Author Topic: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV  (Read 9400 times)

kevin.shin

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WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« on: March 24, 2019, 02:42:07 AM »
Hello.  I have been planning to convert a Classic vehicle, but I am starting to realize multiple skillsets required and the added costs I have not considered.  I am going to also consider purchasing a converted EV from the club member if anyone is selling a classic or other small EV.  If you know anyone selling one, I would love to know.  Thank you.

Kevin Shin
sundance14@gmail.com

simon.gibson

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2019, 01:41:07 PM »
Kevin,
How much space and tools do you have? What are your primary skills?
So, maybe taking an existing project and upgrading it? I suspect that formulating a project plan with as much detail may reveal any major/expensive obstacles.
Of course now that EVs are becoming more available, perhaps taking one of those and adding range and higher speed charging to it?
I'm contemplating an additional battery pack for my 40kWh Toyota RAV4 EV. There is also a DC kit that could be added to it. Right now it's range is a bit marginal for some of my client site locations!
Just some thoughts!
Simon

tim.moore

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2019, 02:39:01 PM »
Kevin you can learn a great deal from a conversion, or the upgrade of a conversion.  If you are able to drive a manufacturers EV within the range of the vehicle there are also many  used EV's for well under a conversion cost.  My conversion cost $12,000 and three solid months of work.  My manufactured Ford Focus Electric has twice the range, 1/10th the maintenance, and dozens more features all for the same $12,000 I paid in 2001 for my Ford Escort conversion.  Again the education on the Escort conversion  was invaluable, but I think owning a Ford, Nissan, Mitsubishi or other manufactured EV is also in invaluable to the cause of EV promotion in general.  Hope that helps.

kevin.shin

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2019, 02:08:49 AM »
Simon and Tim,
Thank you both for your reply and insights.  I will consider your recommendations in my planning for my EV/Conv.  I am more of an electronics guy than a mechanical, so more challenge will come from dealing with the older car issues.  Again, thank you.

Kevin

jeffrey.miller

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #4 on: March 25, 2019, 02:38:16 AM »
Kevin,

As I have previously mentioned I own a Triumph Spitfire, I haven't considered selling it but my wife certainly has!  It is a running, driving EV.  Mechanically it is in reasonable shape, but it looks terrible!  It doesn't have a roof.  It drives quite well and the brakes were gone through before I acquired it, and do work well these days.  The parking brake is merely a suggestion, which is the largest flaw I have uncovered mechanically.  The cable from the power pedal to the pot sometimes gets stuck at very partial power, this can be fixed and the problem is understood.  Wheel bearings all run cool even at high speed on a highway and it seems to track just fine.  Tires were replaced before the cross country towing. 

It has a tow bar and I have flat towed it across country to get it home initially and more recently I towed it to my current home.  I use a set of magnetic trailer lights that I stick to the back bumper when I am towing it.  It is an Arizona car and the chassis is in condition as you would expect, the rubber bits are shot but the metal bits are generally good. 

The dash has no original gauges and the only thing useful on it is an amp meter, and the dash board material itself appears to have been completely replaced, so no issue for you to cut and modify it to meet any electronics package you want to install.   

The seats were redone and are quite nice.  The dash has a dash pad tossed on top of the bare metal.  It needs seatbelts, from my understanding people often put Miata ones in. 

The windshield is cracked, but not in a way that makes it difficult to drive. 

For an electronics test bed / learning tool, this is an excellent starting point.  I can assure you the price will be very reasonable. 

I won't let you commit to taking it before you come review it in detail and understand what you are getting into.  Sunday's are often the best day of the week for me presently. 

Sorry for the random order of my thoughts above, it isn't coherent, just as they occurred to me. 

