The Hybrid Convertible Project Prius v

It's a Faro arm that runs Polyworks' reverse engineering program. Then I dump the result into Pro-Engineer Creo 3D CAD.

For those of you not familiar with those programs, just consider it really cool stuff to work with!

Bill the Engineer.

 

Some photos from this past Spring. Permission kindly given by my employer to hone my skills on the weekend occasionally...


Scanning the existing body and suspension geometry.


Custom mounting bracket clamped to frame horn.

Bill the Engineer

 

Circling back to the earlier curb weight question.

Curb weight of Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon) = 3274 lbs before removing interior, body panels and roof.

Curb weight of 1967 Firebird 326 V8 = 3385 lbs
-Weight of Pontiac 326 engine = 650 lbs
-Weight of Pontiac transmission = 180 lbs
-Weight of Pontiac rear axle = 230 lbs
-Weight of front frame components = 200 lbs
_______
Remaining Firebird component weight = 2125 lbs before cutting away floorpan, etc.

The final weight is obviously TBD, but I should be good.

Bill the Engineer

 

Status update:

I found another local engineer who owns his own Maker-bot 3D printer. The new HSD hood emblems are being printed this week in plastic. If they turn out nicely, I'll send them on to another contact I have to get them vacuum-plated chrome. I'll post photos when they are done.

I am also steadily building up the funds to get the donor v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon, not an uppercase)or the project. I should be ready to pull the trigger on a salvage v by the spring storm season. Going to hold out for one with the full Nav system.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Bill the Engineer

 

Home Depot has the Makerbot, but it also has the Home Depot mark-up. They used to sell direct for less.

Bill the Engineer

 

First 3D Printed HSD Hood Logos in the raw. They just need some smoothing, then on to the vacuum plating company.



Bill the Engineer

 

I plan to retire to the coast of Delaware in 5 years, at which time I hope this is still available. Unfortunately, Firebrid has too many letters for a registration tag. The emblems on the car will say Firebrid though.



Bill the Engineer

 

Couldn't resist putting one of the HSD logos on the old hood to see what it will look like. Naturally, the old hood tach will be useless with the Prius drive. I haven't figured out if I will re-purpose it or not. The hood looks cleaner without it.





Hoping to report more news soon. Fingers crossed.

Bill the Engineer

 

Winter in Central Ohio. Garage is unheated. So... hard... to... wait... for... Spring...

 

Rare sunny warm-ish (above freezing) Saturday in February in Ohio. It was an unexpected gift just when I was losing hope...

Body is now off of the old sub frame. It has been a good day.



Bill the Engineer

I know Steve at Autobeyours. In fact, I will be meeting with him in a few weeks.

Stay tuned for news...

Bill the Engineer

 

Progress...




So, naturally Central Ohio won't see another warmish day for the foreseeable future... sigh.

Bill the Engineer