Paul's how NOT to convert a Metro - Page 52 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

bennelson · 04-18-2011, 07:59 PM

Lovejoy couplers like to push themselves apart.

That's what mine did, but when pushed apart like that, the ends of the "fingers" really take a beating fast if there is any slop at all.

You will like your welded coupler a lot!

johnsiddle · 04-20-2012, 08:47 AM

Hi Paul.
Just finished reading the whole of this thread, I jumped to it whilst following Paul and Sabrina's 3 phase controller. I only planned to read a couple of posts cuz the title did not inspire me much but I was interested. BUT once I started reading I had to finish it.

I think you have done a brillient job and I have picked up a lot of good tips. Keep up the good work....

Out of interest what happened to your boat yard battery supply? you left us at the point where the website went down...
Regards John

ME_Andy · 08-15-2014, 10:03 PM

I just found this thread too, and read through it all in a couple hours. Very funny and inspiring! Are you still rocking the EV, Paul?

My favorite post was the wiring diagram that looks like you sketched it up in MS Paint in 10 minutes. LOL.

One comment-- motors are most efficient when they're running at their rated load. So you're probably much more efficient with the 5k pot than the 2k pot that limited you to 40% throttle. More power + more efficiency

vpoppv · 08-16-2014, 06:42 PM

Sadly, I had to pull out all the electrics since I had a small touch of the dreaded Geo frame rot.

ME_Andy · 08-16-2014, 09:10 PM

That's tragic. But you can't give up now! What about the Corolla?

vpoppv · 08-16-2014, 10:29 PM

Junked it, as well as the VW bug I was considering. I have a 2000 Metro in the driveway with a blown engine that's already out of it though.....

I also have:

A larger motor
a 72v controller with a higher amp rating than the one I used
a rack of batteries ready to go....

Maybe reviving this thread will get my behind in gear again....