How to modernize an old cart

colinmitchell111 · 03-03-2011, 05:13 PM

Hello everybody
I have an old 1964 cushman 3 wheeler. it is a 36v electric cart. I have done alot of work to this cart and it is used to cruise arround our campgrounds on the weekends. my only problem with the cart is the speed control system. Im sure it is like most old carts where is has a rod connected to the gas pedal that has an arm attached to it with a copper contact that slides over 4 different contacts that are wired to the motor. I belive it is a resistor setup? anyways i have replaced everything and still i have problems with the contacts arcing whenever the pedal is depressed or let off. i have replaced all the parts and tweaked and rigged it and nothing works.. eventually it all burns up from arcing.

so here is my idea, i want to ditch the old school set up and convert it like a newer cart.. unfortuneately i have no idea how a new cart works. i think it uses solenoids do change the the voltage to the motor but how does the pedal tell the motor how to change speeds? has anyone ever converted an old style cart like this or could anyone give me some ideas? thanks alot.

BenAthar · 03-05-2011, 03:09 PM

Most of the carts still use the 4 different contact boards for speed to the motor.
I would try and contact a dealer of new ('10 and up) carts for more info. It might give you a good direction in which to move forward.
Also search for it on the forum.

scottyb · 03-05-2011, 04:03 PM

Just about every cart built after 1990 has solid state speed control with infinite throttle position sending information. I don't know where Ben is getting his info but contact boards and solenoid speed controls are things of the 80s like tape players and such.

We have converted lots of old carts to modern drive systems. Just search around BGW or PM me ....

colinmitchell111 · 03-06-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottyb

Just about every cart built after 1990 has solid state speed control with infinite throttle position sending information. I don't know where Ben is getting his info but contact boards and solenoid speed controls are things of the 80s like tape players and such.

We have converted lots of old carts to modern drive systems. Just search around BGW or PM me ....

thanks scotty but i cant figure out how to PM you.

so what all will i need to convert my cart?

scottyb · 03-06-2011, 05:37 PM

You won't have PM privileges until you have a few more posts under your belt.

You will need a throttle indicator = probably a potentiometer. A solid state speed controller and a solenoid to work with it. Along with this upgrade you will likely replace all the cables and the F&R, or at least upgrade it.

You will throw away your speed wiper board and resistor coil bunch. That stuff is so 1980!

colinmitchell111 · 03-06-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottyb

You won't have PM privileges until you have a few more posts under your belt.

You will need a throttle indicator = probably a potentiometer. A solid state speed controller and a solenoid to work with it. Along with this upgrade you will likely replace all the cables and the F&R, or at least upgrade it.

You will throw away your speed wiper board and resistor coil bunch. That stuff is so 1980!

in my case it is so 1964! thanks for the quick reply.. does anyone sell all this stuff as a bundle? and who is the cheapest to buy from. i have about $1000 into this cart and im stuck on weather or not to keep dumping money into it or just cut my losses and buy a newer cart

colinmitchell111 · 03-09-2011, 01:50 AM

anyone know a good place to buy all this?

madoc1 · 03-09-2011, 08:04 AM

check with the sponsors at the top of the forum. some will give you a discount. also maybe post in the for sale section. if you are going to stay mild someone who has upgraded may have their old good parts

colinmitchell111 · 03-09-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madoc1

check with the sponsors at the top of the forum. some will give you a discount. also maybe post in the for sale section. if you are going to stay mild someone who has upgraded may have their old good parts

ok thanks, i dont need it to go faster, just work better.. I will look for used also, thanks

so if i bought this, what else would i need to make this work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ezgo-...item3365c3a120

03-03-2011, 05:13 PM	#1
colinmitchell111 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 5	How to modernize an old cart Hello everybody I have an old 1964 cushman 3 wheeler. it is a 36v electric cart. I have done alot of work to this cart and it is used to cruise arround our campgrounds on the weekends. my only problem with the cart is the speed control system. Im sure it is like most old carts where is has a rod connected to the gas pedal that has an arm attached to it with a copper contact that slides over 4 different contacts that are wired to the motor. I belive it is a resistor setup? anyways i have replaced everything and still i have problems with the contacts arcing whenever the pedal is depressed or let off. i have replaced all the parts and tweaked and rigged it and nothing works.. eventually it all burns up from arcing. so here is my idea, i want to ditch the old school set up and convert it like a newer cart.. unfortuneately i have no idea how a new cart works. i think it uses solenoids do change the the voltage to the motor but how does the pedal tell the motor how to change speeds? has anyone ever converted an old style cart like this or could anyone give me some ideas? thanks alot.

03-05-2011, 03:09 PM	#2
BenAthar Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: PTC, GA Posts: 25	Re: How to modernize an old cart Most of the carts still use the 4 different contact boards for speed to the motor. I would try and contact a dealer of new ('10 and up) carts for more info. It might give you a good direction in which to move forward. Also search for it on the forum.

03-05-2011, 04:03 PM	#3
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,408	Re: How to modernize an old cart Just about every cart built after 1990 has solid state speed control with infinite throttle position sending information. I don't know where Ben is getting his info but contact boards and solenoid speed controls are things of the 80s like tape players and such. We have converted lots of old carts to modern drive systems. Just search around BGW or PM me ....

03-06-2011, 05:37 PM	#5
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,408	Re: How to modernize an old cart You won't have PM privileges until you have a few more posts under your belt. You will need a throttle indicator = probably a potentiometer. A solid state speed controller and a solenoid to work with it. Along with this upgrade you will likely replace all the cables and the F&R, or at least upgrade it. You will throw away your speed wiper board and resistor coil bunch. That stuff is so 1980!

03-09-2011, 01:50 AM	#7
colinmitchell111 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 5	Re: How to modernize an old cart anyone know a good place to buy all this?

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03-09-2011, 08:04 AM	#8
madoc1 no clue Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: spicewood, texas Posts: 3,308	Re: How to modernize an old cart check with the sponsors at the top of the forum. some will give you a discount. also maybe post in the for sale section. if you are going to stay mild someone who has upgraded may have their old good parts