All The Problems With My Tesla Powered Classic VW Bus

[@paucl3424]

Congrats for your project, it’s incredible. Let me give you some advices: 1) take a little gasoline generator in the van, it will save you when the batteries were exhausted. 2) fix the seat belt, it will save your live 3) invest on the break system, it is most important than the throttle 4) wear a reflective vest when you need work next to the other moving vehicles, it will save your live too. Best wishes to you, bro !!!!

[@natehill8069]

A generator isnt really practical. A generator the size of a suitcase will provide enough power to drive 3-6 miles of travel per HOUR of charge, and burn 2-3 gallons of gas each hour doing it which hell need to bring along as well. Hed be better off creeping/pushing/towing to a building with an outdoor access where he can plug into a regular outlet, or ideally one of the destination chargers like he used before where he can get 20-25 miles per hour (of charge). And of course not having brakes dragging will increase his range a lot anyway.

[@Echo.Records.412]

I've loved your content since I was young and always looked up to you. Now that I'm 28, its strange to see it looks like you've become less mindful and caring of those around you. Driving this car when it should not be on the road is not just risking your own life. You are putting everyone on the road with you at risk as well. I still enjoy your content andI know you are still a kind person, but this along with some other projects you've done have shown me that you have become quite privileged as you've become wealthier through KZbin and really need a reality check. Please, for everyone that cares about you and looks up to you do better and stop driving this car until you can have a professional finish it for you. There is no shame in getting help so that it will be safer to drive it is irresponsible to keep trying to DIY everything after so many dangerous situations.

[@colmjackson]

Couldnt have put it better 👍🏻

[@danieloliver20]

Google Tesla battery fires, not pretty. Brakes catching on fire, at least three times, due to nonprofessional installation, WTF! You have over a million subs, spend some money to make a safe vehicle, for yourself and others on the road.

[@koda4675]

Do you not realize how many average people are currently driving their project cars on the road that would be considered more dangerous than this? Or other people who have normal cars but they neglect them so it becomes a danger? Literally all that was wrong was brakes and a wire that fell out of the terminal. Yes it can get dangerous but that’s cars

[@crankshaft007]

Just scary to watch someone doing these conversions and modifications with no proper mechanical ticket. When the other mechanics wouldn’t work on it that Is a huge red flag. Having the brake system fail that many times is just silly to be driving it on major roads.

[@alekmoth]

Yea it cant be street legal!?

[@Makatea]

@@alekmoth Not only that, it is criminally insane to fumble around the braking system without even the faintest clue of what he's doing. And it's not just his life he's putting on the line. This hole thing is highly irresponsible and if he gets into an accident, he'll be covered in debts for life, should he survive...

[@freddieparrydrums]

Tesla powered VW bus is an awful idea anyway

[@semproniodensso3353]

Saw the video series and you´ll see that all the conversion work was done by certified mechanics...

[@semproniodensso3353]

@Koen van Dommelen See the video series...

[@blingyad691]

By converting the energy to much higher you should also upgrade the braking disc by using hydraulic ones. The old brake won't be able to support the high brake force.

[@treenudesforfoods4062]

they already are hydraulic. motor vehicles have hydraulic breaks.

[@everythingcool101]

To be honest it was only a matter of time before those rear axiles snapped.

[@zab2929]

Just wondering, why?

[@Ryukachoo]

@@zab2929 electric motors have incredibly high instant torque and will happily snap half shafts under high load.

[@elliotlandry7409]

@@zab2929 yeah that axle was designed to support a little gas motor with almost no torque, those would need to be beef up for the torque of the electric motor

[@everythingcool101]

@@zab2929 yeah what they said ^^

[@brooksieluke]

The engine was obviously pushing those CV’s super hard against those faulty brakes. Engine must have that much power not to notice that the brakes were on!

[@MRT.GAMING]

Honestly I would do a full disc conversion for your van

[@robertboxhoorn]

funny thing is that drum brakes often cause less problems. especially with vag products the rear callipers need to be rebuild/replaced after every new disk almost every time. did order new seals for every car that i had and always encountered stuck rear brake pistons.

[@crazypjk]

@@robertboxhoorn Problem is drum breaks are not up to the task of stopping a 400 H.P. vehicle.

[@jamess1787]

Drums are amazing, they out lasted my car with 200k mi. Never needed servicing, the two shops I took it to laughed when I asked them to do an inspection. Rears of course.

[@tehdreamer]

80% of the braking happens on the front brakes, the rear dont get that much wear, but to be fair i find dis brakes much more simple to work on than drums.

