My Art Car(t) based off an EZGO Workhorse

[universe_in_a_nutshell]

I purchased a 1998 EZGO Workhorse with the intent to radically mutate it into an art car (or mutant vehicle) for Burning Man in 2019. I finally completed it in time for the return of the burn last year in 2022.

It's called "The Universe in a Nutshell" and represents an atom/galaxy contained within a walnut shell, inspired by the artwork on the cover of Stephen Hawking's book with the same name.

I tore off the whole body and bed and welded a custom steel square tube frame to the cart's frame, and then riveted and shaped the aluminum sheet metal to simulate the shape of a walnut. there are over 1000 LEDs on the skin and the atom/galaxy sculpture. It has a custom galaxy themed plush interior lounge space.

Underneath it all is a Workhorse that's basically bone stock. It caries 5 passengers easily but I may have overloaded it with 7 or 8 people...







here is a pic during construction:



Unfortunately I didn't spend enough time checking the engine or doing much preventative maintenance, and it overheated and started seizing up after a few days. Since then I pulled the motor and had it bored .5mm over, and have just gotten it mounted back in the cart. I want to gear it down to improve the torque and slow it down, as there is a 5mph speed limit at the event anyway.

I also want to look into improving airflow to keep the engine cool now that it's more boxed in by all the bodywork. I might drill holes in the aluminum and make ducting to the fan. Maybe add an electric fan. Any suggestions welcome.

Cheers!

[TheNewGuy]

WoW!! Very cool.

[kgsc]

Way cool !! Also way too late but if you had gone with an electric newer cart you can set the speed limit to whatever you wanted.. 5 for the event and up to 19.5 for elsewhere.