[MetroMPG]

I took the car in to the mechanic today for a pre-inspection inspection.

No, it's not ready yet (e.g. I still have to mount components on the platform & make new motor cables). But I figured he was going to find something else he didn't like, so I was going have to make two trips anyway.

The only unexpected request from him was putting a rubber strip under the piece of angle iron that holds down the batteries in their racks - to prevent wear from vibration to the batt cases. I also realized it'll also avoid conducting "surface charge" from the top of one batt to the next. And he liked that reason too!

It was a fun trip. The guy is really excited about the car - he thinks it's pretty cool. They were busy when I rolled in (it's a 6 bay place), but the boss and 2 of his mechanics stood around looking under the hood & asking questions for ten minutes or so. I've got to work on my answers - I'm probably reinforcing the stereotypical impression that EV's are necessarily weak & slow. I need to remember the disclaimer - e.g. emphasize puny golf cart controller, forklift motor & worn out batteries!

I told him I'd have it back in early next week for the real inspection.

Yup, late again! "Over promise and under-deliver" is the Project ForkenSwift motto!