87 Club Car DS modernization project

[ACCLR8N]

I have acquired an old DS that a previous owner wanted to convert to gas. That didn't work out for him and resulted in the loss of all the wiring and some structural butchery. The next owner (smarter) decided it wasn't worth fixing. That brings us to me (dumbest) and the beginning of my adventure. My plan is rebuild with new tech and watch the grand-kids bebop around the property.

Not for racing. Range? Kids probably want to drive around an hour or two. Challenge: My property is hilly. I have already ordered solid state conversion kit to start with from ScottyB.

Follow along and enjoy the show. Please keep the "you should have bought a better cart" posts to a minimum. I like building and learning new things.

[ACCLR8N]

First step was to pull this thing apart and see what salvageable was left to work with.


Uh oh...

[simicrintz]

I am doing a lot of what you are doing. Could I have bought a cart already "done"-yup. Would I have learned anything or built it exactly like I want it-no! I am a tinkerer by nature, so even if I would have found "the perfect cart" I still would have messed with it :)

Good for you! Mine is an '86 so I will be following along on your build!

[retiredtech]

I have been building one for myself also, mostly because I enjoy the build. its not perfect but I get to work on something that doesnt have to be counted on to be ready. I have to say that i like my alltrax because i can program it. you could slow it down for the kidos and speed it up for you. easy as flipping a switch.

is that a fiberglass body or plastic one?

[Budule]

Originally Posted by ACCLR8N

resulted in the loss of all the wiring and some structural butchery.

pics please.....

[ACCLR8N]

Simicrintz and Retiredtech sounds like we are on the same wavelength.

Fiberglass body. That is what I'm working on right now as a matter of fact.

Budule looks like frame crossmember/battery support has been cut out. Along with a structural flange for the seat in the body I am working on tonight.

[simicrintz]

Lots of similarities! I don't want to be a "girly man" but I finally gave up on my body and ordered a Double Take one

[ACCLR8N]

Originally Posted by simicrintz

Lots of similarities! I don't want to be a "girly man" but I finally gave up on my body and ordered a Double Take one

I hadn't come across any replacement bodies for the older carts. I'm pretty far along with the repairs however and everything else is going over budget.

[simicrintz]

Originally Posted by ACCLR8N

everything else is going over budget.

Understood-my "free" cart is getting expensive!!!

[Dlab]

I did the same thing....Turned a 36 volt resistor cart into a modern age 48 volt solid state with the help of Scotty B, and an AMD BEAST motor......

Love the thing.