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model T conversion help please

2241 Views 34 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  Duncan
I started with a 23 T where the engine needed rebuild. I was offered this 300 lb caterpillar forklift motor ,sweet spot 1800 rpm ,series wound motor that i have mounted in the car,direct drive no clutch engine plate is shown it came from a 15 000 caterpillar forklift machine. the T nets out at 1500lb with the ice components removed original speed 35 mph at 1500 rpm. the electrics should balance out to 1500 pounds aftermarket disc brakes stop like a normal car.
I have run the motor direct drive to the driveshaft at 750 rpm on a `12 volt battery . I am anticipating 48 volts to give me just over 35 mph of 50 Km/hr this is a much as I wish to go on 100 yr old wooden wheels.
the batteries are nominal 48 volt from a bmw 130i which at 3500 lbs gave a 200 mile range. there are 8 units 4 under the floor as shown and two under the front seat replacing the gas tank ,two under the back seat cushion.
I have watched the videos from benjamin nelson, scotty vw van and garcia vw van.
nelson and scotty are using lead acid batteries.
The motor i got from a forklift mechanic who now being self employed has no time. a second tech said the same thing and a third does not want the liability. i found an octogenarian who has built 4 electric vehicles SLA and does not want the unknown liability of working with Lithium . the new crop of enthusiasts want AC motors regen and computer algorithms.
I have a main contactor, throttle box. 48 volt 12 volt converter throttle pedal and hydraulic brake pedal mounted to the front floorboard.
i bought a forklift that has a suppex motor and controller that are not compatible with a series wound motor.
I am acutely aware of the need for compatible components.
what i need is for someone to tell me what model controller to buy as well the bits and pieces. what i don't want to do is acquire bits and pieces from various sources that are not compatible. the choices are dizzying. i can sorta figure it out but lack the assurance that my thinking is correct.
I am well aware of what i can fabricate but humble enough to admit my limitations.
I live in the niagara falls canada area. [email protected] 905 9888648




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This operation only makes sense to me if run from the Canadian side. Charge up, go up the hill, then REGEN back down the hill. Going slow, you'll get a lot of energy back.
My esthetic says definitely design for regen.
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