1977 VW Beetle diesel conversion on oakland craigslist!

[trikkonceptz]

By far the coolest idea would be to drop a fifth wheel bracketed off the fron twin beam suspension, then use a pulley and belt system to power an independant alternator. Electrics would be a snap because the main fuse box is right there under the trunk lid. All it would have to be is a small rubber tire with a tension coil or small spring, hell even a small air shock or shock to keep it on the ground could make it work with little modification to the bug body.

Same idea different location;

Under the back seat, which normally rots away anyhow. If you cut out the floor there and make some brackets the idea could work there as well. The metal is coke can thin .. so it would not be much of a challenge for a good welder.

[Frank Lee]

That presents many challenges and compromises from optimal operation. If you are satisfied that charging only while moving is the way to go, put a pulley on one of the driveshafts.

[guudasitgets]

I'd go with FrankLees idea. The half shafts are out in the open.

[metromizer]

Originally Posted by guudasitgets

I'd go with FrankLees idea. The half shafts are out in the open.

It's a late model, with IRS. I could imagine a simple pulley drive system off the inboard CV joint. Hmmm... The challenge would be to get the alternator spinning fast enough driving off the relatively slow spinning axle (fitting a large diameter driving pulley when space limited) With some fabrication of alternator mounts and welding, a guy could mount the alternator on one of the frame horns. In the rain, it gets real wet down there...

After typing all that, I'd think I'd persue an alternator retrofit directly off the engine.

[DrediKnight]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Are you putting many miles on it? I'm sure I'm not the only one here who would love to see your MPG figures.

So I'm sure there's some info on here about the proper way to test MPG but I have not found it. Can someone point me to it and I'll test out my MPG. Any way I go from my house is hills so MPG is not gonna be optimal...

[trikkonceptz]

The best way is to become consistent with your fill ups. Choose a particular station and pump. Fill it, zero your miles. When you fill again, note your miles then do the math .. instant mpg's

[DrediKnight]

I was gonna rig a 1 gal container up and run till it went dry. It'll take me a long time to go through a tank with the amount I drive...

[roflwaffle]

[Frank Lee]

THAT RULES!!!

[MetroMPG]

Great post, roflwaffle.