We all love golf carts, or, at least, most of us, but did you know that you can build your own golf cart from scratch.
Well, maybe not from scratch, but anything is possible.
One of the easiest ways of building your own golf cart is by using old beat-up golf carts lying around in some yard waiting for rust to do its thing.
Virtually, you can recreate something beautiful from an old forgotten, and immobile golf cart.
- Finding a rundown unusable golf cart is the first step. There are numerous of them, especially in golfing communities, and anyone will be willing to part with it. Ideally, choose a golf cart that isn’t too run down to make your task easier.
- The next step is to get a build your own golf cart kit to tear down the golf cart into different parts. Be careful as some of these parts have a resale value, and it is not such a bad thing to sell some of them that you will not be using.
A gas golf cart will not require a significant amount of rear-end reconstruction like its electric-powered counterpart. Remember to remove the battery rack.
- Carefully clean the frame, and repaint it if necessary. You don’t need to do so much on it if it is already in good condition. Install the motor mount and secure it in place. It is where the motor will be.
- Do the necessary wiring for the throttle, radio, lighting, and audio. It is also to this point that you install the redone rear axle together with suspension. The suspension kit includes lift blocks, spindles and lift brackets. All these should be of good quality to avoid problems later on.
- If you have done all the above correctly, sliding in the motor will be a straightforward exercise. Bolt it in place, and move on to the next step.
- Attaching the vehicle’s rear end is not a difficult thing to do, and you don’t need to worry about it. Leave some functional spaces on top of the hangers to provide a suitable clearance. This action prevents the rubbing of tires and suspension.
It is now time to work on the front part of the golf cart.
- Please note that the steering equipment should always be in its original place. You can still do some customization and changes, but it is not advisable. Ideally, use spindles as they make the process effortless. They make the lifting, a walk in the park.
- The next step is to install the upgraded brakes into the golf cart. Be careful, and always do it in the right way as it will be handling the significant amount of weight from the golf cart, plus the additional power of the motor.
With spindles, suspension, and shocks in place, the front part is almost good. Consider the most appropriate graphics for you. Here is where your personal preferences will come in.
- The graphics part is where you play around with creativity. However, you need to be careful unless you want to stand out negatively. Nobody wants their golf cart to be the subject of jokes and satire. A combination of bright colored and white graphics on the front part will be sufficient.
Don’t veer off too much from what is standard. Ideally, go with vinyl graphics as it is possible to remove it later when necessary.
- It is time to install the wheels, and this process will not take too much of your time. The combination of tire and wheels makes the process more comfortable, and gives your cart some traction to handle the slippery surface, effortlessly.
- Reattach the body to the chassis and work on the electrical components such as audio and lighting. Remember that the LED light needs to be as bright as possible to make you visible at night.
- After the whole lot is in place, it is time to take the golf cart out for a spin. Make sure that it is stable, and there is no wobbling. Also, keep an ear out for any funny sounds such as the brushing of metal against the tire.
The process of building the golf cart is undoubtedly exciting. You don’t have to worry about the speed and control as long as you are keen to follow the above steps.
If you are a DIYer, and you like making stuff at your garage, then making the DIY golf cart will be like taking a walk around the neighborhood.
What types of motor can I use in my DIY golf cart?
The fun part is that you can use the motor of any motor-driven Utilities such as a lawnmower, chainsaw and water pump. This shouldn’t be difficult to find, but there are some considerations.
Ideally, you should choose a motor rating of above ten horsepower. It would be unfortunate if your golf cart cannot manage some of the hills at the golf course or around your neighborhood.
The cooling system is another important consideration when choosing a motor — the two main types of cooling that you can choose to include the air and fluid-driven. The fluid-driven is more heavy-duty, but you will need some skills to install it in the right way.
My DIY golf cart does not start
It does not always mean that something is dead just because it won’t start at the turn of the key. Make sure the golf cart battery has sufficient power before you make any decision.
Sometimes, understanding the Mechanics of a deep cycle battery is essential is a small thing that can give you a significant amount of trouble.
For example, charging a highly discharged battery is not a simple task. Understand how to extend the life of the battery.
If charging is ok, check the wiring for any loose connections. Corrosion and dirt can also cause connection problems, and so it is vital to check for this also. Use a sandpaper or wire brush to remove any corrosion or dirt.
How do I move my DIY golf cart?
There are various ways that you can move your DIY golf cart from the workshop to another area. If driving the golf cart is hectic or not possible at the moment, you have the option of hauling it using a pickup truck or even a trailer.
Don’t forget to strap it securely to avoid undesirable movements.
Can I drive my DIY golf cart on a major highway or road?
Answering this is tricky because it depends on the laws of the state and the municipality. The rules vary across districts and states, and you cannot give a definite answer to this question. Check the local laws before making any decision to drive on a major road.
You also have to remember that there’s a federal standard for Street legal golf carts. Typically, the golf cart should have a brake light, tail light, headlights, a maximum speed of 25 mph and reflectors. The golf cart should also have the right quality windshield.
Low-speed vehicles are another category that your DIY golf cart can fit.
However, it will need a 17 digit number and fulfill other Street legal vehicle requirements for registration as a motor vehicle.
Other essential specifications include using the car on the street with signage stating 35 miles per hour or less.
You will find that there are residential neighborhoods where the municipal Council does not enforce rules. The authorities may ignore golf carts in such places, and you may decide to take advantage of this. However, do it at your own risk.
Which is the right way of watering your golf cart batteries?
Keeping the water of the deep cycle batteries at the right level is critical to ensure durability. As a rule of thumb, never let the electorate level go below the top of the plates. Exposed plates are more likely to become unusable, sooner.
Don’t add water before charging, but rather, after charging.
Adding water before a recharge can cause the acid to spill outside, and cause corrosion on the surface head on the metal plates. Leave some clearance of about half an inch to the top when adding water.
How much does it cost to build a golf cart?
The overall cost of building a golf cart battery depends on a variety of factors that include the cost of the old shell. Here is where your negotiation skills are most useful. An unusable second-hand golf cart shouldn’t cost you too much.
Other equipment such as the vinyl graphics, a new set of wheels, headlights, electrical installation, and additional parts for the body may drive up the cost.
However, keep in mind that the DIY golf cart will cost you less to build than buying a new one.
What makes a golf cart run?
One of the critical factors that make golf carts run is the motor. A powerful and efficient engine will contribute to the speed and a consistent and efficient movement of your golf cart.
Other factors include the size of the wheels, the cooling system, and the state of the battery.
The bigger the wheels, the lesser the revolutions it requires to cover a particular distance compared to smaller wheels. A well-maintained battery performs better and contributes to a better movement.
How do you find the year of a Club Car golf cart?
You need first to find the serial number of the golf cart usually located on the passenger side of the glove compartment. It is generally on the kick panel.
where to buy the complete kit