheel.
- Gearbox.
- Handbrake.
- Steering axle.
- One pedal for the brake and another for the accelerator.
- Get or borrow a soldering iron to be able to join the pieces in the best and easiest way.
- Saw or any other tool that helps you cut the pieces precisely.
* Important: cut the materials precisely so that they fit without problems later. Measuring and marking the tubes to be as accurate as possible is essential.
2. Have on hand a plan with the kart you are going to make or a model. It is the best way for you to organize yourself and follow the order of building the vehicle. Of course, and if you are not bad at drawing, you can dare to draw your own plan, following a model that you like and adapting the measurements that we have previously told you to the kart that you are going to build.
3. Moving on to the collation of all the parts so that the kart works correctly, we recommend that you work in a large space where you have the parts on hand and can work comfortably, such as a garage or patio.
- Cut the tubes and first weld everything related to the chassis to first form the structure of the kart in parts so that it is easier for you.The chassis is the main thing, since it encompasses not only the body but the entire internal mechanical structure. Thanks to it, the vehicle will be able to start and once finished you will be able to show off your good taste in terms of the combination of colors and details. It supports both main and auxiliary pieces and usually measures 30 or 32 in diameter. You have to keep in mind that when manufacturing it, karts do not have suspension, unlike other types of vehicles, so you must try to make it as flexible as possible.
- The most advisable thing, especially if you have purchased the engine from a scrapyard, is to test it first because it will surely that hasn't turned on for a while. But you can also use an engine from a mower or lawnmower, for example.
- It is important that the transmission bar is resistant because the engine will depend on it (which is quite heavy).
- Pay special attention when welding the engine since the rest of the parts such as the brakes, traction or wiring hang from there. But don't forget to make sure that in addition to the engine, the clutch, steering and brake will be completely fixed once welded.The tires will allow you to advance but in the market you will find countless models, the climate being a fundamental element for you to make the decision. Depending on the condition of the track, you will need dry or rain tires.
- When you are going to assemble the rear axle you have to take maximum care of one detail: make sure that the tree is in the correct position and parallel to the two front wheels, otherwise you could have serious problems with the direction and with the life of the tires.
- The center pivots, the steering arms, the track bar coupling or the drop arm are elements to take into account, since with them the chassis will take shape and take on a structure stable enough to get you closer to having your own kart.
* If you are not very familiar with using tools, don't worry, because you can do almost everything without having previous experience. Of course, at certain times you will have no choice but to ask for help from someone who has enough knowledge to be able to give you a hand.
4. Once you have all the parts welded and your kart painted to your liking, the time has come to start it and you will be amazed that you have created this vehicle of which you will feel especially proud.
Building a karting will take a lot of time but it is surely worth it. If you don't get it the first time, don't give up, the rush that competing with your own racing car will give you is going to be brutal. But regardless of this, you can always ask experts for advice or go to a karting circuit and see how these motorized machines work. Surely there is a track very close to you, and if not, click here and take a look at all the possibilities What do you have to drive a professional kart before hitting the asphalt with yours?
