Australia - PT Cruiser conversion

10417 Views 29 Replies 9 Participants Last post by PTPasto, Oct 5, 2021

goingbush

Discussion Starter · Jul 7, 2017

G'day I see there are a few PT conversions in USA , anyone know if one has been done in Australia yet.

I might be the first . Total EV Newbie here, DIY EV has been on my list of things to do for a while . I'm listening to ideas & advice . The project is well within my skill level & wan't to do as much as DIY as possible . But learn as I go.

Doing a website as I go, & will put updated & ask noob questions here.

Im thinking I need a motor with shaft on both ends so I can drive powersteer pump , Or is there a 12v pump solution .

my website is www.goingbush.com/ptev.html

Biggest hurdle so far is finding a VASS engineer in Vic with some DIY EV conversion so I can get the thing Blue Plated (certified ) for road use , coming to a dead end so far. Need to consult one & get the go ahead before I start as the car is currently unregistered.

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Duncan

· #21 · Jul 19, 2017

Hi Guys
The NZ system is different
But some things are the same - most "certifiers" are not allowed to do EV's - there is only one certifier for EV's on the South Island
So the majority of your "engineers" will be the same!

I had to trailer my device to Dunedin - first as an assembled car but with an unpainted chassis and second as a completed car - to be certified
despite the fact that there is a very good certifier in the next street!

Your FIRST job is finding an engineer who is willing and able to do the certification

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goingbush

Discussion Starter · #22 · Jul 19, 2017

Ive joined the AEVA , and a Victorian committe member also advised I would have trouble with post '93 Vehicle. I am fully prepared to trailer the car 4 hours to a metro engineer for inspection as many times as is necessary, but i'm still drawing a blank wall.

I cant believe it needs to be so difficult.

Itchyback if your in Victoria do you mind PM'ing your engineer's details & hopefully he will be able to take me on.

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goingbush

Discussion Starter · #23 · Jul 29, 2017

PT Cruiser officially canned, due to Red Tape.

Im converting the LandRover instead. Just purchased last Rover adaptor kit from CEV .

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brian_

· #24 · Jul 29, 2017

goingbush said:
Im converting the LandRover instead.

For inspiration...
Bollinger B1

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goingbush

Discussion Starter · #25 · Jul 29, 2017

brian_ said:
For inspiration...
Bollinger B1

Thanks Brian, I saw that this morning.

that would be my dream car

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PTPasto

· #26 · Oct 4, 2021

hbthink said:
I've been driving a 2002 PT Cruiser Woodie. Its heavy and not very aerodynamic but it looks cool and can haul 4 people or 2 with lots of stuff in rear with seats down. I have a Warp 9 motor, Eventics Soliton JR, 46 x 180aha thundersky batteries, elithion master BMS, Brusa 513 charger, v and amp gauges, power brakes with electric pump, manual steering. Its got a cool fiberglass front end and woodie sides. Very comfortable daily driver!!

Here's some build pics

I'll have to post later pics as I swapped wheels to really cool moonies smaller footprint easier to steer and better efficiency plus it looks better.

Chassis is built like a tank it has Mercedes Benz plate on body so I suspect they had a hand in building these platforms. Also the Wagner 5 speed gearbox is builtproof and is really fun to shift. I drive the car in 3 gears and find its better to use some shifting to help the Warp 9 moving the tank down the road. Overall they make for a really fun electric and extremely practical easy to get parts and fix. I was told the engine was the weak link in the car everything else was pretty solid, and I would agree. Surprisingly its a lot smaller than my wifes Leaf!

Steve

Steve id like to contact your with some questions about the conversion, i have a GT that i want to make an GT EV. Thanks

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hbthink

· #27 · Oct 5, 2021

No problem the build was awhile back used a Warp 9 with Evnetics Soliton Jr and 45 Thundersky 180 aha batteries. Car drove quite well very smooth loved the 5 speed slushbox.

Steve

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PTPasto

· #28 · Oct 5, 2021

hbthink said:
No problem the build was awhile back used a Warp 9 with Evnetics Soliton Jr and 45 Thundersky 180 aha batteries. Car drove quite well very smooth loved the 5 speed slushbox.

Steve

Im curious to know how the ECU acted? Meaning were there any sensors that prohibited the car from using all the gages and lights, breaks? Did you use an electric throttle peddle? Last thing i was curious about is the GT has that auto/manual transmission do you know if that will work or do i need a 5 speed. Sorry I new to all this. Thanks in advance for any help.

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hbthink

· #29 · Oct 5, 2021

I tore it out my 2002 did not use electronic throttle I used a pot based to the mechanical peddle. I was a manual 5 speed and kept it in the drivetrain I like to shift.

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PTPasto

· #30 · Oct 5, 2021

so the ECU didnt interfere with the cars ability to use the breaks or any other functions of the car? Im going to have to get a 5 speed, I have the ultradrive and im sure it wont work.
im about 2 months away from starting this project i think ill post it all on youtube seeing as theres not to much info out there.

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