(ET) Elec-trak E12 beginnner needs advice

["John E. Baker" <john e baker snet net>]

I have been given a 1983 E12 tractor.  I would like to get it running again. 

here's the bad news:

1. The wires are all cut and some missing. 

2. Circuit board is broken. 

3. Lot's of empty holes on dash panel.  

4. Has 2 gages, both broken. 

5. No batteries. 

6. Brake is frozen, by both rust and paint. 

7. No accessories (like mower or plow)

8. Seat is a soggy mess.

9. The inboard charger & capacitor appears to be melted.

10. The front PTO motor is in unknown condition.

11.  I am unemployed; my job went to China.

 

OK. Now the good news:

1. The body has minimal rust.

2. The main DC motor turns by hand with little noise.

3. The gearbox/transfer case seems to be OK (except for the brake part).

4. The wheels/ tires seem to be in good shape.

5. The steering wheel seems to be in good shape.

6. I have LOTS of free time at the moment.

 

I am interested in getting it working again, but not necessarily "restoring" it, as this would probably cost more money.  Can I assume a newer_than_1983 used controller would be cheaper than trying to replace exactly what was under the dash?

 

I am guessing that this would be a place to start, but need all of your input:

1. Get schematic of motor from somewhere.

2. Get motor tested somewhere (golf cart repair shop?) or learn how to test myself.

3. Decide to use or replace motor.

4. Get advise on what to do next.

 

Jeb Baker