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

["Christopher Zach" <czach computer org>]

Yeah, looks like we have the same crack. Given the weight of the seat and
the moment size (weight times distance around a point) I can't see the 
plate
not rupturing eventually.

I'm planning on pulling mine off and brazing it. I don't really know how to
weld, but a good brazing job should fix the cracks.

Chris

----- Original Message -----
From: "SWS" <ssawtelle erols com>
To: <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2002 10:38 PM
Subject: Re: (ET) It's here...


> 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
> >
> >
>
>