The Car Thread
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Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
Just thought some of you might be interested . This is what a EV battery pack looks like inside . 2022 ford MachE , the dark grey parts are individual battery cells . The part at the bottom of the pic is a control centre that is relays to connect the cells together and to the car . The control module is on top of the rear . Cells All orange wiring is high voltage don’t touch . In all EV cars . This is the latest level of tech in fords . All other manufacturers are extremely similar
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pandacular
Masterpiece
I was doing research into small pickup trucks, as I hate how large pickup trucks have become in the US. The first generation of Tacomas are too expensive, and the 90s Ford Rangers aren't exactly reliable or easy to come by...so I started looking into Japanese kei trucks.
en.wikipedia.org
In the US, these can be registered in many states if they are at least 25 years old, due to some weird import laws that allows old vehicles to be imported without being tested for safety and emissions laws. This little guy is the perfect form factor for a utility truck, and since my needs for a pickup truck are pretty much just hauling mini trees and supplies, it seems perfect. And, they can be had very cheap, from about $5k-8k. Apparently, these things are very popoular for offroading and farm work, where the 25 year requirement is not necessary.
The main downside is that they seem...uhhh very unsafe. I don't believe these things have airbags, much less crumple zones. They top out at about 60mph, so taking them on the freeway would be sketchy to say the least. Would best be used for urban driving, as they were designed, but even in a low speed front-end collision, I think they wouldn't fare well.
Would you drive one of these things?
Kei truck - Wikipedia
In the US, these can be registered in many states if they are at least 25 years old, due to some weird import laws that allows old vehicles to be imported without being tested for safety and emissions laws. This little guy is the perfect form factor for a utility truck, and since my needs for a pickup truck are pretty much just hauling mini trees and supplies, it seems perfect. And, they can be had very cheap, from about $5k-8k. Apparently, these things are very popoular for offroading and farm work, where the 25 year requirement is not necessary.
The main downside is that they seem...uhhh very unsafe. I don't believe these things have airbags, much less crumple zones. They top out at about 60mph, so taking them on the freeway would be sketchy to say the least. Would best be used for urban driving, as they were designed, but even in a low speed front-end collision, I think they wouldn't fare well.
Would you drive one of these things?
Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
I have to disagree with you about the ford ranger . I’m a ford tech , I’m not the type that thinks only fords are good . But the ranger is one of the most reliable trucks ever made . Mazda b2000 is also a ranger . Up here they mostly are rusted out . But people still buy them and fix them up there so desirable . 3 engine possibilities 2.3 l 4 and 3.0 l or 4.0 l v6 the 3.0 litre is particularly bullet proof . But all are good . There rep is arguable the best small truck made . Toyota also makes a small truck that’s good but I would say the ford is better ( simpler design) As for your idea of importing the above small truck . History backs up most vehicles built for other markets . Do not fair well in North America . Modern examples are the large light duty . Vans that are very reliable in Europe . And are proving not robust enough for North America . The original Japanese cars brought here . We’re rust buckets . I’m not saying these products are all bad . But the different markets and environmentally conditions are not considered by many . The truck you pic is built for light duty work in a city or short distance situation. . In a warm climate . Although it is cute as hell . As far as I’m concerned it’s a novelty item . Can you afford the down time such a vehicle . Could need for parts availability. For exampleI was doing research into small pickup trucks, as I hate how large pickup trucks have become in the US. The first generation of Tacomas are too expensive, and the 90s Ford Rangers aren't exactly reliable or easy to come by...so I started looking into Japanese kei trucks.
View attachment 524915Kei truck - Wikipedia
In the US, these can be registered in many states if they are at least 25 years old, due to some weird import laws that allows old vehicles to be imported without being tested for safety and emissions laws. This little guy is the perfect form factor for a utility truck, and since my needs for a pickup truck are pretty much just hauling mini trees and supplies, it seems perfect. And, they can be had very cheap, from about $5k-8k. Apparently, these things are very popoular for offroading and farm work, where the 25 year requirement is not necessary.
The main downside is that they seem...uhhh very unsafe. I don't believe these things have airbags, much less crumple zones. They top out at about 60mph, so taking them on the freeway would be sketchy to say the least. Would best be used for urban driving, as they were designed, but even in a low speed front-end collision, I think they wouldn't fare well.
Would you drive one of these things?
pandacular
Masterpiece
Thanks for your insight! I’ll defintely add those old Rangers and Mazdas to my list if I ever get serious about getting a truck.
As far as the kei trucks, I lost interest as soon as I learned that they lacked ABS. I could do without every safety feature on a non-daily car like that, but would not drive a car with no airbags OR ABS!
As far as the kei trucks, I lost interest as soon as I learned that they lacked ABS. I could do without every safety feature on a non-daily car like that, but would not drive a car with no airbags OR ABS!
Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
There a simple vehicle meant for a congested setting . I have done no research . But also suspect they would not pass North American crash laws . One thing I feel not enough consider . Is small vehicles are great for many reasons . But our large North American road network and distances we travel . Are congested with large fast moving vehicles . Commercial trucks . Suv s pick up trucks . Not a place you want to get in a accident with a small foreign mini truck . Consider your needs . I’m always surprised by people that say they need a truck . When considering the amount they need to haul . And frequency . They would be better off with a trailer . All trucks are a compromise . Handling . Braking distance . Ride quality . Maneuverability . Wear and tear . All are trying to meet the needs of a vehicle . That is vastly different empty and loaded . That’s a lot to give up . For something you don’t need 95 percent of the time
Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
The pics are of the internal components. Of a 2022 MachE EV battery pack . This pack is very heavily protected from moisture entering . It’s sealed very well . And vacuum testing it’s sealing is a requirement. After any internal work . Moisture is very very bad and dangerous. To its operation . This car was in a accident . And the front fender and area around the charge port was damaged . It came to the dealership for fault codes from the batt . From the body shop that repaired it . The guilty party here is leaving the damaged car outside in the rain . The moisture entered the batt pack down the internals of the wire harness from the charge port .
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pandacular
Masterpiece
This is exactly the conclusion I came to when I started thinking rationally about my needs. I need a solution to hauling a few things around, occasionally, which really is achieved by a trailer.
…but that won’t stop me from wanting a nice little truck.
pandacular
Masterpiece
This is really useful to know for an electric car. Don’t have one, but will someday, and this soinds like an expensive mistake.
What’s it like working on EVs compared to ICEs? Do you enjoy it?
Japonicus
Imperial Masterpiece
Buddy of mine rebuilding his '66 Riviera from the ground up.
In his garage, couldn't get a good shot of the burgundy body.
Just the original air intake is worth $1,000.
My dad had a '69 Olds 98 LS with a 455 Rocket. The horn was a strip of rubber that ran the interior circumference of the steering wheel you had to squeeze in to make contact.
Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
430 Buick is legendary motor . My race partner had one out of a wildcat . We put it in a 71 gto . He was a body man . Thru a insurance guy he knew . Got the gto . Stolen brand new found in the woods no engine trans or diff . 34 miles we had to sand the tarp of the car in places 21 years in the woods . Also 430 was the engine in the starter cart for the SR 71 blackbird plane
Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
Working on EV is a simple progression for me . I’m primarily a gas engine . ( non diesel) . Drivability electrical computer tech . At a dealership . So I already do a lot on hybrids . So it’s a short step . But just as owning a EV is a learning curve . So is learning there quirks .
Japonicus
Imperial Masterpiece
We bought a used GLA 350 here a while back
www.wsaz.com
Not sure what make of car this is but inside the dealership, EV fire is another reason to go gas.
Crews respond to fire at car dealership
Metro 911 dispatchers said this happened at Astorg Auto of Charleston, on Dudley Farms Lane.
Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
Correct as a ford dealer tech . Mandatory for a dealer to have the lift table . Essentially the tables have been around for a while . Officially there a power train lift table . Very handy tool . Keep in mind most front wheel drive cars . Have the transmission and engine removed as a unit from underneath . Conventionally you use a strong table . Under the car and lift the car up off the table with a 2 post car lift . But the lift table is very handy .
Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
as a pro auto tech some tool advice . Cordless impacts are great . My latest the ratchet . Only use the ratchet where you need the space saving . A impact is much stronger easier on the wrest . Abs is more durable . The head mechanism on the ratchet wears faster , pick a brand and go with that . Therefore you can just purchase bare tools for the batteries you have . Larger batteries offer more power and longer use time . But notice my use of the new power stack batteries . There smaller lighter . For same power . Variables people don’t consider is size to fit in tight places . When you drop . A large battery tool . It lands on the heavy battery . Often breaking the battery and or the mount on the tool . The smaller the batt the more durable the tool . Recharge time is fast . So you don’t need the heavy batt in most cases . The 2 smaller tools are a 12v 3/8 anvil impact and a 20v 3/8 . These are go to . The 1/2 v is used with a 3/8 to 1/4 adaptor . And 1/4 sockets . For small stuff . As above about the batt bull you can throw it across the room . The 20v gets the most use . As a pro I rarely use the large 1/2 inch ( just use shop air ) but it’s very handy at home . Recommended for guys working on there own cars . Lots of power
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Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
For me, until I turn 90 at least, I will always have a pickup truck. I tow and haul things all the time. I have own trailers to haul and tow bigger stuff. I downsized from a full-size truck to a Tacoma but that where I will stay for the next 20 years.
Frozentreehugger
Masterpiece
A truck guy is a truck guy is a truck guy
Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
When a car guy has something to haul, guess whom he calls? Don’t tell me he gets a trailer. How many cars out there have trailer hitches?
Oh yes! They always call me...