New (to me) 1978 (i think) E-Z-Go Marathon

[sailtexas186548]

thanks, that's a pretty complete manual

[bronsonj]

As for cheap batteries I found some at Advance Auto. They aren't trojans, but Advance Auto has a policy of not selling any battery past 9 months (or maybe 12, can't remember) as new. Same thing with customer returns. So they strip off the label and stick it on the shelf in the back. If you know to ask about older or used batteries you *may* be able to find a set for $47.50 per batt. Just depends on what they have. That's what I paid per each on my current set. It is a risk, but paid off for me.

[Bryce23]

Originally Posted by bronsonj

As for cheap batteries I found some at Advance Auto. They aren't trojans, but Advance Auto has a policy of not selling any battery past 9 months (or maybe 12, can't remember) as new. Same thing with customer returns. So they strip off the label and stick it on the shelf in the back. If you know to ask about older or used batteries you *may* be able to find a set for $47.50 per batt. Just depends on what they have. That's what I paid per each on my current set. It is a risk, but paid off for me.

Thank you! I'm just struggling to find a relatively affordable "entry" level battery. What is a good amp/hr rating?

[sailtexas186548]

There are a few places in Houston that advertise reconditioned batteries for as low as $59 each, they advertise on craigslist. You might check there if you are willing to take the risk on old batteries

[Bryce23]

I got a lot done this weekend. I think I've got it stripped down and am now ready to start cleaning up the body/frame. I've gotten the body torn apart about as much as I'm going to do. Need to spray the battery tray with some of that rust stopping paint.

[Bryce23]

Alright so I gutted the cart last weekend in hopes I could get it prepped for paint. Looks like nothing but rain this weekend so maybe I can spend time on the cart.

Can someone help explain to me what I am looking at here (pic 1); How can I test these components to determine if they need to be replaced?

Also, with the resistor coils (pic 2), can they be modified to benefit anything?

Yes, at some point I may be ready to dump a bunch of money and upgrade it all to a modern 48 volt system... but in the meantime... what can i modify/replace to get it up and running?

[vagabond]

Originally Posted by Bryce23

Alright so I gutted the cart last weekend in hopes I could get it prepped for paint. Looks like nothing but rain this weekend so maybe I can spend time on the cart.

Can someone help explain to me what I am looking at here (pic 1); How can I test these components to determine if they need to be replaced?

Also, with the resistor coils (pic 2), can they be modified to benefit anything?

Yes, at some point I may be ready to dump a bunch of money and upgrade it all to a modern 48 volt system... but in the meantime... what can i modify/replace to get it up and running?

check with ScottyB he can set you up

[sailtexas186548]

First picture top left is the on/off key switch, going counterclockwise the next (below the on/off switch) looks to be a charger connector and cables, continuing counterclockwise at the bottom of the picture is the wiper board that has the 5 contacts for different speeds (there should be the soliniod activating micro switch on the back side u can't see in this picture), on top of the wiper board is the soliniod, and finally the top right of the picture is the F&R switch (forward/reverse switch).

To keep it cheap, a good start would be disconnecting everything, and sand/polish every single connection and contact. And I means ALL of them, take the F&r completely apart, the wiper board apart, identify what cables are bad (ohm test, visual condition, stiff, etc). Once you do that u can use a digital multi meter to check continuity for the various parts in all positions, do a soliniod check, and then you can order or make replacements/rebuild what needs it.

Our carts were in very similar condition, and I just finished mine (posting in my thread soon). Every single connection, cable, and contact was bad in mine, it looked ok but until I took it all apart and cleaned it all up my cart wouldn't even move. Now it hauls butt!

Word of caution, you will break connections, strip threads, etc since everything is so old. I would soak everything in a PB blaster or kroil type penetrant and let it soak before you start. Be especially careful on the soliniod and motor studs and double wrench them! Only remove the top nut. I rushed and ended up having to drill and tap new holes in my motor casing and reindex it because I broke a bolt that I only had to mess with because I already broke a stud LOL. Ended up costing me about $85 extra bucks and a few hours or work (luckily I have machine tools at my disposal)

[Bryce23]

Got it hosed off this week and new tires put on... Getting ready to reassemble and start working on cleaning/replacing the electronics.

[sailtexas186548]

new tires certainly make it look much better!