Finding problems in an electric VW Beetle, converted using our bolt-in kit.
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
It's a tough job but someone's got to do it. Test driving our cars is an essential part of every build. In this episode you can ride along with us as we take out the 1957 oval window VW Beetle on it's maiden journey now it's electric. The car has been converted to electric using our bolt-in conversion kit, utilising a small rear Tesla motor in the back.
There's always fine tuning and snagging that need to be addressed to make these car perfect before the customer can take delivery of them.
Пікірлер: 490
Squeaky - good nickname for the bug 😂
@mikkotor
Жыл бұрын
And this one in particular had a LOT to say 😁
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Perfect. 😁👍
Its strange seeing a beetle drive along without that familiar engine note. Awesome car and conversion.
Cracking looking Beetle
Hard to believe that car with a modern electric motor. Truly is an amazing piece!
Lovely car, with the whoosh of the motor it really seems like the car of future they envisioned in 1957. The owner really should be over the moon with the result.
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Motor sounds great 👍👍
even with a squeaky suspension, it still sounds amazing - it's like an art deco space ship with wheels
American watching from the State of Rhode Island in the U.S.-never owned a VW of any year, but-great car-great conversion, fun, interesting review-and wholesome diversion from the very dark, disturbing events happening in Ukraine-PEACE- BRO! 😇
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍😀
The noise and the looks made the beetle . I remember hearing my dad coming home
“I can get two fingers in there.” -That’s what he said.
Gorgeous conversation, a few tweaks and it will be a stunner.
Great & exciting way to keep classic cars alive in an easier to maintain and more eco-friendly way
@graemejohnson9025
Жыл бұрын
If you can't drive a manual. Buy a Yaris Automatic.. Don't screw up a classic and make it electric.. You do know that more co2 is blurted mining the stuff for batteries, than producing a normal ice car. You wankers..
Never need a spare wheel in my live,use that space! Clean build btw!
It is great to see these old cars given respect and a new life! I’m a big fan of preserving history by adapting it to be used in the present!
@freeheeler09
9 ай бұрын
As an American, I of course want to put one of these electric conversions into an old pickup truck!
That is one fine looking Beetle. wow
It’s always nice when you can get two fingers in, to tight otherwise.
Re the steering wheel alignment. If the indicators self cancel evenly from left to right you cannot adjust the wheel on the splines. It must be done at the rods 😉
I'm 43 years old and i grew up sitting on my moms lap for the "safety seat" , then by six years old i was changing brakes and helping my dad pull the engine on all of the five they owned. You have turned one of the greatest cars ever made into an even better one. Cheers !!!
What a beautiful build. I'm tempted to replace the old kerosene sewing machine in the boot of my '69.
Nothing against these conversions, they keep old cars alive. But let's bear in mind that thay have the "safety" of their times.. no crumpling zones, rigid steering columns, no energy absorption structures, often no seatbelts.. no headrests , the brakes are what they are. My 1971 Mini cooper is such a fun to drive, but still I hope nothing happens on the road..
@vro1899
Жыл бұрын
With the prevalence of faulty airbags grenade-ing in a crash (multi-millions in the US alone) I wouldn't feel significantly safer in a new car, while the beetle is a deathtrap, I'm not convinced modern cars aren't also deathtraps. Especially given how everything on the road seems to be an overblown SUV nowadays...
@douglas_drew
Жыл бұрын
@Giuseppe De Bellis • I agree that my old VW Beetles (1959 & 1962) were nowhere near as safe as our modern vehicles, but I always thought it would be fun to have another, especially one that could get out of it's own way. Traveling to Virginia from western New York last weekend, a motorcyclist blew by at an incredible speed on a 70mph limit expressway, reminding me of my 50 years as an ex-cyclist (because too many auto drivers were trying to kill me). Everything is relative.
@Giuseppe_De_Bellis
Жыл бұрын
@@douglas_drew Hi Douglas, agree. I also would like another Mini, or even an older car. Just because they are "old", they really are "machines" to drive, and this Is why i love cars. At the same time, all in those vehicles is in proportion, i mean brakes are right for the power of the engine(i really appreciate the possibility of this transformation to set the Power with the tablet, though). Road holding capabilities are right for the frame they have. Simply very often I see a mighty electric motor that can undermine the car balance (brakes, If you consider regenerative breaking also may not be an issue..). Being a biker, I agree, you can risk your life evn more, especially if you go super fast, still you are very vulnerable by the other drivers. This Is something that would scarr me going around an old car with too many cell phone distracted drivers on the road. Have a great day! Cheers from Italy!
