July 8 post, modified from DIYelectricar.com
Editors note: This is my first attempt at blogging and converting an OPEC oil fueled gas engine vehicle to all electric drive. I've perused many conversion blogs as well as numerous entries on evalbum.com in my quest to build this thing economically. I'm hoping this will answer questions for others as others have helped me.
I picked this thing up yesterday. It has a 2.8L V6, 5 speed with AC. Body is pretty good but needs paint, front bumper and grill. Took it to the scales and it came in at 2860 with 1/4 tank of gas. After deducting for the estimated fuel I think the curb will end up being about 2830 pre conversion. EValbum post with some specs. http://evalbum.com/1860
I'll be primarily commuting to work via city streets with a max speed of maybe 50, trips to town, lunch etc. After hours we'll probably use it for trips around the house. I'm thinking maybe 50-60 mile range and 75mph max for short interstate hops as needed?
Today we removed the smashed front bumper and grill and gave the old boy a good wash down and replaced two wiper blades that reminds one of the leather tassels hanging off your Harleys handle bar grips! After driving it about 50 miles or so, smiling all the way thinking of how soon this driving will cost only penny's a mile, I happened to look down at the tag this morning and noticed the tag had expired in January 2006! Oh well, it's parked now.
Anyway, finally after a few cups of joe, we stripped the radiator, air filter housing, air intake tube, alternator, PS and smog pumps, and broke the AC compressor free though it's still connected.
We've found that we can get a manual steering gear box from Advance Auto for about $130 or Autozone for about $150, exchanged of course. This is being done by some to eliminate the PS power drain and remove a bit of extra weight. I had a manual steering box on my 86 Mazda B2000 and you could hardly tell it.
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