[sgtlethargic]

Planning (pipe dreaming): 1927 Ford Model T sedan. I've done some calculations, but I need a reality check. One of the issues is the steps lead you to make assumptions- such as kWh/mi. I assumed 150 kWh/mi, which may be on the low side.

I'm shooting for a finished weight of 1300 lb, a 60 MPH top speed, 35-mile range, and normal acceleration. I'm liking the SepEx motor and controller package because I'd hope to set up regenerative motor braking, it seems like a good deal, but I don't know if that's enough grunt to do the job. The batteries would be Sears Diehard flooded lead acid deep cycle rated at 105 Ah based on 20 hours with a pack voltage of 84 V (motor is 60-84 V).

[You probably can't] See the attached spreadsheet. Okay, I pared it down and you can see the second version.

SepEx motor w/ Sevcon PowerPak controller: 425 A, 60-84 V, 25 hp, 4500 rpm, $1525.

Diehard 27M: 105 Ah, 57 lb, $95. 7-Pack: 84 V, $665, 400 lb.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[piotrsko]

Sounds a lot like what they have here at the Petersen Museum in Reno when they trot out the vintage electrics. Repro body or the real deal?

 

[sgtlethargic]

Sounds a lot like what they have here at the Petersen Museum in Reno when they trot out the vintage electrics. Repro body or the real deal?

No body at this point, but real steel.

 

[Coley]

Probably not the best battery choice. They will die off fast.

True deep cycle is what you need. Don't use anything with a cold cranking rating.

I am using Deka Gels and just love them.

 

[MJ Monterey]

Are you planning to use the Model T suspension?

The Model T did not have front brakes from the factory. I would be concerned with driving freeway speeds without front brakes.

If you want to run a factory-ish chassis I would recommend stepping to Model A or later. The street rod and aftermarket support for them is much more refined. You can get hydraulic and disc brake bolt in upgrades for brakes and other such niceties.

Also as an "in the bones" type concern. Model T bodies are basically Sheet metal tacked to a wood structure. The wood structure is a time consuming restoration process. The Ford built Model A bodies is the transition to a metal structure with wood upholstery tack strips. Some of the model A bodies were outsourced to Briggs or Murry. These outsourced bodies were of the sheet metal over wood structure design like the T.

LOL I know too much detailed crap about the cars my grandfather drove.........

 

[sgtlethargic]

Are you planning to use the Model T suspension?

The Model T did not have front brakes from the factory. I would be concerned with driving freeway speeds without front brakes.

If you want to run a factory-ish chassis I would recommend stepping to Model A or later. The street rod and aftermarket support for them is much more refined. You can get hydraulic and disc brake bolt in upgrades for brakes and other such niceties.

Also as an "in the bones" type concern. Model T bodies are basically Sheet metal tacked to a wood structure. The wood structure is a time consuming restoration process. The Ford built Model A bodies is the transition to a metal structure with wood upholstery tack strips. Some of the model A bodies were outsourced to Briggs or Murry. These outsourced bodies were of the sheet metal over wood structure design like the T.

LOL I know too much detailed crap about the cars my grandfather drove.........

I don't have a body at this point, I'm not dead set on a Model T, and I need to learn more about them and others. I'll look into the wood issue, too. I'll likely end up with what I find that is lightweight and a good price. Or, I'll go with the early Ranchero I already have, which is fairly light, but even lighter seems better for an EV.

Yes to front brakes. There's a thread on the H.A.M.B. about adding front disc brakes to a Model T front axle.

And, overall I'm working on figuring out the main components, which is where I'd like additional comments.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[MJ Monterey]

One recommendation: I've seen a couple of folks starting 50's era pickups.

Good aftermarket support, Lighter than most, have minimalist features like roll up windows and a good amount of space and carry capacity for batteries.

Expanding a bit, I have not done the research but the concept intrigues me. I would definitaley take a look at anything say 28 to 59, FYI, Chevy didnt cut back on the wood content until the early 30's. First half of 30's era cars and trucks tend to have small doors so if you are of larger stature you may want to check around 37 and later.

My concern with the Falcon is: Will there be enough space and weigh carry capacity if you go Lead batteries? Also I am not sure of your knowledge level for repair and modification of Uni-bodies