Caroche questions

larrya51

Hello, all. I'm a new guy with an old cart. I picked up a 1971 Caroche to use as a yard/farm helper. I've never even driven a golf cart so I don't know what to expect and have a few questions:
1. If everything is operating properly, how much run time can I expect? Hours? Miles?
2. No continuity between S1 and S2 terminals on GE motor. Is this fixable or does it need a motor?
3. Is this cart convertible to 48v? I was going to replace all the solenoids and buy new batteries anyway.
4. Is it possible to make a cart this old reliable without breaking the bank? This really is an interesting old cart is good condition and I'd like to give it another shot at life. Thanks in advance. Larry

BGW

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OLD MEC

You have what I think of as THE BEST QUALTY AND LOOKS of the older carts.
To answer your questions
#1- It will depend on what quality of batterys ( TROJANS ) that you purchase and how much you are willing to spend on updating the pedal speed control and resistor coils. Stock with good batterys should get you 3-5 hours of run time on solid ground depending on load and motor, brake conditions?
#2-I would pull motor and have it rebuilt as I dont think new motors are available anymore?
#3- Yes by using 8 volt batterys in place of existing 6 volts. You will loose a little in range over going with 6-6 volt batterys but much easier to mount. To go with 48 volts you would need to replace existing pedal speed control with a unit like Curtis PB-6 hooked to existing linkage, Replace the solenoids and resistors with a solid state controller like ALLTRAX, up grade ALL 6 guage cables to 4 gauge, have your motor brought up into top shape ( STOCK 36 volt motors running on 48 volts are faster and more powerful than 48 volt stock motors ) then you will have a great running classy looking cart.
#4- By doing the above you would have just what you are looking for BUT it will cost you some cash, BUT in my opinion well worth the cost? I only wish I was able to find a repairable Caroche like yours to restore and modernize internally.
Good luck on you great project.

larrya51

Thanks for the quick response and positive input! I guess the first step is to get the motor running and go from there. I have rebuilt/repaired automotive alternators and a Cub Cadet starter/generator so I think I may attempt the motor rebuild myself. I like to do as much of my own work as possible. Interestingly enough, it was my wife who really liked the looks of this old cart---"Look how CUTE!"

OLD MEC

Just a bit of knowledge in case you need help on hydraulic brakes, master cylinders and wheel cylinders can be found by taking castings into large auto parts dealer where they can cross reference casting numbers to new auto parts at less than 1/4 the cost of parts from some SPECIALITY OLD CART PARTS COMPANIES? I would not bother with trying rebuild kits rather than new complete units as the kit costs almost as much as whole unit would be. Also replace all steel lines with new BENDABLE LINES from auto parts stores.
PLEASE SEND IN PHOTOS from start to final restoration.

Boris

Ditto ...... we like pictures in here ..... and welcome to BGW .... most people like it here

icon_donnied

I had no luck with wheel cylinders at the local parts house. They could only supply the kit. As for the master, the kit for mine was 20 versus 50 for a rebuilt cylinder. A cheap cylinder hone and a can of brake cleaner is all that is necessary to rebuild one, so I went the cheaper way. And I've had no problems.....

golfcarfixer

The brakes on that car are mercury brakes and the master cyl. and shoes are still available from Nivel parts. You will have to get a golf car dealer to order them for you.

larrya51

It looks like someone already replaced the wheel cylinders and brake lines. The pedal is on the floor, though, so I'm sure going to be needing at least a master cylinder.

OLD MEC

It seems less than a year ago when I last got new master cylinder and wheel cylinders from NAPA auto parts store for a Caroche? Maybe they are dropping the listing for some of the older stuff because of enconomy? But I'll bet they could still be ordered from companies like Wagner, Bendix? I knew at the time that I should have kept CASTING NUMBERS AND CROSSOVER PARTS NUMBERS, MY MISTAKE?
A few years back I tried to get new brake parts for a very early Caroche and the master cylinder was missing, so I found a local badly damaged unit that had no casting numbers on it? and sent it to a antique auto brake restorer who sleeved and installed kit for me for 1/3 the cost with shipping etc of several antique golf cart companies I had contacted at that time?

larrya51

What about this? Buying a unit from a small, older automotive application ( chevette, Sprint? ) and adapting the existing mounting flange on either the cart or the m/c? It's not rocket science--just a rod pushing a plunger. What do you think--feasible? If I can't find a reasonable alternative, of course. I think a m/c like that could be had for less than $20.00.