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Old 06-09-2020, 11:41 AM   #85
Finn5033
Not Yet Wild
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 11
Default Re: 1968 Harley-Davidson DE

Quote:
Originally Posted by jakesnake27 View Post
Hi Finn, welcome to BGW and thank you for reading through my thread! Converting to solid state is the best thing you can do to an old cart, IMO. The conversion I did was a DIY 'poor mans' conversion. The reason I say that is because Scottyb at Carts Unlimited (a site sponsor) sells complete kits that include everything you need (see here: https://www.cartsunlimited.net/unive...rsion-kit.html). I would have gone this route, but I wanted to save some bucks, and I am pretty handy and enjoy fabricating, wiring, etc.

Everything in parts cost me right at $500; here is what all I bought:

-Curtis 1204 controller
-36v Curtis solenoid
-Generic 36v reversing contactor
-Solenoid resistor and diode
-Two reversing contactor diodes
-SPDT switch (for FNR)
-PB-6 potentiometer
-EZGO style key switch
-250 amp main fuse

I didn't need to purchase any cables, as I was able to reuse all of the stock 6 gauge ones.

The most difficult part of the process was mounting the PB-6 pot box to get it to work with the factory accelerator linkage. A couple hours with some scrap metal, a grinder, tape measure, sharpie, and a trip to the hardware store, it was mounted and working like a charm.

The wiring diagram I followed was the one listed in the Curtis 1204 controller manual. I found it to be very straightforward and easy to follow (see pic below).

I did the conversion over the course of three days, working a few hours each day. If you are handy and know how to read a basic wiring diagram, you won't have any trouble at all. The results are what makes it all worth it- silky smooth acceleration with no more of the jerkiness that the stock drive system has.

Start a thread on your cart and post up some pics, I'd love to see it!
Thank you very much Jake. I would like to save some money as well. I am pretty handy and actually do pipe and structural fabrication for a living so welding, grinding etc is no big deal to me. Thats amazing you got all of that for $500. I'm seeing $500 just for a controller and PB-6. I will start a thread if I decide to convert this bad boy. Thanks
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