I picked up a new project for Automotive the other night:
Needs a little maintenance and repair.
Will be a good teaching tool and more.
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Is that an actual Ranger EV? If so, is it the rare factory version or a homebrew conversion?
Between this and the trebuchet possibly competing this year, DMS is conspiring to set that hook again.
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ooooo.
can we tow Peggy to the competition with the PowerRanger?
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Erik,
I have no idea what a “power ranger EV” is, I haven’t had time to look at the pair of three ring binders that cover the conversion.
It is NOT a “homebrew” model tho.
Older ? Yes,
Lead acid, yes.
Fairly heavy…yes.
Functional - mostly.
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I don’t know what the “Power Ranger EV” is either, but the Ranger EV was one of the 90s/early 00s compliance-mobiles turned out principally for CA. Looks like post-1999 they were the more-capable NiMH pack however a lead-acid version is more easily serviced … or upgraded to LiFePO4.
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From the link:
The above the line cost of this vehicle (before manufacturer discounts and other public agency subsidies) was $52,720.00.
Tesla eat your heart out! 
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They did not make many of them, thus the engineering and EV model specific tooling was carried by previous few models. They further inflicted a hurt upon themselves by merely leasing them.
But like most EVs from that time, they were built for compliance purposes. And grudgingly so.
I’d really like to see this thing in person and work on it.
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Hate to be that guy but I gotta ask.
Who has the title?
Did DMS buy it? Was it donated? There are special things that need to be done if it’s in DMS’ name.
Where will it live?
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I have the title
I was asked if I wanted it for use in automotive or to do whatever with it.
What are the “special things” required if the DMS were to title it?
The mystery titled race car “lived” outside under a cover for over a year, so I don’t see a concern over that.
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Why does this truck remind me of a certain vehicle in Kill Bill?
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https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Rules_and_Policies#Donations_2
Here is the rules
Short Description of what has to be done
- Vehicle Donations
Vehicles include cars, boats, and airplanes. Generally, a
nonprofit must provide a donor with a written
acknowledgment for the donation of a vehicle worth $500 or
more.
• Acknowledgment. The acknowledgement must include:
- name of the donor,
- taxpayer identification number of the donor,
- vehicle identification number, and
- date of the donation.
• Nonprofit sells vehicle without using it: If the vehicle is sold by the nonprofit without
significant use or improvement, the nonprofit must provide the information listed above
AND an additional written acknowledgment that includes: - date the vehicle was sold,
- that the vehicle was sold between unrelated parties in an arm’s length transaction,
- sales price, and
- statement that the deductible amount may not exceed the sales price.
• Other required acknowledgments for donated vehicles. An additional acknowledgment must
be provided if the nonprofit plans to: - significantly use,
- make a material improvement, or
- give or sell the vehicle to a low-income individual (if the nonprofit’s mission includes
providing transportation at below fair market value).
• “Significant use” includes providing transportation for a significant period or use directly
related to instruction in vehicle repair. It does not include training in general business skills,
such as marketing and sales. “Material Improvement” means an improvement that
significantly increases the value of the vehicle. Application of finishes, removal of dents,
Example: Written
Acknowledgment with no
Goods or Services in Return
Cash contribution: “Thank you
for your contribution of $300 to
DoGood nonprofit received on
March 23, 2016. No goods or
services were provided in
exchange for your
contribution.”
Noncash contribution. “Thank
you for your contribution of a
used oak baby crib and
matching dresser to DoGood
Nonprofit received on March
23, 2016. No goods or services
were provided in exchange for
your contribution.”
46
cleaning or repairs of upholstery, and installation of antitheft devices, are not material
improvements. In this case, the acknowledgment must include: - a description of what and for how long the nonprofit will use the vehicle, or
- the material improvement of the vehicle, and that the nonprofit will not sell the vehicle
before completion of the use of improvement, or - that the vehicle will be given or sold (at a price below fair market value) to a low-income
individual.
• Acknowledgment: The nonprofit must use IRS Form 1098-C to acknowledge the donation of
vehicle. Submit this form to the IRS as well.
• Deadline: The nonprofit must provide the acknowledgment within 30 days of the donation
or the sale of the vehicle, as applicable.
• Valuation: A reasonable method of determining the fair market value of a vehicle is by
reference to an established used vehicle-pricing guide. See IRS Publication 561.
• Penalties for sale without significant use or improvement; inflating sale price. A nonprofit
that sells a vehicle without significant use or improvement and knowingly provides - a false acknowledgment or fails to provide an acknowledgement must pay the greater
of: the highest rate of tax (currently 35%), times the sales price stated on the
acknowledgment, or - the gross proceeds from the sale of the vehicle.
• Penalties for : A nonprofit that significantly uses, makes a material improvement, or
gives/sells a vehicle to a low income individual and knowingly provides a false
acknowledgement, or fails to provide an acknowledgment, must pay the greater of: - the highest rate of tax (currently 35%) times the sales price stated on the
acknowledgment, or - $5,000.
• IRS brochure for vehicle donors - A Donor’s Guide to Car Donations
• IRS brochure for charities - A Charity’s Guide to Car Donations
Further Reading
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… so no different than the “special things” that we need to do for the “Space Bus”.
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Agreed. All I’m saying is that it’s got more to it than someone donating another in-kind item.
The above “$500 or more” takes care of this issue entirely. This isn’t a “new car or truck and far” from anything of high value.
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So, LiFePO4 conversion with AC motors on all 4 wheels anyone?
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LiFePO4 conversion should be practically a drop-in upgrade, albeit an expensive one. 4 wheel independent motors would be a more serious engineering project.
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AWD electric skids are worth it tho
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Tag me in coach!
plus 20
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After some digging, I’ve determined that this was a conversion since factory Ranger EV’s were regular cab, had custom grilles with front charging port, and had “Ranger Electric” badging. I can’t find anything but the most scant summary with a decently exhaustive album showing the innards.
Hope it’s still got the ridiculous purple interior.
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interior schminterior. What about that tilt bed!?!
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