FrontBedEngine BayPanel close-up
OwnerHunter Cook
LocationSpringfield, Missouri US map
Email email image
Vehicle1984 Chevrolet S10 shortbed pickup
MotorAdvanced DC FB1-4001 Series Wound DC
9"
Drivetrain4-speed manual with no clutch.
ControllerCurtis 1231C
144v/400A
Batteries24 Trojan T105, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Well, OK, now it's 23 batteries; melted the post on one this afternoon. When I originally purchased the vehicle it came with 22 almost-dead US Battery US-145's (132v) plus two more dead cores. Didn't go very far then.
System Voltage144 Volts
ChargerRussco 18-120 SO
Early model (1997 I think) purchased used. Has a boost transformer, a few dials, and a nice digital meter. Vehicle originally came with a K&W BC-20, which was a very "dumb" charger (just keeps running until you unplug it) boosted slightly out of spec to handle the 144v pack.
HeaterI think it's a ceramic job. Works pretty well.
DC/DC Converter PowerSource PC30
Instrumentation1 each analogue voltmeter and ammeter, plus speedometer and odometer. Charger has ACV/ACA/DCV/DCA meter onboard. Also there is a tach controller and sensor on the motor, and I have the gauge/wiring in a bag but not installed.
Top Speed60 MPH (96 KPH)
That's as fast as I've had it so far. The original owner says could do about 85mph. Hopefully I'll find out soon.
AccelerationNot great, but not terrible either. I can keep up with traffic in town most of the time. Very few gas cars would have trouble outrunning me.
Range30 Miles (48 Kilometers)
This is as far as I've taken it, but I've only had the new batteries for a day.
Seating Capacity3 adults, more in the bed ;-)
Curb Weight4,400 Pounds (1,999 Kilograms)
Estimate. Original owner said it weighed 4500 with the US-145 batteries, which weigh 70lb each; the new Trojans weigh 63lb, so I'm figuring a loss of about 100lb total weight.
Tiresround
Conversion TimeDon't know. Looks like it was definitely a labor of love.
Conversion Cost$5000 purchased used with nearly dead batteries.
Additional FeaturesWooden bed tilts up to get at the batteries underneath...if you're strong enough or have a jack. The original owner included a lift cylinder kit of sorts, but I haven't installed it yet. Stereo works well until you push the not-gas pedal too far. Headlights turn out then too. Better shocks and Firestone airbags have been added to the suspension. Sunroof on top leaks a bit; I guess that's pretty much what they do. Slick looking metallic blue paint job, black bumper, and chromed grill. None of that really comes out right in the pics. Brakes were manual when I bought the truck, but I've since added a 12v vacuum pump and new brake booster, and now it stops much more easily. Odometer has rolled over at least once; it only goes to 99999 miles.
This is my new woody, bought last month from the original owner/converter in Michigan, off the EV tradin' post. Since then I've replaced the batteries and charger and added rudimentary power braking. Still to do:

1. Add reservoir and vacuum switch to the brake system to avoid the pump running constantly
2. Add lift cylinders to bed
3. Wire/install tachometer

It's a lot of fun.

code by jerry