Where to begin
 

Hello group. Now that I have the vehicle to convert, where do I begin to collect the necessary components to turn it into an EV? I guess the plan is to read up on the ins and outs (which I am doing), but I also want to know if there are parts available in this area for the purpose - potbox, controller, motor, etc. Does anyone in the area of southern Ontario have bits and pieces that they know are good and want to sell (at realistic prices)? As a complete newbie to both this forum and converting an automobile to electric, I would appreciate any feedback that I can get. Is there a "buy and sell" area on this or any other website where these parts can be sourced? Again, locally would be better for shipping costs, but hey, anything considered! :confused:

Thanks, Ken.

Hey Ken,

I live in London, ON. I have no parts to sell you, but look at "Paul and Sabrina's 144V Open Source Motor Controller" thread. If all goes well, i will be doing the solder work for the beta testers (which could include you). If you buy the parts (under 400 dollars), i will assemble the electronics and you're well on your way to a very cheap and very capable BDC controller.

If you're new to this stuff, you need to spend a couple hundred hours at DIY Electric Car Forums Site Home, EV Photo Album: Our Electric Cars on the Web and www.evdl.org to collect the infinite wisdom of the interweb geekery. Good luck :)

Speaking of beginnings, I have found a "Hyster" model 65? forklift that I can get fairly reasonable as a donor. It was a lease return (2004 model) from GM (imagine that!) and has a newer GE motor and solid-state controller (I assume it's a Curtis or similar?). Anyway, I was wondering what the gurus in the group had to say about this unit. Apparently it has a lift rating of about 6000 pounds and is in good working order. I do have a photo of it (attached). Anyone care to offer some comments? Thanks! Ken