(ET) Elec-trak general questions.

[Charlie <medievalist gmail com>]

As the new owner of a not-new (but very nice) I-5, I'm full of questions.

1) The voltage to the motor looks to be controlled by a set of
microswitches, relays (contactors?) and a large nichrome heating
element with two taps.  Is there any reason not to use a large, high
wattage rheostat instead, for smoother acceleration?  Seems like it
would save power, too, since it would make less heat.

2) The front side panels are pop-riveted on.  If I drill these out (to
get at some rust on the frame under the panels) is there any reason to
continue to use pop-rivets?  Seems like nylocks would be just as tight
and quiet, but easier to work with in the future.

3) I don't like tapping the battery pack at 12v for the lift and
lights, especially since I will be using the lights a lot.  I can get
36vdc bulbs to fit the existing sockets; if I rewound the lift motor
for 36vdc could I just move the tap wire over and get the full pack
voltage, or would I fry something?  DC-DC converters seem to be
ridiculously expensive.

4) Anybody have any tips on reducing the amount of "rattle" during
operation?  With the old Craftsman the engine was so deafeningly loud
I didn't care how noisy the mower deck was, but I'd like to get the
I-5 down to just blade noise.  I'm thinking some springs in the spacer
stack on the front deck casters, and graphite on the roller axles,
just for starters.

Answers, opinions, rants all accepted!  I haven't studied the wiring
diagrams yet (waiting on a part for my printer) so I apologize if any
of these questions are exceptionally stupid.

Thanks,
--Charlie Brooks