Building a go cart

This project all started with the desire to build something with a few parts I had in the old shed. I had a good running Briggs engine and some old pipe. But that didn't give the idea yet, it was the way my son's eyes lit up when he saw one parked outside for sale. At that point I knew what I wanted to make but how. One day when dumping off some old outboard parts at the recycling center I saw an old craftsman tractor with some good wheels and tires now I was going to do this. 

This photo shows the start. I cut the front axle to the tractor and welded a pipe between it to get the desired front end width. this way I could use the front tires, axles and spindles from the old craftsman. I had to do a little extra welding to support new loads axles we see. I drew plans on paper then used chalk on a flat cement area to get frame lay out

In the next photo you can see my "Frame Machine" I used my chalk lines, square and make shift blocks to hold side rails in place while starting to weld in the cross members.

The next step was more cross member for the seat, steering motor mounts. At this point you can see the front axle with its spindles you can also see the rear axle bearing carriers. The frame is now square and very rigid, next I will work on the steering system. For this I made another trip to my recycling center I found an old Yardman tractor the had some good parts steering wheel, extra front tires, break rod, a needed bearing and a 12 HP vertical shaft engine for a project not yet thought of.

This next photo shows the frame further along It is now getting painted up front, still can't paint rear I need to weld on motor supports and have to figure the exact location. But I am painting as much as I can because its December in Connecticut and its still warm. You can see I welded in one more support for the front axle it also acts as a steering guard. As you can see space is a bit tight.

As you can see in this photo the cart is complete. Curt and I have enjoyed it already, you should have seen the look on his friends faces when I dropped him off at the baby sitters. I had to do a bit o gearing down to move this heavy cart and the 2 of us up the hills but it is holding up well. We have taken it up in the woods and given it a good beating with no signs of stress. Once things warm up we will take it out for some good long runs, no I didn't put any heat in it. Maybe some mud in spring will be some fun for Curt and I, Mom may not enjoy cleaning our cloths.