Homemade Go Kart made w/ Harbor Freight Tools & Predator 212cc

DIY homemade go kart that I put together. Almost every tool used is from Harbor Freight. You can get my model, just download Sketchup, search in the 3D warehouse for “Mech Master go kart”. It is not perfect and that’s the point, you can change it however you like.
Most of these items are not required but nice to have. Lots are duplicate like the many different types of clamps I have.
Frame:
Chop Saw: www.harborfreight.com/14-in-2...
Safety Glasses for my camera: www.harborfreight.com/safety-...
Ear Protection: www.harborfreight.com/industr...
New 14” Cut off Wheel: www.harborfreight.com/14-in-2...
Welding Table: www.harborfreight.com/adjusta...
4 ½” Angle Grinder: www.harborfreight.com/4-12-in...
4 ½” Grinding Disc: www.harborfreight.com/4-12-in...
Razer Blade/ Utility Knife: www.harborfreight.com/folding...
Framing Square: www.harborfreight.com/4-in-1-...
Clamp: www.harborfreight.com/6-in-qu...
4 ½” Cut off Wheel: www.harborfreight.com/4-12-in...
Square Clamps: www.harborfreight.com/corner-...
Tape Measure (Sometimes these are one of their free items): www.harborfreight.com/25-ft-x...
Yes you can weld a frame with the cheapest welder HF has. (I did my first go kart frame with their old blue 90 amp): www.harborfreight.com/flux-12...
Welder:
Most of the welding was done with this guy: www.harborfreight.com/migmax-...
Some with their stick welder: www.harborfreight.com/80-amp-...
Welding Helmet: www.harborfreight.com/red-des...
Welding Gloves: www.harborfreight.com/3-pair-...
Magnet Holder: www.harborfreight.com/4-3-4-q...
Bar Clamp: www.harborfreight.com/60-in-a...
Seat:
Jig Saw: www.harborfreight.com/5-amp-h...
Clamps: www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-...
Pneumatic Staple / Nailer or Hand Stapler: www.harborfreight.com/18-gaug...
Compressor: www.harborfreight.com/8-gal-2...
Bits: www.harborfreight.com/titaniu...
Electric Drill: www.harborfreight.com/12-in-h...
Steering:
Portable Saw: www.harborfreight.com/10-amp-...
Saw Blades: www.harborfreight.com/44-78-i...
Cordless Drill: www.harborfreight.com/18-volt...
Drill Press: www.harborfreight.com/8-in-5-...
Cutting Lube: www.harborfreight.com/12-oz-t...
C-Clamp: www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-...
Drive Train:
Metal cutting blades: www.harborfreight.com/t-shank...
Die grinder: www.harborfreight.com/1-4-qua...
Rubber Mallet: www.harborfreight.com/1-lb-ru...
Paint:
Painters Tape: www.harborfreight.com/60-yd-x...
Primer, they don’t have a neon green color: www.harborfreight.com/10-oz-i...
Assembly:
Folding Saw Horse: www.harborfreight.com/foldabl...
Combination Wrench: www.harborfreight.com/9-piece...
Socket Set: www.harborfreight.com/21-pc-3...
Hex Key Set: www.harborfreight.com/18-pc-s...
Adjustable Wrench: www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...
Ratchet: www.harborfreight.com/38-in-d...
Storage Bin: www.harborfreight.com/20-bin-...
Screw Driver: www.harborfreight.com/12-pc-c...
Chain Breaker: www.harborfreight.com/heavy-d...

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks for watching. Sorry for the sound. Thats one of those things i didn't realize until it was uploaded. Let me know if you have any questions. Good Luck!!

[@DattITrappan8400]

Live axle is MUCH better than one wheel drive

[@SystemHacker23]

What kind of rear axle kit is this? Does anyone know?

[@richardmartin4608]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Not a difficult project when you can be taken through all the stages required by viewing videos like this. Thanks again.

[@POSTgoodVideos]

That's what great Dads do.

