| If you want to know how to build a go kart frame | | | | building one from scratch. If you will be driving your |
| there are many high quality go kart frame plans | | | | go cart on flat surfaces it will be easier and cheaper |
| available to choose from. A go kart frame is the | | | | to build. Off road go karts require a roll cage |
| foundation for your entire go kart and must be made | | | | attached to the frame and are therefore more |
| correctly for optimum enjoyment. You have several | | | | difficult and expensive to build or buy. |
| choices that will allow you to determine how much or | | | | If you are planning on doing your own welding you |
| how little work you will have to put in before racing | | | | should have a large flat surface to work on. You can |
| around in your new go cart. | | | | use a concrete floor, but a large work bench has |
| You can choose to weld or not weld, it's your | | | | two advantages. A work bench will allow you to |
| decision | | | | work at a higher level and makes it possible to clamp |
| Welding or not welding, that is the question. If you | | | | things down. |
| want to weld your own you have two options. You | | | | Put everything in its proper place |
| can either make and weld your own frame from | | | | When welding your own go kart frame the first thing |
| scratch or buy a go kart frame kit that has not been | | | | you want to do is carefully measure the exact |
| welded yet, which will also include a set of go kart | | | | center of the front axle. Next, lay out the frame |
| frame plans. | | | | components in their proper position on the work |
| If you choose to do your own welding you will either | | | | bench. Once everything is in place begin by tack |
| need a MIG welder or at least have access to one. If | | | | welding it all together, starting at the front axle and |
| you don't have a MIG welder at your disposal you | | | | working your way to the rear bumper. Make sure the |
| can buy a go cart frame kit with the welding already | | | | joints are welded strong enough so they won't come |
| done. Buying a welded frame kit also has the | | | | apart when moving the frame around. |
| advantage of having a steering hoop attached. This is | | | | A quick inspection and final welding - then it's off to |
| one of the most difficult parts of making your own | | | | the races |
| kart, so having the steering hoop already attached | | | | After tack welding is completed make a thorough |
| will eliminate some possible frustrations. | | | | inspection of the frame alignment. Everything must |
| Welded go kart frames can be found cheaply online, | | | | be correctly aligned and the frame should appear |
| you just need to do a little searching. Make sure you | | | | square. If you have followed the go kart frame plans |
| purchase a kit that includes all necessary parts for a | | | | that came with the kit you should be OK. |
| complete frame or go cart. You don't want to be | | | | Your next step is to perform your final welding |
| shopping for miscellaneous parts throughout the | | | | duties. Clamp the frame to the work table, making |
| building process as it can take all the fun out of the | | | | sure it is straight, square, and aligned properly. This |
| project. | | | | will keep the frame from warping. Follow the |
| Starting with a high quality go kart frame kit | | | | instructions that came with the kit and weld all of the |
| Starting with a good kit is the best approach if you | | | | joints. After welding is completed it's a simple matter |
| are building your first go kart. Once you have a little | | | | of finishing the kit according to the plans that were |
| experience under your belt you may want to try | | | | included. |