The Firebrid Hybrid Convertible Project (Prius platform swap)

[MetroMPG]

Nice feature article on Autblog about the project:

This classic Firebird restomod swallowed a Prius

[rmay635703]

Interesting he is even on greencarreports

[MetroMPG]

Bill - FYI, I just sent you a private message regarding a writer (another one) looking to cover this project.

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Bill - FYI, I just sent you a private message regarding a writer (another one) looking to cover this project.

Reply sent... and reply sent.

Bill the Engineer

[Bill the Engineer]

Spent much of the day out in the garage. Got the front of the body lifted, and after two or three sessions of trim and fit the front seated where it should on the Prius v chassis. The rear is still high due to some pinch points back there.





I then moved to the rear of the body and got it in the air. However, time ran short so I will finish the trimming at the rear next time I get out to the garage.



Bill the Engineer

[talonts]

I'm sure you'll have a quick reply on this one - why not a tube frame for the floorpan and rear seat area? I would think you could make it even stiffer than the stock Prius floorpan, and if in an accident, repairs would probably be much easier.

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by talonts

I'm sure you'll have a quick reply on this one - why not a tube frame for the floorpan and rear seat area? I would think you could make it even stiffer than the stock Prius floorpan, and if in an accident, repairs would probably be much easier.

That would have been an option, but it would come with a whole host of other issues. The Firebird body is weak just aft of the door hinges and a supporting structure would have been needed between the Prius cowl and said tubular frame. Then there is the issue of where and how to mount the Prius fuel tank, emission control and exhaust components and... the traction battery. The original 1967 Pontiac gas tank is so old that it didn't even have a vapor recovery line, making it unusable with the Prius power train. The real estate problems would still exist for all of the Prius components, so why not use a perfectly rigid Prius v chassis (which in itself is more rigid than a convertible Firebird unibody ever was!) The remaining rocker panels from the Firebird when welded to the tops of the Prius v rocker panels make a box section adding even more rigidity.

As for repairs, it won't be that different than the donor Prius v was. Compared to the original Firebird, safety will be greatly enhanced. The front crush zone will be covered in thicker Firebird sheet metal and that big chrome bumper will be out front. Remember, the car is now and will remain regestered as a 1967 Firebird, only with 49% Prius parts.

Bill the Engineer

[Bill the Engineer]

FINALLY! The Firebird body is sitting where it belongs on the Prius V Rocker Panels.




Now I can move on to making cardboard templates for the sheet metal that bridges between the two. I also need to figure out where to direct the rain water, and where to direct the ducts for the HVAC. Just the kind of challenges I like!

Also, I have a signed contract for an electrician to install the power I need to run the welder and compressor in the garage. that should be installed sometime in June.

Progress!

Bill the Engineer

[Bill the Engineer]

Son's birthday Saturday and Mother's day Sunday. I'm not expecting much progress on the project this weekend, but if I am wrong I'll let everyone know.

Bill the Family Man Engineer

[rmay635703]

I can't wait to see your completed project.

Looking at the gap between the former firewall it looks like you could do some "unorthodox" things to add leg room and possibly offset things forward for your rear seat/battery issue.

Good Luck