Start of work

We put it back in the garage, jacked it up and put it on stands. I let the boys (who are keen as mustard I may say) start playing with the tools and DB removed the back muffler.



Then CB removed some hitch attachments. DB hooked in and removed the exhaust. The boys are just starting to learn to use tools and work out what size sockets are the right size.

The next thing to go is the fuel tank.

First photos

Today we rolled the X7 (we started calling it the X7 instead of RX7 as it won't have a rotary engine) out of the garage and took several photos. Please note that the paint is only primer ready for a rub down then paint. Also note that the body is in excellent condition with no rust anywhere.

Beginnings

I've been looking at converting a vehicle to electric for a while now. It takes time to research as there is very little in book form however the internet is a fantastic medium for like minded people. I joined the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) and reading their forum it is a must if you're thinking of doing a conversion. Zero Emission Vehicles Australia (ZEVA) based in Western Australia has a good website and they have gear to sell and have recently done a project where they converted a 1990 Mazda MX5, nice job too.

I was originally going to convert a Ford Courier Xtracab using lead acid batteries (about 760kg worth) but then I saw on ebay an RX7 and with some recalculations I’ve opted for the RX7. Of course the kids think it’s the bees knees!

We had a look at it and the body is in excellent condition, it has no rust and has just primer over most of the body. Put a bid in for it and got it for $580 not bad! Hired a truck to transport it home and is now sitting in the garage. It doesn’t have an engine, gearbox, driveshaft, front windscreen and the two front seats; everything else is supposed to be there……….we’ll see. Bought two gearboxes today for $350 should have one good one from the two. Next I’ll be seeking a driveshaft.

To get an idea what I’m doing check out these websites……….

www.kiwiev.com This is a very thorough step by step conversion, worth spending a bit of time to look and watch the videos.

www.evute-nz.blogspot.com I was going to do the same conversion.

www.zeva.com.au I’m going to use his motor, controller and other stuff.

www.aeva.asn.au The forum that I read and am active in.

If you can find the documentary "Who killed the electric car" watch it as it'll blow you away with the blatant conniving of the car and oil industries who don't want electric vehicles.

I'll post some photos when I figure out how to do it.