OwnerJohn Spradley
LocationSylmar, California US map
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Vehicle1981 Ford Escort Hatchback
Jet Industries in Texas obtained gliders from Ford without drive train or fuel system.
MotorPrestolite Series Wound DC
20 Horsepower @ 4900 RPM. 7 x 16.34", 105 Lbs.
DrivetrainStandard Escort Transaxle Front Wheel Drive 4 speed manual transmission.
ControllerCurtis 1231C
Replaced the original. Mounted in the rear. 500 Amps for 2 minutes.
Batteries16 Trojan T105, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
5 batteries in the front. 11 in the rear.
1008 Lbs.
System Voltage96 Volts
ChargerZivan NG3
Mounted in the rear. Replaced the original Lester. 220Volt
HeaterOriginal gas heater removed
DC/DC ConverterCurtis 1400E
300 Watt, 21 Amps @ 14 volts
InstrumentationSOC meter, 500 Amp meter,
expanded scale voltmeter, 75-125 volt
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
I've never exceed 65.
AccelerationOkay on surface streets. Barely adequate
on freeway access. Mfgr quoted 0-30 in 8.3 seconds, 0-50 in 23 seconds
Range60 Miles (96 Kilometers)
Mfgr quoted 60 miles at 35 mph.
I've driven 45 miles and specific gravity of lowest battery said 70% SOC
Watt Hours/Mile290 Wh/Mile
AC Input
EV Miles
Start:16,750 Miles (26,950 Kilometers)
Current:25 Miles (40 Kilometers)
Total:-16,725 Miles (-26,910 Kilometers)
 
    As of 8/28/2008
Seating Capacity4 adults
Curb Weight3,140 Pounds (1,427 Kilograms)
GVW 3790
TiresP185/80R13 replaced the original
Additional FeaturesAll instrument cluster lights replaced with LEDs.
Fuel gage replaced with Ammeter.
Original owner, U.S.Navy, 2nd owner unknown.
3rd owner was Kim Robinson in San Leandro, CA

code by jerry