[Electrictomato]

Hi everyone,

I feel like this is an instance where I have no right to be here. Not a mechanic, don’t really work on cars, not super electrical. But there’s something about changing a quality gasoline car into an even better electric. Especially now that the technology is improving so fast and the price of gas is going up.

My dream car is a 1988 BMW 535is and the auto world finally woke up to how great they are. Even junkers go $17k. I was thinking of a 2002, same thing. 325 isn’t bad, but I’m a big guy.

I’m not a speed guy, I go 60 on the freeway, so quick and nimble with good handling is what I want, maybe some low-end torque. Last night I remembered my favorite car that I ever owned was an ‘87 Honda Accord (a few years ago). Great build, good ride. Then I remembered that the original Integra was essentially a nicer Honda and I loved those. I found an ‘89 at auction and I’ve thought of converting that. Big drawback is the AT. There aren’t many of those left, so giving it new life might be great. Plus, upgrade the suspension. I’d keep it an electric sleeper, nothing flashy.

Or maybe I’m an idiot. I live in Oakland and take care of my mom with Alzheimer’s. That won’t be forever, though, and maybe a build would be the perfect research project. Or maybe I’m an idiot and have no business being here.

Looking forward to learning a lot and switching to electric.

Josh

 

[cricketo]

Get yourself a Fiat 500e to zoom around, and be done with it.

 

[remy_martian]

Spend the next year here, "building" cars by reading build threads from start to finish, including the ones that aren't done yet.

With determination, you can develop skills or have friends join you.

As @cricketo pointed out, this is something you can buy for a lot less than build these days. You can buy a new EV for what you might spend on a good conversion.

But...it'll be a jelly bean everybody else has, or it won't be breathing life into nostalgia, something your inner kid has always wanted, or a sentimental chunk of lonely metal that's been for wont of your attention for decades as you've raised a family, gotten rid of wives, and changed locations.

You also need the space, which is kinda rare in the Bay Area.