Once upon a time, go-carts were a pleasant summer's pastime for many kids, and the pieces used to put them together were varied and often inspired, with necessity being the mother of invention. Today, making a go-cart is approaching the same scientific methods used to craft a Formula I race car, with finely tuned and specially designed motors, and lightweight metal bodies of the most aerodynamic designs.
But for a bit of old-fashioned fun, you can still make a basic, do-it-yourself, gravity powered go-cart for use on a downhill slope, eliminating the need for expensive motors and other hi-tech parts.
The best idea is to first decide what kind of cart you want to make, and research plans on the Internet. The least expensive, would be the old-fashioned carts built on a 2" x 4" wood chassis, with plywood sides and hood. They won't be as fast as those made from modern kits, but they're a great start for children before parents sink a lot of money into something that their kids lose interest in after a while.
Once you have the plans, look around your home, or relatives' and see if you can scavenge the basic wood needed. Your next biggest concerns, will be wheels, steering and brakes. Even without a motor, go-carts can attain high speeds and the driver must have some method of control when they are rolling down a hill at high speed.
Old baby carriages and strollers can be a good source for wheels. Junk yards may have such treasures as old grocery carts that are not only good for wheels, but an excellent handle bar to be mounted on the back for someone to give you that all important push. You might also be able to scavenge a small steering wheel from a lawn tractor, or all terrain vehicle. If the steering mechanism on these has not been destroyed by an accident, you can also pick that up at the same time, and save yourself the extra effort of creating one with wood, screws and joints.
Whichever model of go-cart you choose to make, remember that it is a wheeled vehicle that can reach high speeds. All children using one should be taught how to handle them properly, and should be equipped with a helmet
Download Plans
http://www.vintageprojects.com/go-kart/pdf/go-kart-plans.pdf
http://www.diygokarts.com/index.html
Lawn mower engine for a go cart
Buy or find the lawnmower (push mowers work best) that you will be getting the donor engine from. Check the engine for major damage and see if it will start up. Check to make sure the pull cord is not jammed (this is a common problem).
Step 2
Disconnect the blade from the drive shaft on the bottom of the mower deck. This can usually be done by loosening the one or two screws located on the blade.
Step 3
Loosen the bolts holding the engine to the mower deck and break the engine free from the deck. Detach any wires or cords connecting the engine to the deck or the handlebar.
Step 4
Fashion a bracket from the stainless steel sheet metal that mounts the engine on its side at a 90-degree angle. This allows the drive shaft to be located in the proper position to attach the cogs and chain.
Step 5
Mount the cog to the drive shaft and connect the chain to the go-kart's axle cog. Attach the gas tube to the carburetor and connect all of the electrical connections as they were on the lawnmower.
Pull the cord and get started racing!
Whoo Hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
NOTE!
I am sure that a helmet is now required to have fun ! but my fat old butt is still willing to go go carting.
