January 31, 2007 by Rob.

Talking to people on Sunday’ ICE out, I realized that I have not provided an answer to everyone’s first questions about the conversion: why?
My #1 goal is to get the car on the road quickly and gain experience. I am not trying to be creative on my first conversion. But, that’s not the why.

Here’s the why. I’ve wanted to convert a car since learning to drive my Fiat X1/9 (pre-MR2 mid engine). By training, mechanical/electrical/computer projects my sweet spot; however, it was seeing three powerful movies together (Who Killed the Electric Car, Inconvenient Truth, and Nobelity) that finally got me moving. I realized that now is the time action and decided to stop waiting for the “right” time.

Note: Nobelity is created by Austin locals Turk & Christy Pipkin. I strongly recommend that you make an effort to see their film ASAP.

Posted in Conversion | No Comments »

January 31, 2007 by Rob.

The RAVolt project name is official.  I just bought the .COM domain and will point it to the blog ASAP.  Zehicle.com will still be the same, but I’m going to start using the RAVolt name in stead.  The Zehicle made more sense when my target conversion as a Z3.

Posted in Storyline | 1 Comment »

January 31, 2007 by Rob.

After I dig out the from the things that I’ve been neglected, here are my priorities for the RAV.

1. Make sure I have all the parts I need from ICE (already found 1 thing)
2. Verify decision to go clutchless (80% confident right now)
3. Measure Bell dimensions and send to machinist
4. Catch-up on blog (got to make the movie too)
5. Wash out engine compartment
6. Work on battery placement

PS: I’m considering another project name: RAVolt. Thoughts?

I forgot to include this awesome picture of Kate helping make the battery mockup:

Posted in Pictures, Storyline, Planning | 1 Comment »

January 29, 2007 by Rob.

It was a busy and satisfying day that will take many blog entries to talk about. Leo, the proud owner of the C02 generation system, did all the work and was amazingly patient with all the photos, video, chatter, and back-seat mechanics. We had a great Austin EV turn out including 2 working EVs so I learned what’s in store for me. The Austin-American Statesman & Westlake Picayune also visited. My 11 year son, Alexander, turned wrenches and got nice and greasy. Hopefully he’ll post about his experiences too.

I want to give an extra thanks to Mike Kounnas for his help and support. He not only took the extra time and effort to tow the glider back home, he provided a calming influence to my jitters.

Over the week, I’ll post specific photos with comments and also upload the engine removal video. Please send me yours if you took some! Until then, here are all the raw photos from today:

Posted in Storyline, Pictures, AustinEV, Conversion, Planning, EV Tech | 1 Comment »

January 28, 2007 by Rob.

This is a “stealth location” on the mapping sites.  The actual location is off of Metric by Howard Ave.

The best way to get there is from i35 to Howard (west).  The right on Metric.  Hydro crosses Metric.

Posted in Planning | 1 Comment »

January 27, 2007 by Rob.

I was rereading Larry Elliot’s RAV4 conversion and he says “It seems that the space under the vehicle between the unibody frame rails was custom made to house and support a rather large rectangular assembly of some sort”

His batteries (Hawker Odyssey PC12000) are 7″ vs. the Trojan J150 @ 11″ tall.

Posted in Conversion | 1 Comment »

January 26, 2007 by Rob.

I was talking over my size problem (err…Axel Well size problem) with a friend at work. He suggested the (in hindsight) obvious solution of making the well larger.  I could actually cut it out of the bottom of the car since it is not part of the unibody. Hopefully, I can just hammer it into a more square shape if needed.

I’m planning to make a battery mock up and put this issue to rest.
PS: Tipping the batteries 30 degrees is not an option. It would effect the battery chemistry.

Posted in Conversion | 1 Comment »

January 26, 2007 by Rob.

UHaul is happily renting me a trailer for the ICE removal.

Just a reminder: The location is Repco @ 3015 Industrial Ter (aka 1706 Hydro Drive, 78725) which off research just east of MoPac, north on United Dr. just before Burnett ).

Posted in Storyline, Planning | 1 Comment »

January 25, 2007 by Rob.

Wow, that’s BIG.  It keeps rattling like a Tasmanian devil trying to get out of the box (or maybe that’s just my own jitters). If it did not weigh 150 pounds I’d send it in for show & tell tomorrow.

EV America also sent along the adapter plate and a whole box of goodies.

Posted in Storyline | 1 Comment »

January 25, 2007 by Rob.

The location is Repco @ 3015 Industrial Ter (aka 1706 Hydro Drive, 78725) which off research just east of MoPac, north on United Dr. just before Burnett ).

PS: My motor came in today! Now I just have to find time to pick it up.

Posted in AustinEV, Planning | 1 Comment »