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.

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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:

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