Step 1: Secure a Flat Support for the Seat
- Secure a flat, stable object to the bottom of the frame rails to provide a flush and flat support for the seat. Ideally, use the Adjustable Seat Mounting Tool for ease of installation; if unavailable, fabricate a 2×4 piece of wood or another sturdy object.
- Pro Tip: For shorter, smaller drivers, raise the seat height by placing sprockets or another flat, stable object underneath to adjust the center of gravity and kart handling. As a baseline, run the seat flush with the bottom or raised ~5mm (one sprocket height).
Step 2: Position the Seat Between Frame Struts
- Set the seat between the frame struts, expanding the left-side strut post outward if needed (common from factory). Use a long pry bar or durable metal object to pry the support outward, or use a 2lb dead blow mallet to hit the strut outward.
- 2.1: When using a mallet, hit where the two bars meet in the triangle area. You may need someone to hold the frame for resistance. This is a trial-and-error process—move the strut, test the seat fit, and adjust until the seat sits level on the support with 2–3mm spacing between the seat and frame tabs for fender washers. Note: Adjust the seat tabs to run as parallel as possible with the seat mold contour for easier drilling and to prevent breakage during use.
- 2.2: Place a weighted object in the center of the seat to minimize movement while measuring and marking its position with a sharpie.
Step 3: Measure and Confirm Seat Placement
- Measure from the inside front rail of the frame to the edge lip of the seat. For a full-size chassis, a standard placement is 630–650mm for an average-height person (5’6”–5’10”). Adjust slightly forward for smaller drivers or back for taller drivers to fit comfortably.
- 3.1: After measuring and setting placement, step back to ensure the seat bottom is flush and stand behind the kart to confirm the top is level.
Step 4: Drill and Loosely Secure the Seat Sides
- If confident in drilling, directly drill a hole into the seat on the motor side using the seat tab hole as a guide while holding the seat in place. Alternatively, mark the hole placement on both sides with a sharpie first for reference if the seat shifts during drilling.
- 4.1: After drilling one side, insert a bolt through the seat with a fender washer between the seat and seat tab, then spin the nut on by hand.
- 4.2: Repeat for the opposite side, drilling and loosely securing with hardware. Do not fully tighten the seat yet.
Step 5: Install and Tighten Lower Seat Mounts
- Use a 12” adjustable wrench to bend the lower seat tabs flush with the bottom contour of the seat.
- Pro Tip: Use spacers to fill the gap and gauge how much more to bend—aim for flush alignment. Tape multiple spacers together with electrical tape for easier handling.
- 5.1: Once the lower tabs are aligned, drill directly up through the bottom to make the hole. Alternatively, shine a light up through the tab to mark the spot on top of the seat with a sharpie. Insert the lower seat mount bolt to maintain alignment.
- 5.2: Repeat for the other side and insert the second lower bolt.
- 5.3: Return to the seat sides and fully tighten the hardware, then tighten the lower seat mount bolts.
- Pro Tip: Always use large-diameter fender washers against the seat to distribute load and prevent breakage. Extra-large diameter seat washers are available for additional support.