@superliegebeest544
Жыл бұрын
Still humanity survived somehow the age of no seatbelts. Ect. How about motorcycles? People still drive those. A car like this is perfectly safe. Its not made to go on the highway. Its just for countryroads and shoppingmall tours.
@marcelpursche5339
Жыл бұрын
Because of it’s long production time there are some safety features that can be retrofitted in a Beetle. For example VW introduced a safety steering column in 1967 and onwards that can be modified to fit older models. Same for 3 point safety belts. Of course it’s never gonna be as safe as a car build today but there is still a lot of room for improvement.
You should swap over the wiper arms - they've been transposed at some point during the restoration process - the one on the driver's side (with the upward tilt) should actually be fitted on the passenger side - and the one on the passenger side (with the downward tilt) should be over on the driver's side.
@johnt.848
Жыл бұрын
The problem is the steering wheel is on the passenger side, move to to the right where it should be and problem solved.
@donelmore2540
Жыл бұрын
Good eye on the wiper arms! Now I’ll have to go check my ‘64 to see if they are right. I’ll also take a tape measure to check my fender height on each side. I don’t have a British Standard Test Finger. LOL
@nickmorton8998
Жыл бұрын
Unfortunately that’s how they came from the factory. They were all made right hand drive and minimal parts and costs were used to convert them to left side drive for western markets.
@johnt.848
Жыл бұрын
@@nickmorton8998 I think you meant to say they were all made left hand drive etc, but even that is incorrect.
I've never been to Wales or the UK, but that scenery is beautiful. The car is amazing, well done.
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍😀
Car is gorgeous!
Great insight into the road test/roadability of the conversion!
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it!
It's nice to see such a car being sympathetically modernised. I still own my first car, a 72 Beetle karmann Cabrio, and would love that sort of upgrade. I suspect I can't afford it though :(
@maco2615
8 ай бұрын
You would be surprised, check the fully charged channel for ev conversion kits
The cutest cars ever designed.
That App for adjusting horsepower and regenerative braking and whatever is fantastic!!! All the best from Gene in Tennessee.
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Hi Gene 👍😀
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
@genestatler2514
Жыл бұрын
@@spudproductions7606 You produce very good, professional videos. Love 'em!!
@genestatler2514
Жыл бұрын
@@ElectricClassicCars I love watching you convert beautiful older classics into modern electric drive.
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Gene, glad you like our channel. And thanks for the kind words. 👍😀
The sound of the flat 4 is iconic 😢
Not wanting to start an argument here or having a go at anyone but I really don’t understand the electrifying classic cars I must say for us the engine is part of the charm of the car the sound the smell and the feel of the engine added together with the looks and the interior feel gives a classic the charm and in some cases nostalgia
@ronniemullis8717
5 ай бұрын
For Old School Style and modern power, I love it. To each his own.
Nice VW and conversion…I still have my 1st car - a ‘72 beetle purchased in ’89…slammed Cal’ looker…I dream of electrification
Everyone loves a bug. That squeak is like a crooked picture "JUST CAN'T HAVE IT" the EV Install is sweet.😊
My first snagging list item would be the squeaking boot lid. If you're going to be lifting it everytime you need to charge then that squeak needs a bit of wd40 or 3-in-1 oil - if they still sell the latter as my tin is decades old 🤣
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
3 in 1 oil is great. Every shed should have an old rusty tin of it. 👍
@yips_way
Жыл бұрын
@@ElectricClassicCars haha, yes, mine is under the sink so not rusty. It is sat at the front of the shelf to indicate it's stature, next to the large tins of WD40 & Gunk. 🤣 I had to do a quick check & just found it's still available albeit in a plastic container from what I saw at Screwfix & Toolstation.
It sounds like the Batmobile. Love it! 😆
Before you straighten the steering wheel, it's a good idea to check the front wheels are straight. You don't want to fix the front suspension and then find that you have to undo the change to the steering wheel. BTDT (bent track control arm)
Brilliant conversion lads , loved the turbo whine on the long shots. To the Bat Bug .....................
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
Just stunning ❤
i have a vw 1300 1971. electric converstion is definitely on the list.