[@-DIYPRO-]

True true!

[@tedbastwock3810]

This is a great build, I really love it. This is about the 4th time I watched it. Re spindle brackets .. gussets go a long way, I used about quarter inch, 2 eighth in triangular sheets, on top and bottom of my spindle brackets, no problem in my feed cart carrying around 1k lb with the same size square tubing you are using here. I love this vintage Mech Master. I really like your new stuff too. But I like your projects, hoping we get some more projects from you 👍

[@-DIYPRO-]

Awesome, thank you! Stay tuned, this summer I have some bigger, "Vintage" style videos coming out!

[@tedbastwock3810]

@@-DIYPRO- Awesome, cant wait

[@ibdaffy]

Thank you every so kindly for sharing this with us, it has given me clarity and direction on how to start! For that, you do have my genuine thanks! I also subscribed and hit the bell!

[@TheBeardedGiant]

I really enjoyed watching this build. Thank you.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@Some_person.]

Truly a great video and excellent execution, good job!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@crabtreemedia8169]

Really nice build, earned you a new sub and thanks for the tips, gladly made it through the end. Awesome.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@berticusprime547]

I don't intend to build the frame myself, but buy a frame and wing it the rest of the way.😂

[@-DIYPRO-]

Right on!

[@heavystarch100]

Me too! Got a basement with 6 212 Predator motors bought in a storage locker deal!!

[@berticusprime547]

@@heavystarch100 whatever works

[@jaxjessop5771]

Hey my dad bought this go kart that is in this video and I found you on accident and this go kart still runs today had some troubles but it is great and fun

[@-DIYPRO-]

That's awesome, glad it worked out for you.

[@squeekhobby4571]

Excellent. Very detailed links. God bless

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@Emoney19]

Nice video, it helped my thought process

[@-DIYPRO-]

Awesome, glad it helped.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Super Cool video and build when my son was growing up i bought him a used Go Cart we restored he had lots of fun with that the only thing i would strongly suggest is adding a roll bar of sorts to protect the rider strapped in the seat my son was doing Power Slides U turns and wound up rolling because of a crack in the pavement his tires got caught on luckily he was wearing a Full Dace Helmet since that cart ive always wanted to build one more for adults like yours

[@-DIYPRO-]

When my boys get older there is definitely going to be a roll cage and 5 point harness!

[@juicebox88]

Darn I wish I had a dad that would do this with me

[@-DIYPRO-]

As your dad the first thing I'm going to tell you is to watch your language! If it gives you any hope I didn't learn any of this when I was a kid it's all been since I got married and had money to buy things. Yes I wish I would have spent my money wiser as a teenager and gone out and gotten a welder and a set of hand tools but oh well and that's why I'm still a kid even though I have four kids of my own.

[@juicebox88]

Mech Master 😅

[@jimyeetast9335]

Same

[@andrewerickson6690]

Do it by your self kid take the reigns on your life

[@sparky9455]

i wish i had a dad😐

[@levishannon436]

My man's got a dually go kart

[@-DIYPRO-]

Goes through tires like crazy but fun to drive!

[@jays.3702]

Incredible

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@BigBertoInc]

Quick question - how did you secure the rear wheels to the axle? I’m building a similar kart, w/o welding, (5/8” axle, same wheels) and am wondering how you did it?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I bought 1in dia. bore keyed collars and welded them to the wheel hub. If you don't want to weld then you can get wheel hubs that are already keyed.

[@joshallen96]

This is awesome

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@Curious_Skeptic]

What bits do you use? No oil? You must burn through drill bits let and right? Nice build!

[@Zarlax]

How small of a sprocket do you think you could have used? I'm curious if you could have picked up a bit more speed with a smaller one.

[@ambercoal3653]

Nice work! Where did you buy the metal frames and panel?

[@fast4fast131]

Dually!!!

[@Zarlax]

How did you do the steering knuckles (is that what they're called?) - the C shaped part with the holes in the top/bottom.

