Two Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School students have completed a unique automotive project. Braiden Binder and Spencer Parker, both Northampton Area High School juniors, replaced the gasoline engine of a 1970 Fiat Spider with an electrical engine.

The two automotive technology students worked under the supervision of their instructor, Jeff Cantrel. Additional assistance was provided by Michael Galler, supervisor of curriculum, and Jeff Bower, supervisor of building and grounds, in the fabrication of the motor mounts.

The restoration project began with a suspension overhaul. The entire brake system was overhauled, and the engine and transmission were removed. Then, the conversion kit arrived with the battery, motor, harness and control modules.

Braiden and Spencer began by bench testing the kit. There was a diagnosis concerning the motor temperature sensor. After diagnosing and adjusting the temperature concern, the system began to function properly.

The next step was to prepare the trunk by cutting out the floor and putting in support brackets for the battery. Braiden and Spencer next installed the battery and dry fitted the charge controller and DC converter for the trunk.

From there, they installed and wired up the charge port connector. Then they moved on to the engine compartment in preparation of removing rust repairs, as well as painting the engine compartment.

After the prep was completed, they installed the flywheel onto the motor. Once the motor was installed into the engine compartment, they had to fabricate motor mounts.

Then the interior was gutted to run wires, and the entire vehicle harness was replaced. LED lighting was installed to complement the new wiring harness.

High-voltage cables were run from the motor to the battery and needed to be cut to length to have the terminal installed. All the gauges needed to be replaced to work within the new electrical vehicle system. The wiring gauges to the CAN bus network and all the indicator lighting were complete, and they were ready for the test drive.