[@SkaterStimm]

That is not the problem, he has disc brakes up front and obviously trucks have drum brakes in the rear and they do fine. The problem is his master cyl and the lack of booster. He needs to add a vacuum system to his brakes and replace his master once again to match. He also needs to overhaul his brakes and return them to stock. Disk conversion kits for older buses that have all drums and no booster are popular but this bus does not need that.

[@aribach]

Don’t drive around without proper brakes. It’s not just your life at stake.

[@MaShcode]

Exactly. There’s a reason why they don’t make them like that anymore. Turning a VW bus into an EV is just asking for trouble. A wheel fire in CA? Seriously.

[@pauljr4706]

The guy literally saw tru aluminum on a dead trap ''table''saw shirtless. I don't think he cares about proper break

[@Ramirez4565]

@@MaShcode Drums are safe *when properly maintained and replaced*. I've done drums, they suck and shouldn't be attempted by those incapable of installing them safely.

[@devonvankraft]

Disk Brake system upgrade video coming?

[@Lionell1952]

Brakes,,,

[@For4Reel]

Make a swap to Break-Disks! And i also think that the other shaft also will snap in a nack of time because of the torque from the electric motor.

[@donniev8181]

It only snapped because the breaks were locked.

[@fjalics]

EV West says you only need disks in the front, AFTER setting up strong regen on the rear wheels. Notice, he hasn't gotten the regen working.

[@For4Reel]

@@fjalics perfect solution i dont thought of that!

[@fjalics]

@@For4Reel I hadn't either, but I heard 9:10 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ6yhpZtatdmb8k. He got his kit from these guys.

[@blackpool321]

Brake discs

[@stripesANDpoints]

I love your motivation to do this project and even just trying out stuff you don‘t know anything about, BUT at this point you could have known that it‘s not at ALL safe yet to go on a highway or any road to be honest, and worst of all also take the woman you love. This is not adorable anymore but just stupidly naive. Espeeecially after you knew you damaged the brakes more than once. You are putting peoples‘ lives at risk who didn‘t agree to do this crazy stuff. Not okay.

[@SailingWithVampires]

Man I would re-do all of those cable lugs with a professional press. If one came off they all will come off. That was a warning from your van. ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE VAN.

[@fmess33]

good idea, a hydraulic wire crimper is not that expensive compared to the damage a loose cable end could cause

[@SailingWithVampires]

@@fmess33 Thanks for the response Felix! Please like and subscribe to my channel! Matt

[@Ryukachoo]

@@fmess33 he was already using a hydraulic one, I think he was just rushed and possibly crimped it in slightly the wrong spot so it didn't crush right

[@iangb3869]

Putting the cable back into the lug and taping was dangerous, as the guy said crimp over all those lugs. Did anyone do a stress test on those lugs after it was crimped. At the end of this you can certainly write a book on what not to do.. Be safe on the roads ...

[@mnee4922]

it's a bus not a van.

[@stuartdean4620]

Well hopefully you’ll get a lot more range when the brakes aren’t binding catching fire usually quite a lot of binding

[@paulhovell8876]

I'm a truck driver and I've seen that on MANY occasions. Some with catastrophic consequences !!

[@einzeller85]

man, to me it's just crazy that it's legal to hit the road with this trainwreck xD not trying to be negative. this series is awesoe and it's amazing how far you've come. but man. this thing should not be on public roads at this stage.

[@B_M_A]

No better way to find and fix issues that putting it through daily use... He's smart he isn't going to put himself or anyone else in danger.

[@adamjones9600]

@@B_M_A Unfortunately, he already put himself (and arguably others) in danger, buuuuuut.... this is America! I love it! There is a sense of adventure. You can see how much he has learned about cars over this project; tons of stuff I've learned too, in a car that I shouldn't be driving on public roads (or motorcycles!) And what's more, he is an influencer, and believe you me, people are being influenced by these videos in likely an overall positive way (to travel, adventure, build EVs, go out on a limb, and live life.) Kudos to you Louis!

[@whitneylake2107]

Call it a "VOLTSwagon"bus

[@AN2Felllla]

Volt swaggin'

[@janmortensen9314]

The Orange peril

[@thegooch90]

Well...Volkswagen are changing their name in US to Voltswagen! 😂

[@richardmiller3919]

e Volksbus

[@matthewk3262]

If I could like more than once I would. Comedy Gold!

[@Matrixu]

I'm not saying that it's great having to pass tests for the car being ok every year like in Romania but this car is a danger to the occupants and traffic. I said in the other video. Brakes needed to be adapted before going out on the road. Without proper skills to work on brakes, hire somebody. It shouldn't be that expensive.

