I have not done any news articles on this site but I really enjoyed this article by “The Economist” September 3rd, 2009. ————————————– IN 1995 Joseph Bower and Clayton Christensen, two researchers at the Harvard Business School, invented a new term: “disruptive technology”. This is an innovation that fulfills the requirements of some, but not…
1. Finish welding up the 2 rear boxes 2. Cut and install the plywood 3. Cut vent holes in and out on both boxes with inlets on both that may be able to be closed some in the winter. 4. Install vent pipe between the 2 boxes (it will carry a cable between the boxes)…
I finally decided on location of the rear battery box and divided it up into 2 boxes. Two, because there is a frame that runs directly between the two back wheels and if I want to install the batteries low and cut out the floor pan, I have too keep intact what little frame the…
Building the battery boxes entails several goals. 1. To secure the heaviest conversion parts, the energy source, the batteries in a way where they are safe from damage and safe from damaging other parts including the passengers. Early Battery Location Plans 2. Locate them as low as possible so the low center of gravity will…
So I have made most of the decisions on which direction to go with the motor brand and size, batteries etc. Most of my parts are ordered from Electric Vehicles of America. http://www.ev-america.com/ Here I ordered: 1. 9.1″ Advanced DC Motor FB1-4001A dual shaft 2. 1231C-8601 Curtis Controller 3. Aluminum Plate/ heat sink compound/ 12V…
James Edmonson Jetta My buddy, mechanical geek, Jimmy Coleman and I traveled 75 miles to Mississippi to check out James Edmonson’s EV Jetta and EV Ranger. James was a most helpful host. He answered literally hundreds of questions. He took apart covers so I could take pictures and observe fabrications. We test drove both EV…
Ready to make the major purchases which lead to directions that cannot easily be changed. I emailed questions to 5 EVers who have encountered practical knowledge, undergone the mistakes and lived through the success of gettin’er done.. Here I’ll share some of that. James Edmonson, I read about your EV vehicles in evalbum.com. http://www.evalbum.com/680 Very…
Measure Measured the center of the crankshaft to reference points on the body so I can position the electric motor later and keep the transmission – axle angles correct. Remove Freon First pull the R134A Freon from the Saturn and recycle it. While that is happening remove breather, drain fluids, oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power…
Reading what other EV builders have done and recommend I measured some things before removal of engine etc. Top pre-surgery procedures included the ride height at all 4 wheels, weight at each wheel and later engine and transmission position. Left front= 26″ ground to fender above center of wheel Right front= 26″ gfacw Left rear=…
July 26 2008 So with the Saturn in the Garage, my mind can start visualizing the next steps. 1. Taking notes, measurements or pictures of the inside and outs of the Saturn. 2. Dis-assembly; removal of engine, radiator, air conditioning parts (condenser, compressor, dryer, lines), transmission will come out with the engine, gas tank with…