Paul's how NOT to convert a Metro - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

vpoppv · 08-23-2009, 11:01 PM

So I have been reading a lot about conversions, and I am hoping to incorporate everyone's mistakes into one vehicle. I decided that too many people have successfully converted Geo Metros to electric, and that info is out there, but no one has yet described how to screw it up. I intend to fill that void. First and foremost, electric motor selection is crucial. To fail miserably I need a motor either too big or too small. Too big sounds heavy, and I am a very lazy person so that doesn't sound like a good option. I'd like to go too small. Besides, it should make a good show with sparks and what not when it explodes. Then, there's the budget. Much like a bank CEO, I plan on getting PAID to screw up: I'll sell various ICE parts to make money and use a part of it to finance the conversion and use the rest to buy Sour Skittles. I am also hoping to get the attention of GM so they can hire me as a consultant, since I will have undeniable proof that electric cars can't work. The pay should beat my Teacher's Aide salary of less than $10K/year at the local middle school. I've started videos to chronicle my humiliation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4gQOiPII0U

Christ · 08-23-2009, 11:09 PM

Are you cereal? I mean, you're going to just screwdriver it on purple?

vpoppv · 08-23-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christ

Are you cereal? I mean, you're going to just screwdriver it on purple?

Time will tell. I'm off to a bad start though: the motor I was going to use wasn't working and when I took it apart and cleaned it, it worked. I'll make up for it somewhere along the way I'm sure. Maybe when I do this again sometime I should start with a WORKING motor so that when I take it apart I can break it....

Christ · 08-23-2009, 11:19 PM

But if it's working, you shouldn't... Oh. I get it. HA.

dcb · 08-23-2009, 11:24 PM

I have faith in you Paul

vpoppv · 08-23-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcb

I have faith in you Paul

Thank you dcb! So far all I have heard is : "that could work", or "so many others have done it successfully", etc. I'm a Maverick though. I like to do what no one has done before. I'm the guy that likes to make OTHER people look good

MadisonMPG · 08-23-2009, 11:39 PM

vpoppv · 08-23-2009, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

wtf

Ah yes, point well taken. Truer words were never spoken. Perhaps you are one of those that thinks that I might just be able to go 1.4 miles on a single charge at no more than 25 mph which would effectively make my conversion meet 90% of my vehicular needs, but I was expecting detractors from the start. Your comment is duly noted (ok, it's dually noted because I was thinking of a diesel pickup just now- ok now it's duelly noted because them's fightin' words and I have a sword). You might be right, but I still think I can find a way to make this not work though- stay tuned......

MadisonMPG · 08-24-2009, 01:01 AM

I would suggest welding up the wheel bearings, that's will not help loads.

ExplodingDinosaurs · 08-24-2009, 03:59 PM

Try to do something with no controller. You could have a sepex hardwired to spin around 2000 to 4000 rpm, and have to start by clutch slipping, and change speeds by shifting and binary pedal control (on/off).

Another thought is to do a series motor with a really big, heavy flywheel to give you time to engage the clutch before the motor spun up fast enough to spontaneously disassemble.

Batteries on the floor beside the driver, with a jumper cable, makes for the cheapest switch, plus the bright flashes of light helps to warn away other drivers, who you'll now have trouble seeing anyways due to these bright flashes of light. Of course, safety first, be sure to wear safety goggles and to cover the batteries with a tarp in case they explode.