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The Hybrid Convertible Project Prius v

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by Bill the Engineer, Aug 8, 2014.

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  1. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    A bit of a moot point since the engine has been an inert hunk of iron for about 15 years... but when new it had a 250 hp (190 kW) 326-V8.
    Prius v (lowercaes v) Hybrid system net power: 134 hp (100kW) which is about half. That doesn't bother me at all. I'm not looking for a tire burner. The heaviest parts of the Firebird (the original engine, transmission, rear axle , suspension and sub-frame) will no longer be under the car.

    SAAB 93b Wheelbase = 2,489 mm (98.0 in)
    Prius C Wheelbase = 2,550 mm (100.4 in)

    SAAB 93b Width = 1,581 mm (62.2 in)
    Prius C Width = 1,690 mm (66.7 in)

    Quite possible if you wouldn't mind fender flares like a rally car!

    Bill the Engineer

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Robert Holt

    Robert Holt Senior Member

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    ^^^^ At the thought of fender flares on my old SAAB with a Prius drive train (and disk brakes!), I am drooling!
    God I wish I was an engineer!
     
  3. Beachnut

    Beachnut Member

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    Ditto the above for me(y) Glad to hear you have a background of knowledge and hopefully you can overcome all the roadblocks.

    On our 69 Skylark, the seams just below the rear windshield, at each upper corner of the 1/4 panel, (see the photo below, it is the white area's that are lead), seem to be a weak / flex point on the body. Those 1/4 panel seams were originally lead filled, and they were cracked from flexing, before we began towing a trailer, or restoration. When we restored the Skylark, I had it bead blasted down to bare metal, the lead was obvious on those seams. The body shop told me they did not do lead anymore, so I am sure it got bondo of some sort. We have a hair line crack forming on the drivers side on that seam now, so do pay particular attention to that seam on your car, not having a usual frame might make it even more vulnerable to cracking. Of coarse,, we did not help matters as we sold that smaller tent trailer, and bought a BIG ONE, so towing it around with a welded on hitch, may have potentially contributed to more of that body flex.

    Good Luck and keep us updated.

    P2120040.JPG
     

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  4. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Aaa...

    I don't think you need waste time explaining "why" you want to do the project or justifying the vision to those that think it unwise.

    As Nike says....Just Do It.

    As for myself? If you succeed? I'll say I never doubted you.

    If you fail, I'll say I always thought it was impossible.
     
  5. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Lunch Time project at work coming along. I have sent 3D CAD files off to be quoted at a 3D Printer Rapid Prototyping shop.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Bill the Engineer

    [​IMG]
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    :cool:love it.
     
  7. Beachnut

    Beachnut Member

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    I must have missed something. What does "HSD" stand for? Looks good!
     
  8. Midesaka

    Midesaka Junior Member

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    I think this is an adaptation of the Prius v's Hybrid Synergy Drive badge that is more in line with the aesthetics of the Firebird.
     
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  9. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Post #2 shows that the OP is trying to match the font style used for the Firebird's 326 engine displacement badge. ;)
     
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  10. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    What they said
     
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  11. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Progress has been very slow as I continue to drill-out bolt heads to get the old suspension and sub-frames off. Once there is something photogenic to report I'll post a better update.

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks for checking in, sounds boring!:p
     
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  13. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

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    Awesome project, can't wait to see more :)
     
  14. Pridoogv5

    Pridoogv5 New Member

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    Wow, I can't decide if this is a cool idea or just a really dumb idea. Ultimately, all that counts is that it is the OPs idea and his to complete and live with. If it were me, I would stick with a coupe as a vert just seems like asking for trouble. Did you ever consider just doing an electric/propane/nat gas conversion? Best of luck!
     
  15. Beachnut

    Beachnut Member

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    Drilling out bolts, wow, no fun! Rust can be so much ---Fun! Take care, and watch those fingers and eyes!!
     
  16. nsfbr

    nsfbr Member

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    For some of us, there is no boring part of your project. Take pictures, post them. You won't regret it and we get to ooh and aahh. Win-win!
     
  17. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    We all like car porn
     
  18. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Well, here's the update, car porn or not.

    Surprised this afternoon while removing the old rear suspension. The right rear leaf spring (monoleaf) was broken at the shackle. Good thing I took the car off of the road when I did!

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Bill the Engineer

    [​IMG]
     
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  19. Beachnut

    Beachnut Member

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    Nice photos! You must have broken it with all that old V8 muscle power to the right rear wheel!!

    What do you have the body suspended by, ropes up to the ceiling rafters?:eek: It looks like it is just floating in that photo.
     
  20. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    There are two jack stands holding the body forward of the rear axle at a reinforced area. They are obscured in the photo by other things due to the angle of the camera. The anti-grav units aren't installed yet. ;)

    Bill the Engineer

    [​IMG]
     
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