Bed from the driver's sideApril, '07 - ReassembledFull view from Passenger sideHooking Up the TrannyNew Motor InstalledOriginal - Under the HoodCleaning UpHeater Out
OwnerPT Martin
LocationColumbia, Missouri US map
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Vehicle1991 Chevrolet S-10
MotorAdvanced DC FB1-4001 Series Wound DC
This motor is at least 12 years, old, as the original conversion was done in 1994, I'm told. It blew after I'd had the truck for about 1.5 months and had only driven it for 2 weeks. It's at the shop, now, getting new bushes. I hope!

8/06 - Totally blown. Bought a new FB1-4001 from EV America.
ControllerCurtis 1231
Large heat sink and low power DC fan underneath the controller for additional cooling.
Batteries20 Trojan T-145, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
System Voltage120 Volts
ChargerLester
Also has a string of 5 smaller 110 mounted on the back wall, behind the seat. The previous owner installed these, thinking it was more efficient than the original 110 K&W charger. He had them set up on an outdoor timer and power strips, with 3 charging for about 4 hours, then 3 charging for about 4 hours.

I don't use these - I use the Lester charger on 220, but decided to leave them in case of emergencies.
DC/DC Converter Samlex SD-350D
This is a converter that the previous owner put in. Samlex SD-350D I don't really have an opinion on it, yet. www.samlexamerica.com
InstrumentationVoltmeter, Amp meter, Curtis Charge to empty gauge
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
I've been at 70, but didn't push it to the limit to see top speed.
AccelerationAdequate - a bit slow off of the mark if going up an incline.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
I've not pushed the limit of the range, either, but have been ~30 miles, myself, on a single charge.
Seating Capacity3 adults
TiresOriginal Michelin low resistence. These tires are over 10 years old - one of the back 2 blew from rot. Replaced back set. Will replace front set when I can drive to the store.
Conversion CostPurchase price: $8,500. With shipping, I'm currently at $11,300.
Additional FeaturesAdded hydrolic lifts to the bed.
Shipping from NH - $1,100

New FB1-4001 - $1,500

I bought a used passenger side door to replace the dented one. $200 to find one in white, but still cheaper than a new OEM.

Needed new tires. The original Michelins, which look almost brand new, have rotted, since they're so old. $150 for 2. Haven't gotten the other 2, yet.

We pulled a lot more old wiring out when we installed the new motor. Cavern is must cleaner, as you can see from the before & after pics. Plan to add a ceramic heater for winter '07.

code by jerry