If your kids are anything like you are, they love building things and going fast. Even though they might not be old enough to the rev the Hemi or throttle the Harley, a go-kart is the perfect fit for kids who have the need for speed, but are still too young for the open road. Add to that the fact that go-karts and soapbox cars call for some solid assembly and you have a perfect Father’s Day project that provides all the tool crankin’ and the asphalt burnin’ you could ever dream of.

The real key is finding the project that works for you. How much time do you have to build? Do you want to use a kit or start from scratch? Do you want a gas blaster or a gravity bomber? 

Lucky for you, everything you need to know about the different style projects is in the guide below. Give it a read so you can spend less time doing research and more time where you belong: outside racing and building go-karts with the kids. Don’t forget your helmets!

The Vintage Soapbox Derby Car 

Level: 1 

Time: One weekend 

Not all go-karts have to be expensive and time consuming. Vintage Soapbox derby cars can be created in a weekend with basic materials from the local hardware store. These karts don’t have motors, but they can get moving fast on the right surfaces. Bonus: they can be built to specifically fit your little driver. Here’s a straightforward plan from eHow to learn to build a go-kart in a couple of days.

Fun fact: Myron E. Scott created the first Soapbox derby. He also named the Corvette.

Simple Wooden Go-Kart

Level: 3 

Time: One to two weekends

As with the vintage Soapbox derby car, the wooden go-kart is without a motor. This means its speed is dependent on both the weight of the car and the muscle of the person who pushes it. This is a fancier go-kart than the Vintage Soapbox car because it calls for pimped-out wheels and has a more intricate design while still being simple enough to build in a weekend. This kart does not have brakes, but they can be added to the plan. Adding brakes adds some time, but will increase the safety for kids who wish to go a bit faster. Try this simple plan for an awesome wooden go-kart.
 

The Kit Kart

Level: 7

Time: Two to four weekends

Building a go-kart can be time consuming, costly and just plain hard to do. If you want to build a professional level kart with your kids in less time, a kit like this one from GoKarts USA can be a great way to go. Kits aren’t cheap – they can run you around $500, but they come with everything you need and are fun to assemble.

The Ultimate Homemade Go-Kart

Level: 10

Time: One month to one year, depending on detail

The ultimate go-kart takes a bit of time and money to make. Think of this as the project of the month (year). If you love to search for parts, find the best prices and even hit the junk yard, this is the kart for you. This sweet ride can handle a 10HP engine, has real breaks, an awesome steering system and can be upgraded into a 2-wheel drive. Want to build an amazing go-kart from scratch? Check out this great step-by-step guide from HubPages.

Meet Other Go-Karters

It’s true that go-karting often sparks a larger love for racing. Some people turn that interest into a lifelong automotive or racing career. Others join enthusiast groups. The largest organized go-kart association in the U.S. is the World Kart Association. Check ‘em out.

Have You Built a Go-Kart?

Show off your go-kart with a photo and tell us how you built it here on the WD-40 Fan Club.

TIP: Use WD-40® to lubricate Soapbox Derby wheel bearings and spindles.