[ausev] hi im a newbie here with a question(s) for mark farver....

[Mark Farver]

nick blackhall wrote:
> Hey, thanks for getting back to me so quickly....
>
> You are completely correct in that i am most likely over looking 
> certain steps and or equipment that i would need.  To tell the truth, 
> i have yet to see a conversion done on a pickup like mine (most likely 
> because its a dumb car to convert...) but i greatly appreciate the 
> feedback.  I dont know what the curb weight is at this moment.  
> Honestly i have never regarded it as a heavy vehicle seeing that i 
> have been able to push it by myself.  Anyway, im still looking into 
> all this stuff and i hope to hear from you guys soon.   Thanks again.  
> Nick

Vehicles built in the early 70's and previous often were quite light by 
todays standards.  (While fuel economy wasn't much of an issue, they 
also didn't use a lot of metal ensuring passenger safety) Imports tended 
to be lighter than domestics.

It may be that your pickup has a weight similar to a modern car, in that 
case you might get an acceptable range from it.  Aerodynamics will limit 
your range somewhat at higher speeds, most older vehicles were built 
with very little regard for aero losses. 

I agree with Chris, it is possible to build a conversion for as little 
as $8000, but a good quality conversion will be closer to $10,000 for 
the major parts, and the "little things" like custom fabrication, 
fasteners and the like can really add up.  I would budget $15000, and 
expect the cost to be somewhat less.

The more fabrication skills you have the lower the cost will be, if you 
can build your own adapter plate ($750 or so) or battery boxes 
($500-1000 from a vendor like Custom Sheetmetal on Lamar).  People who 
like to fabricate things also usually have access to more affordable raw 
materials from their suppliers, and have extensive parts and junk bins.  
Things like rivets cost a penny when you buy thousands, but can cost 
several dollars if you buy from Home Depot.  (Best source for fasteners 
is usually Austin Bolt, on Rutland)

Another place to shave a few dollars is by purchasing a used EV.  Often 
they are sold for less than the combined value of all of their parts.  I 
believe both Mark Barr and Erik purchased used parts from another EV, 
and transplanted them into their conversions at a savings.  Check online 
sites like the EV trading post.

Mark