The Firebrid Hybrid Convertible Project (Prius platform swap)

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Is that loft functional or are those windows there mostly for aesthetics?

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Is that loft functional or are those windows there mostly for aesthetics?

They are skylights into the front room. It's a single level house.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by doviatt

Frank, You should present that to your Cat. Returning the favor and also showing him you can hunt too.

At least present the entrails!

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

Glad you like it! Good questions. Kind-of jumping ahead in the story...

First some diagrams:





I have made strategic measured cuts in the Firebird floorpan so that it keys into the Prius V floorpan like a jugsaw puzzle. The transmission tunnel and driver's seat supports will have numerous areas where the two car floorpans are welded together. The Prius V floorpan is unmolested and retains its full strength. The Firebird structure will just add to it. It is easy to see where the white areas protrude into the Firebird's sheetmetal. I am doing a similar thing between the two firewalls and in the rear of the car.






Bill the Engineer

In the past, automotive journalists have reported that in many instances, American Sunroof Corporation was directly responsible all the structural engineering and modifications leading to the creation of convertibles added to a makers product line. The Firebird may be no exception, and lend to, and not detract from the Firebird/Prius marriage.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

The Prius V chassis has an annoying noise maker that sounds at low speed when the engine is off. I plan to replace it with the sound of the Doctor Who Tardis interior hum from the TV show. should be an easy swap-out.

Bill the Engineer

Evidently, when the first Prius made it's debut in Japan, pedestrians would just step off the curb in front of it. 'Hearing' nothing, they never looked to see that something was there.
' wasn't long before a mandate showed up requiring an acoustic warning to the would-be street steppers.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

They are skylights into the front room.

They looked quite narrow in the picture, so I was uncertain of its function. At least, besides providing more daylight exposure, they also might improve the air recirculation and allow some savings as you might be able to resort to air conditioning less often.

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

They looked quite narrow in the picture, so I was uncertain of its function. At least, besides providing more daylight exposure, they also might improve the air recirculation and allow some savings as you might be able to resort to air conditioning less often.

They are for daylight into the front room, which faces east.

A/C and heat are both from the geothermal heat pump. There are also solar panels out back to provide much of the power during the day. The house is carbon neutral by design.

[eco_generator]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

They are skylights into the front room. It's a single level house.

Oof, those won't be fun to re-paint.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

A/C and heat are both from the geothermal heat pump.

I don't remember to have ever seen one.

There are also solar panels out back to provide much of the power during the day. The house is carbon neutral by design.

Interesting. Well, I guess the savings from that approach would eventually be enough for you to pick some other cars and slap a Prius drivetrain into them

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by eco_generator

Oof, those won't be fun to re-paint.

Completely vinyl clad. No painting ever.