2000 EZ GO TXT Build

[Motoxxxloak]

Picked this up today. 2000 EZ GO TXT. 6 seater. 14hr total trip from Rancho Cucamonga to Gilbert AZ. Got the cart for $500, round trip 6x12 U-Haul trailer for $42 and around $200 in diesel.

I have been looking for a 6 seater txt for about 9 months. I didn’t want to spend $10k for one fully done up but I also didn’t want to spend $3k for a project beater. That was about the cheapest I could find all across So Cal. Found this one on marketplace Wednesday and had a deal Wednesday evening.

I’m not going to lie. I was hoping to get a cart where most of the wiring was intact and I could just add/replace here and there. But this thing is pretty much gutted. It’s my first time ever working on a golf cart so I know this is going to be a lot of trial and error, and alcohol.

The roof frame is bent but when I removed it from the roof, the roof settled back to its normal shape. However, I’m thinking I’ll trash the roof and pick up and extended roof in order to cover the back seats.

For the motor, my plan is Navitas. I am going to call them up tomorrow and determine what else I need to order with this Kit since I virtually have nothing.

For the body, I will be going with the MadJax Storm Kit. I like the black, cherry, cement and white. All my vehicles are white so am leaning towards that but I know the red pops. We’ll see.

For lift/wheels/tires, I am totally undecided. I was thinking Jake’s long travel kit with 14” modz rims and 23” tires. But, not sure if I want to go that wild or keep it simple. I will likely tackle that after the motor and body come in.

Audio/lights/power, haven’t got there yet. When I call navitas, I’m also going to ask them what batteries they recommend. I’m sure Trojan, but I’ve seen a lot of people run the US Battery amongst others. Don’t really want to drop the coin on lithium.

As always, any input from the brain trust is welcome. The amount of knowledge and skill on here is crazy.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Can’t find anything stamped on this motor. Also can’t figure out online how to identify it. Idk if it’s 36v, 48v. Stock or not stock….any input?

Edit
Upon further review, all 4 terminals on the motor are the same larger size so it appears to be a “series” motor, not a regen.

The controller I was given is a Curtis 25864g03 which comes up as a 36v controller so, I believe I have my answer. Doesn’t matter, it’s coming out anyways but good to know.

Going to try and test the motor and controller to see if they work. Maybe I’ll keep for a spare if I find another cheap cart I can flip or just sell altogether.

 

[King295]

Looks like you have a solid starting point and a smoking price. I built an electric cart awhile back, it was fun and super easy. I did a bunch of research on lithium/Navitas controller setups and was going to go that route but wanted to try the stock 36v first. I ended up offloading it and going to a gas cart.

Your plans/picks sound solid but I'd wager that going lithium would be best. Navitas will steer you in the right direction.

 

[alohajeff]

A more modern AC setup will be a much better option if the budget allows. With regenerative braking you end up with a much safer and easier to drive cart. Golf Cart brakes are terrible. Old drum brake equipped carts were OK on a relatively flat golf course but are terrible on streets with any grade to them. I've had to use "R" in an emergency before and that was no fun. 6 people + Big Tires and stock brakes on a DC motor cart = no bueno.

Aloha

 

[Motoxxxloak]

A more modern AC setup will be a much better option if the budget allows. With regenerative braking you end up with a much safer and easier to drive cart. Golf Cart brakes are terrible. Old drum brake equipped carts were OK on a relatively flat golf course but are terrible on streets with any grade to them. I've had to use "R" in an emergency before and that was no fun. 6 people + Big Tires and stock brakes on a DC motor cart = no bueno.

Aloha

Doubt this will ever touch dirt but maybe one day….that’s what I liked about the regen motor. Also there sell brake upgrades I’ll consider if needed.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

ordered the storm kit today. Unfortunately, they don’t sell the piece for the front seat. The seat base/podium or stand it sits on (don’t know the right term). Mine is painted so I’ll have to get it painted to match. No big deal.

Navitas basically said they don’t sell anything outside of the kit. Since I don’t have a harness or anything else, it looks like I got a lot of figuring out to do. Hopefully it’s nothing too crazy but we’ll see. All of the cart forums I’ve looked on suck. I’m spoiled by RDP and the amount of responses posts received. On those forums, it seems a lot of questions go unanswered

 

[getch]

The center seat is usually referred to as a “pod”

Double take makes a nice one, kinda pricey thou.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Ah

The center seat is usually referred to as a “pod”

Double take makes a nice one, kinda pricey thou.

View attachment 1282463

Ah yes, I had see pod mentioned elsewhere but thought it sounded funny so didn’t think it was right. Thank you for confirming.

I have the pod currently. It’s in good shape just black. I ordered the white kit so I’ll take the pod and the kit to a painter.