[@jdofishtank6018]

Did you have any trouble turning with a live axle that turns both rear tires? I just built a trike and it won’t turn well with one front tire, the rear have too much grip I guess.

[@-DIYPRO-]

No problems, it turns just fine.

[@stackhousefabrication7226]

That means your angles for the brackets holding the front tires are off. If the sweep angle is too tight, you fight the motor torque and forward motion with the steering wheel when turning.

[@ksboi29]

How did you connect the throttle control rod to the the cable that went to the engine?

[@cnclockwork]

cool vid bro, now im tryna build an atv in case corona puts us on lockdown

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yep, pick up supplies now.

[@MrDerKuenstler]

If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living? is what you do related to the skillset you showed off? how would you recommend someone who would like to acquire a similar skillset?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Even though I'm a mechanical engineer that hasn't helped me much with fabrication skill that just helps me find out what size of steel I need for it not to fail. My making skills have all been self taught. My suggestion would be either ask somebody local for advice or watch a bunch of KZbin videos and pick up a welder and start tinkering around. Good luck!

[@joshuapersaud59]

Hey where did you get those tie rods for the steering ?

[@johnburktv]

That looks like allthread with eye nuts on it.

[@kevbeer1]

thanks

[@-DIYPRO-]

You're welcome!

[@homieheaven2615]

hey, I have an old gocart with a honda g42 engine, but it has a few issues and its cheaper to buy a new engine than get the parts (in my case) does anyone know what the asking price for that kind of engine should be? Thanks!

[@leothekidwiththedognamedsu6704]

thanks!!! how come the volume was so low?

[@kaistein7143]

Was your axle 5/8 inches in diameter, if so where did you get your sprocket from?

[@-DIYPRO-]

1" diameter. Sprocket came off a yerf dog go kart.

[@ChMuhammadImran]

Nice

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks

[@ozzymandus3865]

You need the drill bits with colbolt , they are more expensive but will cut steel much better.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Agreed, I actually have a nice Milwaukee set that I typically use. I wanted to stick with HF tools on this build so didn't end up using them.

[@ryanboi1559]

Hey I’m building this with my friends and can you make another video like this, same model but go more into measurements

[@TruthSeekerAi]

noice works

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@jonathantolentino9454]

How fast is the go kart that you know of ? Thinking about making me one too but wondering how fast that little motor is

[@-DIYPRO-]

It all depends on the number of teeth your sprockets have. This set up I think I clocked it around 25-30mph.

[@bf3forevergreene165]

So I’m looking for a go cart I will sometimes use in smooth farm fields but mainly on the road, some of the roads are cracked or uneven or have bumps, is suspension necessary? Speed is probably around 35. .. Where can I find used go carts? ( not racing go carts ) I use Facebook, letgo, Craigslist and OfferUp

[@-DIYPRO-]

Not absolutely necessary but it make for a much smoother ride. I'd pick up something like a yerf dog, I've restored a couple, check out my other videos. I get all of mine by word of mouth and local classifieds just like what you have. Check all everyday and you'll find a good deal.

[@aidanstevens5345]

How do the rear wheels go on? What wheels did u use is it like a set screw system? TIA

[@-DIYPRO-]

Keyed and set screws.

[@scr8662]

Where did u get that grip tape you used for the bottom for your feet from ? Thx

[@-DIYPRO-]

Searched for skateboard deck tape. Ebay and Amazon have a bunch.

[@ALMIGHTYGARAGE]

What did you use for a axle ? Was it a real axle I've seen ppl use so many diff things

[@-DIYPRO-]

I bought a 1" diameter steel shaft and had my machinist buddy cut a keyway in it for me.

[@edgarsanchez8537]

Where did u get the rear alxe and what size

[@JetSkiBuyFixPlaySellChannel]

I'm curious about where you got the paint. I picked up a Manco Intruder GFX that I want to paint bright lime green like yours.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Its just florescent green. I found it at both home depot and Wal-Mart. Just make sure you put a couple coats of clear coat, it will come off easily if not.

