My Marathon Build!

jcgonzal

Well since I haven't really even properly introduced myself, I figured I would start a build thread on my 1980 (I think?) Marathon. This is my first cart, and I'm already hooked! I've read through quite a few of the build threads on the site, and I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna go as wild as many of those.....though I'm sure that's how they all start.

So I acquired this cart with the knowledge that it would need a new drive clutch and battery. What I didn't realize is that the motor is also going to need a rebuild, as the crankshaft has WAY too much play. the rear axles are also keyed, and there is quite a bit of play in the brake drums. So the plans as of right now are:

-Paint/repair body as best I can
-New drive clutch
-Replace ramp buttons on driven clutch (they still sell them?)
-Do top and bottom end rebuild on motor
-Hopefully either replace whole rear end with a splined-axle setup, or just replace axles and drum hardware with splined

Possibilities:
-HEI upgrade
-Lift/Bigger wheels

This build is gonna come along pretty slowly, funding being the main reason. I just bought an engagement ring, and with a wedding in the future I can't be dropping too much bank on a toy.

Since I know we all love pictures, here are a few of what I'm working with!




She sure is dirty!






This threw me for a loop

BGW

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sharse36

Welcome Looks like you got a nice project to work on. With doing all the things you are going to do to the cart do the HEI upgrade also. I did to mine and it starts and run better then it ever has. Enjoy you project

racin161

WELCOMEWOW what a lucky bride to be !!! nice wedding present keep the pics coming we love em and will be here if you have any questions.

pjmia96

I'm Gonna be doing the Same thing. Good Luck

Matt

jcgonzal

Made a little progress tonight. Got the body off, it was a bit of a pain with the number of nuts they use on the front cowl....but the back came off pretty smoothly. The rubber trim was also a pain, I'm gonna come up with something else to use or just not put anything back on at all. I'd really like to put a cooler where the wire mesh is in the back, but it would also be nice to have 4 seats. Guess I'll have to figure out which direction to go at some point.

A few pics of the progress:




Classy


Found some ball markers in the dash; apparently this cart was actually used for golfing at some point! But judging by that beer pull top, must have been awhile ago...

Queen Bee

Nice looking cart jcgonzal, Have fun with your build!!

Doc's BoneCracker

Looks like a fun project and a way to get outta the house when you newly weds need space

jcgonzal

After finding a bent axle and sloppy (keyed) drums, I've been looking for a complete replacement rear end. A guy is selling one locally, but according to what I've been reading this is from a '92+ 4 stroke cart. Is that true? In a perfect world, I would be able to just bolt this on, buy the new mounts that turns the motor 90 degrees, and get rid of the FNR switch. But if this is meant for a 4 stroke motor, there would definitely be much more work involved.

jcgonzal

Well, got the whole cart taken apart now. I have all the major components sandblasted, and will have the frame powdercoated after I weld on a hitch and straighten it out a bit. Still trying to decide on a color for the frame; the body will be black, so I wanted something different for the frame. I was thinking either red or black, any suggestions?





Mess of parts!

racin161

I'm thinking a light GREEN like on that bag or a light orange BLACK ON BLACK is to much and you'll want to show off your hard work. Besides think about this if you develop a crack in the frame at some point it will be visible with a lighter colorMy thoughts from my racing days Looks great wish I had your energy.

LOU