Josh, I put 2 in 2 years ago and they still work perfectly.
Don't waste your time trying to electrify the claber, you'll have nothing but a hassle and I doubt it'll work out well in the end...I could be wrong...
I bought 2 new clover reels from wintecs ( best price I could find at the time), it was well worth it, these builds can be tricky as I found out as I had to re-place the spindles, twice after threading them.
The hardest part was getting the sprocket aligned to run straight aside the reel, also having room for the chain to go between frame to the motor.
Have you checked all the parts are compatible? as the teeth have can have different spacing to the sprocket, and the motor can have different teeth spacings too (mine were all 25h I think) I also had to go to the motorbike shop to get them to link the chains at the correct length as I didn't have the tool.
Also, consider safety when installing, the chain and motor placement need to be hidden IMO, especially as you employ mate.(Poo happens)
Have a look on youtube at my install for some ideas, search PNSwindow cleaning van set up, they'll two, look at the newest one (2 yrs old now). It's all been solid and reliable.