Vegaman_Dan
Well-known member
I can't even work on my Spitfire in the garage for too long before I get distracted by other things that catch my eye. One of my standard searches on Craigslist got a hit and it was worth checking out.
Converted to Propane, this Westward Industries G0-4 Interceptor is powered by a Ford / Kia Aspire 1.6L with 68 hp and a 3 speed automatic. Considering my Cushman is rated at 18 hp and a three speed manual, this is quite a leap forward in technology and capability. This 1997 model runs great, and has put in most of its life in service for San Jose's parking enforcement. I picked it up from a person in the Seattle area that was using it as a commuter from an island using the ferry system where this is treated like a motorcycle, and cheap to ride the ferry. Every day, 20 miles round trip, five days a week. There was a lot of maintenance done on it regularly and most systems rebuilt.
The problem is the owner wasn't very mechanically minded. The seat was broken and stuck in position at the rear of the tracks. Steering column cover was left off after work being done. Numerous body panels were missing bolts. Just a lot of little things. The next day after I got it home, I was out removing the seat, finding a missing linkage wire from the left to right side tracks, so it would never unlock. That's easy to fix, and I made a new linkage in a couple of minutes. Replaced all the missing bolts, reassembled the bits, got everything happy again.
I've received a simple AM/FM/USB/SD radio and enclosure to put on the dash, along with some speakers. There's a dual band UHF mobile radio on order as well. I picked up a remote propane gauge monitor to replace the defunct original gauge in the dash. New propane tank mount is also on order to use clamp band straps instead of bolt in so I can replace the tank as needed without tools.
Aluminum body means no rust. I do need to strip and repaint it, but that doesn't look to be too much of a challenge. Thinking black and silver, or grey. We'll see what happens.
That is, unless I get distracted again.
Converted to Propane, this Westward Industries G0-4 Interceptor is powered by a Ford / Kia Aspire 1.6L with 68 hp and a 3 speed automatic. Considering my Cushman is rated at 18 hp and a three speed manual, this is quite a leap forward in technology and capability. This 1997 model runs great, and has put in most of its life in service for San Jose's parking enforcement. I picked it up from a person in the Seattle area that was using it as a commuter from an island using the ferry system where this is treated like a motorcycle, and cheap to ride the ferry. Every day, 20 miles round trip, five days a week. There was a lot of maintenance done on it regularly and most systems rebuilt.
The problem is the owner wasn't very mechanically minded. The seat was broken and stuck in position at the rear of the tracks. Steering column cover was left off after work being done. Numerous body panels were missing bolts. Just a lot of little things. The next day after I got it home, I was out removing the seat, finding a missing linkage wire from the left to right side tracks, so it would never unlock. That's easy to fix, and I made a new linkage in a couple of minutes. Replaced all the missing bolts, reassembled the bits, got everything happy again.
I've received a simple AM/FM/USB/SD radio and enclosure to put on the dash, along with some speakers. There's a dual band UHF mobile radio on order as well. I picked up a remote propane gauge monitor to replace the defunct original gauge in the dash. New propane tank mount is also on order to use clamp band straps instead of bolt in so I can replace the tank as needed without tools.
Aluminum body means no rust. I do need to strip and repaint it, but that doesn't look to be too much of a challenge. Thinking black and silver, or grey. We'll see what happens.
That is, unless I get distracted again.