For Sale at any Price?...NOT!

[John Wayland <dat1200@europa.com>]

Hello to All,

1sclunn wrote:

> I would like to see all EV's in the album for sale.  I know that somebody
> who puts 500 to 1000 hours into there EV doesn't want to sell it for the
> price of the parts but by putting the price that they would be happy with
> say 40k or what ever, they will help other people trying to sell there EV's.

While I agree with your concept here, I do not agree that this is a good idea for
'everybody'. Using my favorite car that I own, 'Blue Meanie' as an example....
Putting a price on it, as in placing it available for sale, implies that I am willing to
let it go for the right price, that I am perhaps wishing for a better EV, or that it's not
the pinnacle of design (at least in my eyes), and I think it sends the wrong message.
Though some may question why anyone would
have the fanatical love affair that I have for this now 30 year old economy car ('72
Datsun 1200 sedan), it is nonetheless there, and I would never want anyone to think I'd
consider selling this car....not for sale!

The era of the early 70's classically styled, clean-looking, tough and sturdy, easily
hopped-up, back yard racer, street tough Datsuns was perfect timing for the young Wayland
car nut emerging from high school in '69. I don't just miss that era now, as do some old
dudes who harken back to the good 'ol days of oldy-moldy music...I missed it immediately
when I was still in my early 20's, back when Nissan in one of automotive-dom's stupidest
moves, went away from their square-shouldered best-selling Datsun 510's, the light and fun
Datsun 1200's, and the rough-riding but oh-so-heavy duty Datsun 520 minitrucks in the mid
70's, and instead, brought out boring, nondescript vehicles that lacked all of the
aforementioned excitement. The early 80's brought us more boring, nondescript vehicles
that in another blunder by Nissan, wore that same corporate nameplate and lacked the name
of character 'Datsun'. Yes, I miss the Datsun era...it's one that evidently, Nissan
finally admits to missing, too, as they are now capitalizing on the glory 'Datsun' days of
the early 70's period in all of their recent commercials, fondly showing the original Z
Cars, and Datsun 510's tearing up the race tracks! Nissan seems to be trying to win back
the hearts of Datsun fanatics with their hot Altima (0-60 in nearly 6 seconds flat)
series, and now, their new Z Car....too bad they can't swallow their pride and call them
Datsuns again! It's also too bad they let Honda take and simply run away with the market
that Datsun established long ago...that boy racer, affordable and fun pocket rocket
car...you can see the enthusiasm in today's youth as the 'tuner cars' of the hot import
scene are where it's at.

Fortunately for me, before they all disappeared, I was able to get a couple of clean 1200
sedans, and I've held on to them ever since. I never want to sell my beloved 1200 (Blue
Meanie), I never want to see it harmed in any way, and I never lust over another's EV
conversion. I've had this cool, fast, and fun EV for many years now, but each time the
garage door lifts open to reveal it waiting for me...even as it sits next to a modern
machine like my immaculate Honda Insight, my heart still pounds with the excitement that
only a cherry condition, 135 HP, 250 ft. lbs. of torque, 300 watt stereoized, violet pearl
over royal blue tricked out electric Datsun 1200 can bring to me. When I go overboard and
have this desire in excess, I've got that 'other' 1200 to play with, too.

> If your pet project sold you would have some real money to get better parts
> and make even a nicer car....

For me, that's not an issue...I already have that 'better car'. Recent improvements have
made it even better, too.

For those who've had recent test rides in this car, you'll like what I've done. Gone is
the slipping clutch (too many burnoffs in 3rd from a dead stop, I guess), that I had to
make excuses for...replaced with none other than the famous 'It Vil Not Schlipp!' full
blown racing clutch that was responsible for ripping off the input shaft of White Zombie's
former 5 speed tranny. Yes, a few weeks ago I finally did it, and I did it right. The
Meanie's lightened flywheel was remachined, and a new competition type, but more
streetable than the Zombie's solid copper three prong job, clutch disc was installed,
along with that killer  'It Vil Not Schlipp!' pressure plate. Of course, a new pilot
bushing and a fresh throw-out bearing were included, too. On the 1-10 fun factor, it's
back at a solid '10', as the car now blisters its rear tires at the slightest provocation.
Taking off in 2nd gear while mashing down the 'GO pedal' has the 1000 amp Emeter pegged as
the tires instantly erupt in white smoke that pours out of the fender
wells...immature?...maybe, but gawd, what fun! I came around a corner yesterday, going
perhaps 10 mph in 3rd gear, and decided to wake up Mr. Raptor 1200...the car fishtailed
and smoked the tires for about a block...banging 4th gear, the car squatted as the 156V
pack of Optimas (now 5 years old) sagged to about 125 volts but delivered 1000+ amps, and
the car simply accelerated HARD! It's pretty amazing how much power an ADC 9 inch motor
can make, and this much power in a light weight car like a Datsun 1200 sedan, is pure FUN!

Another really big improvement has been my rework of the under-hood area and the inclusion
of the hopped-up PFC20, that killer Rudman charger! It's really perked up the Optimas
being able to hit them with 28+ amps while charging off 240vac. It's also very cool, using
a simple twist lock-to-120 vac plug adapter pigtail, to also have the flexibility to still
charge off any 120V outlet. I can now blast 9 miles to downtown Portland, and drive with
full enthusiasm, knowing that at the downtown located EV charging station, I can plug into
the NEMA 14-50 outlet, and jam 28+ amps into the pack and get filled back up in a hurry.

I've got more improvements coming soon, so there's no reason to ever think of selling this
long time EV friend.

See Ya........John Wayland