[JK-1969]

Moving this discussion from the new user thread...
I got my hands on a 1975 Honda Civic CVCC WAGON!! It's not running and was headed for the junk yard when I bought it and had it delivered to my driveway. Mechanically, it turned out to be in a lot of trouble. The engine is seized, but I knew that. On top of that the brakes are all seized as well. It rolls freely, but the only way to stop it is to put it in gear and let the clutch stop it cold.
There's some rust, but as I strip it back there's less than I had feared. The floor pans need patching, but my battery solution might involve cutting out the floor anyway.
Right now the plan is to obtain a LEAF motor and use it direct to the drive train axles, so no transmission. I can get some A123 pack batteries for a very good price and they seem to fit the capacity I would need. The form factor would work to fit below the seats and in the gas tank area, if I drop the floor by 3 inches or so. I need to work that out engineering wise. For right now it's going to be a traditional restoration project until I get the electric drive system sourced and engineered.

I've started a YouTube channel to show the steps and progress. First video is just up.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDYeyGy2u6DbfipiEyAgNPw

 

[watkins196]

I love this project!! I have a 76 Pacer in similar shape coming tomorrow. I also subscribed to your youtube.

 

[JK-1969]

I love this project!! I have a 76 Pacer in similar shape coming tomorrow. I also subscribed to your youtube.

Thanks! I think I'm in for the long haul...........

 

[JK-1969]

I just put up the second video of my progress, Honda CVCC 2 EV Conversion Project gets going.... to the salvage yard. It's all going very well, but really just restoration so far. The exact plan for the conversion is still in flux. It's one thing I love about this project is that I am learning as I go and the ideas for how to do it get better as I go. Ideas keep evolving in my head. I'm still thinking that it should be a LEAF motor, though I haven't sourced one yet. So, I'm not committed to it. The batteries are also not set. I am looking at the A-123 pouch modules, 92v at ~60ah each. With 4 of those, I calculate about 22 Kwh, which should give a +/- 2000lbs. car decent range. And a total of +/-360 volts, should give the LEAF motor enough juice to run well. Those modules are very affordable too. Thoughts?

 

[watkins196]

My plans are still in process but I was thinking of using this AC / Large Motor Kits :: Nissan Leaf Drive System (Used) I have heard of issues trying to talk to the leaf motor so it's cool they made thier own solution. If you are in So Cal I also found 2014 - 2017 BMW i3 60Ah 22 kWh i01 LI-ION EV BATTERY OEM Samsung 7625052 | eBay which is the cheapest battery pack I have seen so far. Even cheaper then leaf packs.

 

[JK-1969]

New Video up with more discussion of my plans for battery placement. I'd be interested in your thoughts. Honda CVCC 2 EV Conversion Gets Legalized! - Video #03 I'm still neck deep in tearing down the car for body work and getting things like the brakes and suspension rehabed so I can actually roll it into my garage.

 

[JK-1969]

I'm still in the tear down phase, and only a bit of build happening. But as slow as it is, I'm trying to document the adventures. A new one was just posted. Honda CVCC 2 EV Conversion Has Some Surprises Underneath: The Honda Gets a Name - Video #05