Hello - this is my second post and 1st build. I recently purchased an 01 48 Volt Club Car DS with 6 relatively new Trojan batteries. It appears they were replaced in Jan 2015. I will do my best to attach photos correctly. If anyone can help me with the following questions I will be very appreciative.
I plan to build a
hunting buggy out of this cart. All suggestions are greatly appreciated. I want to get this right!
1. I think the cart has some sort of lift? However, I plan to purchase a J
akes 6 inch spindle lift. Thoughts? Your frame has been cut and drop brackets have been installed. I saw it in the picture. Any lift kit that you install on the front of this cart will be extremely tall because you're adding it to an "already lifted" chassis. You'd have to make some straight brackets to replace your Z-brackets in order to bring the frame pieces parallel with each other. Then you could successfully install a new lift kit. I highly recommend a double A-arm lift kit over a spindle kit. There is absolutely no comparison in ride quality, durability, and steering feel.
2. Considering performance, looks, etc -
What size wheels and tires would you recommend? I am leaning towards the Swamp Fox tires and 12 inch all black steel wheels with the triangle shaped cut outs. Looking for an aggressive tire. I really like the Dirt Devils but can seem to find them.
Swamp Fox tires are amazing. I have used them on my hunting carts for the past two years.
3.
Recommendation for a 48v to 12v converter. I plan to put an LED light bar, cig lighter for spot light and possibly a winch.
Get a 30 amp reducer. It'll power everything except the winch. For the winch, you'll need an external battery to power it with 12 volts. Some people have hooked their winches up to 2 batteries for 16 volts without an issue (myself included), but I'm not going to recommend it to anyone.
4. Would like to switch all lights to LED. See photo attached. What s
ize and brand LED lights do you recommend. I dont need street legal.
I am running into this issue with a customer now. Like you, he has factory headlights in his front cowl. Factory lights are larger than any of the LED lights that I have access to. They simply won't fit because the opening is too large
5. I plan to put my Old Towne Canoe on top to carry it down to the lake. Thinking I
should weld in some cross beam supports? Is this necessary? May also use the support up high in the front to mount an LED flood.
Would you fab up a couple bars to put the canoe on our just lay it on the top and hold it in place with a couple bungee cords? Again not going far or fast.
I recommend adding some sort of support. I'm not sure what a canoe weighs, but the windshield frame isn't built to hold much weight.
6.
Any tips on painting the body? I plan to light sand and spray with a Rustoleum or Valspar Flat Black paint. I just painted the top. Underside of the top I lightly sanded, then Primed with Bullys then painted flat black with Rustomleum Primer/Paint. On the top side of the top I aggressively sanded primed with Bullys then sprayed with Rustoleum Flat Blk Paint/Primer. Didn't like the look so I repainted with Rustoleum Bed Liner. Figured it would be more durable hitting limbs, canoe rubbing it, etc.
Can't help here. I take all of my custom builds to a paint and body shop and let them handle the paint work
7. Thoughts on creating a
quick disconnect between batteries and winch? I am putting front and rear grizzly metal works bumbers with receivers. My plan is to be able to mount the winch so I can take it on and off as needed in either receiver.
Good idea. Lots of people do this.
8.
Do I need to make any upgrades to the controller or motor? Honestly, I picked this up from reading. I have no idea what the controller does and how, if or why I would need to upgrade or change.
The controller disperses power to the motor. The controller in your photo is a Curtis 225 amp IQ controller. The IQ system came out in 2002. I noticed you said your cart was an 01. Post the serial number for the cart. I have my doubts about it being an 01. An upgraded controller would provide more amperage and give you more power. Common upgrades for hunting carts consist of a heavy duty solenoid, heavy duty cables, a high torque motor, and a 500 amp controller
9.
How much weight would you put in that box? Can I throw a buck on there? Will I need to upgraded the rear springs? Looks like something as already been done to them.
It already has HD Springs on it. Standard leaf springs are mono-leaf. As for the box bed, it looks to be sturdy enough to throw a buck in.
10. If anyone sees any flaws for any of my plans please speak up. You will not hurt my feelings. Just trying to get this right. Also any ideas to make it a better hunting cart.
Thanks in advance for any and all feedback.
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