Converting "classic" cars to electric

[RadioRoy]

The search function failed to turn up anything significant on this subject.

Here is something from the BBC.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58578061

[Bob Andrews]

This is a very profitable area of opportunity for somebody. If I was 20 years younger I would be full speed ahead becoming a leader in electric conversions. Currently there are companies that are making conversion kits that look like engines and bolt right in place of them.


I do not feel the obvious transition to electric we are being pushed into, in large part through falsehoods, will mean the end of the ICE in classic cars; but the same as restomods, electric conversions will be highly sought by younger people, especially future generations who will grow up having never known everyday life in an IC car.

Look, we can lament this or embrace it, either way it’s coming. The wise man will be forward thinking and play the dealt cards to their advantage as best they can.

[gordr]

Do the driver's seat first. 3500 volts ought to be enough.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

This is a very profitable area of opportunity for somebody. If I was 20 years younger I would be full speed ahead becoming a leader in electric conversions. Currently there are companies that are making conversion kits that look like engines and bolt right in place of them.

YES! Install a cover over the electric motor that looks like the original engine, and add the sound and vibration of the original ICE engine and I'll buy it. And, in the case of Studebakers, add an oil-dripping device under the car.
-Dwight

[rockne10]

And there's a wide assortment of companies creating engine sounds to accompany your EV.

[Studebaker Omaha]

The Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska has a new fangled electric car on display that's over a hundred years old. Why convert when you can get an original? 😁

[rockne10]

Harry & Meghan left on their honeymoon in an EV Jaguar XKE roadster conversion by Jaguar.

[BobWaitz]

As I have recounted a few times before, when I bought my '47 M5 the intent was to install the engine from our Bonneville race car when we retired it. After doing a little math I determined that the 182 CI V8 wasn't going to be the best street engine for anything bigger than a t-bucket. Next I started looking into converting it to electric. Back then (2009), if you wanted an electric car you pretty much did it yourself. I went to a few meetings of the local electric car club and discovered that a) I'd probably be using a fork lift motor, b) I'd be building most of the throttle stuff by hand and inventing it as I went, and c) batteries were both really expensive and didn't yet provide much range. So I did the smart thing and went over to Tom Karkiewicz' barn and bought a 259 Lark engine off the floor. Dave Molnar spiffed it up and it's still running great.

Since then I've debated whether I should rebuild that one when the time comes or look for a wrecked Tesla. I really like the idea of an electric street rod.

[61 stude hawk]

What a disgraceful suggestion. Just another way to try to change history

[41 Frank]

The Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska has a new fangled electric car on display that's over a hundred years old. Why convert when you can get an original? 😁

This car was donated to the Durham museum by my friend Jerry here in Omaha, It is valued at $90.000. While it looks like, and was originally built as an electric, it was cleverly converted in 1947 to a Ford V-8 60. While this may have been a novel idea at the time, the fact that the brakes (rear wheel only) and the tiller steering leave a lot to be desired and keep the driver from driving it at a brisk pace.

[Dick Steinkamp]

Since then I've debated whether I should rebuild that one when the time comes or look for a wrecked Tesla. I really like the idea of an electric street rod.

Here's the easy way, Bob, for 600 HP and 900 ft pounds of torque...

https://www.thedrive.com/tech/36845/this-tesla-swap-crate-motor-drops-right-into-your-classic-muscle-car

However, I know the LAST thing you will do is to do the conversion the easy way.

Let us know how it goes if you decide to do it.

[BobWaitz]

Here's the easy way, Bob, for 600 HP and 900 ft pounds of torque...

https://www.thedrive.com/tech/36845/this-tesla-swap-crate-motor-drops-right-into-your-classic-muscle-car

However, I know the LAST thing you will do is to do the conversion the easy way.

Let us know how it goes if you decide to do it.

Wow! Their projected cost is many times what I spent putting together the M5 and I spent too much doing that! As one of the fellows in the comments says, he can buy a new Model 3 for less and just strip the parts out of that. I'm not sure I need 600 HP either. My 259/700R4/3.42 setup lets me go 70 which is as fast as you want to go with 4 leaf springs! Just in case I'll go buy a lottery ticket.

[rockne10]

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Lee,
Please note the Forum rules regarding discussion of politics; also rules about name calling and respecting members.
Thank you so much.

[showbizkid]

I can't believe I have to state this again, but politics are not allowed on the SDC Forum. This is a car forum, not a political forum. Also, defaming other members is not tolerated. This is not fifth grade.

Those who are unfamiliar or who have forgotten our Terms Of Service are advised to read or re-read them.

Don't make me get out the big stick, please

[Andy R.]

And there's a wide assortment of companies creating engine sounds to accompany your EV.

Heard one of these last week on a Model 3. It took me a moment to identify it.
It's not a bad safety idea to alert pedestrians and others that a moving vehicle is near.

Clark, THANK YOU for doing the thankless so well.