Go Kart Restoration / How to Build

I picked up an old rusty Yerf Dog 3203 frame and restored it back to new. I ended up putting about $400 into this DIY build. I tried to re use the original parts because those are free but ended up going with a new Harbor Freight Predator engine, used my harbor freight welder to fix the spindle, new torque converter, seat, and cables. I reused the frame, shocks, steering, drive axle assembly.
This is a fun summer project build that your kids will love. If you get a hold of an old yerf dog frame definitely worth picking it up and restoring.
I ended up using a Harbor Freight Predator engine: www.harborfreight.com/65-hp-2...
I also used a harbor freight welder for the spindle: www.harborfreight.com/migmax-...
I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.
My kids love it.

[@colmstead5072]

Great video, it's great that your son wants to be involved, although it adds its challenges!

[@-DIYPRO-]

So true!

[@tedbastwock3810]

For selfish reason I hope that one day you DO do sandblasting and powder coating at home yourself so I can mimic your process 😁Seriously, thanks for sharing man. Maybe one day you will be building your own powder coating oven 😎

[@coryhyatt5993]

Makes it all worth it when the individual hears his child giggling and having fun in the passenger seat. Great restoration.

[@-DIYPRO-]

It sure does. Thanks!

[@darrellhowcroft6941]

I thank you and bless you for your blog......

[@XPFTP]

i like the color .. looks good

[@-DIYPRO-]

Right on, thanks!

[@RC_Trailblazers]

Dude, the green looks absolutely awesome!

[@DowntheWrabbitHole]

This would be so fun to make! I live on the top of a hill in my neighbourhood - I'd be zooming down the streets in this baby! Woo hoo!

[@tedbastwock3810]

precious memories 👍

[@wille.m9585]

Just got a 3203 myself perfect video! Just what I plan to do

[@-DIYPRO-]

Right on!

[@michaeljones4388]

I have the same kart and just replaced the motor today. I wish to restore mine like yours sometime soon. It looks really good with that fresh paint!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yes the paint really makes it pop!

[@MegaKencam]

I redid a one seat version of that kart last fall. My son is older so we removed the gov and added some performance parts. It will almost do 50. (down hill and with the wind to my back...)

[@-DIYPRO-]

I'm doing another right now with some aftermarket parts!

[@brianmiller5074]

Great video thanks. I was considering a used go cart and restore it like this video. What would be a good off road brand frame I should be hunting for. I am 185 lb adult. This would be for myself and my grandson to enjoy. Is there brands that are better than others? It amazes me with how many people are looking at getting go carts for recreational use that there are not that many local shops that sell them like in the 80's. Man I miss those great days. Thanks for the great info and any suggestions you or your subscribers can provide.

[@rondremckennon3277]

Awesome job that green is nice

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@dezmoneibensteiner7872]

Thank you so much for the imformation!

[@-DIYPRO-]

No problem!

[@samsgarage1716]

I came out looking fresh.I have the same gokart and I was thinking about painting it.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Paint job goes a long way.

[@samsgarage1716]

Mech Master it really makes a big difference when you take the time to clean it and paint it.I have ten go karts and I hook them up little bit at a time

[@samsgarage1716]

It looks nice

[@Bread45]

Getting an older manco gokart saturday it doesn’t have suspension like yours planning on converting it to suspension and making a body for it with doors windows etc then im planning on doing a electric start stage 4 tilitson 212 and some headlights!!! Super excited to build it for my little sister

[@-DIYPRO-]

What a nice brother. She'll owe you big time.

[@monkeydude3987]

Nice work, looks awesome!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@monkeydude3987]

@@-DIYPRO- Did you do anything with your front shocks/springs? Mine seems to bottom out fairly easily.

[@fearnobeer9077]

Looks good

[@iamyzdemon5717]

The shock hole is one off in the front btw but I just grabbed one of these and I wanna bang one out with my boys and figure out a fun family toy we can all enjoy

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@joeshmo2473]

I have the same kart. Except I'm putting on a 45 inch axle to extend the rear stance and also a 250cc atv 5 speed engine with reverse. Push button start. Remote choke, atv shocks. Bucket racing seats. 5 point harness. Its a savage machine. It freaking rips. Top speed is 65mph

[@-DIYPRO-]

That thing will fly!

[@-DIYPRO-]

That thing will fly!

[@giancarloperez8533]

Where did you buy the engine?

[@stephenrios4642]

Where did you get the seats?

[@arberfilms5998]

Why a push button start? Then someone can just steal your go kart amd drive away.

[@TheBiliken]

Can you post a link for the grip tape?

[@dezmoneibensteiner7872]

Great job! I'm about to do the same thing on my Yerf Dog 3203 frame. I'm wondering what torque converter kit do you use?

[@-DIYPRO-]

If you want cheap they have them on ebay for around $60. If you want it to last for a really long time spend the extra and get a comet brand. Just search for go kart torque converter there will be thousands that come up, double check you get one that matched the shaft size of motor.

[@abrahamtimosa9403]

That was an awesome Go Kart engine you got there. Looks pretty cool. Lets support each other by the way.

[@joaquinmaciel4431]

Where did you buy the bench seat and seat belts

[@GinfoTechchannel]

Nice.