[@donniev8181]

They are modified so a licensed mechanic will not touch them. Too much liability

[@paulhovell8876]

Definitely needs a brake servo

[@AltMarc]

@@donniev8181 A break specialist will, but that's expensive.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

@@AltMarc I would do it, but I wouldn't do a repair on his brakes, I would rebuild his system from bare, overhauled parts I personally overhauled/checked. Might be too much money for him - so he gotta approach it in his own way and pace .... we all learnt somehow. Learning by recurrently doing it wrong is the most expensive, most dangerous and the most annoying way - except You watch it happening on KZbin 😂.

[@mannion1985]

I am almost certain you are going to need custom shafts and maybe custom hubs to handle the torque being produced. Also absolutely certain that the screws are all going to rattle out of the battery boxes before long, those need welding up before you spill a load of batteries onto the road somewhere!

[@robertcadwallader6835]

What you need is a brake servo with electric vacuum pump.

[@chrisswift1834]

Dude, you've worked really hard on that conversion, unfortunately you've made a massive mistake. The brake Servo/booster must be reconnected with a electric vacuum pump. I can understand you were excited to use the vehicle but it's unsafe.

[@whatsstefon]

I only have beetle experience, but I assumed the busses were also non-power assisted master cylinder.

[@christopherspicer9341]

@@whatsstefon VW buses of this era do have a vacuum assisted brake system.

[@whatsstefon]

@@christopherspicer9341 ah. Cheers for the confirmation. I wasn’t too sure, only ever played with older stuff

[@gregh7457]

@@christopherspicer9341 there is nothing magical about the vac assisted brakes. he did the right thing replacing it with an older master cylinder.

[@christopherspicer9341]

@@gregh7457 vacuum assisted vs non assisted will have different sized bores. You can swap them but you must calculate for pedal ratio, cylinder bores, caliper piston diameter and pedal pressure. It isn’t just one for another. It is a balanced system.

[@codyrunciman578]

Just for future reference. DCP (powder) extinguishers are extremely damaging to electronic components. The powder is super fine and corrosive. It gets in everything and will slowly destroy electronics. They are generally the best to carry in vehicles but I'd consider a C02 in this thing. It would suck to have a minor electrical fire and destroy the whole thing by using a powder extinguisher.

[@drewstermalloy]

I think the most impressive part is that you took on a project like this without knowing a ton about how cars work. I would suggest a disc brake conversion. I only found your channel about a week ago but I need to go back and watch the entire build.

[@fjalics]

EV West says you only need disks in the front, AFTER setting up strong regen on the rear wheels. Notice, he hasn't gotten the regen working.

[@paulhovell8876]

@@fjalics Exactly. Still could do with a servo adding. Must be some kind of vacuum pump available to use for the Servo ? Quick Duck Duck go.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIevlo2DYpZgo6c

[@cafe88racer53]

too much breaking is much better than too little lol

[@EricLDunn]

@@fjalics First job on any car work that will increase engine power should be upgrading the brakes. Heck, the first job in getting any old car back on the road should be getting the brakes up to modern standards. In any older car, good idea to coast with the clutch in from time to time. Find out the brakes are binding BEFORE they overheat and become useless.

[@kennyknackers6084]

Brakes are pretty important you should probably get that sorted out professionally!

[@Kelly-st7bu]

But putting out break fires 🔥 is great content.

[@donniev8181]

Theyre modified so a licensed shop cannot work on them.

[@tnickknight]

Seems as reliable as normal one

[@cattalematt]

Just another VW bus on the side of the highway. There really is nothing new under the sun. :D

[@703sam]

this is why MOT exist lads

[@hakonbe]

Only a lunatic would start on a project like this with out any building skils (mechanical & electrical). I'm so glad we have to have MOT tests in Europe.

[@werneratwork]

Same. At least having someone who oversees the most critical parts that are relevant for safety

[@raisedbynoodles]

Are you telling me they don't have MOT tests in America? That country just keeps proving how broken it really is...

[@mortdog]

That's got to be the least warningy warning triangle I've ever seen (16:34)

[@Knightfall23]

And it was literally behind the camera guys foot..."move it further" he said lol

[@SailingWithVampires]

🌁👌🏼👀

[@interestedinstuff]

When I was a young bloke I had a Cortina. My Dad decided to adjust the brakes. He adjusted them too far and they were on all the time. I drove into town and by the time I go there, my wheel was on fire, the rubber of my tyre was melting, and the brake pads were white ash. I ended up having to replace a ton of stuff all because Dad thought he could save some money. SO watching your massively torquy Tesla motor try to drive a wheel that was stopped by the brake pad, well first you break the drive shaft, then you cook the brakes. I feel for you. Keen to see this all sorted. I'm ten minutes short of the end of the video, so I might be writing a comment prematurely. Whoever wrote to call it a Voltswagon, has my vote.

