[Kartbuilding] estimate cost

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Corne,

If you are going to buy all parts such as bearings, steering wheel, seat 
etc. it will cost a lot of $.
If you are able to use a standard plastic chair with the legs cut off, a 
homemade steering wheel, and use tubing for bearings, you can make a kart 
very cheap. If you make all the components yourself, you will only have to 
buy nuts,bolts and some lengths of steel tube. I made a motorised kart for 
$70, but I used a lawnmower engine, wheels off a small bycycle, a spoked 
wheel for a steering wheel etc.

As for "machining labour". I managed to make all the parts myself with a 
good electric drill, a hacksaw (or angle-grinder) and plenty of pieces of 
metal. All I had to buy was proper sized bolts washers and nuts. Having a 
person to do the welding will make things much easier.

Overall I'd say you could make the kart for $50 - $70. This cost would 
cover the lengths of steel required, and the bolts, nuts and washers 
required. Make sure you get nyloc locknuts, so they wont loosen with 
vibrations. While this kart would not be very efficient or fast, it would 
work.

Best of luck,
-steve

On Mon, 8 Dec 2008, Corné Kotzé wrote:

> Hi there Stephen
>
> If you have to estimate... how much would this "racing kart" project work
> out in US$ ?
>
> I have someone who can do the welding for me, so i just need to know the
> cost of all materials and machining labour of all the special parts...so it
> excludes the welding labour of the frame.
>
> Kind Regards
> Corne Kotze
> Namibia
> Africa
>