Urba Centurion Update - (Kubota diesel, 100+ MPG in mixed driving - Fall 2012 on)

[ME_Andy]

It's starting to look like a time machine.

[changzuki]

The Original Centurion's Gauges...
Sitting outside and unprotected over the decades, has taken its toll on the little Centurion. Even the instrumentation was not immune from the effects of the elements. Specifically, the inside of the gauge's glass had fogged up:
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For this project, the choices are:
1) Leave that wonderful patina
2) Replace them all with a new set
3) Take them apart and try cleaning them
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And the winner is:
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Disassembly and cleaning is a tedious job and due to excessive fading from the sun, at least one indicator (pointer) had to be repainted. In the end - they look great!
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There's only one immediate problem now - can you spot it?....
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The cleaned gauges make the aged steering wheel look out of place...
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Guess what's next?!
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~CrazyJerry~

[nemo]

Thanks for the progress report.

[samwichse]

Hey CrazyJerry,

Dare I suggest you pick this up?

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...461774746.html

1977 Urba Electric
Looks like it has some kind of belt drive CVT for some reason???




Right next to a King Midget, too

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by samwichse

Hey CrazyJerry,

Dare I suggest you pick this up?

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...461774746.html

1977 Urba Electric
Looks like it has some kind of belt drive CVT for some reason???




Right next to a King Midget, too

The urba is one of the few 48 volt EVs that will go full highway speed,
The CVT was actually more efficient than the PWM systems of the time

King Midget is a 100 mpg car (at low speeds)
1wheel drive too

Nice collection

[changzuki]

Originally Posted by samwichse

Hey CrazyJerry,

Dare I suggest you pick this up?

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ct...461774746.html

1977 Urba Electric
Looks like it has some kind of belt drive CVT for some reason???




Right next to a King Midget, too

Hey samwichse - that's a great find!! I'd love to add to the collection here but the timing is not good. I have a vehicle on Craigslist too and if that moves then this could get interesting!! Thanks for the tip!!!
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~CrazyJerry~

[changzuki]

Happy Birthday Centurion!!!
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February 1982 was the month the world was introduced to Centurion by way of Mechanix Illustrated magazine. If built to designer - Robert Q. Riley - specs, the car was capable of easily breaking the 100 mpg barrier.
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In 1990 Centurion appeared multiple times in the movie "Total Recall" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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After going into exile and enduring the ravages of the California elements for the next 22 years, Centurion would resurface after famed auto restorer Mike Fennel of Santa-Clarita, California passed away in 2012. The family decided to liquidate the business and Centurion was put up for bid by Ken Porter Auctions in a "Special Estate Auction" - December 8th, 2012.
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After extensive internet searches, an ad listing Centurion for sale surfaced in Whittier, California. After confirming the car's history and location (Google Earth), it would take until May of 2017 to secure a deal to purchase the car and truck it to Colton, NY.
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Centurion is currently going through an extensive and lengthy restoration, but in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, "I'll be back."
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~CrazyJerry~
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM3j...ature=youtu.be

[changzuki]

Centurion parked in front of the Redline Diner in Fishkill, NY on 9/22/2016:
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~CrazyJerry~

[Xist]

When The Terminator said "I'll be back," didn't he always terminate them upon return?

[changzuki]

The Original Centurion's Steering Wheel... Is a mess!
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It would've been far easier to purchase a replacement wheel but since this is the original Centurion only a restore will do. Basically lots of wet/dry sanding, polishing and a little paint...and presto!
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Before and after comparison pics follow:
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~CrazyJerry~