Help with Electric Car

Help with Electric Car

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Discussion

Cheeky Jim

Original Poster:

1,276 posts

287 months

Saturday 12th April 2008
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Hi All,

Thought this might be the best place to ask for some help..

I've just been given this.. it was built about 20 years ago and has never really been used. Sat in a garage loft the entire time. It's wooden constuction with some metal bits for the axles, steering rack. The motor is at the rear and drives a chain onto the rear axle.

Anyway, I need some help. Apparently the motor is busted and the speed contol was On/Off, operated via the accelerator pedal has gone bust too.

Given electronic speed controllers have moved on slightly since 1985, I wondered if anyone could help me in the right direction. Basically I need a new 12v motor (I guess from a wheelchair (not a golf buggy - probably too powerful) and a speed controller that can either be on/off or preferably a graduated that could be operated with a foot throttle.

Anyone know what I should be looking for or could recommend one? I have to say I'm not that clued up on electrics, but with a bit of common sense, I'm sure I'd manage!

Help appreciated. biggrin






scorcher

4,013 posts

241 months

Sunday 13th April 2008
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wildoliver

8,996 posts

223 months

Sunday 13th April 2008
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I remember those, you could buy kits or plans to build your own.

Basically you should be able to get everything you have working again, have you put (a charged) battery direct across the motor? It could be the speed controller that has packed up. Even then it is probably just dirty contacts. No reason why it can't all be got working again, the technology was far from complex!

Are you anywhere near Yorkshire?

Cheeky Jim

Original Poster:

1,276 posts

287 months

Monday 14th April 2008
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am in Dorset I'm afraid.....moved from Wetherby in West Yorkshire!!!

Am going to have a play!

wildoliver

8,996 posts

223 months

Monday 14th April 2008
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Best advice is get a good battery on it to start with then with a multi meter follow the power through. It will stop somewhere, I suspect the switch has gone furry on the terminals. May just be a duff battery. But there is no reason why it can't be got easily working.