[@surindermediratta4970]

You seem so calm during stressful situations. I honestly don’t know how you do it. 👍

[@yonseienglish]

Reminds me of Elon Musk saying it was a mistake to build the first Roadster based on the Lotus Elise instead of just building it from scratch. Appreciate your efforts bc they’ve convinced me **never** to try this myself. Gesh.

[@stephenjames9954]

The description of being stuck across the three lanes there was painfully vivid. One of my worst nightmares... Very impressed by your determination!!

[@craigchatterton4164]

Years ago when I drove a Baja on the Oregon Dunes we'd break CVs so often I'd carry a spare set in my Baja every time I went out! Changing CVs on the sand without getting sand in the grease is a challenge! I've seen comments below saying you can use Drums brakes in the back *if* you set up your Regen. I'd still encourage you to go to four wheel disc brakes because: 1) Disc brakes are a simpler setup than drum brakes. Much easier to diagnose, much easier to work on 2) Disc brakes don't need to travel as far as drum brakes do. Much easier on your master cylinder, no need to worry about adjustment valves or boosters. 3) Disc brake pads are cheaper than drum pads! 4) Disc brakes are much easier to adjust than drum brakes. Just tighten them until you can feel the wheel lose free spin and you're done! No springs or clips to worry about. With your knowledge and experience, I think you'd appreciate four wheel disc brakes better over time. Also, all commercial EV vehicles have four wheel disc brakes... just sayin...

[@hugopires2158]

Those tesla destination chargers can be configured to either only work with Teslas or with any electric vehicle. Usually when there's a red sign, it's a tesla only charger and when it's a white sign it can work with any car, but I didn't see either one where you were. Regarding the battery, be careful not to let it get too low as it can permanently damage it! What a cool series, great job Louis!

[@mcneill64]

I have a similar conversion but I did install an electric vacuum pump. The brakes are excellent. The downside is the noise of the vacuum pump. It always comes on at start up and takes away that silent key-on, no-noise departure. I’m still tinkering with regen which is great but I don’t know if it will ever free me from the pump. I’ll be watching because I trust you’ll find a reliable combo.

[@donniev8181]

You're no longer an amateur when it comes to working on your van. It's good that you are learning to diagnose any problems that may come up. Think about having a skid plate fabricated to stop any unforeseen bumps, maybe new shocks as well. God bless

[@VWLifeVW]

you knew it would be a challenge converting an old #VWBus to electric, so it's good to see you're taking on each challenge as they come with positivity!

[@deniskadriic]

So glad that youtube recommended the first episode of your build. Watched the first and then I was hooked and had to binge watch until this one. Loved each and every video & I'm happy for you and your build.

[@johnhudson1965]

You’ve done amazingly well, I love the enthusiasm ,the way you’ve overcome challenges .your bus will make you proud . Don’t take the criticism too much to heart, its meant with good heart, a bit like outsiders criticizing one’s teen kids - the kids will (eventually) make one proud

[@jamescraven76]

Glad you getting it working, one thing to note if the brakes that red hot again , let them cool naturally, putting water onto them can crack the drums due to thermal shocking!

[@theclintified]

I practically lived most of my young adulthood dealing with breakdowns, sitting in some parking lot working on my vehicle and that is before I got my first VW bug. Talk about brake issues! I'm planning a conversion on my VW bus as well and have enjoyed your series.

[@xNoneLikeMe]

Hey Louis! I have a suggestion for the wiring for phase 2 seeing as one of the wires came loose out of the boot. To prevent it from happening again which could be catastrophic, melt soldering wire onto the wire and then put the wire onto the boot, crimp it together and melt some more soldering wire into it so that it has a permanent bond with the boot.

[@xxwookey]

For automotive stuff crimping is better than soldering froma stress-relief point of view. I think he just forgot to crimp that one. lets hope he didn't forget too many more.

