67 Single Cab EV

[imtb]

I have been wanting to build EV for a while and thought the single cab woud be a great candidate with all the room in the treasure chest. This 67 popped up locally and deal was made. The OG engine started and that was about it. I decided not even mess with that and pulled it out and started conversion.
I had purchased all the components used and a while ago and pre tested everything before install.
I only been able to drive up and down my gravel road. Needs some brake work.
Intial impression very smooth and weirdly queity, quicker than stock and puts a big smile on my face!!
Here are pics everyone likes pics.

Warp 9 electric motor, Curtis 500 amp controller, DC/DC converter,potbox throttle with OG cable.

12AGM batteries 153Volts

On board battery charger, only thing I had to replace

[Who.Me?]

I expect we'll see a lot more of these sorts of conversion in the next few years, and a good thing too IMHO.

With a few European countries already actually or effectively legislating to eradicate petrol and diesel cars in the next 40-50 years, more classics are going to need to go electric, if only because it will be too hard to get petrol or diesel as the demand drops off. Like when we finally killed off leaded petrol in the UK.

Shame the alternative involves batteries, rather than fuel cells, so far.
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Andy


Looking for info on my truck's history. Are you from Campbell California or nearby. Do you recognise it? ... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=636786

[Pinetops]

Thanks for sharing. The fact that the truck is green is fitting.

Just an idea, it would look cool with some vintage style signage that says "electric vehicle" (or whatever) in the style of an old electrician truck with lightning bolts and whatnot.

All that room in the engine compartment makes me wonder if someone were to convert a regular bus, maybe a platform could be made in there to hold most or at least some of the batteries to avoid losing cargo area space. It may present a weight distribution problem though.
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"A rolling bus gathers no rust."

[imtb]

Thanks for the comments. OG color is dove blue. I started strip the white off the roof and dove blue is still there.
Here is the motor with the VW adapter installed.

This the VW flywheel installed, I machined the teeth off the flywheel, they just ddint look right on there.

I just changed rear brakes and still spongly pedal and the front bleeders are.
One thing nice about the electric motor you dont get greasy hands. The conversion only used two wires from the VW the coil wire for the key on and off and the blue wire from alternator for the light on dash to let you know the system is turned on.

[Huetti_1989]

Nice car!
Nice conversation!

How much money do you think you need for this?

-Christian
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My 1957 semaphore Single Cab:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=605363&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
MY 1967 Sparsamba:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=757182
My 1954 Deutsche Bundespost Barndoor:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=621802
My 1961 SO34 Flipseat Westfalia:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=716285
My 1991 Westfalia California:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=650751

[hydro50]

How many miles do you think it will go on a full charge with that set up
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Dang this Type II thing has gotten expensive!

[55samba]

[busdaddy]

Odd stampings on the cargo floor in there, I wonder what 50's SUV gave up it's tailgate liners or other part as a donor for those?

Interesting project, X3 on the range and final conversion costs please?
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[d-rick]

neat !....will a full charge let you drive it up to BNNTA this weekend at mark twain lake? would be cool to ck out
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1959 mango-trailerbus
1962 single cab *1/2
1966 13 window
1967 panel/camper
1968 cig-panel *1/2
1968 passenger bus *1/2
1969 beetle
1969 dormobile
1978 sage green Westy
1990 DoKa
2002 Golf TDI

[Kevin Sharpe]

Great project! I'll keep an eye on your progress

I'm doing something similar, installing a Tesla drivetrain and battery into a split

[imtb]

Thanks for the comments.
Range wise not sure yet, I know it wouldnt make to Mark Twain lake, but it will make it to Schafley in Oct. Distance also depends how you drive it. Its weird when you come to a stop there no sound and motor stops. Like when your forget to push in the clutch and it dies. No need to use clutch when stop.
I want to see how quick the electric is compared to my 2007cc bus.
I'll keep you posted.

My new charger should be in next week and should have all insurance and plates so, I can get it on road.!

[d-rick]

cool cool...look forward to having a brew and checking it out in Oct
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1959 mango-trailerbus
1962 single cab *1/2
1966 13 window
1967 panel/camper
1968 cig-panel *1/2
1968 passenger bus *1/2
1969 beetle
1969 dormobile
1978 sage green Westy
1990 DoKa
2002 Golf TDI

[imtb]

Couple more pics
Main breaker on left, the black box is the Curtis controller,just left of controller is contactor, on right is the DC/DC converter. Potbox or throttle hanging from ceiling.

Not great pic but, i like the power lines in back ground.

[imtb]

New on board charger good for 150Volts. The relay is the interlock to keep from driving off while charging.

NO Fossil Fuel!!

I have put about 20 miles on it and only issue was one of the battery cable was loose.
It easliy keeps up with traffic and takes off quick from stop lights. I have had it up to 40mph breaking the speed limit on 35mph roads! ha.

moderator if you could correct my subject line I would appreciate it. (Single)

[imtb]

you can just see the charge light inside the fuel door. This worked out good so I can see charge light without have to open the TT door.

[imtb]

Not to much too report. I've been driving pretty much everyday around my local town, out to lunch and such daily. Then just plug it back in when I get back to work. Its pretty cool sounds like trolley car.
I change the oil in the RGB;s and tranny that queited things down a bit.
Installed new rear coil overs, it only took an hour and half to get the rusted bolt out, fun. It rides much better now and front is up next.

[imtb]

[imtb]

I've been doing some cleannign up getting ready for Midwest Air cooled show this weekend.
I stripped off the white paint on roof down to the lovely Dove blue. Installed hub cap clips and hub caps on.

[wcfvw69]

It looks good with the hubcaps on.

Have you ever gotten any range estimates on it yet per battery charge?
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40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.

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[d-rick]

I really enjoyed checking this EV s.cab out this past weekend at the STL VW show...very cool!
_________________
1959 mango-trailerbus
1962 single cab *1/2
1966 13 window
1967 panel/camper
1968 cig-panel *1/2
1968 passenger bus *1/2
1969 beetle
1969 dormobile
1978 sage green Westy
1990 DoKa
2002 Golf TDI