Need Golf Cart/Build Input.

[BlackSheepSpeedShop]

I am looking to purchase a golf cart to modify for something to use to get around the private airport that I live in. I have lots of kids and would like input as to what make, model and year would be the best platform to start with. Thank you.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Club Car. They come equipped with aluminum frames and there is ton's of aftermarket gear available.

 

[BlackSheepSpeedShop]

Any year that is the best bang for the buck?

 

[AirJunky]

Check out BuggiesGoneWild.com. Lots of info there.

My take is theres only like 3 brands, CC, EZGo & Yamaha. Depending on what you want, and what dealers are in your area may limit that further.

 

[BlackSheepSpeedShop]

I think I just want wheels and tires, Reciever hitch front and rear, and rear seat, maybe one that converts into a flat bed.

 

[Ramthisone1]

You may want to look into GEM golf carts as well. They are geared more toward using them as a way to get around, and less for playing golf!

 

[BlackSheepSpeedShop]

All Great info, Thank you!

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yeah, the 3 big ones are:

Club Car
EZGO
Yamaha

As mentioned before, Club Car's frames are aluminium. EZGO's are steel... Don't know much about yamaha...

You can choose Gas or Electric... and electrics the older models are 36v, newer ones are 48v...

Modifying a cart is extremely easy, check out http://www.buggiesunlimited.com/ for various parts and stuff...

Usually if you can find one that already has the features you want it is cheaper than buying one and modifying it yourself, but parts aren't *too* expensive if you shop around (and check eBay)...


The E-Z-GO TXT is a very very common cart and parts are easy to come by. If I had a choice I would get a late-model used one, 48v with new or less than a year old batteries (always take a test drive and check the battery water levels and how much corrosion is around them)...

Often golf courses lease their carts for a year or two, then dealers will get them back, clean them up and sell them. So you can get good deals that way. But there are always lots of used carts out there at the big dealers, most will install fresh batteries so you have some sort of warranty. If you buy from an individual you really have to take their word on everything.

I've seen basic TXT carts going for under $2k, and decked out ones, well the sky is the limit...

If you are going to have a flip-flop seat in the back, you will definitely want heavy duty springs in the back. Usually most carts you can put up to 20" wheels without a lift. If you want 21"-22" then something like a 3"-4" lift will give you clearance.

Once you get beyond 22" tires then that starts to push the limits of the stock speed controller and you get into the realm of upgrading that and power cables, switches, solenoids, and sometimes even the motor...

Also realize there is a tradeoff, you get more speed with larger tires but you also have less torque. So if you live in a very hilly place, that is something to consider.

Here's my golf cart (2001 EZGO TXT 36v) that we take when shooting sporting clays. I recently put a 6" lift on it with 21" tires. You can really tell the reduction in torque with the larger tires but since I drive mostly on flat ground it's not a big deal. When I replace the batteries I'll probably replace the cables and various related parts, see if it helps out. Then the next thing would be to upgrade the speed controller but those can get kind of pricy.

 

[icenfire01]

First time post but I thought I'd chime in as I've been down this road recently. Club Car has built basically the same cart from 1980 something to the mid 2000's so there are hundreds of aftermarket accessories for them, just type Club Car DS in ebay. Aluminum frame is a big plus as well. Kinda funny someone mentions buggies gone wild forum, as I was checking stuff out there and someone mentioned this forum so I've been here for the last 6 most

 

[PugetDude]

Here's the king of golf cart mods:

http://villagesgolfcartman.com/

 

[B-Well]

I have a club car DS gasoline. I've had it for 5 years. It's an awesome cart and has incredible aftermarket support. Last year I did a full suspension overhaul. New bushings, brakes, tie rod ends, fluid change and a few clutch mods all for around $100. I'd look for a rough one and start there.

Also be sure you get gas if you want gas or electric if you want that. Don't attempt to change over. It's an expensive nightmare.

 

[BlackSheepSpeedShop]

All great. I like yours Jason and thank you for all the info. Would love to see some more pics of what you guys have built.

 

[AirJunky]

Mine....

