Hi, I'm new here

Are there any kits for modding older cars into hybrids ?

This is one company that sells a motor-controller set that goes into the shaft drive of a rear wheel drive vehicle. There have been a few other attempts and the ones that most make sense are those that start with a 4-wheel drive vehicle and the convert the rear wheels to electric drive.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

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Thanks, I love the 76 Caddy Eldo convertibles but they get under 10 mpg

I thought dropping in the new Caddy Escalade hybrid powerplant would be awesome

it would probably make better mpg than the hybrid Escalade since it weighs less

It would just be an in town cruiser so having the 70s style w 21st C tech would be having your cake and eating it

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I wouldn't go with trying to fit a GM hybrid drive in because the modern ones are pretty complex. The sensors and computers would make it a nightmare.

Let me suggest contacting some of the electric vehicle groups. They'll be a wealth of information and experience to help on the project.

Just curious, how comfortable are you with high energy hydraulics? This could give you a regenerative braking and acceleration assist that would make the car both efficient and a sleeper on the street with rubber burning performance.

Bob Wilson

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Bob, that sounds like good advice

I know nothing about HEH, guess I have something new to google

I'll check on the EV groups too

Well, I would mention Neil Young's LincVolt and Jonathan Goodwin's H-Line conversions. But, with a starting price tag of $35K to convert an H1/H2 hummer to 500 hp biodiesel power, I'm not seeing any green except what's going outta Neil's pocket and into Jonathan's.

Chevy Volt or Focus EV?

Decisions, decisions.

There is one other route, auto-stop when stopped:

• when wheels are not turning and brakes are applied - automatically turn the engine off. This is a modification to the ignition switch, an automatic switch that is computer or discrete logic controlled. If you have a power brake, you may need to have a vacuum pump to sustain the brake force. If you have electronic fuel injectors, just turn them off.
• when brakes are released - have a parallel relay to the starter motor crank the car to get it running ASAP. Reverse whatever method was used to stop the engine so it will run. By the time your foot reaches the accelerator, the engine should already be running.

I understand the Europeans have done this for years at lights. All you are doing is retrofitting your existing cars to have a 'forced stop' and 'auto start.'

Bob Wilson

After April 3, use e-mail to contact me:

some other useful links about evs:
Two Cent Per Mile
http://www.gas2.org
http://www.autobloggreen.com

Also, if you're anywhere near Maryland, or on the east coast, I invite you to come to the East of the Mississippi EAA conference, which will be happening in August in Hagerstown, MD. There will be lots of electric cars, people who have converted their cars, lectures, panels, and even drag races: http://www.powerofdc.com/east_eaa_conference.html

The Eldo would be a poor choice, as it's FWD - the 'Slade et al are based on RWD chassis that wouldn't package for the Eldo chassis.

Now, a DeVille or Fleetwood - that's complex but doable. First step would be a wrecked/totaled hybrid pickup or SUV. 2WD is by far easier choice. You'd have to transfer all the wiring and try to integrate with your chassis - things like ABS sensors may present a fair bit of fabrication challenge - the expedient is fab of custom control arms or frame brackets for existing truck arms to go with the truck front spindles and axle. Axle brackets and control arms are likewise needed for that route.

Packaging the battery and its cooling would present another set of challenges, and likely need floorpan customization - front of trunk is an expedient. Obviously, fuel tank and would need to be replaced, and you'll have to rig a custom exhaust. Look for upwards of a thousand hours if you're experienced at custom fab metal work, wiring, and debugging. 4x that if you're not.

Fundamentally, no different from any other restomod. Lots of $$$$, but the result would be quite unique.

http://www.vogmall.com

So wonderful website!

Do not miss it!!