| Owner | Bill LaRiviere |
|---|---|
| Location | Birmingham, Alabama US map |
| Web/Email | |
| Vehicle | 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Spider Convertible 4 speed manual transmission. |
| Motor | HPEVS - AC50-1 1- or 2-Phase AC I chose to go with the ac system due to the amount of hills in my area. I am hoping to capture some of the energy on the down hill slopes to help with the range. |
| Drivetrain | yes |
| Controller | Curtis 1238-7501 Rated to 108v with cutoff at 122v. I will be running at 96v. |
| Batteries | 8 C & D Technologies Powerware 12500, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM Decided on powerware battery based on talking to someone who had used them with great success. It also reduced the battery weight by over 400lbs. |
| System Voltage | 96 Volts |
| Charger | HF PFC3000 AC Charger |
| Heater | PTC Heater Core |
| DC/DC Converter | Elcon 96VDC Nominal Input Operating voltage 84-120V |
| Instrumentation | Curtis 840 Display |
| Top Speed | Not tested yet. |
| Watt Hours/Mile | 350 Wh/Mile I am using 350 Whr/Mile for calculations. |
| Seating Capacity | Seating capacity is two adults in front bucket seats, and three small to medium bodies in the back bench seat. |
| Tires | Pirelli 195/70-14 P4 All Season Radials that are low rolling resistance. |
| Conversion Time | 9 Months, due to Electro-Automotive. Extensive delay for motor adapter. Many interesting hours learning a lot about cars, welding, painting. |
| Conversion Cost | ? |
| Additional Features | Bluetooth device for streaming radio, and phone conversations from Android phone. Alarm Load shocks model: Monroe 58263 |
| 2Aug2010 - Electric conversion parts received. Now I need to work on electronic parts and where they will reside. I am working on battery racks. Another fun process, in that I am learning how to weld. I originally wanted to keep the internal pieces as original looking as possible. I have seen some different mods that look good that I am thinking about. 12Sept2010 - Engine has been removed and battery brackets are welded in place. Controller, DC-DC controller, Battery charger mounted. I struggled with the throttle, but made necessary parts as a link and all is installed and wired. Fortunately the Curtis gauge fit in the dash for the Spyder guage cluster. Unfortunately the cable from the controller to the gauge is too short, so I will have to extend it. Minor problem. 27Sept2010 - Low voltage wiring is complete. I have installed the inertia switch and Emergency Off switch. The Emer Off switch is located next to the accelerator pedal. There is no mistaking it, a big red button in front of black carpet. My next hurdle is to figure where and how I want to mount the plug for the battery charger, mount the inertia switch, install the dash. Once that is complete, I will be ready for batteries. That may take a while. I will start with five batteries to get the wires from front to back installed, and the wiring for the controller and battery charger. 31Dec2010 - I had to modify the battery racks for the change in direction on battery selection. I have installed the batteries and finished off all the wiring. HV and LV wiring complete. First test, was, well funny. I powered up, and the controller was not programmed for a Corvair (reverse rotation engine). You got it, first gear, a little gas, and backwards I went. Well, I had to get it out of the garage, so down the street I went. I was in reverse, driving forward. I have changed the wiring on the controller to tell it the motor should be in reverse. I now had to start on the suspension. The tires rubbed when I turn. I have installed some coil spring helpers for now, ordered new shocks. I have driven it up the road in forward gears, and have found another bug. The clutch is not releasing. Problem, yes. But she is alive now. May 2011 - Well the new direction for batteries did not work out. I did not do my homework on the battery that was suggested, and it cost me. Lesson learned. New shocks for a 1972 Monte Carlo, clutch fixed, ammeter, and new tachometer installed. Off she goes, quietly cutting into the wind. She gets alot of looks on the road. Fun to drive. July 2011 - I have returned the batteries due to lack of range, and am going to put 16 6volt golf cart batteries in. I am wanting to get at least 240ah batteries to get me closer to the 40 miles per charge I have as a goal. She is parked for now, batteries and hold downs in the spring. | |
1964 Chevrolet Corvair
“Electric Mint Chocolate Chip”
(under construction)
Last Updated 10-09-2011
Copyright © 1997-2012 by Mike Chancey