Nothing says summer time fun than a home-built go-kart that can race down the driveway with just as much thrill as two story roller coasters.

A go-karts (also called “go-cart”) can be gravity powered (without a motor) or include electric or gas powered motors. The gravity powered kind are also known as Soap Box Derby racers, and are the simplest kind to make since all you need is wheels, a frame, and a good hill (and a helmet!).

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Materials:

Hardware Bits and Pieces:

• 4-6″ wheels that do NOT swivel
• 3-5′ rope
• two door hinges
• One 4-1/2″ threaded hex head bolt with 4 washers and 2 nuts
• 2 heavy duty eye hooks
• Box of 1-1/2″ long coarse threaded wood or drywall screws
• Six 3″ long coarse threaded wood or drywall screws

Wood:

• one piece that is 4″ x 1″ x 24″
• one piece that is 6″ x 2″ x 8 feet cut into three pieces (one 4′ long piece and two pieces that are 2′ long each)

Tools:

• Crescent wrench, open end wrenches, or socket wrench
• Saw for cutting wood to size
• Drill and drill bits (also a 1/2″ bit)
• Measuring tape
• Pencil

Make sure you wear your HELMET and get someone to help you with the power tools!

The go-kart we’re going to make is long enough to hold two passengers, so feel free to shorten it up a bit if you’re only needing it for one passenger. You’ll need only a couple of tools like  a drill and a saw, and also some experienced adult help and you’ll be off and riding this vehicle in under two hours, from start to finish.

After you’ve got this working, you’re probably going to be more than a little popular, especially with younger kids that might be too small to ride safely. Here’s a smaller version you can build them with only a few parts. You’ll not only get points for making something really cool, but it’ll keep them busy so you can ride your new go-kart!

And yes, you must INSIST that everyone wears helmets, or you’ll take the wheels off. Helmet hair is way more fashionable than squashed brain cells.

Click here to go to next lesson on Shooting the Sand.

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