70's Westinghouse (and Intro)

liljack

Hello everyone. I'm liljack. I live in Decatur Alabama. I ran across BGW a few weeks back when I began researching a new project. I haven't introduced myself since I don't have anything to show and I know next to nothing about golf carts. I have been using the site to read up and get some background knowledge before purchasing an electric cart to use as the power source for one of my vintage go kart bodies.

That brings me to the topic here. I have been looking for a cheap (I mean real cheap) golf cart that is technically in working condition but needs love. I want to use the drive train as the power plant for my go kart. I have been reading on the electric cart threads here and have learned quite a bit. In the mean time i have been scouring craigslist to find me a cart.

Yesterday an ad popped up that fit my description and my price. However, it is a 70's Westinghouse and I haven't found much info on this model (436). I did find that Westinghouse made carts on and off from late 60's through the 80's. The have been bought and sold multiple times and ultimately became property of Par Car. So here are my questions and concerns:

How hard will it be to find the parts and pieces I need for this cart? PO says it needs 2 batteries. I have no idea what other parts and pieces it will need to be a solid runner. Given my project plans, I won't need any of the body, seats, etc.

Is this cart of value to golf cart collectors or vintage lovers, if such persons exist? I don't want to buy a cart and take it all apart just to find that is worth good money or could be purchased to finish restoration of another survivor. This may not be of relevance in the golf cart world.

I am talking with the seller and I hope to gather more info today. Thanks for any help you can give. You guys have a great site and friendly community full of creativity and knowledge. Here's a pick of a Westinghouse 450, a few years newer than the one I am looking at, but same body style from my understanding.

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

liljack

Well I got the cart. I'm not sure what to think yet. It is missing 2 batteries and the others are all very low on fluids. I was hoping for a cheap electric power train but if I have to buy batteries I am already over my budget.

I'm gonna continue reading on these carts. I may go with a gas engine and use the axle and front components.

Anyway, here's some pics.









Also, if anyone can help with a model year from that SN, that would be awesome.

arcitech

Welcome! Great cart!!!
As for going with a gas engine, I'm in the middle of a project and I can tell you that you will spend as much or more to convert. If your motor is good, and you shop around for batteries, you can be on the road for a lot of years with a old Westinghouse.

Check your area for a battery distributor, you may be able to get 6 blemished batteries for under 400.00. A Honda Clone engine from Harbor Freight costs 299.00 for an 11hp with electric start, then you have to figure out how to hook it up, either a gas golf cart differential or a chain drive with no reverse.

I would have stayed electric if my cart hadn't been flooded with salt water. It killed everything, batteries, solenoids, motor, brakes. I lost a couple of cars too.

These old Westinghouse carts are very simple to work on, and well built. The biggest problems will be from lack of regular maintenance. With a fresh set of batteries and a good running motor you can get about 20mph on stock (18") tires!! My 437 was one of the fastest electric carts on the island before she drowned. If you do decide to go gas, you can check out my experience here:
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/resto...urrection.html
and here:
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/bike-...tinghouse.html

Good luck whichever way you go!!