[ausev] Realistically?

[David White]

Dear friends,

I've been lurking on this listserve for some time now.  I live in  
Austin and own a Prius, but have fantasized about converting my 1996  
Ford Ranger XLT to EV.  I have little or no mechanical ability and  
only rudimentary knowledge.  As my Ranger ICE approaches 300k miles,  
I am facing the question about whether to get serious about an EV  
conversion.   I feel confident that I can scrape together a bit of  
money for parts, but cannot afford the 11k to 15k costs of commercial  
conversion (and further, if I'm not mistaken, the nearest is in  
Utah).  Ok, here is my question; is it realistic for me to expect  
that I will find the expertise and help in Austin for such a  
project?  What kind of time, money, tools, storage, etc.  will be  
needed?  I know this is a large question, but I am looking mostly for  
a realistic assessment of the odds of accomplishing such a project.

What do you think?

David F White

PS.  I have considered an outright trade for a completed EV, but I  
really do need a truck.  Am I missing other options--short of buying  
the 26k Ranger on ebay.