First Assessment

Today Nathan and I banged and pried until we could get the armature out of the motor. The adapter hub is still attached, unfortunately. However, this lets us get a good look at the field coils. And it should be cheaper to ship in two pieces, instead of one insanely heavy piece.

Of course, maybe we can get it shipped for free...

With a prybar, a giant screwdriver, and a hammer, getting the centrifugally-exploded wires bent upwards was no great task. A little time-consuming, but no big deal. And it let me get pictures of the field coils.

Looks like at least two of these will need rewinding. Luckily, Jim Husted -- the guy who builds stuff for the electric drag racers -- has offered to do the job at a price that makes me feel like I'm taking advantage of him. Everyone tells me that a motor rebuilt by Jim is better than new; I don't see how I can pass up this opportunity.

The interesting thing is shipping. Probably better than $100, one-way. So I'm investigating... alternatives. Call it the Electric Express. I can get the motor to Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, or Florida. I'm trying to set up a chain going to Jim in Oregon. I need people to carry it a little closer, each one willing to move it another step along the way. I'll keep track of the possible chains here. Everyone who participates will get a story to tell, and I'll even create a T-shirt design on Cafe Press for the event and pitch in $2 to $5 on the price for anyone who wants one. (I can't have this getting more expensive than shipping it via DHL!)

And while we're talking about history...

The tax collector's office had wanted a serial number for my motor. I couldn't find one. Turns out that was because the clip was covering it. Yes, the whole thing. My motor is serial number 4.

Now, perhaps that's not its actual serial number. Or perhaps they restarted every month, making this the 4th motor from August of 91. (Sadly, I killed it just a week before its 15th birthday!) But on the other hand, maybe this is the 4th one ever made. Anyone care to comment?