CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

Here is an overview of a decent (in my opinion) DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion with adequate hold-downs, and no cheezy lumber or other bs.

Materials needed-

- 4 of your original hold down rods for reuse
- 2 of your original plastic hold downs for reuse
- 4 standard DS 8v hold down rods w/ nuts and washers (i used yamaha G22e rods, i had them on hand)
- 2 DS 8v plastic hold downs
- 2x 15" lenghts of (2"x2"x1/8" aluminum angle)
- 4x 13.5" lenghts of (2"x2"x1/8" aluminum angle)
I used a chopsaw with 1/8" kerf, so my angle may have been slightly shorter.
Angle aluminum was available at local hardware store.
- 12x 1/8" pop rivets
- 6x 8v batteries of your preference.
- your original cables for reuse (or new cables for 12v DS)
- will also need 2 additional cables (marked red)

Tools Needed-

- air hammer with chisel far easier, or hammer & chisel
- chopsaw or hacksaw for cutting aluminum angle
- rivet gun for installing rivets
- 13/64" or 1/8" drill bit for rivet holes
- drill bit for hold down rod holes, not fussy, just bigger than hold down rods
- drill
- cable & ends for 2 new cables

Steps-

- remove 12v batts and extensive cleaning
- (air hammer chisel) remove 4x spacer brackets (circled green)
- (air hammer chisel) remove 2x support brackets (circled blue)
- use 13/64" bit for rivet holes on next 2 steps
- install 2x each outer battery bay, 13.5" support brackets with 7.5" spacing inside to allow 1 battery to rest inside.
- install 2x center battery bay 15" support brackets with roughly 10.5" spacing from center bracket to allow 2 batts to rest on each side of center bracket.
- set a battery in tray, mark locations for new hold down rods holes on center brace and new (15") brackets.
- remove battery, drill new holes for hold down rods.
-Install batteries, hold down rods, and cables.

I configured the batteries this way for my convienince in cable routing (i had to cut out a corroded portion of main positive cable). You may configure your batts however you like. The 4x 12v ds has no voltage reducer, i used a simple method of automotive resistor wire to reduce voltage, a dc/dc reducer would have been nicer, but i didnt have one.

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion no lumber
 

Good write up. I have seen that configuration on Club Car refurbs

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

Great write up! :thumbup: Stickied!

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

May I ask a rookie question, why would anyone want to convert from 6 8v to 4 12v batteries, is there a major difference?

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

It's the other way around, 4-12v to 6-8v. The 8v batts produce longer run times as well as longer pack life. A 12v pack typically doesn't last more than 3-4 years where an 8v pack can last up to 6 years...

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

I was reading several threads about converting, I looked at my 2008+ precedent, it is very tight with the 4 batteries, you think I could convert this to 6 8v? My brothers ds has lots more room, although he has 6 8v batteries already. It just looks really tight in my cart to try to do that.

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

Yes, your compartment is too tight without modification. So.....there is another "stickie" with photos as well as a great write-up specifically about converting 2008 and older Precedents to 8v batteries. Its a number of pages long but is very specific. If I buy an older Precedent, that is what I will be doing.

See: http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...-part-1-a.html

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

Yes I read this one, Mine is the Newer 08, slightly different but maybe I can make it fit, the controller isn't in the middle of the batteries. My next question maybe you can help, this cart I just got has 4 new Trojan 1275,s in it I'm assuming I should wait it out until I need to replace them then do the upgrade. I'm asking this because in the near future I'm upgrading the controller and motor so I can get more torque, I use this cart in very hilly area and on gravel roads and some dirt. maybe I should start a new thread.

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

Yes - we shouldn't occupy sticky section. If I were you - yes, I would take as good care of your 12v batteries as you can (no point in being wasteful) - Then take the plunge when you have to. Only run-time will be affected with the swap out when it happens. I use a battery maintainer - some of them are very cheap - you might consider buying one to get the most out of your batteries. I really can't say it will help extend their lives - but could it hurt?

Re: CC DS 4-12v to 6-8v conversion
 

Thanks for the info and help, I'll move off this thread and start new.