It's a gas EZGo. 24 hp Honda engine, Terra Toys IFS, and thinking about installing a 3 link rear in it this winter. Full "cage", custom rear flip seat & disc brakes.

We live in a town where it's legal to drive the carts anywhere the speed limit is under 35. This one does about 35. It earns it's keep hauling gear from the house to the beach, which is about 2 blocks away.

 

[BlackSheepSpeedShop]

Now that is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! I take it you did the honda conversion?

 

[KermitFrog]

I've got an '09 EZ-GO TXT 36V with a lift kit and off road tires. Does great on my 13 acres.

 

[icenfire01]

He is mine, its an 87 CC gasser. 6" lift, paint and a TON of accessories.

 

[TerryH]

I'll play. Middle 2000's EZGO PDS or series carts are hard to beat but the same vintage Club Cars are very good also. Super easy to upgrade either and there is virtually nothing that you could possible want that's not available for either but especially the EZGO's.

Here's our pit cart. Air suspension, 4 wheel disc's, WAY to much to even list. 48v. Top speed is a little north of 40mph but we use it primarily to tow our other cart to the line.



And here's the other golf cart. It's a little bit faster.



I agree with the other person that posted the golf cart site. Everything you ever wanted to know about golf carts is available at buggiesgonewild.com.

 

[planecrazy]

I've owned three golf carts over the last 20 years. The last two were Club Cars and I really liked the aluminum frame. The last one I owned was electric and I bought it to move my 3000 lb airplane around. I found electric to be much better for that job as the gas version needs too many RPM's for the clutch to kick in. As you live on an airport, I assume you might be moving a plane.

My first golf cart was a three wheeled Harley Davidson with a tiller. I bought it without an engine. We cannibalized my Honda CM400 motorcycle and put the engine in the golf cart. Five speeds, chrome side pipes, single disc brake. It was spectacular. I had it to 70 MPH before I chickened out. A neighbor wrecked it so it is no more, sadly......

 

[BlackSheepSpeedShop]

Terry.......... Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I have added a stereo. LED lights and a "emergency" lightbar and a lift to my want list. Maybe a full cage.

 

[Boost Creep]

did someone say random excuse to post our golf cart pics? lol

gas yamaha. 5" lift. tons of fun

 

[BlackSheepSpeedShop]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would like all the pics! I am honestly thinking about building two now. One foe me, and one for my kids.

 

[TerryH]

I do love a thread welcoming random golf cart photos.

 

[Matt M PA]

I bought my 2000 Yamaha from the local golf course that was renewing their fleet. Mine's a gasser that I use around our place for my projects. Sure beats hoofing all over with tools, etc.

I paid $1000 for mine. I understand the big deal is the rear...if it's bad...costs more than the golf car is worth to fix. Can't speak for the others, but lots of after market support for the Yamaha. Many of the bed kits, etc are the same for all with just different brackets, attachments.

It was a fun project to build. Added the shifter and tach on the column...just because. Gas gauge, volt gauge, nicer dash...one thing I haven't done is the seat....

 

[denis4x4]

I have three carts; a Yamaha gas, 36v Club Car and a 48v Husqvarna (made by CC) Batteries for the Husky cost more than $1100 at NAPA earlier this year.

 

[ddurrett896]

Yamaha gas PTV. Factory high speed gear will do 20mph and factory head/breaklights and turn signals. $600 plowman clutch kit will get it into the 30s.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Back from the dead warning from a now banned spammer.

 

[greg9719]

Everything has pretty much been covered. Buggiesgonewild is the garage journal for golf carts.
Id say try find a decent mid 2000s club car, Yamaha or EZGO TXT. The best part is they’re easily upgradable in stages. I started with a 2001 EZGO TXT 36v and did a frame off restoration as it needed some TLC. You can buy a 36v and upgrade cables, then solenoid, then reversing contractor, then controller, then batteries, then motor or a different combination and use the cart while upgrading here and there.

Here’s mine with 48v, 500 amp controller, super duty solenoid and reversing contractor with 2ga cables. 6” lift, rear seat flip kit, 23” tires. Still running 36v motor and will upgrade when it goes kaput.