First Post, New Build, What Do I Even Have?!

[manship1856]

Hello from Kentucky.

I've been lurking for awhile here, lusting over what you guys are able to do. It was just by coincidence that I found out my in-laws have a golf cart languishing under a tree at their lake house. They said I was welcome to it if I wanted it...soooooo...I guess I have a free project cart.

Having said that, it's been sitting under a tree for around 7 years. They were there last weekend and I asked them to take pictures for me. Here are the pics. Maybe some of you gurus can tell me approximately what I've got coming my way. They couldn't find a serial number, so I can't tell for sure.

Is this even a project that is worth undertaking? Anything you can tell me or any direction you can point me is DEFINITELY appreciated.

[Bowslayer]

Looks like a Marathon. Any project is worth doing in my opinion, especially a free one. Does not matter which cart you start with you will never get your money back if you sell it, you just have to enjoy it.

[scottyb]

It is an early Ezgo Marathon pre 1987, Series drive, resistor coil speed control. My first cart looked just like it.

[Gonkulor]

Walk away from it unless you are dedicated. $800 min just to get it moving. After that. priceless!

[manship1856]

It sounds like any project...money in, enjoyment out. I don't expect much ROI. This is mostly for me and my boy to cruise the neighborhood in. He's 2 and loves anything on 4 wheels.

Now...

I've just spent the last hour on ScottyB's site operating under the assumption that I have a '79ish model cart.

I'm new to the world of carts, so some of what I'm saying may not make sense. But here's what I *think* I want to do/needs to happen.

New everything.

That about cover it?

I want to lift this machine and get as much power/torque/speed as possible. These are things I'm sure I will need:

New wires.
" solid state system.
" batteries.
" controller.
" wheels/tires.
" lift.
" motor.
Lots of custom work/fabrication.

Am I missing anything? What should I be looking at as far as moving me and the boy over 20 mph?

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Gonkulor]

If your willing to do all that. By all means friend. Lol. I have/am doing the same. *cheers

[scottyb]

You may as well go 48v. It's a great way to reach 20mph on 22 or 23s in that little cart.

[TheWiltz]

As someone who just put $1500 into a rust bucket cart only to have the frame snap today. Two weeks after getting it running. I would strongly suggest a realistic evaluation of the frame for rust prior to making too many plans, especially with the plans you have, a lift and more weight?... If you look around for a few hundred bucks you may be able to find a none running cart in MUCH better condition to start with. I'm not saying don't do it I'm just saying be realistic about what you are starting with.

Good luck, carts are a blast to work on, to see how much work it is read thru a few detailed builds, mine is below!

[manship1856]

You make a very good point. A thorough investigation of the frame should be job #1. The pictures, as I study them, are not very promising...

What's a good price on a non-running, but structurally sound cart?

[Bowslayer]

I just bought a good solid cart that needed batteries for $400 but I think I paid too much.