It's ALIVE!

Sorry for a year of silence- it's been quite a ride, including the birth of baby #2; our son Jason, a corporate downsizing and unemployment, a new job and lots of associated training, and in short, not much time for the poor, neglected Karmann Eclectric. But lo, our hero returns, and his steed awaits.
We got a couple of work sessions in during the break with helpful buddies (thanks Hans and Wayne, more details on that later), but the momentous date of May 31, 2009 marks THE BIG milestone. Karmann Eclectric moved under it's own 240V power!
Like it's namesake, Godzilla #003 awoke from a long hibernation and started tearing up the neighborhood, having retired from racing in White Zombie in early 2005.
http://www.plasmaboyracing.com/reviews.php#2000l
Without so much as a hiccup, the old controller came to life with that signature ZIlla "whoosh", and propelled the Ghia out of my man-cave.
I navigated a few speed bumps, relieved that he carefully-engineered 5" clearance held up after loading batteries and driver, and as I passed the immaculate gardens of our Homeowners Assoc. president, she gleefully greeted me with "It MOVES- but it's SOOO Quiet" She requested a ride, even though the passenger seat had not been installed. Not realizing the import of my recommendation that she hold on, our first passenger did half of a reverse somersault when I hit the go pedal!
Thankfully, the lexan battery covers prevented a plasma-imprinted tattoo on her back.. Cackling gleefully, she exclaimed joy and wonder for the whole neighborhood to hear, and then assisted me in discovering that the suspension height was no longer sufficient to clear our speed bumps. Thankfully, no real damage, as the lowest point under the chassis is just some solid stainless acorn nuts that grooved the asphalt...
No video of our adventure exists, thankfully, but the second run will be recorded!