rigged for a test runFirst time under power...on 12 voltsProbably didn't need to run to keep upNot quite enough juice to make it back
OwnerPaul Kirchman
LocationJupiter, Florida US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet
MotorNetgain Impulse 9 Series Wound DC
Drivetrainclutchless coupling to 5 speed transaxle. Shifting without the clutch has been no problem.
ControllerLogisystems 550 amp
Batteries16 Trojan T-875, 8.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
with automotive posts
System Voltage128 Volts
ChargerRussco SC18-120
Heatermaybe
DC/DC ConverterIota 45
$100 on Ebay
InstrumentationGPS speedometer, tachometer from bicycle speedometer, pack volt meter, motor current ammeter, 12 volt meter
Top Speed36 MPH (57 KPH)
so far in 3rd but once I get a license plate and insurance 50 or 60 shouldn't be a problem.
AccelerationGood, still making adjustments.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Not sure yet, probably at least 40.
EV Miles
Start:106,000 Miles (170,554 Kilometers)
Current:106,010 Miles (170,570 Kilometers)
Total:10 Miles (16 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity4 adults
TiresP18560R14 stock tires
Conversion Time9 months so far
Conversion Costabout $9800 so far.
Additional Featuressatellite radio
The engine is out. Replaced power steering with manual. Constructing the rear battery box from 2 1/4 X 1 1/2 slotted steel.

Made adaptor plate and motor to tranaxle coupler with Steve Clunn of Grassroots EVs. He had a front battery rack an motor mount from the voltsrabbit kit that I was happy to take off his hands.

4/20/08 - Got the motor mounted and the axles back on. Took a test drive by rigging up a 12 battery controlled by the passenger. Everything seems to work for the 50 feet we were able to go.

4/22/08 - Did a test drive on 24 volts. Everything working so far. Had a small fire when the insulation on a wire that was too small burned up, but fine otherwise. Here are some videos:WebPage

5/30/09 - Installed Logisystems controller, Curtis PB5 potbox, and EV200 contactor. Started high voltage wiring.

6/20/08 - Installed Iota charger and small 12 volt battery. Removed a lot of wires formerly used for the ICE. Removed seats dashboard and carpet. Threw out firewall insulation, which weighted a lot.

6/27/08 - Waiting on battery charger so started de-wiring and rewiring the dash. Cleaned and replaced carpet. Installed the radio and wired the speakers.

7/26/08 - Dash back together with volt and ammeters in the former radio slot. Radio now in former AC vent slot. Satellite radio mounted under dash. GPS speedometer/odometer (Garmin street pilot) in place of former speedometer.

8/7/08 - Charger shipped today. Trojan T-875 batteries ordered today, $135 each! Tachometer installed and working. Mounted the magnet in a rubber backing plate for a rotary sanding disk, fits right over the tail shaft. Here is a link on how the tachometer can be made: WebPage

8/17/08 - Charger installed. Inertia switch installed. Just need the batteries now...

8/28/08 - Batteries arrived! Now for some wiring and to figure out how to secure them all.

9/7/08 - All of the batteries are in. It sits low overall, especially in the back. Put some rubber coil spring spacers in the rear, which raised it almost an inch on each side. Pretty good for $20.

9/12/08 - Finished making all of the connecting wires and mounted the fuses. Just need the front to rear wires and some way to encase them. Also need to get the new master cylinder and brake vacuum pump installed. May have it running by Sunday!

9/20/08 - Done! Well at least to the point of drivability Went for a test drive today. Still need an alignment, the vacuum pump connected for the brakes, a license plate, and insurance so we just stayed in the neighborhood, but everything seems to be working! Here are some videos from today:WebPage

10/1/08 - Got vacuum system for brakes working. Stopping is much easier now. Got up to 36 mph in 3rd gear. Ordered another shunt to hook up to measure battery amps in addition to the one I have for motor amps. Some kind of short seems to be happening between the controller and the body of the car, it keeps tripping the GFI on the charger...may need to get a new controller...

code by jerry