One of the more memorable scenes in the 1980 classic, Caddy Shack, was when Al Czervik (played by Rodney Dangerfield) was pouring cold ones and rockin' tunes on the fairway with his custom golf bag complete with beer tap, remote control, and yes, a sound system. Fast forward past the sweet mullets and Kenny Loggins title tracks ("Footloose" anyone?) to the present day, where caddies have been replaced by custom golf carts equipped better than many economy cars. The sky is the limit when it comes to tricking out these miniature rides with everything from custom bodies and wheels, to air conditioning and audio systems. If a present day sequel to Caddy Shack were produced, Al Czervik would have to cruise this one-of-a-kind golf cart from Arc Audio.
A NOT-SO-BLANK CANVAS
The project began as an already slick Lincoln Navigator-style cart from High Performance Golf Carts, complete with a 25 hp upgrade and a dual-speed transmission. The wheel arches were enlarged and an Air Ram suspension was installed at Reaction Chassis to tuck the 18" Colorado Custom rims wrapped in Falken tires. With the running gear and rolling stock in check, installers Chris and Dean Merrill were called upon for an audio/video system on par with the cart's radical exterior.
UP FRONT ON THE FAIRWAY
The cart's dash was revamped to house a multitude of audio/video components, the most prominent being the 8.4" Accelle monitor flushed into the center. An Eclipse CD8053 CD receiver and Accelle DVD player were mounted to the left of the Colorado Customs steering column. Centered in the dash below the monitor is an Arc Audio DXE equalizer/crossover and Accelle video switcher, while an Xbox, complete with wireless controllers, was molded into the passenger side. Below the dash, Chris fabricated a set of custom kick panels for the Arc Audio 3-way component set comprised of a pair of 6 1/2" midbasses, 5" mids and 1" tweeters from the ACS model line. The fiberglass panels aim the six drivers up towards the occupants, creating a powerful front stage capable of keeping up with the mountain of subs in back.
POWERFUL SOUND FOR POWERFUL DRIVES
Out back, six Arc Audio 12D-2 12" subs in a 5.8ft3 enclosure leave little room for clubs, but certainly get the job done on the low end. Chris molded the interior/enclosure using highly durable Baltic birch wood for the frame, which was epoxied into place and molded onto the body with fiberglass and resin. The custom enclosure fires two subs forward, two up and two back.
With the massive enclosure consuming the rear of the cart, Chris turned to Reaction Chassis to construct the tubular amprack that suspends the four Arc Audio XXK series amplifiers above the subs. Two 4150 4-channels that drive the high end are mounted in the center of the amprack, while the two 2500 2-channels that drive the subs are mounted on either side. Just above the center-mounted amplifiers Chris installed two Batcap stiffening capacitors to back up the pair of Stinger batteries hidden below the body.
INTERGREEN ENTERTAINMENT
With plenty of sound to go around, it seemed only fair to entertain the entire foursome, so Chris fabricated pods to house a pair of rear-facing 8.4" Accele monitors mounted to the top of the amprack. Rear fill to complement the rear video is handled by a pair of Arc Audio KAR 6022 6 1/2" coaxials that Chris molded into the cart's taillight locations. Lifting the hood reveals the fourth Accele 8.4" monitor and a set of Arc Audio KAR 265 6 1/2" components for display. Chris also flushed an Arc Audio ACS 230 5 1/4" component set into the front grille in the place of the inner lights to be sure the cart makes a proper entrance, just in case the brilliant blue/purple paint hadn't already grabbed your attention.
Arc Audio extends thanks to the sponsors who made this project a reality in just over two weeks build time. In all reality, the golf cart won't be hitting the links any time soon, but it has already been featured at both the SEMA and CES shows and will be touring with Arc Audio throughout 2005. Its biggest boost in notoriety comes from recently being featured on the Fox TV series Method and Red, piloted by Method Man himself. No doubt Meth was rockin' the system on set, and with almost 3,300 watts at his fingertips, who could blame him?
INSTALLER PROFILE: CHRIS MERRILL
By building Arc Audio demo vehicles such as Kevin Silva's slick C5 Corvette and James Cotta's radical GMC Sierra, Chris Merrill has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to produce show caliber vehicles. After 15 years in the pool and spa industry, Merrill introduced himself to mobile electronics after spending a lot of money on an audio system only to be completely dissatisfied. He then educated himself on installation techniques and rebuilt the system. After overcoming the initial trial and error phase, Merrill quickly developed the skills to make the transition to working as a professional installer. He considers himself very fortunate to have been introduced to the right people in the mobile electronics industry, such as Demetrios Karabinis of Arc Audio, who headed him in the right direction. In just over four years, Chris has established a name for himself and assures us that the best is yet to come.
TECH
.18" x 8" Colorado Customs
.Falken tires
.Air Ram suspension by Reaction Chassis (9 1/4" rear lift, 5 1/2" front lift)
.25 hp upgrade and dual-speed transmission by High Performance Golf Carts
.Navigator body by High Performance Golf Carts
.Reshaped fenderwells
.Custom paint by Reed's Auto Body
.Pinstriping and Cold Leaf work by TomCat
.Custom seats and upholstery by Steve's Trim Shop
.Colorado Custom steering wheel/column
.Hotglow custom lighting
The taillights were yanked to accommodate a pair of Arc Audio KAR 6022 6 1/2" coaxials. When combined with the stout low end supplied by the six subs and the video from the dual rear monitors, the rear speakers make following the cart almost as enjoyable as driving it. | 
The fourth Accelle 8.4" monitor, for demonstration, is located under the hood, along with an Arc Audio KAR 265 6 1/2" component set. For forward firing audio with the hood closed, an additional Arc Audio ACS 230 5 1/4" component set was molded into the front end in place of the inner lights. |  |