Jeff

simon.gibson

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2019, 10:40:33 AM »
The suspension bushings are weird things! I've changed a few having owned a Triumph Herald and worked on numerous versions of it! I'm a bit long in the tooth for working on cars nowadays but a friend and I built a 'Johnny Cash' Triumph Herald Convertible from 1959 to 1971 parts!
The rear rubber doughnuts on the rear axle can be changed quickly if you know the knack!
Without instruments means you have a blank slate for that Automotive Grade Linux project you've always wanted to build!
If parts are a problem, they can be got from UK directly and are probably not that expensive.
Just my 2p worth!

michael.willuweit

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #6 on: March 25, 2019, 08:49:28 PM »
And there’s always the Porsche...

jeffrey.miller

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #7 on: March 25, 2019, 08:53:28 PM »
Mike's Porsche is a Lithium equipped speed demon!  It might need a controller, but if the price is in your budget you should definitely buy it!

kevin.shin

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #8 on: March 25, 2019, 10:43:48 PM »
Jeff,
I am waiting for information from Mike on his Porsche.  However, I am also interested in your Spitfire as I like the look of the car.  I am available on Sunday if you are available.  Would you please email me your availability?  Thank you.

Kevin
sundance14@gmail.com
« Last Edit: March 25, 2019, 10:50:56 PM by kevin.shin »

ted.lowe

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #9 on: March 27, 2019, 01:09:17 AM »
Hi Kevin! 

It's great to hear about your plans/ideas about starting or adopting a conversion!  i think adopting is definitely a faster/cheaper approach for sure!

When i started with the FVEAA (many Moons ago), i was more a software guy with an under-used EE degree and little mechanical experience/confidence.  Over the years, attending meetings and work sessions i've learned SO much from & with my fellow FVEAA'ers!

I LOVE IT when a member buys another member's conversion so the vehicle stays local!  And more detailed questions can be asked as needed.  i purchased my first used conversion (a 1992 S10) from a guy in FL in 2001 and i wore him out asking so many questions.  Ultimately,  i had to "reverse engineer" some systems to understand them enough to maintain/update them.

i was the project leader for the Porsche conversion back in the mid-2000's.  It's a GREAT vehicle especially with lithium batteries.  There is LOTS of history and detailed information for it available in our local-FVEAA family if you end up getting it.

There is nothing like fresh EV-Grins as the weather warms up!

Kind regards,
ted

rich.rezny

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #10 on: March 27, 2019, 04:47:09 AM »
I have a Solectria Force that needs a new home. I wouldn't call it a classic car but it is a unique piece of EV history. It is a 1997 Geo Metro that was purchased by Solectria as a glider from GM and outfitted with their own drivetrain. It is powered by an AC 3 phase motor. Originally it had 13 group 27 gel cell batteries in two battery compartments. One in the front held 5 batteries and the one in the rear held 8. Pretty well balanced. It also has a/c driven by it's own motor and has a pre-heat system for the cabin that uses shore power. I was going to repower it with CALB 100 lithium batteries but so far I have not. Original batteries have been removed and scrapped so there are no batteries at this time. Really the only thing needed to get this vehicle back on the road. It has the original charger that I was told is not working and it has a newer Brusa charger that the previous owner spent like $4k to buy it (ouch!). I have all the manuals for it and has been stored in my garage always since I've owned it. I would like to recover what I have invested in it so I'm asking $3500. Call/text me if interested @ 630-673-5994. I'm going thru chemo treatments at this time and could use the money to cover my medical bills. Vehicle is at my house in Maple Park, Il

kevin.shin

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #11 on: April 04, 2019, 03:46:07 AM »
Thank you all for your comments.  Over the last weekend, I had a chance to see Jeff's Triumph and decided to go with it.  It requires lots of work still, but it will give me an opportunity to learn first hand and keep the cost down (keeps my boss at home happy).  Again, thank you!

Kevin

ted.lowe

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #12 on: April 04, 2019, 02:01:23 PM »
Great Kevin!  i look forward to seeing your progress and EV when you get it going!

Are you planning to install lithium cells (would be a great sporty EV with them)?

And i'm happy to hear there are two more-happy "bosses" involved.  Happy Wife, Happy Life (or maybe the corollary... Unhappy Wife...)  ;)

simon.gibson

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #13 on: April 04, 2019, 08:50:46 PM »
If you need Triumph help, call me
I played around with enough of them and worst case could get parts from UK

kevin.shin

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Re: WTB Converted EV - Looking for Converted EV
« Reply #14 on: April 05, 2019, 03:24:04 AM »
Thank you Ted.  Simon, I can certainly use the help once I get started.  Thank you.

Kevin