Seems like the next step up from a direct coupler of some sort (such as a lovejoy) is to use the original clutch and flywheel, or at least a trimmed down version of the flywheel.
If I kept the flywheel, I would keep the clutch as well. Seems like more weight and design needed than necessary for a basic conversion.
I started taking the dashboard apart. I wanted to get at the back of the cigarette lighter plug. On this car, it is switched. I thought I could use this key-switched power source to turn on power to the DC motor controller.
When I took out the center console trim to get at it, guess what I found!?
The Airbag Computer! Nice to know it is totally separate from all of the internal combustion engine stuff. I will just not poke it while working around the dash here.
I also just discovered that once I pay for the 72V controller, I will have about $90 still left for this project. That's enough to buy a nice, on sale car radio with CD and MP3 input. That way I can rig up an MP3 player to play electric car sound effects, The Electric Slide song, or a recording of me talking about the car, so I can save my voice at car shows.