[@AssiCalma]

@@xxwookey This conversion kit Company - selling this conversion kit , must carry more response before the car leave their place. Here in Europe all guys of this story will be rested. Illegal and danger from start to end

[@bustersgarage]

After rebuilding the brakes and installing a new CV shaft: 1. Replace the deleted brake proportioning valve. You'll get better braking performance with a good working one (about 60% of your braking should be up front) 2. I would replace or at least repack the rear wheel bearings 3. Replace the rear wheel studs 4. Not drive around with brake shoes all the way backed off, they should be readjusted ---I know it's a bit late, but I can give you a bit of a "How to the why" this happened. Drum brakes are effective when adjusted properly, but drums inherently do not dissipate heat as well as modern disc brakes. Heat is the enemy of braking force, wheel-bearings/cv shaft joint bearings and tires ;) The stock brakes on a VW bus are already asked to do quite a lot for their purpose, but are sufficient for a stock bus. A failed proportioning valve can cause all sorts of issues and pressure build-up in parts of the circuit. On setup: Drum brakes require specific attention on setup and on initial installation to ensure correct location/drag/break-in/etc. -Too tight, they drag and generate lots of heat and can seize -Too loose, they're weak/spongy, they can bind up, generate lots of heat and can seize -Too loose, the CAN even allow the wheel cylinder to push the piston straight out of the cylinder - losing all pressure -Left to Right imbalance of adjustment can cause pulling while braking or over-working one-side and effectiveness is reduced Drum brakes without the automatic adjusters require regular adjustment as they wear in (not sure if yours had them) Brakes in general are prone to sticking/locking up after overheating, especially if any of the components warp. Likely reason for CV shaft failure and the smoking was dragging Brake Shoes: The electric motor will produce enough torque to overcome the initial drag easily. A little bit of heat will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes and/or cause gas build-up in the system (feeling spongey) The "snowballing" of heat: As heat builds up "heat soaking" the drum and bearings, it will cause the above, plus... Can thin the grease enough to leak from the seals or even smoulder if hot enough in the hub and outer CV joint. Burnt-off/leaked grease reduces the ability of the bearings to stay lubricated, increasing heat & wear and weakening them... This is how the grease, rubber seals, tires, etc can catch fire. Repeat this cycle enough or get it hot enough, the metal will anneal. Once cooled, combine the sticky brakes, weakened metal components and the torque from the electric motor, you can snap things super handy. Sincerely, Ken (Busters Garage)

[@alivemoveon]

Hi Loui. You can call the bus "VANESLA". (from Van + Tesla).

[@pedrodias6467]

One of these days you'll hurt someone and yourself. You need to upgrade the car properly. This is dangerous to the other drivers.

[@chrisengart4371]

I appreciate the reality of what it's like building and doing something yourself like this with all the problems and everything. Its real. Good luck with the rest of your adventure.

[@jenny02392]

Got to have really good connections for DC.. Make sure your crimp tension is the correct one for those lugs... and they won't come out....

[@christopherspicer9341]

Louis, part of your regen problem is based on the pressure transducer that you have plumbed into the rear brake lines that are currently holding pressure. That same pressure is holding your brake shoes against your drums and creating friction(heat). Replumb the brakes, install the proper proportioning valve, install the proper master cylinder(no more interference with the draglink) and program the controller for regenerative braking. You can do the math for a manual master exchange, caliper volume, wheel cylinder volume verses master cylinder volume and then correct the mechcanical advantage of the brake pedal to master cylinder. Disc/drum manual brake systems are not unheard of, Ghia, Super Beetle, Chevrolet Camaro, etc. Until you resolve the brake line residual pressure the transducer will never give you the proper voltage signal to control the regen braking. Don't forget to research the electric power steering conversion, it makes driving much better. Hope to see you soon.

[@mariaalvarez5008]

Dude, I used to drive an 1969 VW Bug convertible and once my braking system started to go bad....it all went down horribly. I drove several paces without brakes, literally just using the downshifting. I eventually had to replace, everything, lines, master cylinder, every wheel cylinder. Brake pedal, lines, ....I did say lines....bled it several times. Drum brakes, pads....NAME IT. Eventually after I changed everything.....it finally worked. Good luck.

[@chetleonard169]

I can smell your brakes from my memory of my own VW brake issues way back, long time agO

[@Louis]

Haha, gas or electric, breaks still smell! ✌️

[@xxwookey]

@@Louis brakes

[@TheZudoke]

What about naming it the voltswagon

[@RetiredTechnician]

Man i like that

[@100mpgus]

how about shitbox?

[@dazgreen]

I’m baffled how you got this far and don’t know what a driveshaft is 😂

[@AssiCalma]

Real mad story. These rear axiles are made for 50 hp power max. You have 400 hp. But all axles go broken if you have 40 Mph speed and you push shifter to position R. Try to hire a professional help before you kill someone . (And if it happen , after these videos you find you self in jail)

[@deanl0]

It's call "Wing it".."