Wonderful work. If it wasn’t for the safety and for the price I would not hesitate a second to buy one
Just room in the rear compartment for a sound system going dub dub dub for a touch of authenticity.
Awesome! I recommend you add the 79 toyota corolla liftback to the list of conversion projects.
wow, thats a nice looking beetle
I absolutely love the little parcel shelf around the header tank, very tidy build
You Chaps did a bloody good job. We need a Conversation Shop in the U.S, preferably in Georgia. We have good weather and low taxes.
Dang! When I was a child, I used to sit in the space behind the backseats! Children nowadays don't even have that chance! Because of regulations and seatbelts and and and of course...
I like it, I want it I love this VW Beetle but I will probably never get a chance to get it and it is very important to see my dreams in other nice people. Excellent!
Superb Beetle, love the colour scheme, test drive + iPad = sorted motor with a few workshop weeks from Moggy’s brilliant workforce👍🏴😎
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍😀
Still one of my favorite builds! Fantastic
I grew up driving a VW beetle. I believe it was a 72 Super Beetle with the flat windshield. I loved that car.
Ahh! Your video brings back melancholic memories of my old 56 VW Convertible. My dad bought it new and we kept it in the family for 30 years until we could no longer find anyone capable of servicing it in the area that I lived. Boy it was fun to drive and with a deep green metallic paint, ivory-colored top, white-walled tires, and a colored matching dash; it was the most beautiful car ever. Being a convertible it would have been a perfect choice to electrify. Great video!
Just subscribed! This is an awesome channel!!! Taking beautiful vintage cars and converting them to electric!!!! Amazing! The tech is awesome and the cars are just as awesome! Annnnd the host are awesome too! Looking forward to future videos guys!!!
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, and welcome. 😎👍
This Beetle is squeaky clean!
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Very good, I see what you did there. 😆😁👍
Ha! BSTF (British Standard Test Finger), one of the world's oldest testing methods 🤣. One for the "older" gearheads. The color combo with a '57 Oval version is absolutely brilliant. I. Want!
@dlittlester
Жыл бұрын
Rates right up with the rubber hose to ear carb balancing technique.
@heartobefelt
Жыл бұрын
Dont forget the 15 thou" thumbnail and the 8 thou" pinky fingernail.
I, too, love the old Bettle. And have often wondered what it would be like to electrify it. In the late 1960s-70, I had one when living in Iceland.... a '49 VW which I wish I'd kept. It had cable brakes, push-button starter, and split-screen rear window.
Beautiful old beetle, wonderful job. Would be cool to see a custom charge port installed behind one of those headlights(or taillights). just have a motor installed behind it to push it out rotate the light to then gain access behind it to have one of those hidden areas like the old hidden gas caps in the other older era cars
Just need "hill-hold" now Moggs. 😁
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
We have it, just wasn't enabled. 👍
I absolutely want 350 hp in a 57 Beetle! :)
Beautiful looking car.
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
We agree!
That's very old, clean and modern same time 😀 keep up with good work 🍻
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
Add 4-Cylinder-Boxer-Sound, please. That'll be the project's crown.
Loved watching Great scenery 😊😊
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Thanks. 👍😀
love the beetle, making it electric is just flat out graceful.
Another excellent conversion from you, I too enjoiyed the electric sound.
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Sounds great 👍😀
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
squeaky suspension Bush 😀
@DavidPlayfair
Жыл бұрын
Very squeaky! :)
I love your channel. One of my favourites for sure :)
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍😀
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you!
Gorgeous all the way around.
This is phenomenal!
Just a charming little car.
It has a really pleasing whistle in the exterior shots. Great looking conversion!
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
I agree 👍😀
@peterduxbury927
9 ай бұрын
@@spudproductions7606 My EV Beetle makes a 'singing' noise, only when the foot is off the gas and at low speed. I like it. You can hear this at 11:30.
Love the motor sound
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Me too. 👍😀
3:23 hearing this makes me smile A LOT!
'In today's episode of Electric Classic Cars, we finger a classic beetle' hehehe
I went on holiday for three weeks several times during the 60s in a car exactly like this. But it it wouldnt be possible in this converted car as we were four people with luggage, thats a pity. Anyway, its a nice conversion.
Please make an electric Volkswagen beetle version of herbie the love bug.
