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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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  2. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Well... since the Firebrid will have the Prius v tail lamp wiring, I will be converting the the old gas door to a center brake light holder. I measured and marked the door I have by using the rubber seal of the lamp I plan to use. (Gotta do stuff to keep from going crazy while I stay off of my sore knee.)

    [​IMG]

    Bill the Engineer
     
  3. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    A little Dremel work...
    [​IMG]

    Mischief managed.
    [​IMG]

    Bill the Engineer
     
  4. Jay J

    Jay J Active Member

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    Bill have you thought about making panels of the car in FRP to blend into the structure to save some weight; similar to what Singer does?
     
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  5. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    To be honest, it had not crossed my mind. Fiber Reinforced Plastic would be an obvious choice were I to be choosing customized bodywork. However, I plan to make the car look as stock as possible, and the bodywork I am adding to the chassis doesn't weigh too much more than what I have cut off. Reusing stock replacement panels just tilted outward at the bottom to cover the Prius v frame rails seems to be the most direct approach.

    The final car will basically be a 2-seater with the Firebird rear seat bottom raised about 15 inches. This will make the rear seat suitable for a large dog, or for local politicians and homecoming queens waving from the back seat in a parade while the top is down.

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i solemnly swear that you are up to (no) good.:cool:
     
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  7. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Full day upper body workout on the Firebrid's rocker panel mods today. Cutting off the outer two layers of steel while leaving the inner two layers mostly in place where possible. Tough old bird is going to take four or five more days like today before I can drop the body on the chassis.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Glad I have some use-or-lose leave at work to burn between now and Thanksgiving. I'll be scanning the weather forecast for warmer sunny days. ;)

    Bill the Engineer
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that is a lot of work.:notworthy:
     
  9. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    It was a sunny afternoon, so...

    For those following along, this notch in the rocker panel of the Firebird body...
    [​IMG]

    ...will fit down over this cross-beam on the floor of the Prius v chassis.
    [​IMG]

    Progress!

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  11. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Sunny, warm October afternoon today so I took the afternoon off. Before I could get to the Firebrid project, I had to first change a HID Headlight bulb on my 2004 Gen-II that was winking out every 5 minutes in the dark. Even with reading the on-line how-to's it still took 45 minutes for the one side. The other side isn't acting up yet, so I put the box with the second new bulb in the glove box.
    [​IMG]

    Then I dug into the Firebrid. The modifications to the right hand rocker panel are now done and ready for the body drop.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I also started the modification of the left hand rocker panel before running out of daylight. I will be taking the afternoon off again tomorrow, so we will see how far I get. There is a chance I might get the body onto the chassis by Halloween, but only if the weather cooperates.

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    let's get her done before winter, i can't stand the suspense for another 6 months!:p
     
  13. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Very productive afternoon off from work. I estimate that I am about 50% done with the left rocker panel modifications now. Compare this photo to the one of the completed right rocker panel mods above.
    [​IMG]

    The scrap metal bin is filling up again too. ;)
    [​IMG]

    Rain tomorrow. Maybe Sunday will be nice.

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    praying for indian summer in a certain ohio town.:notworthy:
     
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  15. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

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    Working on a project in the garage is the perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday :) It's getting so very close to a chassis fit check the suspense is brutal.
     
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  16. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Cutting is done. Completed the mods to the left rocker panel.
    [​IMG]

    Also opened up the left rear wheel well for the fuel filler to protrude through.
    [​IMG]

    Next time in the garage it will be time to prep everything for the big lift.

    Bill the Engineer
     
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm getting shivers.
     
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  18. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

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    Another afternoon off before the rain from former super-hurricane Patricia arrives in Ohio tomorrow. Very needed clean-up completed.
    [​IMG]

    Also finally un-buried the Blackhawk "Mobil Crane" engine hoist that has been hidden behind cabinets and tool boxes for more years than I want to count. The chain hoist was also under it just where I had placed it...
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    This coming weekend the fun begins.

    Bill the Engineer
     
  19. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Can't wait to see it. :)
     
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  20. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Bill, I think I can safely speak for all of us and say we all wish we were there every evening to help you! What you are doing is what we auto enthusiast live for! My goodness, even the tools you are using are so classic. My father in law still uses that crane in his garage!
     
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