Save it or salvage it?

[Derrekforreal]

Hello folks on the forum,

Long time lurker, reader, member since 2017, but rarely post. We recently purchased a 3-wheel 1987 electric EZGO Marathon in working condition, but will need some maintenance and work in the future.

By chance, I ran across an electric 3-wheel 1983 Marathon this past weekend. Owner claimed it was working, but thought the F/R switch stopped functioning. In the owners attempt to “prove” the motor worked, he did something (direct wiring to battery) just prior to our arrival and exploded a battery. He was bleeding from his face where a piece of plastic battery casing hit him

Anyhow, that info, along with the rusted out battery tray, dents, etc. I figured this was now a “parts only” cart and grabbed it for cheap. The thought being many parts should swap into our ‘87 (or our friends who have an ‘85).

Being new to electric carts, am I correct that this cart should be used for parts then scrapped, or should I actually attempt to see if it can be saved?

[GolfNfool]

Its a cool cart and easy to fix. If he's not asking a lot I'd buy it no doubt.

[Derrekforreal]

I already own it, just not sure if I should use it for parts or fix it. It’s a minimum $1,000 investment just for batteries ( as it did not come with any ).

[scottyb]

The old 3 wheeler is resistor coil drive. There is a limited use for such a cart and so limited market and price as well. It would be easy to get too much money invested. Look for used or reconditioned batteries. Somebody somewhere is looking for this cart to get around the trailer park or warehouse.
It would be valuable for parts also as they are getting harder to find.

[scottyb]

The old 3 wheeler is resistor coil drive. There is a limited use for such a cart and so limited market and price as well. It would be easy to get too much money invested. Look for used or reconditioned batteries. Somebody somewhere is looking for this cart to get around the trailer park or warehouse.
It would be valuable for parts also as they are getting harder to find. But it looks to be in too good a shape to part out?

[cartdoc1969]

Scotty B is correct, there isn't a big demand for resistor carts or three wheel carts. If you can find batteries cheap enough it might be worth playing with. Sams club and Costco have 6 volt batteries under $100 each. They aren't the highest quality but if cared for should last three years. Otherwise like mentioned, the parts are worth keeping it around rather than sending it off to the scrap yard.

[Volt_Ampere]

I would part it out. Not worth rebuilding IMO. IT may be unique but there is a reason most carts have four wheels.

[Derrekforreal]

Thanks for the replies/advice, much appreciated!

I think I will just park it next to the shed, tarp it, and pull parts off it as needed to keep our current Marathon cart running and my buddy’s cart who has the same model.

If anyone in the WI / IL area needs parts, feel free to reach out to me.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by Derrekforreal

Thanks for the replies/advice, much appreciated!

I think I will just park it next to the shed, tarp it, and pull parts off it as needed to keep our current Marathon cart running and my buddy’s cart who has the same model.

If anyone in the WI / IL area needs parts, feel free to reach out to me.

[dirkjansevan2]

I’d be interested in the front fork if you wanted to sell it