How I am rebuilding my “vintage” 1988 Club Car DS.
I don’t have experience working on golf carts. What I do have is an idea for what this cart could become and a willingness to figure out what it takes.
This journal will follow the entire project: the decisions, parts, costs, mistakes, and progress.
Where the cart stands now
So far, I’ve removed the body panels and taken out the old lead-acid batteries.
That’s the beginning. There’s no finished transformation to show yet, just an old cart with a lot of work ahead of it.
Before moving further, I want to document its current condition so there’s a clear record of where the project started.
What I want to build
The plan is an ambitious rebuild with a lithium battery and AC conversion (Ecobattery would be best,since it has a wiring harness that comes with it), upgraded brakes, and a fresh finish.
Those are plans at this stage. As I work through compatibility, cost, and installation, some choices may change. I’ll explain those decisions here. I would also like a 6″ lift and new rims and tires if the budget allows.
Keeping track of the real cost
Parts can add up quickly, especially when the goal is a substantial rebuild.
I’ll track what I spend as the project develops, including the smaller items that are easy to overlook. When it’s finished, I want to know the actual total—not just the price of the battery and motor.
I also want to find out which upgrades were worth the money and which decisions I would make differently.
Learning in public
This won’t be an expert pretending every step is easy. I’m learning, and there will probably be moments when I have to stop, research, or ask for help.
If something doesn’t fit or a plan turns out to be impractical, that belongs in the journal too.
My hope is that documenting the process gives other people considering an old-cart rebuild a useful look at what’s involved.
What comes next
The next step is to photograph the cart as it stands, document its condition, and put the build plan and budget in order before buying the major components.
For now, the panels are off, the batteries are out, and the project has begun.