Gauge and Dash Modifications

I removed the instrument panel with gauges. Removed the lower drivers panel and upper full panel and drop the steering column. In the instrument panel I removed the fuel gauge and temperature sensor and replaced them with a high ammeter and high voltmeter. Had to do lots of trimming etc. Solder the back lighting for…

Disruptive Technology

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…

More Rear Battery Box Work

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)…

Building The Battery 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…

Planning the Battery Boxes

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…

Purchase Most of the Electric Conversion Parts

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…

Trip to Corinth to Check Out 2 Electric Vehicles

 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…

Seek Wise Advice From The Experienced

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…

Surgery: Removal of Internal Combustion Engine

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…