[dantheman77]

Hello! I'm new here, so I don't know if this really belongs here and sorry if I break a rule lol but I just picked up a 1987 Club Car DS golf car that I want to turn into a minitruck/utility vehicle thing. I got the golf car for $300, it had batteries but they read 1v or under and they're from 2016. Needs wiring reworked, going to get some refurbished batteries for $45 a piece (what do you think of refurbished lead acid batteries?, thinking of upgrading the solenoid/resistor coil system to a solid state controller (any cheap solid state controllers or ways to get one for cheap?), fix up the body and make a bed, workbench and toolbox for the rear (I work on alot of stuff including small engines). Planning on driving around the neighborhood and lots of off-roading and towing with it hopefully. Also I might make some doors and maybe even an air conditioner system for it What do you think?

 

[dantheman77]

In the second and third image I removed the roof, rear end body and golf bag holder to get to the frame, I need to clean some corrosion in the battery tray from years ago, used baking soda and water paste and going to try to get a sandblaster.

 

[cricketo]

what do you think of refurbished lead acid batteries?

Don't do it. Go straight to Lithium, ideally to LFP cells. Extra weight you will save will add to your utility carrying capacity without exceeding the rating of the suspension.

thinking of upgrading the solenoid/resistor coil system to a solid state controller (any cheap solid state controllers or ways to get one for cheap?)

I've misread the question at first, but I see you actually have a resistor coil in there. You should then look for some simple Curtis controllers that come from Golf carts and are very easy to wire. Pay attention to the throttle type, rated voltage and motor type (shunt vs series). Ideally you want to go to 48V system, so get a 48V controller. Get a modern contactor (solenoid) for your main power disconnect/ignition.

Finally, there is a good dedicated board for these types of projects, you will find a lot of similar projects there - Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum