First of all let me tell you something about my background. Graduated with a computer science degree from the California State University, and currently working on my MBA at University of Delaware. Ever since I was kid I had this “gift” of taking things apart, and building something else out of it. Basically I love working and building stuff, and if it has engines then even better. One more thing, English is not my first language so please bear with me. Of course, this following description is not the only way of building an off-road go-kart, it is just my idea and approach of doing it.  With this I am just trying to share my experience so that it might help someone else in building a go-kart.

One day I was watching Junk Yard Wars on TLC (go-kart challenge), and came up with the idea of building my own off-road go-kart (buggy). At that time I was looking for a project and was toying with the idea of building a vehicle. I have this thing that I like to pick a new project every year or so and build or learn something new, as if I don’t have enough things in my life. So that is how everything got started.

 
First of all building an off-road go-kart is not for everyone. It takes a lot of time, tools, energy, work, and money. My advice is not to build one from scratch, simply buy one from someone, and then fix it up. Building a go-kart from scratch takes a lot of time and money. I am not trying to scare you I am just stating the facts. I naively decided to build a go-kart from scratch not completely understanding how much time it will take. So consider yourself warned. It is a great project to do, and very rewarding for people that like to build stuff. But just to give you an idea how expensive it can get, I will list the tools that you will need: welder ($300-$500), grinder to cut steal $70, good drill $50, plus some other small tools as well ($100). For a go-kart you will need an steel($100-300) ,engine ($300-400), seats ($100-200), clutch ($50-100), brakes ($50-100), seat belts ($10-100), differential, shocks ($30-100), tires ($50), etc. As you can see, it quickly becomes an expensive toy. Price will vary dramatically depending on the type and complexity of a project, and your shopping tactics.

You will need a place were you will be able to work during the next 3-6 months. A place where you are welcome, and you will be able to keep your stuff and tools all over the place, a dry and well ventilated place with a concrete floor. You also need neighbors that will not mind all the extra noise (I am so lucky that mine did put-up with me), please be courtious and don’t work on the go-kart after 9pm. Another huge pain is a steel dust that steel produces; it is very hard to clean up.