1976 Citicar Restoration

4 minute(s) of a 22 minute read

I do have a new 650 amp Altrax controller along with a variable speed pot for the accelerator pedal. This will eliminate the troublesome relays, reduce controller heat, eliminate blown fuses, along with making for smooth driving ability. The jerking between the 3 existing miro speed switches (18/24/48 volt) connected to the accelerator pedal will be eliminated. The existing forward / reverse contactor, speed contactor and solenoid will reused. 

These Altrax controllers are rather expensive, almost the same cost as they were back in the day they were a new factory release for these vehicles. I want to get this thing up and running again, do some tweaking and troubleshooting (always have something amiss), then install the new controller. My wife plans on taking this car when finished and the Altrax will make it much easier for her to drive. She never did like the or jerking action or sound of the "clicky thing" when we drove it.

4-30-2009

Ron, when she said she doesn't like the jerk are you sure she meant the car? 

You know the more I think about it, I'm not sure! 

I'll post some more pictures next week. Carpet, head-liner, vinyl top and most of the decals are now on. Having issues with re-popping the hubcap decals as it is a 4 color done on chrome backing which is chipping somewhat. Scheduled for the weekend are installation of the roll bar padding, completion of the rear wiring (motor / contactor), 48 volt battery charger, battery wiring, etc.

5-10-2009

Hi Richard, We bought this critter almost a year ago out of Pittsburgh from a friend from the Amphicar club. Though it was running and looked ok it needed a good going over, which made my wife, bother and many friends shake their heads, as they knew what was ahead for the Citicar. I just can’t seem to leave my fingers off something I buy; it needs to come apart. I am currently trying to get this together for the Gettysburg meet. 

Have more photos to post when I get time. Playing hooky from work tomorrow to install the windows. Projects today include installing the onboard battery charger, connecting the batteries up, wiping down the undercarriage and adjusting / bleeding the brakes. Saturday was spent installing the roll cage padding (what a pain), finishing up the contactor (clicky thing as wife says) wiring and installing the accelerator pedal.

5-12-2009

I try my best.

Photo of contactor wires (for motor terminals / relays / solenoid) and rebuilt contactor installed. Looking for someone that can make and install new points onto an existing heavy copper point plate. New ones are unobtainable and existing ones will need attention one day. Sixteen points total between the forward / reverse and speed contactor. When switching over to the Altrax controller (someday) you still need to utilize the points.

Also picture of onboard 48-volt Lester battery charger. Wife name cor "Lester" go figure. You can also see the new black artificial grass carpet just like the factory original. To the left of the charger is the accelerator pedal which is connected to the 3 miro switches (pot box) via a rod. These switches control the voltage allowed to the contactor thus the vehicle speed.

Pictures of the new vinyl roof (less the molding clips, tonight's project), buffed out original rear window and new custom made front windshield. Was lucky to find the correct and exact window mounting rubber. This pictures also shows the re-popped factory decals. They are made or reflective material so the flash bounced off the decal unfortunately.