What old car would you convert to electric?

[mpack88]

I would convert my 1975 Ford LTD. Currently has the slow underpowered 400m and drinks the gas at around 10mpg. Originally the engine was whisper quiet, but had good torque even more so with the 460 engines. I feel like an electric motor and the car would feel the same as a torqy quiet bigblock. What would yall choose and why?

 

[JeffKeryk]

Lexus GS. Hybrid might work too.
But the EV torque works in all kinds of driving.

 

[ripcord]

Something relatively light - how about a late 70's Datsun pickup? You could mount the batteries under the bed between the rails.

Something tells me this idea might become more popular over time.

 

[spasm3]

Porsche 914

 

[nthach]

Toyota Camry or Corolla Tercel from the 1980s. The Prius drivetrain should drop in with some modifications - but also the bodies of those are lighter than the donor. A 800-1200lb body shell
vs the ton+ plus a 2nd/3rd Prius weighs would also make for better acceleration.

but for full electric, a Mercedes W126/W140 S-Class or Lexus LS400 from the 1980s-1990s would be cool - someone had a conversion motor using a Tesla motor bolted to a planetary gearbox for RWD swaps. Now that I also say this and GM has a Bolt e-Rod kit in the works, an BEV GMT400 Tahoe/Suburban would be awesome.

 

[nthach]

I would convert my 1975 Ford LTD. Currently has the slow underpowered 400m and drinks the gas at around 10mpg. Originally the engine was whisper quiet, but had good torque even more so with the 460 engines. I feel like an electric motor and the car would feel the same as a torqy quiet bigblock. What would yall choose and why?

Shoot that’s body on frame - if you can rig the “skateboard” platform off a Model S/X to fit the LTD body, oh man...

 

[JeffKeryk]

C2 Corvette Roadster. Heck, use all Model 3 suspension too. Do it right the 1st time.
Better yet, Plaid 3 motor conversion. Go big or go home.

The lousy Vette aerodynamics would likely get it airborne and kill you.

 

[01rangerxl]

Old Explorer with a bad engine.

I hope conversion kits will be a thing in the future. I'm not against electric vehicles, I just don't want to drive a weird car.

 

[JC1]

Older S class Mercedes or 300e from the 90s

 

[Motu]

A bit impractical, but if I was in the income bracket to afford one, I couldn't care less.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Can’t think of one I would want to convert to electric. I guess since my Jeep has a bad engine I would pick that one.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Something relatively light - how about a late 70's Datsun pickup? You could mount the batteries under the bed between the rails.

Something tells me this idea might become more popular over time.

Good luck finding one of those though lol. Most of the Datsun I’ve seen have rusted to the ground.

 

[Oildudeny]

80s vw rabbit/gti or jetta gli

79-82 vw pickup

3rd generation Mazda b series 77-85

 

[350Rocket]

I would convert my 1975 Ford LTD. Currently has the slow underpowered 400m and drinks the gas at around 10mpg. Originally the engine was whisper quiet, but had good torque even more so with the 460 engines. I feel like an electric motor and the car would feel the same as a torqy quiet bigblock. What would yall choose and why?

My 84 Cutlass, because I'm not getting rid of it even if gasoline is gone or too expensive to purchase.

I wouldn't do it unless forced to though.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Buy a 1990’s 300 ZX with a worn out Twin Turbo engine. They can be had for $5000.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I’m going to assume the kits out there are are mostly just for power and not regenerative braking. Does that sound correct?

 

[Skippy722]

A C1 corvette. There would be enough tears to power a water turbine giving me free charging wherever I go.

 

[Red Crow]

I dont have a particular vehicle in mind, but I like the idea. In my opinion, converting gas/diesel vehicles to electric (or even plug in hybrid) would be less wasteful than just scrapping them and buying new. Of course, if new electric becomes affordable, most folks will just buy new. I'd probably find myself in that bracket. Itll be interesting to see if anyone starts producing affordable changeover kits.

 

[Red Crow]

A C1 corvette. There would be enough tears to power a water turbine giving me free charging wherever I go.

A few years ago I would have laughed at the idea, but now I'm not. An electric C1 vette would run circles around almost every Corvette ever produced....if the handling could keep up with the power.

 

[mpack88]

Old Explorer with a bad engine.

I hope conversion kits will be a thing in the future. I'm not against electric vehicles, I just don't want to drive a weird car.

That's exactly how I feel.