Building an off-road go kart

[eidderf]

I'm currently building an off-road go kart and would like some advice on engines and transmission systems. Also ideas on the axle, sprocket and breaks.

[fivecheebs]

Years ago, a mate of mine built an off road buggy using a bike engine and Mini axles iirc. It was very very basic, no suspension other than the air (or lack of) in the tyres lol. It was completely vicious, and great fun :D

The bike engine is a great option due to its small size and small sequential gear box.

Lets see some pics of what you've done so far. :thumb:

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

One of our other members Cobalt built an off road go cart. You should check out his thread here (http://www.wizdforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2810&highlight=cart).

[eidderf]

I went out this evening and got some pictures. it measures about 220cm long by 80cm wide so it's BIG ...
http://shutter02.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/15/003/5E/FF/EE/9F/NaP4S-bV4ItstJhVkjbL64BDnSZAHf0o0300.jpg
http://shutter02.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/16/005/67/5D/06/88/I34YqRvfvRgoIsvxruzMXgC3Tvia2z2-0300.jpg
http://shutter04.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/20/005/79/55/3A/CF/UJu4gyGO78tlNijTQxOE7Vt02olXZ6JL0300.jpg
As you can probably see, its made of dexion steel, that's not such a bad thing though, the box section shape is super strong and i can modify the design without cutting any welded joints, obviously it needs sanding and painting .. it rains every day in norfolk ...

[eidderf]

have i posted the images right? how do i do it?

[fivecheebs]

Hi eid.

I've fixed the images for you :thumb:

You need to figure out the web address of the image itself, not the page its displayed on. If you look at your AOL album, right click the picture itself, and go to properties, you will find out the address of the image, then its just a case of cutting and pasting the url into the post, between the img tags. Go to edit your post and look at the BB code.

[eidderf]

Thanks mate,
call me Freddie

[fivecheebs]

Ahh Freddie backwards! :wiz:

No probs :thumb:

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Thats an impressively chunky frame freddie.

[eidderf]

mmmm... I'm thinking about using an electric motor for the kart, 2000watt or something... Also, a mate of my younger brother's has an old rotavator , I'm yet to see it, but if its powerful enough then ill probably take it. Anyone got any ideas on cheap electric motors?

[jaguarking11]

That steering arm looks weak. Maybe a redesign?

I would say reaserch the lotus 7 frame and get inspiration from that and modify as needed for strength. Chunky does not mean strong.

If you do start a project log, please post it here.

As for cheep electric motors? A golf car motor should do you nicely. You can even use two in a series to give it a bit more torque. Sometimes the junkyards will have the parts necesary.

I drove an electric go cart a few weeks ago, it was stated to do 40mph, I can tell you its very quick, duno how fast it went. It even had slicks. Too bad on my first lap the tires were very cold and I spun 180. After some heat up time, you can feel your neck bouncing off the hands device into and out of every turn. Fun machines. Could squeal tires out of every turn as well. I was sore for 3days after about 50laps on one of those.

Remember keep it light, and KISS comes to mind when building such a project. :toast:

[eidderf]

sounds like a good day out. I looked at the lotus 7 frame and some other similar frames, i think you're right about frame modification, ill do some sketches and post them soon.
Which bit of the steering arm did you mean?

[jaguarking11]

this bit http://shutter04.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/20/005/79/55/3A/CF/UJu4gyGO78tlNijTQxOE7Vt02olXZ6JL0300.jpg

I would snap that in about two minutes around the course. Look for something with more rigidity. If you can get the front steering arms from the golf cart I mentioned b4, you would be better off. Last thing you want is a wheel coming off or two while going for a ride.

Also look for a decent disc brake for the rear, stick away from the cheepo drum sets sold, they don't stop very well. I would personally go as far as adapting a single disc brake from a car if nothing suitable comes up. Safety first huh? Again a walk through a local scrap yard can yeild parts for cheep and can greatly improve the performance of such a vehicle.

Have fun

[Pug]

I'm a little dubious on the whole idea of using Dexion for the frame in the first place, tbh. :unsure:
I guess it could be reinforced with strategic welds but I'd be too worried as to how it would hold up personally (especially the front box section, never mind just the steering rod).
Have you given any thought to snagging a pipe bender and redoing it?

You could still use the Dexion for non structural parts like seat runners and so forth but I'd be looking at heavier gauge steel for true off road use, ideally.


Mind you, if you want some inspiration as to what to aspire to, check this out (http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/09/z59_incredible_homebuilt.html). ;-)

[jaguarking11]

I know your in the UK, but here is a helfull link to parts, if for nothing but the part numbers.

http://www.ekartusa.com/

I was thinking of building a cart first before I go ahead and build a full kit car.

Hopefully it helps.

[cobalt6700]

hey,

if you wanna chat mate, send me a PM. learnt alot from building mine.

looks like a good start anyways.

have a good one.