Converting an electric Melex to a gas motor...am I crazy?

Nmbr5

This is my first post so forgive me if I've selected the wrong forum or if this is a topic you get asked about often.

I'm thinking about converting my electric cart to a gas cart but I'd like an experienced group like you to chime in and share your thoughts before I go too far down that rabbit hole.

BACKGROUND:
I recently bought a Melex 212. Batteries are good and it runs fine. As many of you know, it's not a great climber. It gets up steep hills but barely. I bought this cart to serve as the base for an art car. I really only need the chassis, suspensions and power train. I'll be fabricating a new body and when I'm done you shouldn't be able to tell it was once a golf cart. Just imagine a small parade float.

I chose a golf cart because they are easy to find and easy enough to transport in a trailer. Since getting the cart I've been chatting with other art car fabricators and they have unanimously advised I get a gas cart for the added power and to avoid charging hassles. The events I will be taking this to will be very isolated with long days and no infrastructure (I'll want to drive 12 hours a day and will only have a 2kw generator to power my charger). I'll be carrying 4 adults and the body I will add will add even more weight.

So, before I sell this electric cart and start over. What do you think about converting it to gas by ordering a gas engine (e.g. HF Predator)?

I will be building it in our local makerspace so I have access to a lot of equipment (welders, metal shop, laser cutters, CNC, metal lathes, wood shop etc.) and lots of experienced help but if experienced cart modifiers like you tell me I should just find a gas cart I'll give up on the idea of a frankenmod :)

BGW

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scottyb

Welcome to bgw.
Converting an electric Melex to a gas motor...am I crazy?
Yes, well.... maybe not crazy but foolish.
It's best to sell the Electric and buy a gasser if that is what you want.

crash test dummy

Nmbr5

I figured as much but was hoping other crazy people would egg me on.

scottyb

LOL- it can be done but you basically have to buy a gas cart to get all the components you need to convert the electric to gas ..... so it's economically wiser to sell one and buy the other rather than convert. Sorry to be so practical

teamzero

I'm good at egging people on.....I think you should put a small block Chevy in that sucker!!!