MadJax customer service said they send a paint pen with the kit for touch ups. They said I can take the pen and the “pod” to a painter and they can pull the code and match it. I’ll do that when the kit arrives.

 

[getch]

For the roof and wheel/tires there is a guy on offer up that sells them in eastvale. Save you on tax and shipping the roof. He’ll probably ask you to venmo him a deposit for the roof as he special orders them, I’ve done it a few times with him nothing to worry about. His user name is “Serious Buyers”

For visual reference this is before and after on my current cart.

6” Jakes spindle lift

23” tires on 14” wheels

And extended roof from that I got from the OfferUp guy along with the wheels and tires.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

For the roof and wheel/tires there is a guy on offer up that sells them in eastvale. Save you on tax and shipping the roof. He’ll probably ask you to venmo him a deposit for the roof as he special orders them, I’ve done it a few times with him nothing to worry about. His user name is “Serious Buyers”

For visual reference this is before and after on my current cart.

6” Jakes spindle lift

23” tires on 14” wheels

And extended roof from that I got from the OfferUp guy along with the wheels and tires.

View attachment 1282473 View attachment 1282474

That is exactly the look (lift wise) I am going for. Looks great! For the roof, do those come with new roof supports? The second pics supports look beefier

 

[King295]

For the roof and wheel/tires there is a guy on offer up that sells them in eastvale. Save you on tax and shipping the roof. He’ll probably ask you to venmo him a deposit for the roof as he special orders them, I’ve done it a few times with him nothing to worry about. His user name is “Serious Buyers”

For visual reference this is before and after on my current cart.

6” Jakes spindle lift

23” tires on 14” wheels

And extended roof from that I got from the OfferUp guy along with the wheels and tires.

View attachment 1282473 View attachment 1282474

Cart looks killer. I bought a roof from that same guy for my electric cart build. It worked out great. He sells the supports, I didn't need them.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Cart looks killer. I bought a roof from that same guy for my electric cart build. It worked out great. He sells the supports, I didn't need them.

Good to know. I saved a few of his wheel posts and just messaged him about the roof as well

 

[getch]

He does sell the supports but I’m not sure about ones that will work with your rear seat. Since you need the supports and probably need upholstery too it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just look for a new rear seat on Amazon. This is what I bought last time, and give you the flip seat for storage

 

[WTR&PWR]

Did you price all the aftermarket parts out you want compared to just buying a finished one? I did and it didn’t seem to make sense for me but I was looking at a stock one with a body kit for around 3,000. You got yours at a killer deal so that helps. Any idea what you expect the motor and wiring to cost?

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Did you price all the aftermarket parts out you want compared to just buying a finished one? I did and it didn’t seem to make sense for me but I was looking at a stock one with a body kit for around 3,000. You got yours at a killer deal so that helps. Any idea what you expect the motor and wiring to cost?

I did. Cheapest one I found with lift rims and tires, as well as kit and motor was $10k and higher. That was fully built close to how I wanted but not 100% There is one on OfferUp for 9500 but the guy didn’t paint the pod so I’d have to do that as well. It also doesn’t have other odds and ends I’d want to add. There was another one I found 100% fully done, how I’d build it myself, and he sold it for $13,500.

I spent $1600 on the storm body kit, not including the price of paint for the pod. I have a buddy at a collision shop that will hook me up.

Navitas kit is around $2k.
Rims and tires and lift, maybe another $1k ish.

Other misc stuff including stereo stuff, wiring, relays, sensors etc, let’s say $2k.

So in it maybe 7500??? 8000? And the experience I gain and the fact I’ll know the cart inside and out…priceless to me.

I did consider one done but I just couldn’t get there financially. I’ll be able to build this at my pace and not have to drop all that coin at once.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Let’s talk batteries. Not so much brand, but volts. If the navitas is a 48v kit (I believe you can run 72v too but think that’s overkill), how do I shop batteries? Do I get 8, 6 volt batteries? Four, 12 volt batteries? Two, 24 volt batteries?

 

[NicPaus]

@lake p.a.l. is pretty knowledgeable with carts. I would ask him about the batteries.

I have 2 6 seaters a 2007 and 2020 EZGO but both gas so I am of no help on battery questions.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Navitas told me the more batteries, the better (for amps). So, I am looking at 8-6v. Considered 12-6 volts as the system can handle 72 volts, but dont want to start changing out chargers etc

 

[alohajeff]

You can do 6 x 8v batteries too but it'd require a converter for the 12v accessories. The 6v batteries are common almost everywhere because the RV'ers use em'. Hauling around all of that additional weight of a massive battery bank has to be justified.

