Can Classic Cars be converted to EV-DC?

[WaxyChicken]

I'm toying with the idea of rescuing a dead classic when i get my budget back for my EV project.

Something like a 57Chevy (chev stats) or a 70's Dodge Charger (charger stats)

Curb Weights:
57 Chevy: 3,159lbs
77 Charger: 3,895lbs

Can this be done or would they be too heavy despite the extra space?
And there would be A LOT of extra space.
(yes, it would still be aero-modded.)

[metroschultz]

sure----------
goto
ACPropulsion.com
drop $35,000
drive away.

Quote commercial "That was Easy"

Just pokin fun. but it can be done. it will get real expensive real quick.
Lotta weight to move.
S.

[Ryland]

It would appear that 1/3 to 1/2 of the weight of an electric car is battery weight, an example of this is my citicar, 1,200 pound car, of that 500 pounds is batteries, the electric ford ranger has a curb weight of 4,800 pounds with a 2,000 pound battery pack, so 2,800 pounds without batteries (less then the gas modle, no engine, exaust and so on), I could go on with other vehicle specs, but this appears to be standard, and the last price I got on lead acid batteries came close to $2 per pound, this is part of why a lighter weight car is ideal.

[WaxyChicken]

Oh well. it was worth a thought.
After all, an electric cherry '57 Chevy would be a sweet thing to brag about.

[Ryland]

It might be worth looking for reproduction kits for old cars, as they might have things like lighter weight frames, plastic or composit hoods and fenders, and of course you are leaving out a heavy cast iron engine, drive shaft, gas tank, exaust, you could maybe even replace things like the bumpers with alloy.

[Frank Lee]

There are enough repro parts now to create brand new '57s, Corvettes, Camaros, etc. without defiling any classics.

[WaxyChicken]

Yes, but reproduction kits would cost more than some of the old junkers i've seen.
Earlier i found a 64 Ford Mustang on blocks that was advertised for only $275. Some parts were missing, but nothing i wouldn't of yanked out anyway. All body panels were there, they just needed treatment. no rust on it, the rims looked pretty good, tires were shot, some glass was gone, wipers needed replacement, etc.... but i'd be willing to bet that the important parts for EV conversion would of been fine.

the cost of a kit car for that, plus the time to assemble it.... i'd much rather go with an original to mod.

(it looked alot like this but hard top and uglier: )

[WaxyChicken]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

There are enough repro parts now to create brand new '57s, Corvettes, Camaros, etc. without defiling any classics.

I'd think of it more as "Saving" them. there are a lot of classics in the area that are just sitting out in the dirt wasting away.

[Thalass]

There is an old Mustang around here that has been converted to electric. It doesn't have an EValbum entry, though, iirc.

It goes quite well. He's got good batteries in it (thundersky lithiums, I think) so it's got good range and more than enough performance to keep up with traffic.

[basjoos]

If you could find a Nash Airflyte or Metropolitan, you'd be starting off with a lightweight, fairly aerodynamic car. The Metropolitan weighs 1800lbs.