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Bought most of the bits for the conversion in December 2010. They shipped in and I took delivery in May 2011.

July 2012: Embarrassing mess. Wasted $$ in battery connectors made of tinned steel and copper mesh. Good lesson: make sure I post online any questions at least a week before I have to make a decision.

Eventually bought good ones and a vacuum pump for the brakes from

www.evworks.com.au/

The good ones cost 25% of what I paid for the bad...

http://www.waihekeev.blogspot.co.nz

I bought Gavin Shoebridge's EV Secret's book, Kia Ora mate! and am starting down the path.

The first thing the ebook I bought said to do was plan. I don't have a donor vehicle yet, I am going to trawl trade me to see what I can find, and what I like, after I work out what my modifications will weigh!

So the requirements for my Waiheke EV.

Power

The highest speed limit on the island is 70km/h,...

You are running a transmission because you have admitted that you need two forward gears or need a reverse gear. (DC-without a reversing contactor.)

EV conversions need to be catagorized.

"Heavy"
"medium"
"light"
"Flyweight"

My car is in the light end of the "Light" class". It is almost capable of direct drive, without a transmission.

Several "Rules-of-thumb",...

The rebuild of a transmission actually starts when it is still in the vehicle.

It begins when you first get the idea that your trusty box is not well. Any drive-ability information adds to the rebuilding process by helping you decide what needs the most attention.

In this case we know that reverse works but it slips in both forward gears.

Since they use different pressure apply passages, it is safe to assume that it has damage in at least two separate...

Today was constructive - I cut the rear off the body, cleaned and painted the transmission, and painted the new front spindles and rear drums. I'm converting the front to disc. I also received the "unused" Curtis 1231C-8601 from a fellow Ebayer at a great price. Earlier this week the VW adapter from Rebirth Auto arrived, so I ordered a lightened flywheel and a clutch kit in order to keep the assembly moving along. I hope to order the motor in a couple of weeks...

Robert