Ben Nelson's Electro-Metro Build thread

[MetroMPG]

Shultz - I think that pic is representative, not actual.

It'll be interesting to find out what body style the Tercel is. It could be a coupe, wagon (I think), or 2- or 4-door hatchback.

[bennelson]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

It'll be interesting to find out what body style the Tercel is. It could be a coupe, wagon (I think), or 2- or 4-door hatchback.

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. I e-mailed the seller asking what body style it is.

[bennelson]

I just got a reply from the guy selling the Tercel.

He said he didn't have a photo of it, but it looks like this. And then had a link to that exact same photo posted above!!!

Anywhoo - it's a two door. Looks like a trunk, not a hatch, in that photo, right?

I would prefer a hatch, but trunk would work too.

Hoping to actually go look at this one. Cross my fingers that the body isn't too bad.

[MetroMPG]

Hatch is more practical, but the trunk is safer (no batteries in the passenger compartment).

One thing I would do is bring along a ratchet set. The guy is saying it won't start because of the starter. But just make sure the engine isn't seized - put a ratchet on the crankshaft pulley and see if you can turn it fairly easily. If you find it's seized, you'll have a much better bargaining position

[bennelson]

Another Craigslisting!


"96 Geo Metro Hatchback 2-Dr black w/pink pin striping. Has two minor dents but no rust. 140,000 miles 3cyl 1 liter motor. Runs good, but 5 speed transmission needs to be replaced/rebuilt due to worn syncronizers."

Somebody please tell me that worn syncronizers are not a big deal and I can fix them!!!!

A 96 also means it should work with a Scan Gauge and have an airbag!

[SVOboy]

You can fix the synchros easily (get a new transmission!)...you can actually fix them, but in this case another tranny would likely be cheaper and easier.

[MetroMPG]

I note you didn't post the link to that ad. Must mean you really want this one

Go for it! It's the nicer body style, though 150-200 lbs heavier than the ForkenSwift shell.

Synchros... it's more of an issue if you go for a clutchless connection, because you rely entirely on the synchros to permit you to shift.

That said, I'd also bet money that this car has the wrong weight (too heavy) of oil in the transaxle, and going to a lighter oil will help some.

Also, if you do a 72v conversion, you can just leave it in 2nd gear for the vast majority of your driving. 48v/225A isn't powerful enough to get away with that.


Another plus, the last gen Metros had ridic ground clearance. If you stick 600 lbs of batteries in them, it won't be scraping the pavement like some other small cars will.

[MetroMPG]

If the motor runs well & has decent compression, you can probably swap it with someone for a tranny with decent synchros on teamswift.net.

[Ryland]

if the toyota is in good shape you SHOULD be able to start it by poping the clutch, make sure the battery is good (lights come on?) and if it has a carburator pump the gas a few times and maybe once more for good luck as it hasn't run in a while, then just push it down the street, a nice walking speed is ideal, pop it in to 1st or 2nd gear and pop the clutch, you could even drive it like that for a while, of course you should do this AFTER you get the guy to lower his price.

[bennelson]

Does is sound like that Geo could be driven (just enough to limp back to my house) with the stated transmission problem?

Towing is one more expense/complication.

I figure that for a small front wheel drive car, I could use one of those "car tow-ers" from the moving rental place, but I haven't gotten around to welding a ball hitch on the back of the pickup truck yet!