Paint, Polish, and Sign

Figure 10-38 Jim Harris’ improved “magic box,” fan-cooled controller, and battery charger mounting for 1987 Ford Ranger.

Figure 10-39 1987 Ford Ranger with “Electric Vehicle” lettering.

Paint, Polish, and Sign

After everything is running the way you like, it’s time to “pimp your ride.” Why? A car is an extension of oneself. The way the exterior of a vehicle looks reflects you; you are proud of your work and want to show it off in its best light. But without an outside “ELECTRIC” sign, the only way you can tell an electric car is electric-powered is to look closely through its front grille, where the DC motor is visible just above the license plate (although the silence would definitely make you suspicious).

Because few people (if any) are likely to examine your EV conversion closely, you have to advertise instead. A couple of well-placed large letters is all it takes—or an electric vehicle license tag. Jim opted to place his letters on both front fenders and on the