September 1, 2007
7 Tips on Buying a Racing Go Cart Chassis
Clueless with chassis and motors but would like to purchase a racing go cart chassis? If you don't have any problem with funds, surely buying any new racing go cart chassis from any of the leading go cart manufacturers will do. But if you are quite short in the budget, here some very indispensable tips for you to get maximum value for your money, either if you're planning to buy a cart for resale or simply for your own personal use.
1. Looks don't have to be deceiving with racing go cart chassis.
The way a cart appears should give you an idea of its condition. This is because you can know a lot how well or bad a racing go cart has been treated by its appearance at first glance. A rusty axel will make you see how worn-out it has become. All the components adjoined to it should be inspected. The tires should spin easily and the bearings should roll free. Any noise while rolling the bearings necessitates thinking twice on buying the go cart.
The brakes need a lot of attention too. Check if there's any leaking part in the system. The brake pedal must be solid when pushed down. See that the caliper's sides are both working well.
With the steering, the bolts should give it away. Any loose bolts will wear cause the quick wearing out of any part.
Lastly, it should help if you lift the racing go cart up and check its underside if it has too many gouges and scratches in the frame. If you find too many damage such as dings and scratches, the cart has already went through a lot racing. But if it's a second-hand go cart but it only has a few scratches, either it was maintained well by a very good driver, it has been remedied by a very good painter, or you found one rare find of a racing go cart chassis. And, that only means one thing — you should put it in your list of choices of which racing go cart chassis to buy.
2. In-depth inspection counts. A LOT.
With useds racing go cart chassis, it's important that you prepare yourself on having the motor gone through. But if it is a one trusty cart seller that your dealing with, who will most likely assure you that the racing go cart chassis is ready to be raced. A test ride will further prove that all the hints that you have to buy a certain go cart or not are true.
3. The seller will tell.
If the racing go cart chassis seller had a hard time starting it, better think twice, even thrice because it's a warning sign that you might have the same problem as well when you bring the go cart home. One trustworthy teller will not smooth talk you into buying one that you will not really have good use of. A bit background check through asking some friends who are or are past clients of your racing go cart chassis seller will reveal a lot of indispensable info that you would surely benefit from.
4. Extra baggage or extra benefits – which do you prefer?
A go cart that has added features can either be a gift or plain excess baggage. Just make sure that you will be really needing those products or extra parts that come with your racing go cart chassis. The usual essentials include a go cart stand, useable gears, starter and wheels. Those junk-worthy files are worn out gears, damaged sidewall tires, and old chains. These will only take up precious space in your garage so you better dump them as soon as possible.
5. If the price is right…
The price tag will either give you a go or halt you from getting that racing go cart chassis home with you. Research on the current price offers of second-hand go carts.
Half of the new price for well-maintained go carts and parts is a good bargain. However, some used racing go cart chassis could cost just as much as the new ones. It really depends on the condition of the go cart and your negotiating skills (if you're allowed to use it) whether you'd be able to get the best deal or not.
6. Online transactions schmasions.
If you'd rather purchase a racing go cart chassis online, demand for close up pictures of the cart in all angles as much as possible. Take a really good look at the components and the frame. Online transactions need a lot of precaution since there a lot of instances when sellers are just actually rippers off.
7. Call a friend. A go cart expert friend.
It surely won't hurt to make a trusted friend who's quite adept with racing go cart chassis to tag along when you're taking a look-see of the go carts. But he or she should not pressure you into buying what your gutfeel thinks is a bad cart.
Recommended Reading
- Your Power Down Under: The Racing Go Cart Chassis
- Build it and Race it: Racing Go Cart Plans
- Racing Go Cart For You and For Me
- Rolling, Rolling, Rolling: Knowing Your Go Cart Racing Tires
- Build Your Dream Machine with the Help of Go Cart Racing Parts

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