[@suwandidiesel5945]

Apik tenan iki

[@dacallins0884]

Wow that bad boy is struggling

[@joaquinmaciel4431]

Where did you buy the grip tape

[@richardlongoria8073]

What measurements did you use for the plywood for the seat. I need to redo mines and just wondering exactly what you used

[@-DIYPRO-]

I'm not sure, I don't have the kart anymore. If you still have the seat frame I just used that as a template.

[@theosciliafamily7936]

This looks amazing, your very talented. Like #4 from us, Great video :)

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@dezmoneibensteiner7872]

Hey Mech Master, I'm having a hard time finding the right clutch and torque converter can you tell me the name and model of the clutch system you are using? I have a predator 212 non hemi motor.

[@-DIYPRO-]

This comes with both a #35 and #41/#40 size chain sproket. You'll still need chain that matches the sproket on the axle. If you have the same style yerf dog it has #40 chain. I used one just like this: www.ebay.com/itm/PREDATOR-6-5-HP-212CC-GO-KART-TORQUE-CONVERTER-3-4-OHV-HORIZONTAL-SHAFT-ENGINE/332431324228?hash=item4d66737444:g:RbMAAMXQTT9Ru8dN&frcectupt=true

[@mattholman5337]

Really like the color..what shade of green did you use

[@-DIYPRO-]

It's a florescent green.

[@slyguysnype]

did u ever upload the full build i want to redu my seats and wonding the dementions and how u put it all together someone put hard plastic seats on the one i picked up want to put the back to normal bench seats

[@-DIYPRO-]

Sadly no, i lost most of the footage in a computer swap. The great thing is when making one from scratch you can make it however you want, it just needs to mount up and your good.

[@mr03mach12]

Hey there did you have to cut any material off the torque converter plate for fitment

[@-DIYPRO-]

Maybe, this one was a while ago so I can't remember for sure but I know I've had to cut some of them in the past.

[@jeraldcasarez4454]

what tires size did you run in the front and back?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I can't remember exactly and I don't have the kart anymore. do you have one already and trying to match? All tires have the size listed on the side wall. If not check out BMI bike parts, they have an entire section for yerf dog parts.

[@timothysirmon1655]

My only question is how do you know what parts work and where do you get replacement parts if you don’t know the brand or anything?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I knew it was a Yerf Dog cart so I searched compatible parts with that. Some you just have to modify and make work!

[@SnitchHD1]

Which engine do you recommend the most? HONDA GX240, or Predator engine 301?

[@-DIYPRO-]

If you have the money I'd already choose Honda's over anything.

[@ahmondeboxley2950]

Nice video again are you located in the south by any chance

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks again. No, I'm in Utah.

[@cierraevette2258]

Man look like my go kart

[@-DIYPRO-]

Hopefully looks like the green one, right!

[@PoopNuker]

Wow you sound exactly like Jeranism 😂😂

[@-DIYPRO-]

I'd never heard of him but i looked it up and i can see where you are coming from.

[@DIY-dv7xj]

I'm having trouble getting the axle off did u just take off the 3 bolts and nuts off each side of the axle

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yes those are the only fasteners. The bearing plates sit in an indent or pocket so you need to stick a large screwdriver between the 2 plates to seperate them all the same time pushing down. Also if its been sitting for a long time rust will not be your friend. Hope that helps and makes sense.

[@DIY-dv7xj]

@@-DIYPRO- yea rust is gonna be my friend on this one it's been sitting 5 years well wish me luck thanks for the insight on it

[@jessecastro5494]

Tires and wheels?

[@Acephx1]

Nice......how many cans of paint did you use

[@-DIYPRO-]

About 4 cans of green, 2 clear coat cans.

[@Acephx1]

@@-DIYPRO- thanks for getting back to me

[@CarterKlan]

What type of frame was this?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yerf Dog 3203. Hope that helps.

[@alexchristian5399]

How far is the back of the seat to the pedals

[@cavemanjoe7972]

He's 6'4", so most likely different than what yours would be.

[@joeyjimenez99]

ihave a question.why do my tires start to spin when istart it.my go cart does not sit and idle.So everytime iwanna ride ihave to start it then hop in real fast.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Your engine is idling too high. Depending on what kind of engine it is most have an idle screw or spring that you can adjust to lower the rpm. What's happening is the engine is pretty much being revved and engaging the clutch.

[@joeyjimenez99]

Mech Master it worked 🙂 thank you

[@-DIYPRO-]

@@joeyjimenez99 good to hear!

[@ricardomorin4260]

You have a link for the grip tape

[@-DIYPRO-]

cheapest stuff you can find on ebay.

[@dedender0726]

Ah bro lemme ride that

[@BULLETENVY]

Anyone know what model that frame is?

[@-DIYPRO-]

It's a 3203 yerf dog

[@BULLETENVY]

@@-DIYPRO- thank ya sir

[@plusultra6452]

How is size of frame

[@-DIYPRO-]

About 4' wide 6' long.

[@fatbuddycat]

"They were fine" meaning you couldn't get the wheels off

[@-DIYPRO-]

Exactly!

[@_mehrobjon_8950]

👉👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👈🏼

[@cinaperry5274]

i have the same kart and need help plz get back at me

[@-DIYPRO-]

What do you need help with?

[@daltondrummer]

Also legit just restored the same kart. what ya got?