Americans have found joy and fulfillment in planning and making their go-carts. It is an experience usually shared by parents and their children which makes their relationship stronger and helps them achieve a sense of accomplishment.

There are many plans for go-cart making that are available in bookstores and the Internet. Typically, these contain pictures and detail out step-by-step the materials, procedures and planning involved in making go-carts. It usually has the following information:

1. The materials to use. A go-cart making plan usually specifies the materials that will be needed. One of these would be light frames that are strong. These frames are either round/square or both. An eighth of an inch tubing would be better to ensure that the go-cart lasts longer.

Another material would be angle iron. This should be 1"x1/8". Other materials that are included in go-cart making plans would be parts that can be found in lawn equipment. Such materials include steering wheels, gas tanks, rear axe parts, tie rod ends, pulleys, wheels & tires, variable clutches and others.

2. Designing the Go-cart. Take everything into consideration when designing your frame. This is the foundation of your go-cart so any mistakes that you make will create more problems.

Go-cart making plans usually suggest that the frames be initially marked on the driveway according to the shape and size you want and by considering how comfortable your legs will be. Record these dimensions based on your size for your customized go-cart plan. You can also combine ideas in planning and making your go-cart from several go-cart design plans in order to come up with the best design that you think.

3. Creating the seat. After making the basic frame of your go-cart, you can start framing the seat area followed by cutting the wood to create the base and backrest. Make the edges smoother by using a sander.

Put in foams and other upholstery after the frame has been welded. As a tip, try looking for go-cart making plans that include adjustable seat designs that could be made separate from the frame.

4. Designing the go-cart's steering wheel. The steering wheel is attached at the steering rod and finishes at the Pitman arm. The tie rods will be pushed by this arm in any direction and these tie rods will push the wheel spindle arms to turn the wheels.

Any go-cart making plan will emphasize the importance of making sure that nuts and bolts are sized properly and are secured and that there is safe steering.

5. Spindles and axles. The next step in planning a go-cart plan is to consider the spindles where the wheels are to attached. The front wheels usually have 4-inch long spindles but it is still important to check the specific wheel you will need.

There are many go-cart making plans out there that will give you ideas on how to choose the bolts and bearing that you can use. Others even teach you how to make your go-cart's own spindles. But one important thing you should know is to avoid buying zinc plated bolts because zinc exposure is dangerous. Try using galvanized bolts, instead.

6. Go-cart's engine. Most plans for go-cart making recommend the use of horizontal engines. Lawn mowers have vertical shaft which would require a lot of work to convert it into a horizontal engines. Conversion is complicated and these aren't strong enough to be used as go-cart engines. In order to avoid the extra work, use the 5-8 HP horizontal motor usually found in tillers.

7. Attaching the brakes and sprockets. These devices are found in the final phases of go-cart making plans. There are many types of brakes that you can choose from. There are scrub brakes, step up, expanding drum brake and disk brakes. The latter is usually considered the best brake according to most go-cart making plans but the brakes for your motor will still depend on what you are most comfortable in using.

And just like brakes, there are many kinds and brands of sprockets. Before deciding on what sprocket to use, you also have to decide on the type of chain you will use.

Important Information:
When going about making your go-cart plans especially those that are custom built with your children, always regard safety first. Aside from this, also take into account that the welding and the design of your go-cart will determine your safety. Such that, it is paramount that if you are not a good welder, ask an accomplished welder to help you with the job of bending and attaching the rods, pipes and tubes or have your work inspected.

Aside from avoiding the use of zinc-plated bolts, be also wary of using drive chains that are not shrouded because hair and loose clothing can be caught which might cause rollovers and gas leakouts.