[@FLWVideosYT]

Glad it all worked out! With he journey being tough, it makes it more worth it later on once you succeed :)

[@arnoldasburvys5898]

70

[@andybaubau5961]

Classic bullshits eveyone likes to write...starting with 70% charge with no planning...continuing to drive also if you feel something is wrong and so on, what did you expect? Success??...and people write usual bullshits here...you are sick

[@jeffhenley9851]

I'm just glad you are still alive. You really need some help from EV.

[@marktasico]

Call it the ElectroBug

[@tgluak]

With the brakes getting hot enough to damage the tyre. I'd be keeping an eye on that rear wheel bearing.

[@DannyBokma]

These struggles make you learn the vehicle, a must with DIY builds. Good job keeping spirit to keep documenting all the adventures!

[@Louis]

Thanks mate, it's been quite the adventure ✌️

[@DANIEL-ls5ku]

In Australia at least in our experience a traffic vehicle will pull over with their traffic warning lights behind you to warn oncoming traffic until you sort out your vehicle and it’s free, almost all of the drivers otherwise have Road side assistance type insurance.

[@ATF.California]

That is what you call true friends not many people like them exist so take care of them

[@stephantrzonnek1720]

That is what books are for. Trial and error is not always the best way to go. Sometimes you need to read first how things are going together. Learning it the hard way might have impacts on others. There are a lot of good books where you can get at least a basic understanding from. One reading saves a lot of money

[@pawpawbandit3871]

this whole build is the best video series of one of these I've seen - ever; and I've watched them all!

[@pawpawbandit3871]

but yeah...all the potential issues and limited range ...and lack of professional help...and a full workshop... lol...have kept me on the sidelines for now

[@ulfhultberg9998]

Dejavu, 30 years ago I converted my Amason estate into ev.Trouble,trouble in the start.But nowadays it still works fine.Thumb up for you, you will fix it as times progress.Very nice video that shows the problems that always occur.

[@yujishinohara797baby]

Thx for posting these school of hard knocks learn and live blogs, reminds me of my 64 and 67 VW square back way back when, my tool box and duct tape were always in my kit and came in handy all the time. After all the VW square back fun times ended up with a rock solid dull Toyota corolla which ran forever. These days most people probably have never popped the hood or even know how.

[@daniluchison]

9:20 "Are you ready to go to the hotel?" Yes, PLEASE. Dude, she is a keeper. Any other girl would have left you for a Tesla owner already.

[@jd-vq5pt]

Welcome to the world of VW vans! I thought it was great that you diagnosed the axle problem and the power wire problem. By doing you are becoming an expert! I think you should have a reputable shop install the big disc brake kit on your van. You brake booster will need a vacuum to work properly. You can probably find a 12 volt vacuum pump to do the job. Anybody that has ever driven a vw van knows that breaking down happens... you just need to make it part of the experience and breathe through it 😆😆

[@iphonepunker]

I would be looking at replacing, the rear's to disc brakes.

[@fjalics]

EV West says you only need disks in the front, AFTER setting up strong regen on the rear wheels. Notice, he hasn't gotten the regen working.

[@extremelydoozy]

As long as he puts out the fire everything should be sweet

[@odiemarilla6096]

we love this project. keep us posted. these are the kinds of projects we dream about but just don't have the funds or not willing to spend the savings. but we love your courage to go through with this project and your partner's support is most important. plz don't forget to take care of her. peace.

[@Chrisb8s]

I think it needs some disc brakes.

[@fjalics]

EV West says you only need disks in the front, AFTER setting up strong regen on the rear wheels. Notice, he hasn't gotten the regen working.

[@SuperDirk1965]

I think it needs an owner that has a clue to what he's doing. This is a complete waste of resources. The best way to destroy a battery is running it flat, then wait for it to gain some voltage after which you put some more load on it. I can almost hear the dendrites growing.

[@fjalics]

@@SuperDirk1965 It's not lead acid. If you charge it right away, it's not too bad. I sure wouldn't let it sit empty for a week.

[@SuperDirk1965]

@@fjalics It's actually lithium that's vulnerable to this treatment. Lead acid couldn't care less. You'd have to charge it right away but is less vulnerable to this abuse. These video's should be accompanied with a safety warning. Total garbage, a waste of energy and resources, harming the environment... Etc

[@Leftfield2k7]

@@SuperDirk1965 The BMS will be preventing the 18650's from dropping to a damaging voltage, his just pushing the low voltage cut off hard. Not ideal but shouldn't cause any significant damage provided the BMS is operating correctly!