A typical 2 seater with decent nothing fancy Trojan lead acid batteries will make 36 holes of golf easy. Figure thats about 8 miles of use on grass (extra drag) versus pavement. If you want to setup camp and bump a stereo for hours on end disregard the extra weight comment. You'll want all the Ah's you can get.

Aloha

 

[Motoxxxloak]

You can do 6 x 8v batteries too but it'd require a converter for the 12v accessories. The 6v batteries are common almost everywhere because the RV'ers use em'. Hauling around all of that additional weight of a massive battery bank has to be justified.

A typical 2 seater with decent nothing fancy Trojan lead acid batteries will make 36 holes of golf easy. Figure thats about 8 miles of use on grass (extra drag) versus pavement. If you want to setup camp and bump a stereo for hours on end disregard the extra weight comment. You'll want all the Ah's you can get.

Aloha

I’m thinking 8-6v Is the way to go. When I eventually do a stereo, I’ll add an XS or odyssey for thay

 

[lake p.a.l.]

I was in golf cart business for 20+ years, been out of it 5+ years, but you are welcome to call or text anytime. I'm not any wealth of knowledge but happy to help if I can.
Rob
925-421-59six nine

 

[paradise]

I’m thinking 8-6v Is the way to go. When I eventually do a stereo, I’ll add an XS or odyssey for thay

Are you staying lead acid or are you open to going lithium?

As for your 12v accessories I would just do a 48v-12v converter. Less stuff to worry about charging and the draw is pretty low compared to the motor.

Lastly, going 72v is pretty nice. You would get 50% more torque and top speed over 48v. I would probably go lithium at that point for the capacity increase, but I had a 9x 8v cart at one point. Just a lot of weight.

 

[lake p.a.l.]

72v is badass
We built a 72v many years ago with (6) 12v & new Hi Performance Electric Vehicles system, huge controller. This was back when Rangers, Razors, etc were just coming out. The elec cart would spank everything to 40mph. Had 31" mud tires on it. Was a TON of fun

 

[Motoxxxloak]

I was in golf cart business for 20+ years, been out of it 5+ years, but you are welcome to call or text anytime. I'm not any wealth of knowledge but happy to help if I can.
Rob
925-421-59six nine

Thanks Rob! Will call next week when I’m ready to get the battery situation figured out!

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Are you staying lead acid or are you open to going lithium?

As for your 12v accessories I would just do a 48v-12v converter. Less stuff to worry about charging and the draw is pretty low compared to the motor.

Lastly, going 72v is pretty nice. You would get 50% more torque and top speed over 48v. I would probably go lithium at that point for the capacity increase, but I had a 9x 8v cart at one point. Just a lot of weight.

Going to stay lead acid right now simply for the price point. Good idea on the converter. Sounds like the better route.

Unless I can find a killer deal on a lithium setup, I’ll upgrade later. Looking at $1000 for Trojan T875 or $1200 or T1275.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Also, Just talked w/Ryan at Golf Carts Modified. I watch most of their videos before even buying the cart. Called him twice and he’s been a wealth of knowledge. Got the Navitas kit, solenoid, upgraded wires, harness, FNR and run/tow switch ordered up. Super nice guy and even gave me a pretty good discount for calling in. Will ship out tomorrow.

Going to work on buttoning up the frame this weekend. Need to see if I can get my buddy to weld a piece locally otherwise I’ll head to my dads shop in corona and handle it. Will update with pictures shortly.

 

[lake p.a.l.]

If u have to stick with lead instead of lithium go with (8) 6v or (6) 8v, don't do (4) 12v. I would also wait until I could afford lithium, you won't regret spending the additional $$

 

[Motoxxxloak]

If u have to stick with lead instead of lithium go with (8) 6v or (6) 8v, don't do (4) 12v. I would also wait until I could afford lithium, you won't regret spending the additional $$

Trojans are looking like $1200 OTD. EB bundle is about $2700. I see Trojans are good 5-8 years depending on maintenance and driving habits. EB/lithium closer to 20 depending on maintenance/driving habits? I’m having a hard time spending 125% more but also, having a hard time knowing if I keep the cart, I’ll be buying batteries again anyways. So, buy Trojans twice or lithium once?


Guess I could always go with interstate, Duracell, US Batt, and spend less but….will likely be replacing them more often….

 

[Angler]

Trojans are looking like $1200 OTD. EB bundle is about $2700. I see Trojans are good 5-8 years depending on maintenance and driving habits. EB/lithium closer to 20 depending on maintenance/driving habits? I’m having a hard time spending 125% more but also, having a hard time knowing if I keep the cart, I’ll be buying batteries again anyways. So, buy Trojans twice or lithium once?


Guess I could always go with interstate, Duracell, US Batt, and spend less but….will likely be replacing them more often….

