1980 Taylor Dunn Tee Bird - a new project

[david@apexauto]

I discovered this somewhat rare Taylor Dunn cart for sale on craigslist.

Why did I drive 500 miles, stay in a hotel, and pay $1250.00?

Because:
1. Its all metal;
2. It Functions, drove around the block...
3. Body: 10/10; Paint: 8.5/10; Batt: 2/10
3. It's got a narrowed 9" Ford Diff. (it looks like)
4. It's a curious craft; somewhat rare;
5. I had 48 volts of spare 12v 100Ah Life4 batteries;
6. I need a project to help me learn about motor control. So I can build fun things.
7. I got to tow a trailer with a new vehicle.
8. Quality time with family.

My first step will be to convert the cart to 48 volts 500 amps... solid state. I've purchased the parts. I will update if interest exists.

I found part numbers when researching Curtis 1205 controllers and reading Curtis instructions and wiring diagrams. I will attach if this is of interest.

Additionally, I picked up a Boosted solar charge controller and intend to test the practicality of perpetual solar charging.

I need accurate ID and manuals. I need to find the serial number. I will need suspension and steering parts.

[ThreeCW]

Interesting cart

Good luck on your project ... I will certainly follow along.

[david@apexauto]

Attached, find a PDF Manual for Curtis Motor Controller...

Fig 5, on Page 6 depicts a wiring diagram entitled: "Typical Installation, 1204 / 1205 controller. "

Based on the wiring diagram and text, I ordered the following parts:

- Golf Cart Potentiometer Box with Switch PB-6. PB-8 --$50

- Coil Suppression Diode | 3 Amp (x3) --$38 (use across F/R contactor)

- Forward / Reverse Toggle Switch | SPDT | Center Off | 20 Amp --$12

- DC182 Style | Reversing Contactor Solenoid |48V --$166

- Albright Style | SW180 | DC Contactor Solenoid, 48V 200Amp --$51

- Polarity Blocking Diode, I chose 50 amp | DC 3-1000V --$19

- Motor Controller (clone of) Curtis 1205 |48V | 500A | 0-5KΩ --$110

- Pre-charge Resistor 250 ohm / 5W --$18

My parts cost (thus far) for the solid state conversion $465.00

Advise / suggestions solicited.

[ThreeCW]

If your clone Curtis 1205 follows the same wiring diagram as you posted, it looks like you should be good to go.

Note that some BGW members have reported problems with clone controllers ... i.e. it is either that they work or they don't work .

Below is a link for the generic wiring of an Alltrax Series Controller. You might find some of the resistor and diode ratings, and wiring details of the Alltrax diagram helpful as a comparison to what you have proposed.

https://alltraxinc.com/wp-content/up...R-WIRE-DIA.pdf

[david@apexauto]

Attached, please find PDF Manual for Taylor Dunn GT370, including exploded views.

I was able to spend another another $415.00 on these parts:

2 Replacement Coilover shocks
4 differential drive belts
1 brake drum (pinion mounted)
1 brake friction band


https://www.vintagegolfcartparts.com/

Vintagegolfparts.com = Gold Mine for Taylor Dunn replacement parts.

I haven't yet found the serial number and positively Identified the cart. No quality time yet, just couch surfing for parts I expect to need.

[ThreeCW]

Here is thread that you will want to read regarding programming of you clone Curtis 1205.

https://www.buggiesgonewild.com/showthread.php?t=194621

And some more information here:

https://www.buggiesgonewild.com/showthread.php?t=188959

As you will gather by reading the above threads, it sounds like the clone Curtis 1205 will need to be programmed to meet your requirements. Since you are starting fresh, I wonder if a certain throttle configuration would be better (require less or no programming) for the clone Curtis 1205? This programming is above my pay grade, but there appears to some knowledgeable BGW members familiar with how to make this controller work.