PVC Brush Guard?

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot) 02/12/2016 at 09:19 • Filed to: Golf cart, brush guard

0

18

[pics are from the summer]. So I have a project golf cart. Currently the only headlight is a poorly angled, solitary fog light. I’m not crazy about that because kids roam these parts. So I’m thinking of adding two lights, attached to a Brush guard made out of PVC piping.

I’m not sure if it’s possible, because I’m not sure if PVC pipes can hold two off-road lights, but I figured I’d ask oppo because you guys would probably know.

[edit: I found another old pic]

Below is a quick sketch of what I’m thinking about. I figure PVC would be cheaper then an actual metal brush guard, plus it should be lighter and safer. Not to mention if it’s painted it’ll look pretty cool.

I’m still not exactly sure ‘how’ to mount it yet, but I have a few ideas on what to aim for. I figure that the wires can be in the PVC pipes, and connect it to the current light switch.

So is this feasible oppo? Thoughts?

bingham123 > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 09:27

1

sure its possible, what i would suggest is make up the “front” of it and get an idea of size then test the strength of that one bit. what would it be mounted to? flat plates or bar? more pics might help.

BigBlock440 > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 09:38

1

PVC will be plenty strong enough if you just want it for a light mount. It wouldn’t be a good tow point or tie down point, but it might even work as an actual brush guard for smaller stuff.

zeontestpilot > bingham123 02/12/2016 at 09:44

0

Yeah, the cart is currently under a tarp, and I’m at work, so I can’t get anymore pics until later day.

Anyways, I was thinking of having the two ‘arms’ of the brush guard mounted underneath the black plastic lip piece and between the piece of black plastic between the wheels.. I have to check if there’s any mechanical stuff in the way, but I don’t think there is. I was thinking to just drill the arm into the body itself.

Hey look, I found another old pic.

-this space for rent- > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 09:47

1

PVC is plenty strong enough. I recommend a cow-catcher config for pedestrian safety.

And a big LED light bar, definitely a light bar.

zeontestpilot > BigBlock440 02/12/2016 at 09:50

0

Yeah, I figured it wouldn’t be strong enough for that, or say, a child jumping on it. I was trying to think of a creative way to. Punt lights without drilling more holes into the golf cart.

I could do the roof instead, but it would be nice to be able to take it off anytime I want.

zeontestpilot > -this space for rent- 02/12/2016 at 09:52

1

That's another nice thing about PVC, if some kid jumped in the way, metal would really hurt them plus the momentum of the cart. If I hit something with PVC, if imagine it'll break, right? It'll help soften the blow....at least when compared to metal....

bingham123 > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 09:56

1

like the other guys say a led light bar would be better power wise, you could almost hide a light bar under the front black bit, that way its “hidden” if you stick with the pipe then i see no reason why fixing it to the body wouldnt work.

vondon302 > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 09:56

1

Works great for potato guns so you should be fine.

zeontestpilot > bingham123 02/12/2016 at 10:00

1

Oh good point! I really like the hidden idea. thanks! :D

zeontestpilot > vondon302 02/12/2016 at 10:01

5

....I should mount a potato gun to it...

bingham123 > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 10:07

1

no problem, im a fan of hiding non standard things, i once his 2 30" light bars and 4 spot light in the front of a friends land rover disco, almost looked standard and was like firing up a small sun once you turned them on lol

zeontestpilot > bingham123 02/12/2016 at 10:10

0

Are light bars generally pricey? Well, over $20?

vondon302 > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 10:18

1

Now your on to something. Self propelled potato mortar?

zeontestpilot > vondon302 02/12/2016 at 10:21

1

It'll be like the Batmobile but smaller.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 10:22

1

PVC should be fine but if you want it to be a bit more rigid go with schedule 80 which has a thicker wall. Its usually dark grey in color as opposed to the white or off white color of schedule 40 PVC. Just make sure you go with a large enough outer diameter that the inner diameter is large enough for your wire runs.

If you can’t find it locally the nice people at mcmaster.com have you covered. If you are feeling extra fancy go with abs but that is complete overkill for this application.

bingham123 > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 10:25

1

price wise i can get a 15" light bar for £15 gbp. i would imagine you can get one for 20-30 usd that would work, measure how big the gap is and google for one that size lol.

Brickman > zeontestpilot 02/12/2016 at 11:01

1

Should work. You could also make some PVC tube bumpers too. paint them silver :D

zeontestpilot > Brickman 02/12/2016 at 11:36

1

Not a bad idea, :).