How to Build a Golf Cart Battery Rack
By Steve Smith
A golf cart battery rack is designed to hold the battery for your golf cart. They are typically designed to hold a single battery which means you will need to have two per car. You can buy a battery rack or you can build one yourself. Battery racks for golf carts are fairly simple in design. Most are just a metal frame with an attachment arm.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Measure the length and width of the battery and write the measurements on a piece of paper.
Cut four sections of steel "L" channel section to these measurements using a metal saw or grinding wheel. The "L" shaped steel which can be purchased at a hardware store. Fit the sections to the battery to ensure they are cut to the proper length.
Set two sections that will make up one adjoining side into a vice, so they are joined at the corner. Perform a tack weld using a MIG or TIG welder to secure the two sections together at the corner. After the weld cools, place this section under the battery. Make sure the section fits perfectly. Then tack weld the remaining two sections together at the corner in the same way and fit this to the battery.
Tack weld both sections together at the corners to complete the frame using the MIG or TIG welder. Place the frame under the battery to ensure that it fits properly. Complete the weld using a filler bar and MIG or TIG welder.
Place the battery rack onto the cart in the position you desire. Measure from the nearest strong anchoring point on the body of the golf cart to the battery rack. This anchoring point should be a solid steel frame bar.
Cut a length of steel "L" section to this length plus a few extra inches (which can be cut off later) with a metal saw. Dry fit the bracket and battery rack in place on the cart, and then trim off the excess from the bracket with the metal saw or grinding wheel.
Drill holes through the bracket and into the cart to mount the rack in place, using a carbide tipped 1/8-inch drill and 1/8-inch metal screws or bolts.
Tips & Warnings
If your frame appears thin or flimsy, measure and cut a cross brace and weld it across the bottom of the battery rack frame.
About The Author
Steve Smith has published hundreds of articles on a wide range of topics, including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites, including Trails.com and eHow.com. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham.
