Re: (ET) It's here...

["SWS" <ssawtelle erols com>]

Sounds like we are at the about the same place in our new aquisitions. Alas
mine has major sheet metal rust, but I'm amazed at the thickness of the
major structural parts - like the 'dash' where most people use plastic
today... I'm beginning to understand why people like these things. The
electric part is by far the neatest thing, but they seem built so well..

Ah, the main motor spins nice by hand, no sounds. I went over the charger
and it works - the plug was corroded.

OK question of the day:

Chris mentions the seat base plate crack - I bet its like mine - in the 
back
near the hinge. What is supposed to keep the seat from falling all the way
over backwards? Obviously whatever it is didn't work on mine. I don't see
anyplace where a chain or support would be connected.

Thanks for all the offers of parts and help so far.

- Steve


----- Original Message -----
From: "Christopher Zach" <czach computer org>
To: "Elec-trak" <>
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2002 9:40 PM
Subject: (ET) It's here...


> Ok, I'm back from returning the truck and dropping off three of the
> batteries at NTW. They looked *so* happy when I brought in three ruptured
> T105 batts...
>
> Ah well.
>
> The day actually went really really well. Eric came over at about 9, and
off
> we went in the rented truck ($60 from Enterprise). No problems on the
drive
> up to NJ, and we spent the entire run discussing electric stuff. It was
> without a doubt the fastest trip to NJ yet.
>
> Once there we deployed the ramps and had the tractor on the truck in no
> time. The batteries were shot, and at least two had ruptured. However the
> tractor not only had the plastic trays, it had the orig plastic wrappers,
so
> all the evil acid went out the drain hole.
>
> Rust is surface only. I think they piked newspapers on it once, as the 
> top
> of the hood is rusted but not the bottom. Also the seat base plate is
> cracked where I think they snapped it back somehow. Not a big deal. The
body
> has almost *no* rust; nothing that a little POR15 can't make go away.
>
> The brakes are exceptionally strong. I looked underneath and there is a
> sizeable disc brake on the transmission; bigger than the one on my 16hp
> Craftsman.
>
> The deck is in ok shape. Some deep surface rust, but not the end of the
> world. All the blades are there (but some twisted slightly) and all the
> motors turn (very good). I'll have to clean it before I try powering it
up.
>
> It also appears to have a little box that can go on the back. Kind of
small
> to be a weight box; might be a tool holder or something. I'll have to 
> look
> into it.
>
> The drive back was also uneventfull, but there were a *lot* of police
cars.
> Few tailed me; they might have been wondering what that thing I was
hauling
> was...
>
> Once home we deployed the ramps and brought the tractor down. Coasted it
> downhill into the yard; the seat on this thing is in *perfect* condition.
> Any tips on how to keep it that way?
>
> The batteries were a mess. Three were dry; three at least were wet 
> inside.
> I've got them on a charger tonight; will see if they suck up any juice or
if
> they are hopelessly screwed. I thought I could hear bubbling; we'll see
(the
> batteries are probably 1989 vintage. Or maybe 1969...)
>
> The charger didn't seem to work at first, but it looks like with jiggling
of
> the main contactor switch it came on. My guess is the main disconnect 
> (and
> most of the wires on this thing) are in need of a serious cleaning and
some
> conductive paste. Any recommendations?
>
> The pedal switch is very very gummy and slow. Any tips on taking the 
> whole
> thing apart for a rebuild/overhaul?
>
> Overall this might have been an excellent deal at $500.00. The body is
> solid, a lot of it is cast iron instead of stamped steel, and it looks to
be
> in good shape.
>
> One thought I will need soon is to change the transaxle oil. Is this
> difficult? Where are the bolts, and what transaxle oil is recommended in
> these things?
>
> And so the adventure begins. Thanks for all the help so far; in a few
weeks
> I might be able to afford some batteries :-)
>
> Chris
>
>