G1 Serial # location on engine is this accurate

[lakebuggy]

2 Questions: First Project need support! Thank you ....

We have a G1 1981 Serial# located on the frame under the bumper side J10-031111 can only be used for parts.

1.) We have another G1- unable to locate serial number on frame like the other has...(looked same place as other) Can it be anywhere else.
Found Serial # J31-151461 on the engine, does this mean it is definitely a 1987 or did they use this engine for several years on a G1. Any where else we should look to confirm or can we move forward with this as the year?

2.) Can we use 1981 parts for a 1987 G1 before we create a nightmare by mixing the parts?

1st Golf Cart ever

[Field6565]

All G1 engines are the same except for 82. Try looking on the frame in between the rear shock mounts for a serial number. It might be an earlier cart. Do they both have the same clutch? 79 to 84 will be aluminum in color and 85 to 89 will be gold in color.

[GMB74]

Since these buggies are now pushing 30 years old, it is not unusual to find a mix of parts from various model years on the same machine. Many times parts are salvaged from one cart to get another one going again. If the engine is original, then you would be correct about the year of your second buggy. Compare the starter solenoids, front steering knuckles and rear brake adjusters on the two machines. If they are the same, you have two early (J10 series) carts. If they are different, your second buggy is a later series. Many parts are interchangeable throughout the G1 model range, some are not.