How to Build Your Own Wooden No-Engine Go-Kart
The wooden no-engine go-kart is a fun toy to build and drive. As there is no engine the go-kart is gravity-powered and rider-controlled, therefore a steep slope is needed to ride the go-kart.
The fun of the wooden go-kart often comes from building it with children and watching the kids race down a hill in something they helped build.
Cut one 2-by-4 52 inches long for the mainframe.
Cut two 2-by-4s for the front and back axles.
Drill a 5/16-inch hole at the end of each axle. The holes should be 4 inches to 6 inches deep.
- The wooden no-engine go-kart is a fun toy to build and drive.
- Cut one 2-by-4 52 inches long for the mainframe.
Drill a 5/16-inch hole at the back of each end of the front axle for the rope.
Measure 14 inches from either end of the front axle and drill a 3/8-inch hole in the centre of the axle.
Attach two 2-by-4 blocks to the axle. Each block should be 2-1/8 inch from the centre hole on either side of the hole. Use four No. 6-by-2-inch screws to attach each block.
Drill a 3/8-inch hole centred on the mainframe and 1-5/8 inch from the front.
- Drill a 5/16-inch hole at the back of each end of the front axle for the rope.
- Measure 14 inches from either end of the front axle and drill a 3/8-inch hole in the centre of the axle.
Use 3/8-by-4-inch hex bolt, four 3/8-inch flat washers, and one 3/8-inch locknut to attach front axle to centre hole of mainframe. Tightness will need to be adjusted to allow for steering.
Align the back axle at a 90-degree angle to the mainframe and clamp in place. Drill two 5/16-inch holes through the axle and the mainframe. Attach the mainframe to the back axle using two 5/16-inch-by-4-inch carriage bolts, two 5/16-inch flat washers, two 5/16-inch split lock washers and two 5/16-inch nuts.
Cut out a 15-inch-by-20-inch square from the plywood for the seat bottom.
Cut out one 8¾-inch-by-20-inch square from the plywood for the seat back.
- Use 3/8-by-4-inch hex bolt, four 3/8-inch flat washers, and one 3/8-inch locknut to attach front axle to centre hole of mainframe.
- Cut out one 8¾-inch-by-20-inch square from the plywood for the seat back.
Cut one 2-by-4 12 to 14 inches in length for seat back support. Bevel this 2-by-4 by 10 degrees at each end.
Attach the back rest support to the mainframe and seat back using two No.8-by-3-inch screws.
Cut out two triangular-shaped pieces from the plywood, and attach them to the backrest support and the mainframe. Use wood glue and No. 6 1-1/2-inch wood screws.
Cut the 2-by-2 surveyor's stake to 14 to 16 inches at an angle and cover with the rubber from the old tire suing No.4-by-1-inch screws and No. 4 fender washers.
- Cut one 2-by-4 12 to 14 inches in length for seat back support.
- Attach the back rest support to the mainframe and seat back using two No.8-by-3-inch screws.
Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the handle close to the rubber end.
Drill a 5/16-inch hole in the mainframe where you are going to attach the brake.
Attach the brake to the mainframe using a 3/8-inch-by-4-inch lag screw and 3/8-inch flat washers on both sides of the handle.
Attach the seat belt with fasteners of your choice.
Attach the rope to the front axle.
Use 3/8-inch-by-6-inch lag screws and four 3/8-inch washers to attach the wheels.
References
Tips
- Install the brake on the right front wheel for ease of use.
Warnings
- Use the seat belt and wear a helmet when operating the go-kart.
Writer Bio
Based in Sacramento, Calif., Russel Langley has been writing professionally since 2006. His work has appeared in the "Tailwind," the local publication for Travis Air Force Base in California, as well as on several websites. Langley holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The Union Institute.