[@bmbc6391]

I would have thought harbor fright, haha!

[@dgoldenninja641]

Where did you get the drivetrain axle because I have a hard time finding that thanks and nice kart

[@-DIYPRO-]

Steel supply shop. It was just 1" round bar. I then took it to my friends machine shop and he cut the keyways in it for me. You can buy them online, just more money. Try BMI karts

[@dadhobbies9455]

What size tires did you use

[@mynameisnotjeff4184]

How do you avoid the axle just sliding off the bearings? If you could slide the bearings right on, I'm sure the axle could slip right off while riding it.

[@-DIYPRO-]

The bearings have set screws you tighten.

[@mynameisnotjeff4184]

@@-DIYPRO- didn't know that. Thanks!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yea I don't think I mentioned it.

[@aidangunnell6926]

What size of tubes did u use and do u think you could go any thinner

[@-DIYPRO-]

1" sq. tubing for most of it. Do you mean thinner wall thickness or smaller tubing size?

[@jhue73]

what thickness of tubing are you using? i didnt see it in the description.

[@-DIYPRO-]

I used 1/8", that's what I had lying around if I were to buy it you could easily go thinner with something around 0.10.

[@jhue73]

@@-DIYPRO- ok thanks. i was thinking about trying to build one for my grandson. im just learning to weld. i got a good deal on a titanium mig140 at harbor freight, it was a return so no warranty but i got it for $200 and it works great.

[@ZacharyC]

Since you have a live axle set up do you have any problems with understeer?

[@-DIYPRO-]

No it's not bad.

[@ZacharyC]

Mech Master that's good cause mine does a little and I have a feeling it maybe the live axle

[@ZacharyC]

I have some nylon nuts on the spindles and the live axle. Would I have to put loctite on those?

[@-DIYPRO-]

The nylon lock nuts are good enough. Industrially you can only use them once and then you are suppose to throw them away but for a kart I've taken them on and off a couple times. Just make sure you check them every once and a while.

[@ZacharyC]

Thanks!

[@dosfeos805]

How many feet of steel did you use to create frame?

[@-DIYPRO-]

It was all in my scrap pile so I can't say for sure but just doing a quick estimate in my head I'd say 30ft would be plenty. It also depends how long you want which my was pretty long and if you need to do a seat.

[@jamesreeves5331]

What size square tubing was used for the frame? - Thanks.

[@-DIYPRO-]

1in sq. tubing. Sorry, I can't remember the wall thickness.

[@jamesreeves5331]

@@-DIYPRO- - thank you

[@SystemHacker23]

What kind of rear axle kit is this? Does anyone know?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I pieced it together myself. I had the one in bar leftover from another job. And then I just got the hubs and sprocket from miscellaneous places online.

[@treverbreedlove1338]

Where did you get the sprocket/output shaft setup for the harbor freight motor?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Are you asking about the clutch? If so the 212 harbor freight engines have a 3/4" output shaft so you'll search for a 3/4" centrifugal clutch I usually find them on eBay. Just make sure the chain size matches your sprocket on the axle. Typ size is #35 or #40/41.

[@johnburktv]

I've had really good luck with this clutch on predator motors on several carts. amzn.to/2QgpBpx

[@scotttalken8431]

What model Harbor Freight welder were you using? Thank you

[@-DIYPRO-]

Vulcan 140 and some with the little 80 amp inverter stick.

[@bmbc6391]

Do it with their 125 next time!

[@peytonthomas4506]

Very cool, where did you get the axle??

[@-DIYPRO-]

My work has a machine shop so I bought 1" bar stock and had my shop machine the Keyway. I have also bought then from bmi karts and go power sports if you don't have access to a machine shop.

[@peytonthomas4506]

Mech Master thanks! Gopowersports live axles are so expensive though! 😬

[@-DIYPRO-]

@@peytonthomas4506 yep, that's why I made my own this time around.