I bought (4) 12 volt from the link below. They were the only ones I could find within 100 miles from home.

https://www.battsys.com/search/trojan t1275 plus group gc12 battery?amnoroute

 

[WTR&PWR]

There is a shop in Huntington Beach calls mars cars. The guy there sells brand new Trojans he takes out of cars when someone upgrades to the lithium packs. The dates are on the batteries so you know you’re getting new ones and it’s a reputable shop. It would save you money if you go that route compared to to buying them off the shelf.

 

[DesertFam]

I am not an expert on batteries by any means, but I have had plenty of 6V batteries of all different brands and I have never had them last more than 3 years.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

There is a shop in Huntington Beach calls mars cars. The guy there sells brand new Trojans he takes out of cars when someone upgrades to the lithium packs. The dates are on the batteries so you know you’re getting new ones and it’s a reputable shop. It would save you money if you go that route compared to to buying them off the shelf.

My neighbor told me about that place. He got a set of new rims and tires for like $50. He gave me their info I am going to contact them.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Been real slow to update this. I finished straightening and welding up the frame. Finished up the coating on the rest of the frame and differential. Got the motor and controller mounted and wired up. Need to make a mount for the solenoid and extend the 48v harness to reach the dash. Got the long travel about 95% finished. Got new tie rod ends on the way and ones those are installed it’ll be wrapped up. Still need to get a new battery tray as the prior one I ordered sucked and needed modifications. I sent it back since they advertised “direct bolt on”. The spindles on the newer models look to be a little bigger/beefier. When I installed, it only leaves about 3.5” of gap between the upper and lower a-arms (close to the spindle). That doesn’t seem right to me but could be completely normal. Going to call JAKES in the morning to confirm. All in all, making slow progress which I’m bummed about but I work 60-70hrs a week so this leaves no time for the fun stuff. Hope to have it wrapped up before Christmas.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Not much to update. Pulled the trigger on the eco battery today. 51v 105ah. Seems to be a really good combo with the navitas across the other boards. Once that arrives it should be smooth sailing going forward. Rims also arrived today. Just need to figure out what tires I want.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Still chugging along on this. Got the battery delivered finally. Got it all wired up. Wiring is 90% done, just need to do my DCB zip tie job. I had to extend a few of the harnesses as this is a 6 seater (stretch) cart and no one seems to make/offer them. Although, MadJax is nice enough to make one for the Storm body I ordered so that was a plus.

I ordered a new steering box. That will be here Wednesday. Once that is installed, I can button of the front. The only thing I have reused on this cart is the front hubs, rear leaf hanger brackets and the bolts for the rear leafs. Everything else, down to the rest of the nuts and bolts are new. Got my temp wheels on (thanks @viperized_jr ) until I can figure out what tires I want to put on the other rims I have. Few misc pics of me wiring and figuring out the controller config.

 

[King295]

Coming along nicely! You are definitely doing it right. Those storm kits look sweet.

 

[Eliminator21vdrive]

Updates?

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Updates?

Yes, so cart is about 95% done. Kinda ran out of steam between both jobs and kids and other projects. All it needs is roof, windshield, radio and floor mat. No one makes a floor mat not even ezgo. I tried a few diff companies that said it’d fit only to send it back. Not sure what to do there.

I got the body riveted on. Used an auxbeam 6 gang switch for some accessories which has been great. Did some tuning with the navitas tech team and have gotten it up to 35mph. Don’t think it’ll go any faster given the weight and size.

Got new tie rods that came with the Jakes long travel and new tie rod ends. Need to tidy some things up but we’ve been enjoying it topless taking all the kids for rides.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

all in all it’s been a really fun project. Only thing I’d change is I would have opted to spend the extra $1k and would’ve went with the 72v battery. A little more mph and a little more range but I can loop the neighborhood full speed for the whole day before I need to charge.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Also installed a seat pod I got from AGC out of Atlanta. Everyone else wanted 600+ just for the pod and they sent me a painted white one with the seats base, hardware and both bottom and rear cushion for under 600.

 

[lake p.a.l.]

Body kit & entire build look GREAT

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Body kit & entire build look GREAT

Thank you! It’s been a fun project.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Finally got the roof and windshield installed. Also installed new spindles and hubs as that was really the only thing I didn’t replace when I built it. Was able to pick up 1mph lol, for a record best 36mph. The seal on the input shaft has a small leak, I believe the o-ring is worn out. When I get around to replacing it, I’m going to install 8:1 gears to get back some of the torque I lost. Still got a few things I need to install but in due time.

 

[Raffit78]

Fun project! It looks killer with that body kit! Congrats!

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Thank you. It’s been fun for sure and everyone stops by and asks me to build them one.

Just picked up another and will start another thread.