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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. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    oh my, i suddenly have vision.
     
  2. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    It was a fantastic day working on the project. My family gave me the whole day in the garage uninterrupted as a birthday present.:)

    The Prius v chassis is now ready for the body to be lowered onto it. The steering column was removed and all of the wiring was coiled back to be out of the way for when the body is fitted. The traction battery was also relocated to the area it will eventually be mounted.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Then I moved on to work on the Firebird body. Part of the right hand rocker panel was cut away to match the contour of the chassis where it will be located. I removed about 15 pounds of metal from the car, with more to come the next time I can get out to the garage. The wheel well rot will be repaired in the spring when I have power in the garage to run the compressor...
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    It was a day for the memory book to be sure.

    Bill the Engineer
     
    #302 Bill the Engineer, Sep 20, 2015
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2015
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    (y) i love the methodical way this is coming to gather. i'm quite proud of myself for understanding a smidgeon of what you're doing. i started engineering school in 1972, and almost made it all the way through the first semester.:cool:
     
  4. milkman44

    milkman44 Active Member

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    WOW, you're really coming along, can't wait to see it finished. I think you should stick to the sawzall, I bought stock in sawzall blades when you started this project.:)
     
  5. schmuly

    schmuly Member

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    I check this forum everyday for updates...keep up the great work!
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    me too!(y)
     
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  7. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Hi Bill,

    As a lover of cars and people who can not only think outside the box, but create outside the box, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching your progress. Your knowledge of what it would take is awesome. Nothing came as a surprise. I look forward to your continuation. When it is all said and done, I will be cheering from afar!!
     
  8. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Let's just say that I am really looking forward to weekends these days... ;)

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i spent 55 years looking forward to weekends. now, it's groundhog day.:cool:
     
  10. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    you will be cursing the highways soon, will it be mint green with a black top?
     
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  11. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Damn, you highways! Lol

    Gotta luv auto correct. :D
     
  12. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Cruising is still a couple of years away, since it is generally too cold to work in the garage here between November 15th and April 15th. At least that's what my arthritis tells me!

    Going to make it as close to showroom stock as possible on the outside. I'm staying with the car's original Signet Gold with gold interior and black top. The car is currently painted in a 1977 Cadillac gold which I am going to strip off and redo.
    [​IMG]
    Photo is of my two Pontiacs taken back in 1980. Yes it is the same Firebird.

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  13. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    love the classis GM's
     
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  14. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Only modest progress today. Other responsibilities took some of the available time.

    The rear of the Prius v chassis is down off of the ramps and on wheel dollies now.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Did more cutting on the Firebird rocker panel. That tough old bird is eating up lots of saw blades cutting through three .125 inch thick panels at a time in some places. It's a test of arm strength each time I work on it.
    [​IMG]

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i got tendonitis doing that, be careful!
     
  16. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    Will it be a FYRBRID or a HYBIRD ?
     
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  17. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    OP has decided on FIREBRID. ;)
     
  18. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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  19. Jay J

    Jay J Active Member

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    Subscribed.
     
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  20. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Twisted my knee again on a business trip this week, so only indoor activities for this coming weekend. Maybe I'll find something amusing to do...

    Bill the Engineer
     
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