Electric Car "Furnas Electric Co" three wheels like golf cart

[PatG]

I have a small electric car that I am trying to find info on. I'll try to post pics when I can get some. It is about the size of a golf cart. It has three 4.00/4.80 x 8" wheels and tiller type steering, also like a golf cart. It doesn't have any provision for golf equipment, and after looking at it very closely, I think it was purpose built as a grocery getter type vehicle.

It has a 24 volt system with a chain drive and a live axle with a coil spring suspension in the rear. The batteries are located under the seat. The roof is made of fibreglass and the front and rear windows are plastic. It has side doors and a trunk in the rear.The body is sheet metal riveted to a frame. The A pillars are round tube. The "grill" is just flat sheet metal. The tail lights are bullet style. The only identification I can find on it is a plate that says "Furnas Electric Co." Batavia, Ill." and has places for HP and volts. It is on a forward/reverse switch located at about the drivers right knee. I'm not sure if it's identifying the car or just the switch. It is a two passenger vehicle. It has almost no rust and I hope to get it working soon. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

is the intrerior weather proof. Meaning top, doors windows like a sedan or harftop???

[PatG]

I doesn't have windows on the doors. It's not an all weather vehicle.

[Steve Moskowitz]

Why not contact the company...seems like they may still be in business 1-800-323-5450

[PatG]

Thanks for the idea, but when I call the number I get referred to an "international directory assistance number of 10 15 15 8000". I have no idea whether it would actually get me to the company, but I do know it is international long distance and it may cost an arm and a leg. I found out that Furnas was purchased by Siemans about 10 years ago. It seems they moved out of Batavia in the few years after that.

I have attached a picture of the car. Any help with the ID would be appreciated!

Pat

[MCHinson]

ELECTRIC CONTROLS

In 1931, Carl Furnas left the Allis-Chalmers Co., at West Allis, Wisconsin, where he was assistant general plant manager after twenty-one years with the company.

Working in his basement with his wife, their daughter and two or three assistants, he started the Furnas Electric Company that grew to be one of the nation's outstanding producers of electric motor controls. The company moved into rented space in West Allis in 1934; and in October 1940, moved to McKee Street in Batavia. The company grew steadily until its products were sold all over the world.

In 1996, the company was merged with a German company and became known as the Siemens-Furnas Controls.

I am guessing from this information that Furnas only made the switch, not the car.

[PatG]

Furnas making the switch was my first thought also, however the placement of the plate is such that it appears it could be either. When I first aquired the car it was with a group of older golf cars and I thought it was a golf car. However when I took a closer look, it was apparent it had never been a golf car. I then considered it may have been a home built of some sort, but the finish and trim seem to rule that out. It looks to be a factory built car, but the only ID I have been able to find is the "Furnas" plate. Here is another picture.