[@wenhaowong5549]

your brake piston is jam, if anything happen to brake system jam stop immediately do not wait until the brake is fade then only try to stop. you are so lucky the tire didn't burst when u are driving.

[@deanbaker3418]

Thinking of doing electric convo. With similar skill set as you. Thanks for the honest perspective. I’m not discouraged but my eyes are more open to issues.

[@Louis]

Not an easy task, but worth it! ✌️

[@RetiredTechnician]

look for a device called brake bias proportioning valve... you can manually adjust how much braking force is applied to your rear brakes. Ideal for campers when you’re fully loaded. You can refit your booster so you have better braking performance and a lighter pedal feel.

[@alltwocustomz6829]

(VOLTS VAN AGAIN) I HAD 71 VOLKSWAGEN BUS HAD A LOT OF GOOD TIMES . Even the bad ones. KEEP ON TRUCK'N .😎🍻

[@AndrewLynch9]

Good to hear you're learning lots with the project. Just the way these things are.

[@paetgmeiner3620]

Thanks for sharing this and showing unconvenient situations too. That is something not everybody would do. I am looking forward to next episodes

[@williamgamelisenaya793]

ooh my, trouble in Paradise. Bless up Happy motoring Watching from Sydney

[@gintim8]

Wow! What an electrifying episode! Well done for filming through the frustration, showcasing problem solving and reflection. That is what makes great KZbin content. Great series. Can't wait for another episode.

[@XuXaX]

I normally don't like this mechanical stuff but after seeing Raja looking happy I really want this car to work :D

[@johnkelly6888]

This is what I what to see, highly unskilled guy actually working on cars or traveling around the world without the drama, pure adventure. Look at the view numbers, Louis getting married 69k, Louis fixing old vw 695k. I kinda miss adventurous Louis.

[@vicherd]

Really impressed with your dedication and patience. This is so informative.

[@ficusbus]

Like you i also started working on an aircooled van without any mechanical knowledge and am also dreaming of converting my van to electric. But man i have to say that your lack of safety awerenes is driving me crazy! Take your brake serious! You drive on the speedway and go on roadtrips with barely working brakes!!! Work your way up slowly! And that loose wire makes my spine shivver. It probably rains less where you are from but i hope you never short circuit....

[@brentweaver3092]

Dude, you crack me up. 5 years from now if you keep it up, you're gonna be a expert.

[@AceTrainerUK]

As cool as this project is. Do you not feel like you’re endangering other drivers on the road too? Hopefully you’ll get everything sorted!

[@TechzSpecz]

100%, he's literally going to kill himself or someone else at this point. How is it legal to drive this death trap on the road?

[@bryanborough3260]

Awesome - upgrade your brakes and CV Joints, suspension - you have a lot more power now that they weren't designed for.

[@Kelly-st7bu]

I’d put lots of solar panels on this van.

[@normanboyes4983]

Useful for charging the 12 volt battery but pissing in the wind for charging the traction battery.

[@Kelly-st7bu]

@@normanboyes4983 you’d be surprised! Canada sells a 365watt panel that’s the size of what a 100w panel used to be. He could fit 4 or 5 of them up there. I run my 3 bedroom 2 bath home on 6 solar panels.

[@normanboyes4983]

@@Kelly-st7bu I bow to your superior knowledge - however on VW camper he might only get 2 full size panels on the roof and I do not know the capacity of his battery installation, but let’s say it was 40 KW/hr and required 30 KW to fully charge then, 2 panels will take about 4 days to charge it up. Even if he could get 4 panels onboard - 2 day charge from 25% to 100%.

[@Kelly-st7bu]

@@normanboyes4983 my father had a VW bus when I was a kid. He can definitely get at least 3 panels up there. 3 times 365 is 1095w. That would be a trickle charge for those Tesla batteries but those PV panels would pay for themselves in no time then it’s free energy from the sun.

[@normanboyes4983]

@@Kelly-st7bu Do you know what his battery capacity (I do not)?

[@balddutch7043]

That's a nice little VOLTWAGEN you've built. You can be proud of that.

[@001Neal100]

The brake bias compensator on the bay window was meant to reduce the front brake pressure under hard braking, when the nose dips down. The idea being that as you pushed the brake pedal harder, it would apply more braking force to the rear drums and make the braking safer and more even. Because they are so old now and no one knows how they work, they are rarely working correctly having siezed up or filled with gunk and stop working effectively. Either causing permanent rear brake bias or not evening out the force and making the nose dip and risking front wheel lock.

[@001Neal100]

When the rear wheel is off the ground, correctly adjusted rear brake shoes should give a very slight drag as you spin the rear wheel. Hand brake ratchet should only click 3 or 4 times when cable is correctly adjusted.

