[mpg_numbers_guy]

Painting the skirts sounds like the best bet. Getting scuffed ones to repaint shouldn't be all that expensive.

Regarding IMA batteries, less than 2 year old ones typically sell for $800-$1200; healthy used ones typically sell for $300-$800 (I recently sold mine for $600). Dead ones are $250 or less, and I know of two people giving away dead packs (I'm guessing those were the posts you saw). Maybe $100?

I'd ditch the IMA system and use the stock DC-DC with an arduino. The Meanwell probably won't handle Arizona heat. Then rebuild the rear to take advantage of the increased storage space.