Converting DE4 to gas using a model D

[jonr3]

So, I just picked up a fairly rough, although complete, DE4. I really don't want to spend $$$ on batteries and a charger, but I really like 4 wheels and a steering wheel instead of a tiller.

I've been looking at the frame dimensions between the DE4 and my model D and it looks like the rear halves are the same. And since the drivetrain is mounted to the swingarm, I can't think of any reason why I couldn't just switch swingarms and make it a gas powered DE4.

I would have to do some fabrication to mount the gas tank, battery, engine electronics, etc., but all of that should be pretty quick and easy.

Do any of you guys know of a reason why this wouldn't work?

[raydhd]

Looks to be a good idea.

[backyard]

How about some pics of the two.

[Lochlin]

Pardon the amateur question but what the heck is the swingarm? I googled and found some info but I am not seeing how it applies to these carts.

[raydhd]

He is talking about the engine cradle which resembles a swing arm.

[backyard]

Some call it a keiser blade but I call it a sling blade. um.

Yea engine moves up and down with the suspension / swing arm / engine cradle. You know what that is, we know you're not an amature. Hehe.

[jonr3]

Originally Posted by Lochlin

Pardon the amateur question but what the heck is the swingarm? I googled and found some info but I am not seeing how it applies to these carts.

Sorry. That was my motorcycle background coming out.

The rear half of the frame looks nearly identical between both carts. I even took the drawings of the frames from both service manuals and overlaid them and they look identical.

The "engine cradle / keiser blade / swingarm" mounting points also look to be the same, so I should just be able to swap them and the axle.

I'm going to try to clean it up this weekend and take some good measurements, but just by looking at it, it just might work!

[Lochlin]

Ok, I got the swingarm thing. Cant see why that swap wouldnt work in theory. Something to ponder, though, is how to convert from an electronic speed control to a manual throttle system. I have 3 vintage electric carts but no HDs so I dont known how the HDs work. The others, though, use potentiometer or microswitch speed contols. You may have to be creative when swapping that stuff out.

I would assume that, as the cradles are the same the brakes are too?

[Lochlin]

Oh, for sure you are looking at $1,000 for a set of batteries and a charger (700 for batts, 300 for a charger). You'll get 5 years out of batts so they really arent any more than what you spend on gas over that time frame but dropping that much coin at once does suck.

[raydhd]

He can use the throttle system from the 3 wheel gas cart.