I just love electric conversions, regardless if it is a classic car or any vehicles. I wish for more preapproved kit modules to be used with basically any vehicle. To make conversion of any vehicle fairly easy, with less paperwork to get it road legal. Lists of preapproved combinations of motor, iverter, battery, charger, cooling. etc. The only barrier for approval should be if the motor is too powerful for the tructure, if it can rip itself appart. I want to convert a petrol ATV, I would love some "off the shelf" parts, to choose from. - Hub mitors, axles motor with/without differential, different power - misc inverters/drive controllers - battery modules - BMS - chargers I just wish there were some pre-approved coombination lists. - I want to use this/these motor/motors - then I can use these controllers - I should have a certain battery voltage, and power ratingnand range - then BMS and compatible chargers depending on chosen battery configuration. At least I would probably start my design with this approach. - torque and power requirements, to find minimum motor, drive controller and battery - then estimate range, if battery should be larger, and verify still compatible with motor and drive controller - then find BMS and charger for said battery - off course also consider inputs and outputs, speed lever/handle/pedal; brake pedal/handle/sensors, buttons/switches, lights/display
Cattle grid in the middle of nowhere, very Australian. 😊😊
Love your work 👍
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 😀
It's beautiful. The scenery is ok too
@spudproductions7606
Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍😀
Great job. Wish I would have kept any of the three air-cooled buses I owned. I would have converted it to electric.
that squeaking sound is , eh, amazing 😂
Great video guys
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
That car was awesome, and yes, the squeaky bush was horrible :D
It's so beautiful... stunning
In America we just buy an old Pinto from a junkyard and replace the engine with a Air Force surplus B 52 generator we use as a motor. If you put enough lead acid batteries in the car you can drive it to work every day if you live near your employer.
That nasty, old ICE covered up a lot of squeaky sins, didn’t it? It might be nice to see if things can be done to reduce squeaks that can mar what is an otherwise very peaceful, quiet drive in the country. Mahalo for yet another revelatory video!
Wonderful car.
What a beautiful beetle ❤..apart from those awful indicators. All power to you on your electric conversion of classic cars which lets be honest generally have more style charm and character than the current boring non descript jelly moulds being churned out.
@ElectricClassicCars
Жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more!
What a sweet little beetle! Bit squeaky tho.
Just subscribed...despite the sideburns.
The steering will come back straight when you have the sagging fixed. It is "normal" at beetles
might need to build one now.
Don't forget the old age sag. :-)
@mikedx2706
Жыл бұрын
Male or female?
Nice! maybe add a front wheel speed sensor and setup anti lock for the re-gen and then you can ramp it up with brake pressure?
You can hear all the noises of the car. In Germany you say "quitschen". They are normally suppressed by the motor noise. What I wouldn´t like is the loading port not accessible without opening the engine compartment.
Actually don't mind that conversion as ive never particularly liked vw beetles
Awesome looking car. Now the owner will get to drive it for years to come with a lot less maintenance. More drive time less wrenching.
@andrewallen9993
Жыл бұрын
Absolute tripe! The suspension still will need greasing and the brakes adjusting. The petrol engine would just need oil changes and points/plugs and tappets adjustments extra. On the electric car you have to change the anti freeze.
@jasonblair4057
Жыл бұрын
@@andrewallen9993 Well looking at your response. My point stands. Doing the breaks one in a couple of years, why regeneration same goes for greasing suspension.
@andrewallen9993
Жыл бұрын
@@jasonblair4057 why has my split window still have original suspension where there are grease nipples after about 700 000kms? Because they are greased regularly! Now please calculate the additional wear caused by the vastly increased mass from the batteries. I have a lifepo 48v 150 Ah battery that masses more than my cars petrol engine.
Still a few originals squeeching sounds 👍
I want to do similar when my 2000 Cabrio someday has a major engine need.
perfect car ill buy it
The simple fact of the matter is that if manufactures put more time and effort into electric technology back in the day, we may have been able to ride around in Electric Beetles during the Oil Crisis. And my God, what a gorgeous little car that is!
Even though I applaud converting Beetles to electric from petrol, thousands of old Beetles and VW Vans, transporters etc are in us
I'd be curious to see one of these conversions on a Triumph TR-7. I think an electric wedge would be a perfect fit. Electric powertrain / Car shaped like a lightning 🌩 bolt.