ASK THE MECHANIC

ASK THE MECHANIC ASK THE MECHANIC

Q: What is the best way to paint my golf cart?

A: The first step to your DIY golf cart paint project is sanding the whole body. For most carts, you can use fine-grit sandpaper in a circular motion to get the paint off. If you’re not planning on painting the entire cart, simply sand the parts that you want to paint. While it’s tempting to skip this step, the sanding process makes applying the paint much easier. Furthermore, sanding will aid in the paint adhering to the surface allowing the paint job to last much longer.

After you’ve finished sanding, wash off all of the dust so that you don’t have granules in your paint, that can make your paint job look rough and bumpy. Let your cart dry completely before moving on to the painting process.

You want to make sure that you don’t get paint on anything you don’t want to be painted. Take some time to cover any areas on your golf cart you don’t want to be painted. You can use plastic sheets, drop cloths and masking tape to do the job.

Once you have your cart sealed, you can start painting by applying a thin coat of primer. The spray paint versions of primers are the easiest and fastest. While you don’t want to apply too much primer to your cart, you will want to use a little more if you’re trying to paint a light color over a dark color. After the primer has dried completely, you can apply the actual paint, which is most likely acrylic or plastic fusion spray paint. Go lightly with a back and forth spray pattern so you don't get any runs. You want at least 2-3 coats for the paint to be uniform. Be sure to wait in between coats so that each layer can set properly.

If you want to take extra good care of your new paint job, you’ll want to add a clear coat or sealant once you’ve finished. This sealant goes on top of your finished paint job just the same way you applied the paint. And, if you’re going for a glossy look, it’s a must.

Once you’re totally finished, let your cart dry for at least 24 hours before using it.

Q: How can I clean my golf cart seats?

A: To begin, you’ll want to know what kind of material your seats are in order to take care of them properly. You’ll also want to take a good look at how the seat cushions are made. Some golf cart seats can be removed, making them easier to clean.

In general, the best method for DIY golf cart seat cleaning is combining liquid laundry detergent (you just need a couple of drops) and lukewarm water. Soak a sponge in this mixture and then use it to clean your seats. Next, rinse the sponge (or get a new one) so that you can wipe all of the soap completely off your seats. Use a towel to dry your seats completely.

If you’re dealing with stains, especially on white seats, try putting some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and treating the stain before cleaning with the laundry detergent mixture.

Q: How do I prevent corrosion underneath my cart?

A: Keeping your underbody clean is vital for the longevity of your cart. Check underneath your cart for any caked on mud or wet sand that becomes packed into areas on the frame where moisture can stay. Take a small brush (like a toothbrush) and a garden hose to clean all debris from the crevices. Also check your battery tray for any signs of acid leaking onto it as that will eventually rot it out. Take care not to hose off any battery acid onto a driveway as it will stain it. You can first neutralize any acid with a baking soda and water mixture then you can rinse off. If you encounter rust, be sure to sand it down and apply a rust converting paint like Rust Reformer. Doing this maintenance once every few months will certainly extend the life of your underbody and components like brake lines, hubs, and electrical connections as well.