How to Bend Kart Seat Struts

Racing karts or go-karts are small, powered carts that drivers race down streets or on race tracks. Building your own race kart requires different procedures which can include bending the seat struts. You will have to bend the seat struts if you are installing a new seat that didn't come with your original kart. Bending them too far can cause them to break, but not bending them far enough can cause your seat to fit uncomfortably. A small, hand tool and some arm strength are all that is required.

Things You'll Need

  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Crow or pry bar
  • Replacement seat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a screwdriver to bend back the mounting tabs holding your seat to the struts. Carefully remove your seat from the struts.

    • 2

      Slide your pry bar underneath the seat strut at the position you feel it needs to move. For example, if you need to move up the right side, place the bar underneath the right side.

    • 3

      Pull back lightly on the pry bar to begin bending your seat strut upwards. Stop pulling after bending it slightly. Move the bar to the next position on the strut you need to bend.

    • 4

      Bend the new spot the same amount you bent the old spot. Continue bending the struts lightly along the length of the strut until you reach the end. Repeat the process for the strut on the other side.

    • 5

      Place your seat on the strut bars periodically to see if the mounting tabs line up to the new seat yet. Remove the seat if they do not line up and continue bending the struts.

    • 6

      Put your seat on the struts once they're in the right position. Bend the mounting tabs down to hold the seat back in place.