mock battery

This block of wood is the same size and shape of the batteries I'll be using.  A friend in the battery business has convinced me that LiFePO4 chemistry will more economical in the long run, and much more fun, than flooded lead-acid.  Sealed lead-acid are even worse.  I'll be using 30 cells of this size to start off with.  Some will go under the hood and some will go in the trunk.

seats

The 2002 did not come with seats.  After a lot of scrounging junk yards & craigslist, the best solution presented itself as these after market seats with a vintage look.  These also allowed for a narrow, close-to-the-center installation so that the steering wheel will be closely centered with the seat.  2002's came with stumps built into the floor that the seats sat on, first these were ground out so the new seats would not be too high.  The seat will bolt to this frame which is bolted to the floor with grade 8 bolts and large washers underneath made of steel.  The weak link is pulling a 6sq" washer through the floor.

conditioning the brushes

Step 5:  Prepare motor.  I'm letting the motor spin on 12V to condition the brushes before use.

transmission

Here is where the electric motor will connect.

The AC compressor will run off the tail shaft.

console constraints

I'm going to use this under-dash evaporator unit with vents, it fits nicely, held in place with blocks for a picture.  The space under it will be filled with an electric heater, gauges and/or free space.  

And the glove box still opens.  Win!

carpet

Step 4:  Pull carpet out and secretly put it through washing machine, get to know what's under there.

helper