[ausev] EV donor vehicles and "salvage vehicle titles"

[Sarah & Erik]

Interesting read Alfonzo,

I'd also mention that you may want to replace any critical-to-function
electrical parts. I'd include anything that works with your ignition
power-on circuit and vacuum pump, like relays and ignition switch. The
cost will be small and the work will be relatively easy while you have
the car apart. Take a look at the connectors too and see if they look
corroded. If you're worried you can even preemptively replace some of
the critical wiring runs. Losing your dome light or horn is a hassle,
but losing the +12V to the motor controller can range from waiting for
AAA to dangerous.

I don't have any experience with flooded cars, but I've heard that
electrical problems can crop up down the line from muddy water
attacking connectors, switches and even wiring over time.

Erik

On Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 10:31 AM, acranjel <acranjel at stic.net> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Hi ausev,
>
>
>
> While not all salvage titles come from flooded vehicles the previous email
> talks about them in particular so....In regards to using flooded vehicles as
> a donor car, while these are great as donor vehicles, special care must be
> taken when dealing with them. The following was an email sent out a few
> months back regarding this from the International Automotive Technicians
> Network. Although all flood vehicles may not be exposed to raw sewage,
> nonetheless special precautions should be taken.
>
>
>
> Alfonzo Ranjel
>
>
>
> ACEAA.ORG
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Subject: iATN: Flood Vehicle Dangers
>
>
>
> Hello everyone,
>
>
>
> This is just a quick email to remind everyone about the hidden dangers
>
> of working on vehicles from hurricane flood regions.
>
>
>
> In the aftermath of last year's devastating hurricane season along the
>
> Gulf Coast, many vehicles were subjected to flood conditions. While a
>
> vast majority of these vehicles were scrapped, many will no doubt make
>
> their way into the market as "salvaged vehicles." These vehicles may pose
>
> special problems from both usability and health hazard standpoints. Many
>
> of these vehicles were exposed to heavily contaminated water and even
>
> raw sewage. In these situations, even a small scratch could prove deadly.
>
>
>
> A recent article, linked below, touches on some of the very serious
>
> health hazard concerns of which all technicians should be aware:
>
>
>
>     http://www.motorage.com/motorage/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=310515
>
>
>
> Special precautions and care are needed when servicing these vehicles to
>
> limit your exposure. Including, but not limited to: wearing the
>
> appropriate clothing, gloves, and eye protection, properly treating any
>
> cuts or other injuries, and recognizing the symptoms of septic shock as
>
> outlined in the article above.
>
>
>
> In order to help our members, we have also posted this message and
>
> started a new discussion thread in the iATN Industry Issues forum to
>
> discuss tips and suggestions for identifying possible flood damaged
>
> vehicles:
>
>
>
>     http://members.iatn.net/forums/read/msg.aspx?f=forum16&m=39281
>
>
>
> Stay safe!
>
>
>
> Best Regards,
>
>
>
> iATN Staff
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________
>
> Copyright (c)2006 iATN.
>
>
>
>
>
>  ________________________________
>
>
> From: ausev-bounces at austinev.org [mailto:ausev-bounces at austinev.org] On
> Behalf Of Steve Shaffer
>  Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:50 AM
>  To: ausev at austinev.org
>  Subject: [ausev] EV donor vehicles
>
>
>
> With all of the flooding recently in the Midwest comes damaged vehicles
> ideal for EV use. I purchased GMC Sonoma S10 from an auto salvage recycler
> after the Katrina floods. It only saw fresh water damage with a light slit
> inside. It has a vinyl floor, hand crank windows and locks, nothing fancy.
> Since there is very little electronics, it was easy to gut what was there
> and start over. I drained and flushed the transmission and rear end and
> filled up with Synthetic fluids. I sold the motor and left over ICE
> equipment on Craigslist and I now have a clean truck for an EV conversion.
> So just a reminder for those looking for a good inexpensive donor to pick up
> a auto paper and look for the auto salvage recyclers in your area that has
> flood vehicles. Floods usually ruin computers, engines, ignition systems and
> are often too costly to repair. Yet this gives us an opportunity to buy a
> clean (as far as rust) vehicle for a conversion at a lower price.
> _______________________________________________
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>
>