latecurtis
100 MW
I am wanting to do an electric car or truck conversion. I have done a little research on the subject. I am currently looking to find the lightest possible single cab truck possible. I am also taking into consideration that I may wish to replace any possible parts with plastic if possible. Although I am new to EV conversions making a vehicle lighter is not new to me.
Back in the 1980s I was what they call a motor head. I was into drag racing. I loved Mopar. Just like EV conversions weight was a key factor. Drag racing was called the 1,320 shuffle. Every 100 pounds equals one car length in a quarter mile. For example if two cars with the same aerodynamics and the same gear ratio, horsepower and torque taking off at the same instant : a 3,500 pound and a 3,000 pound car the 3,500 pound car will be five car lengths behind the 3,000 pound car at the finish line.
There are after market manufactures that make plastic or fiber glass panels and doors. Heavy bench seats were removed and replaced with light bucket seats. At one point in time we built a Plymouth Arrow made by Mitsubishi. It weighed about 1,750 pounds with a four cylinder. We put a small block V8 in it. A 318. We dropped the gas tank and used a gallon milk jug full of gas and went 30 miles with it. The rear end fell out two days later. Looking back on that it would be an excellent EV conversion. The problem is finding one that is not completely rusted out underneath.
I know that electric fork truck motors are commonly used in EV conversions. I also know golden motors has 10 and 20 kilowatt motors. Before I make a decision on the type of electric motor and batteries that I will use I would need assistance in locating a super lightweight vehicle as cheap as possible. A 10 to 20 year old vehicle with a bad motor and or tranny would be ideal. Also under $1,000 and close to $500 for the vehicle is my target range. Nothing over 2,000 pounds once the gas motor and automatic transmission is removed. The frame underneath has to also be in decent shape.
I live in upstate NY. The Albany area. I do not wish to tow anything over 100 miles. I have been looking online for a list of vehicles but have had little luck. I hope someone here on this forum may know and could steer me in the right direction. A used Hybrid may be an option. It may be possible to upgrade the electric motor and batteries and 86 the gas motor. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. LC.
Back in the 1980s I was what they call a motor head. I was into drag racing. I loved Mopar. Just like EV conversions weight was a key factor. Drag racing was called the 1,320 shuffle. Every 100 pounds equals one car length in a quarter mile. For example if two cars with the same aerodynamics and the same gear ratio, horsepower and torque taking off at the same instant : a 3,500 pound and a 3,000 pound car the 3,500 pound car will be five car lengths behind the 3,000 pound car at the finish line.
There are after market manufactures that make plastic or fiber glass panels and doors. Heavy bench seats were removed and replaced with light bucket seats. At one point in time we built a Plymouth Arrow made by Mitsubishi. It weighed about 1,750 pounds with a four cylinder. We put a small block V8 in it. A 318. We dropped the gas tank and used a gallon milk jug full of gas and went 30 miles with it. The rear end fell out two days later. Looking back on that it would be an excellent EV conversion. The problem is finding one that is not completely rusted out underneath.
I know that electric fork truck motors are commonly used in EV conversions. I also know golden motors has 10 and 20 kilowatt motors. Before I make a decision on the type of electric motor and batteries that I will use I would need assistance in locating a super lightweight vehicle as cheap as possible. A 10 to 20 year old vehicle with a bad motor and or tranny would be ideal. Also under $1,000 and close to $500 for the vehicle is my target range. Nothing over 2,000 pounds once the gas motor and automatic transmission is removed. The frame underneath has to also be in decent shape.
I live in upstate NY. The Albany area. I do not wish to tow anything over 100 miles. I have been looking online for a list of vehicles but have had little luck. I hope someone here on this forum may know and could steer me in the right direction. A used Hybrid may be an option. It may be possible to upgrade the electric motor and batteries and 86 the gas motor. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. LC.