[@mikerobinson4457]

I appreciate your transparency along with the learning you are providing. Great attitude brother!

[@margerymorstein1073]

FunForLouis pushing his tesla, would make a great ad for less gas. Like the Fred Flintstone pedal-car

[@Louis]

Ha! That's how it felt! ✌️

[@danieltoth4429]

Hi, For the joints, maybe you used the wrong heads of the crimpling tool. Check all of them again. Try to pull off all with force (this is how you have to test all the connections every time)! take care of your self, the world need people like you. I know many "experts" would say no, but I would solder the joints after the crimpling. If the connection loose it can get hot and cause fire. Not only the electricity can be dangerous.

[@karlmoss552]

Now that your brake are no longer binding, you’ll definitely notice an increase in range. It would be interesting to know how much extra it gives. Learning as you go along is great to watch as it keeps it real. Please always bear in mind safety first. Keep up the good work.

[@DinoPasic]

Well, from my experience girls or woman's dont like experiments very much 😬. Im also someone who like experiments, technology, adventure...but sometimes you feel alone with your idea. About bus, how about putting strong 400w solar panels on the roof? What i have noticed, maybe you have too much torque in first gear, maybe that was the reason why axle is broken. Second, you don't notice when your brake is braking while you are driving so that is causing heat. You need to be sure that is braking when it should, and also that is free when you don't brake. It causes lot problems yes, but that is prototype, once it's ready you know how to make a better one 😉. Jehu have collected some of that experience and they are pretty unique in that branche.

[@CreativeRamy]

Come up with a name? The electric lemon 🍋

[@jugggla]

my dad had the EXACT same problem when changing the rear brakes over! glad to know were not the only ones. hope its all good!

[@Louis]

Sounds like it's a common issue for the vehicle. Hope yours is well!

[@jugggla]

@@Louis Thanks Louis, its good! weve got 3 vw vans in the family, all in various states of restoration! no electric motors tho... :(

[@DUMBLIESCOM]

First thing I’ve done on every VW build his switch out to four-wheel-disk brakes there are a few companies that do that

[@AssiCalma]

More good school tv > Wheeler dealers

[@MartinSage]

1)Charge the batteries If you only have 110volts Make a 220volt plug. (Easy) 2) Calculate the total miles. 3) allow 20% reserve 4) buy a gas portable generator to charge battery if standed. 5) Join AAA to get a tow.

[@tomlibero3780]

I immediately wanted to suggest this: EV WEST and the rear brake to disc conversion ...

[@daveure8184]

Goog thing is you will help someone one day with this vid 👍🏼 hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@karolwlad76]

Dude, transforming such an old car to a modern powered by electric motor requires upgrading or at least checking and maintaining gearbox, breaks, drive train, suspension etc. Now in such powerfull car, completely different forces are at work. Therefore there will be some faults all the time. You shouldn't drive it until you maintain it. Also driving a fully electric car requires from you constant checking battery power level (I assume you have a gauge witch indicates it) and carefully plannig yor route from point A to B considering location of charging stations. Other than that it's modern and classic at the same time 😉 I love it ❤😍 My suggestions for the name are : Voltswagen, ZappZilla, WattVan, BugVolt 😁😉 cheers

[@01sidiropoulos]

Keep having tools with you fire extinguisher and water.. It's a new build and needs to be tested until reliability comes in the end of this build.. Keep it up❤️

[@johngeldenhuys2158]

Just a thought ,you have a lot of space on top of you camper and you have great sun, can't you place some solar panels on your roof and charge as you drive during the day, thereby building up a reserve for your night time driving. You have to take when you don't have sun into considering but you could get more km if it does work.

[@milododds1]

You might want to install a smoke or temperature sensor for those back tires. I lost a 1973 VW Bus while I was in college when my engine caught on fire at 2:00 am only 10 minutes away from my destination...totally devastated...lost just about all my possessions at the time. It's ironic that you still need a fire extinguisher with an electric bus, those dang brakes. So looking forward to the next video.

[@tkskates]

probably mentioned but solder electrical connections. This motivates me to finish my restore in a few years ha

[@BrianMakesMovies]

Good day sir, you may want to consider also replacing the rubber hoses going to your front brakes, as when those hoses get old they can/will collapse from the inside; making those fronts ones also potentially stick on. Just a heads up if you didn’t do them already. Cheers -Brian

[@wcemichael]

You should have up shifted for going down hill and down shifted for up hill and when the battery was flat. you have a transmition. use for what it was made for