[@ZacharyC]

Where did you buy the pin that was holding the rod on the drum band from. And would it be possible to just make your own pin?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Are you talking about the cotter pin? Any hardware store has them.

[@ZacharyC]

Ya that’s the one thanks! Also can the steering collars (the one that went around the steering column) can this also be found at a hardware store?

[@cavemanjoe7972]

@@ZacharyC Those were just pieces of pipe or DOM that fit over the steering rod.

[@tarawoodson2408]

Thanks. It is so hard to find all the info you gave in your one video...

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@maxwellwiemken3199]

Where did you get the parts for the drive train and the brake?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Ebay, amazon, bmi karts. Or if you have time search local classified ads for old junk frames and take off all the usable parts! That's what I do most of the time.

[@williamspeedy8445]

So where do ya get these kart parts

[@-DIYPRO-]

This one i made but my local classifieds has a section just for go karts. I've picked up a lot locally.

[@jdm8247]

How wide did you make your go kart

[@-DIYPRO-]

Frame is around 24" then another 6-12 for tires

[@recycledcrafts1280]

I'm making everything from scrap even the wheels

[@-DIYPRO-]

What about the tires!

[@recycledcrafts1280]

@@-DIYPRO- out of wood

[@tommybush4940]

Where is a good place I can buy a frame?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Unless you want to spend a lot of money pick one up on your local classified ads. I've picked up and restored over 40 go karts that way now.

[@dashercsm1]

what size and thickness is the frame?

[@-DIYPRO-]

This should help. It's 1" square tubing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzNeIqkiKyUn5o

[@DanSteigerwald]

What type of tires do you use?

[@-DIYPRO-]

The ones shown are cheap cheap harbor freight ones, maybe from tractor trailer (can't remember)....they don't last long but are fun for a couple times around the clock.

[@DanSteigerwald]

@@-DIYPRO- Thanks. I bought some tires but mine just have bearings, there aren't keyed slots/screws to fit a keyed shaft.

[@chancewindham1718]

Welds are pretty good for not being a welder

[@-DIYPRO-]

Thanks!

[@basedalgobro]

Which welder did you use?

[@-DIYPRO-]

a majority of it was done with the Harbor Freight Vulcan 140.

[@basedalgobro]

@@-DIYPRO- do you think the chicago electric wire feed can do a good job?

[@ZacharyC]

How long was your axle?

[@-DIYPRO-]

44"

[@ZacharyC]

Do you think a 38” will work too?

[@-DIYPRO-]

@@ZacharyC If you don't want the dually tries you should be able to. Just lay it out before you weld it up, that's from experience!

[@ZacharyC]

K thanks ! First time building so just asking people with experience

[@ibdaffy]

That's a rather personal question!

[@dylanmoore1006]

Disable governor/throttle limit +12mph

[@-DIYPRO-]

That was one of the first mods I made!

[@ZacharyC]

What are the dimensions of the tires you used at the front ?

[@-DIYPRO-]

They are 10", same small cheap ones harbor freight always has on sale.

[@ZacharyC]

Also where did you get your pillow block bearings from?

[@-DIYPRO-]

@@ZacharyC I had those lying around for a while but I think ebay. If you search 1" pillow block bearing you'll have a bunch show up.

[@ZacharyC]

Thanks!

[@bmbc6391]

Just picked up some pillow blocks myself!

[@javonhenderson444]

How much would you say this would cost saying I have most of the tools?

[@-DIYPRO-]

It's all the little stuff that adds up, steering, brakes, engine... If you don't have any materials to start with i'd find a junk kart on the local classified ads and use all those parts and build the frame.

[@stoundingresults]

Use those 20% coupons👍

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yes indeed!

[@RADMAN752]

how doea it turn with live axle

[@-DIYPRO-]

a sprocket with a hub that has the same bore diameter as your live axle.

