Photo Cart Based on an Old Golf Cart

[neil poulsen]

In a recent thread, another member commented about his photo cart made form an old golf cart. The photo cart I've been using is also made from an old golf cart. I've just finished a few improvements to this cart, so I thought that it would make a worthwhile DIY addition. My family gave me this cart decades ago. I long ago stopped playing any golf, so it's nice to be able to make such good use of the cart.

See the photos below. It makes for a convenient combination. I raised the backpack enough on the cart so that it's ideally balanced, when pulling it along behind me. It pulls easily. By adjusting the angle of the handle, one can put the cart into a reclined position for easy access to the equipment, in a position that stabilizes the cart, or it can be collapsed for transport.

The wheels are great for rough terrain. They cushioned, but not tight with air. So, it minimizes vibrations on the equipment. As you can see, the wheels can also be collapsed for transport. This makes it really easy to load and retrieve the entire kit from the trunk of a car.

[neil poulsen]

Here are a couple of photos that show the construction. I was able to use pieces of the cart to fasten a spine that runs along the cart's length. (1st photo.) I positioned holes in the spine, so that I could add different sets of attachments. The set shown in the 2nd photo holds my 4x5 kit. I have other backpacks that I can adapt to the spine in a similar fashion, like that for my RB kit. (Not shown.)

I occasionally see these old golf carts at Goodwill, or on Craigslist. If you need a photo cart, consider grabbing one. It takes a little ingenuity. But, the end result is worth the effort.

[Kirk Gittings]

Here are a couple of photos that show the construction. I was able to use pieces of the cart to fasten a spine that runs along the cart's length. (1st photo.) I positioned holes in the spine, so that I could add different sets of attachments. The set shown in the 2nd photo holds my 4x5 kit. I have other backpacks that I can adapt to the spine in a similar fashion, like that for my RB kit. (Not shown.)

I occasionally see these old golf carts at Goodwill, or on Craigslist. If you need a photo cart, consider grabbing one. It takes a little ingenuity. But, the end result is worth the effort.

What material is that you used? Just wood?

[neil poulsen]

What material is that you used? Just wood?

I think that I used fir for the spine and the top, poplar for the middle support cross-bar, and 5/8ths inch plywood for the base. The fir and poplar that I can get locally are always quite straight and not warped. Only wood was used for the parts that didn't come originally with the cart.

Yes, I recall now that the cart is (was?) a BagBoy.

[Kirk Gittings]

I think that I used fir for the spine and the top, poplar for the middle support cross-bar, and 5/8ths inch plywood for the base. The fir and poplar that I can get locally are always quite straight and not warped. Only wood was used for the parts that didn't come originally with the cart.

Yes, I recall now that the cart is (was?) a BagBoy.

Thanks for this idea. I found a cheap used one and when I get some time I'm going to do an adaption-probably a bit different to suit my own backpack and needs.

[Tin Can]

Nice!

I always thought those carts were a good design.

[Jeff T]

My first thought was the electric carts you take a ride at the golf course then I realized what you are talking about. I really like your version of the cart. Those big wheels would be great for the outdoor trails or sidewalks. I can appreciate the ability to detach the wheel base from the gear bags. How much weight can you put on it without too much strains. Most carts I've seen have weak joints. Thanks Neil.

[neil poulsen]

. . . How much weight can you put on it without too much strains. Most carts I've seen have weak joints. . .

Without having actually weighed it, my pack probably weighs around 30 lbs. I don't think that I would want to exceed that weight by too much with this rig. But given the expense of photo equipment per pound . . .

[Michael Clark]

The make you have is the Bag Boy, they were made in the fifty's and sixty's, the newer ones are not as well made, there's alot of them on Ebay,. Have been thinking about getting one local,they are expensive to ship.Thanks for sharing your adoption for the bag boy.

[Tin Can]

The make you have is the Bag Boy, they were made in the fifty's and sixty's, the newer ones are not as well made, there's alot of them on Ebay,. Have been thinking about getting one local,they are expensive to ship.Thanks for sharing your adoption for the bag boy.

Thanks for naming the Make model.

They are very nice, actually kinda fancy back then.

I need one, not for golf!