My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

Well, just figured I would start this since it will be easier to find than my "Hmmm" thread. This is something I bought (REALLY CHEAP) for my kids and I to work on. It did not run, but the lift, tires, wheels, etc all came on it.

The plan is to tear it down, clean it up, fix any issues, get it running and have fun with it.

To sum things up to this point:

The way I bought it on 5-20-2012

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...19200059-1.jpg

What it looked like the next night.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...79828497_n.jpg

Day two of tear down.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...5-21201343.jpg

Day three of ownership.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...32384136_o.jpg

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

My boy (8 yrs old) helping me.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...637740_n-1.jpg

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

All of the unnecessary stuff that was in the engine area.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...O/P5273607.jpg

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

Previous owner did not know why it wasn't running.... I may have a clue.

Positive cable corroded off of the solenoid and only one terminal left intact on the ignition.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...O/P5273609.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...O/P5273610.jpg

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

Someone's attempt at rewiring and splicing...

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...O/P5273612.jpg


A lot of connections like this in there. Notice these are two different gauge AND color wires....

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...O/P5273611.jpg

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

An overall view of the engine area AFTER all of the stereo and misc wire is removed. We have a big job ahead of us. I plan on rewiring MOST everything in the cart. I just need to find out what gauge is SUPPOSED to be used where.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...O/P5273613.jpg

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

Get rid of that oil tank also:thumbup:

LOU

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

That is on my list of things that are happening today.

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

Boy, does THAT look familiar *shudder* ... I wonder if our carts were related at some point, LOL - that's about the same shape mine was in when I dragged it home from behind the neighbors barn a couple of years ago.

As to the wiring I redid (which also was *most* of it) I used 16awg throughout almost all of it with standard crimp spade and loop connectors as needed, seems to be just fine still after 2+ years so I feel pretty safe recommending it. I DID< however, use heavier guage wiring for the headlight circuit, just due to the draw - was always going to wire it up with a relay but it still seems to be OK directly switched ...

Here's a little more proof that with time, effort, and beer You will come out of it with a pretty nice ride !!!

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/u...f/IMG00014.jpg

Re: My 1987 Marathon Build thread
 

Ron,
I think I would get rid of that front "lift kit". It looks rather unsafe. You can find simple block kits for ~$75 on ebay although you will also need some new front springs.


Dave