I can hardly remember how this became a project. This goes way back to the days when I was still wearing Jnco Jeans… Wait, forget that I’m still wearing Jnco Jeans.
Anyhow, I had just sold off my screen-printing business, and after that endeavor, anything else seemed like a good idea. I don’t remember how I stumbled onto this project, but I remember some rich guy who had made his money in construction suddenly found an interest in electric vehicles.
Apparently, in his attempt to dip his toes in the water he purchased this golf cart. He really had no idea what condition it was in, but it did run. Me, not having any work in the shop at the time and lacking the direction to acquire more meaningful endeavors, I agreed to take the job.
The golf cart ran on 36 V. He wanted me to upgrade all the wiring, convert it to 48 V, lift it, and completely redo it top to bottom. He also wanted a sun canopy.
Later, I would find out that this motivated and eccentric customer had a, let’s say, rocky road on his journey to success. Long story short, when the project was done, I never heard from again and got to keep the cart, which basically covered what he owed me.
While functional, the set up was going to be completely inadequate for 48 V and the bigger tires I had to add.
Sure, it’s not too bad, I bet the metal underneath here looks great.
You get the idea.
Look mom, no frame.
After a couple hours a plasma cutting, there wasn’t much left.
Box steel to the rescue.
I don’t remember this being part of the initial project.
Oh yeah, and the brakes didn’t work. On a bright note, I still have my fingers. It’s the little things in life.
And then there’s the controller. He wanted me to upgrade the factory controller with a modern electronic unit. Apparently, he got this off of eBay or somewhere and gave me the specific instructions of, figure out how to make it work. With his generous guidance, and the liberal use of a voltmeter, somehow I got it sorted out.
One of these things is not like the other. After confirmation from Mr. Obvious, I would have to figure out how to solve this round hole square peg issue. Okay, the tire is not square, but if it was, it would’ve fit better.
After complete bastardization of ninth grade geometry class I lifted it up a few inches, put in some longer lug bolts and made some hub spacers.
I had to put this picture of turning the spacers on my lathe just to make it look like I knew what I was doing.
When all was said and done there is even a little bit of space in the back to store your children.
Sporting 48 V of lead acid batteries, this grotesque power and control system that I somehow got working, it actually ran pretty good. Off to the drag races.
So who’s the pretty kitty?
