I just bought a 2014 Nissan Leaf battery from a local recycler for $3K. I believe it's a 24 kWh with 12 bars still on it. It'll be connected to the Resolve controller. Also getting the water pump and radiator for the motor.
![Automotive tire Tire Bumper Automotive exterior Gas]()
Electric 1947 Chevy
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
I'm replacing the chassis with an S10 chassis. Originally I was going to install the pack as it is, hanging under the frame, but I think it's too thick. I'm going to build battery boxes and install between the frame rails. The motor will be in the back connected to the rear axle (so no driveshaft).
The last time I posted I was rebuilding a chassis for my 47 and going to hook up a Leaf motor to a Ford 9". As things change with these projects, I'm now changing out the front end of the '47 with the Leaf front end.
![Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle Automotive design]()
I used fence posts and threaded rod to attach the front end to the frame rails (the Nissan front end has four corner bolt holes). By tightening the nuts I can raise/lower the front end without lifting it from below.
![Motor vehicle Wood Vehicle Automotive tire Automotive exterior]()
I trimmed back the frame rail as it was obstructing the motor as a I raised it.
![Tire Motor vehicle Automotive tire Hood Automotive design]()
Next I welded in 1/8" square tubing to attach to the front end.
![Tire Wheel Motor vehicle Automotive tire Tread]()
![Motor vehicle Automotive tire Automotive fuel system Automotive exterior Wood]()
I'll box these welds and add gussets for strength.
I used fence posts and threaded rod to attach the front end to the frame rails (the Nissan front end has four corner bolt holes). By tightening the nuts I can raise/lower the front end without lifting it from below.
I trimmed back the frame rail as it was obstructing the motor as a I raised it.
Next I welded in 1/8" square tubing to attach to the front end.
I'll box these welds and add gussets for strength.
I'll keep the battery complete; it'll fit as a whole between the frame rails where the transmission/driveshaft goes.
Joined
·
1,020 Posts
You seem to bounce around a lot, design wise, why don't you try something similar to what some people have done with Priuses:
Or, a Prius front sub-unibody to frame graft like this:
![Wheel Plant Vehicle Tire Automotive tire]()
The track and wheel base could probably be adjusted to match the two vehicles. It seems like it could save a lot of work
Or, a Prius front sub-unibody to frame graft like this:
The track and wheel base could probably be adjusted to match the two vehicles. It seems like it could save a lot of work
Aw yes! The Prius Truck is what started all this! I went with the Nissan Leaf because of the Resolve EV controller. Using the front end seemed logical so I wouldn't have to adapt the motor to a rear end, etc. At least this way the Nissan Leaf remains front-wheel-drive, giving me steering. And the battery pack fits perfectly between the frame rails of the '47. I would like to pursue using Prius parts maybe next.
I find it interesting that you chose to eliminate the Leaf's subframe-to-body bushings; perhaps that makes sense since the truck cab is probably supported on the frame by compliant mounts.
The front end came from a junker-that's all I got. And the battery too.
Joined
·
124 Posts
On the front where you have the box steel welded going downwards, You should replace that with a long piece going lengthwise across the front, Then having the mounts for the subframe on the ends.
It'll tie the front rails together and strengthen the whole chassis.
By using the subframe mounts, you can isolate a lot of road noise and vibration out of the body, It'll make it much nicer to drive.
It'll tie the front rails together and strengthen the whole chassis.
By using the subframe mounts, you can isolate a lot of road noise and vibration out of the body, It'll make it much nicer to drive.
All this makes sense; I was afraid to use those mounts. I’ll cut the current verticals and build a horizontal and weld the verticals to that. I’ll just have to find rubber bushings to put between the metal tubing and the top of the Leaf bushing (just for a little padding). Thanks for this insight
Joined
·
124 Posts
The rubber bushings are already there. its all built in.
make the mount with a round flat plate that sits on top of the mount bush, Depending on the size of the center hole and how you want to do it, Either a long bolt up the center into a nut welded to the top plate, Or, A long welded stud hanging down with a threaded end to wind a nut onto (Much better) It might have a taper on it, But anyone with a lathe could easily make the stud for you, then just weld it to the chassis.
Mount it all to the leaf cross member, then fill in the blanks between the mount and the front crossmember. Could even make it look real pretty if you incorporated some dimple dye holes into the sides of the mounts or something
make the mount with a round flat plate that sits on top of the mount bush, Depending on the size of the center hole and how you want to do it, Either a long bolt up the center into a nut welded to the top plate, Or, A long welded stud hanging down with a threaded end to wind a nut onto (Much better) It might have a taper on it, But anyone with a lathe could easily make the stud for you, then just weld it to the chassis.
Mount it all to the leaf cross member, then fill in the blanks between the mount and the front crossmember. Could even make it look real pretty if you incorporated some dimple dye holes into the sides of the mounts or something
Joined
·
1,020 Posts
Well folks, we are just going to have to accept(or not) this is going to be another sketchy build like this one:
Anybody heard from this guy recently?
Anybody heard from this guy recently?
Shnitzel def got me interested in the Resolve controller. Hopefully this isn’t too sketchy to drive!
Joined
·
1,020 Posts
Let's hope we caught you early enough you don't put this dangerous of a conversion, in my opinion, out in the world. It's not going to take too many bad conversions crashing and burning, maybe hurting or killing people in the process, to be a problem. This could be in the form of legislation restricting conversions. Nissan or other OEMs could go after VCU suppliers for software copyright infringements. Even if the OEMs didn't have a very good case, the suppliers might just have to shut down under the legal onslaught of these big companies.
Please be safe and careful with your conversion. We have some valuable equipment available now, to make a real positive change in the world, use it wisely.
Please be safe and careful with your conversion. We have some valuable equipment available now, to make a real positive change in the world, use it wisely.
Thanks for the feedback-your opinion is noted. All we can do is work together and build cars that move things forward.
How would a VCU infringe any copyright for software in the vehicle? The VCU doesn't run a copy of the EV software - it is designed to work with the EV components. OEMs haven't shut down the many suppliers of "tuning computers" and similar devices for engine-driven vehicles, and this is no different... except that it doesn't affect exhaust emissions, which is the area of concern for those tuners.
Joined
·
1,020 Posts
brian, did you not read the second sentence in the quote? Maybe you need more coffee when you get up in the afternoon!
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