[@RADMAN752]

@@-DIYPRO- well see what I’m trying to figure out is when a differential is needed. my friends is about 4 feet wide. Doesn’t like to turn. So what I’m thinking is that it’s too wide it just wants to go straight

[@scafatiguitars6894]

What was the total cost of materials?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Materials is hard to put a price on it because i already had a majority of the steal and a bunch of odds and ends.

[@ALMIGHTYGARAGE]

I just got a welder and have go kart and minibikes imma fix but wanna build one from scratch

[@-DIYPRO-]

Awesome!

[@ZacharyC]

What length was your chain?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I'm not sure exactly i usually buy 10ft lengths on ebay and that typically lasts 2 karts with a little extra to spare.

[@ZacharyC]

Thanks, also do you have anything to prevent yourself from over Turning? And is your pitman arm just resting on the platform?

[@-DIYPRO-]

@@ZacharyC It's so low to the ground and the rear tires are pretty wide, low chance of it rolling. Are you asking about the steering shaft? If so no it has another sleeve down at the bottom that is welded to the frame.

[@ZacharyC]

Mech Master thanks and yes i was talking about the steering at the front Of the kart. Cause I wasn’t sure if you had anything to prevent yourself over Turning the front wheels. Also I don’t want to turn then have the tires hitting the frame. And for your pillow block bearing did it come with set screws? Cause if it did, did you tighten them directly on to the axle or was it tighten into the keyed part of the axle?

[@gohighhustle]

What's your background?! You must be an engineer of some kind. I'm tellin' ya, man, create an e-course bundle called "The Man Course": Carpentry; Metal work; Pneumatics; etc!

[@-DIYPRO-]

I'm a mechanical engineer. My day job is pretty boring so I come home and play with the things that really interest me!

[@kyergilreath2130]

Top speed?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Since I knew my kids would be driving this one I put a bigger sprocket on back, it only goes about 20-25 mph.

[@Deathbatman]

Step 1, chainsaw Step 2, go kart body, Step 3 steak go kart with chainsaw.

[@-DIYPRO-]

that works too

[@user-xb6vq3qd2x]

How lang you exsel

[@-DIYPRO-]

44"

[@patlaney6782]

How much did this cost to make?

[@-DIYPRO-]

Hard to say since I had a lot of the parts. If you search around you could do it for a couple hundred.

[@lornabautista9903]

Hahahahah

[@-DIYPRO-]

LOL

[@Grant7AutoWorksG7]

The best clear coat that you can use is the "OH MY" 2k clear from BuyCustomPaint.com . Easy to spray, no cutting or buffing required ... if you watch THE LAST 5 mins of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqilnWhpo9afaqs you will see how great this clear is... its definitely worth checking out...

[@imranshah-ll1wk]

You skipped all the main parts

[@-DIYPRO-]

Which are.........?

[@timhaakenson916]

I MEMBER

[@backyardbowhunting3818]

Did anyone know that it was SIMPLE?😂

[@cattechofficialmeowmix993]

ain't ain't

[@extremekidsbrodynelvis9602]

Great work and details !!! What a fun channel ! Great creation !!! My six year old and dad made a low rider wagon go kart too ! We have subscribed ! Please check our channel if you have time too. Blessings and many thanks !!!

[@cattechofficialmeowmix993]

mech.com master.com

[@2NOSXI]

Its not that deep bro

[@-DIYPRO-]

What?

[@2NOSXI]

@@-DIYPRO- I commented this on the wrong vid

[@2NOSXI]

My bad😅😮‍💨

[@cattechofficialmeowmix993]

ain't

[@cattechofficialmeowmix993]

/give @a vulcan welder (28000).com

[@cattechofficialmeowmix993]

dom.com

[@cattechofficialmeowmix993]

hammer drill.com

[@alijalali1177]

Man needs to speak up

[@cattechofficialmeowmix993]

h.com a.com b.com o.com r.com

[@mynameisnotjeff4184]

What is it with all these links you put all over this video?