1951 Chevrolet Pickup Truck Electric Conversion, 5 Years and 25,000 miles later | EV Show

[@JerryRigEverything]

Nice work. That turned out sweet!

[@paulzzote8754]

can't wait for yours bro that thing is gonna be radd

[@B2727]

@@paulzzote8754 you in the EV conversation rabbit hole too?

[@jeromeandre4915]

Fantastic to see a truck being used over the years and keepin' on truckin'. 25.000 miles is impressive on a classic - not many get that many miles added in 5 years. Thumbs up to the owner and well-done EV team and thanks for sharing.

[@Ryukachoo]

Yup Soon as it's electric you start driving it everywhere instead of it wasting away in a garage with some carb issues

[@roodick85]

Exactly what I saw about classics. Put that engine and trans in storage and drive the piss out of it!

[@Yachtzeee]

Another underrated thing. Most wives don’t overly love the smell from the carbed engine. A lot have complained smelling like gas and the stink. Some love this aspect, most don’t.

[@chazable]

Love seeing some of the old conversions come back for a visit 😁 I remember seeing photos of it when you first had it but heard nothing since. I want to see more conversions of early 50's vehicles, even older would be awesome! 😉 Keep up the great work.

[@mhaggerty7484]

Where's the tour of under the truck? I'm in the process of planning the exact same conversion but using a S-10 chassis and hopefully a Tesla Model S rear motor. Would love the full undercarriage tour!

[@scottlittle2003]

Dude. I have the same set up. 1993 S10 Chassis. I want to convert to EV. share pics and videos if you can ! Good luck !

[@Neojhun]

Love seeing classic cars being driven regularly and not just sitting gathering dust.

[@hanssolo5585]

Hi, I am so happy about your report. I got the 3100 1/2t from 55 1.series here in Germany and got all your pictures from your website saved on my HD, because I could no info about your conversion or any EV kit from you nor a gearbox plate on the website of yours. Now I understand why you did not show any information about this conversion. I thought the owner might have asked to keep the car private and it not being shown on the internet. Very nice report about the car. Better than a thousand pictures. Thank you ! We already have two Teslas, but our Chevy is on the list for a conversion.The truck already had two full restorations in the last 39 years, since we have it. It is now better than new and before the second restoration, it was daily driver. To top of it off now, we have to make it an EV. There is only some legal stuff, I got to check here, because it will loose in Germany because I really would be happy, if I could contact you for a specific kit for my PickUp. But even it is a little louder driving it, I still want to keep the 3-speed, because it is original. I want to keep it as original as possible. As it is right now. You made my day today with your video... !

[@kirknason1234]

Wow, so glad I saw this video, my Dad and I restored a 48' year, same windows and bed style. Mine was school bus yellow. Wish I still had it. Great Job.

[@livemeyer]

I have a '51 5-window and would love to do this. I brought it back to life in the traditional way with a 327 v-8 and a 700r4. I also have a mini-truck, an '85 Nissan 720 that will indeed be converted first, and if I have success with that conversion then my '51 will be up next. This one is great looking, I love how clean the engine bay is, and my favorite mod is the charger connection in the old fuel filler hole. My only negative is I'm disappointed the speedometer doesn't work. Man what a fun truck!

[@PWB87]

I'm an electrical engineer with a '64 beetle. Needless to say, I'd love to convert to electric with the evwest kit one day. If you ever have an extra one laying around. Let me know. Love what you do :)

[@christianocampos158]

Seeing the fact that an EV Conversion that gets driven for a while and the only maintenance (appart from things like tires and brake pads) was little adjustments to the gear ratios really gives me a lot more hope into someday giving them a call and getting myself my next daily driver.

[@whatislove127]

gotta do what platform wants you to do in order to get more views, I respect that as much as WHAT A GORGEOUS PIECE OF ART this car is!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I love the idea of these things living on as EVs.

[@Mathewscience]

Excellent! I am looking for a similar setup and I am wondering how much this would cost excluding the vehicle? Are you creating a truck package with batteries? 200 mile range?

[@genestatler2514]

That is one sweet 51 Chevy truck and great EV conversion!!!

[@RC-fu6hg]

Wow! What a beautiful conversion.

[@matthewjackson9615]

I'm not even an auto enthusiast but I'm impressed. Wow...

[@ditzydoo4378]

Quick question: Has EV West ever done a 1965, or later Corvair conversion? I think it would be amazing, you'd have the rear transaxle coupled to a Corvette independent rear suspension. A lot more room in the rear for the electric motor and controllers plus maybe two battery packs plus some behind the rear seat. Remove the Frunk gas tank from the fire wall, put in a dual brake cylinder, disc brakes and a huge battery pack in front. I'd be surprised if you didn't get at least 75kwh or more. This would allow you to weight balance the car and eliminate it's weight bias problems. It would be a stunner as a two door red Corsa model with black leather interior.

[@R1ch4rd74]

i would want a corvair. and a yugo. just because. wide tires and wheel arches would be your only clue it was not stock. sweet truck btw.

[@freeheeler09]

Under the bed seems like the perfect place for a decent battery! Beautiful!

[@freeheeler09]

Wow again!

[@randallsmith7885]

I learned to drive in a 1955 International pickup truck. It had a '3 on the tree' transmission and an inline 6 engine. I can totally relate to the terrible gear box. It was noisy and difficult. I used to double clutch when driving it.

[@rexpearce5657]

Beautiful truck! Great work EVW - you guys rock!! GVW after removal of old power plant/drive box? Cost of conversion?!?!

[@Mathewscience]

I am so glad your channel is back and running?

[@peterbradley4916]

brilliant! I'd like that motor for my conversion. Can you tel me the completed weight of that truck?

[@user-pg3ti3vc5g]

Watching that man drive this vehicle brings a smile to my face. Keep doing awesome things good sir

[@keltonfoster]

Woo doggy it's a hoot when you stomp that power pedal with your boot.

[@SuperFuzzmonkey]

Your conversion videos are excellent. Keep up the good work dudes 🤘🏻

[@ebikeliverystable]

Thanks for sharing. I did. Always been a fantasy of having an older car/pickup conversion. Big fan here.

[@glenhardy4770]

This is really exciting! I have a 1961 Chevrolet Apache and intend to eventually do a similar conversion.

[@tammy-lynnstewart5677]

Awesome! Nice to see some of these conversions! I really dislike the idea that everyone thinks it is a good idea to trash all the ICE vehicles for EV. All that waste! This ticks many good boxes!

[@AutoDIY]

No judgement you are rad, love truck!

[@Budnbuf]

Wow, Kindred Motorworks does this kind of thing. Both of you guys are doing great work!

[@cadeedwards2335]

in a very wet climate, would you recommend some sort of skid plate or engine protector? how resistant to water are most of those parts?

[@MICHGO1]

NOT TO MENTION JUST KEEPING IT CLEAN.

[@freezebrain4905]

Motors and batteries are 100% water proof, you could drive it in a lake if the truck didn’t sink..FYI

[@jchate1053]

I am working on restoring a 52 Ford F1 pickup. I would like to hear more about the conversion components. I may want to make the powertrain electric

[@jorgegustavoocamposcaceres5656]

That's very cool watching its design.

[@ambulocetusnatans]

I wish I still had my 62 Buick Special. That had a sweet transmission. I think it would have made a great conversion.

[@scubatrucker6806]

My favorite truck body in the world. 😍😍 Now it's even better that it's been converted. 😍😍

[@ekhaat]

Awesome truck. Would it be possible on such a vehicle to remove the gearbox and drive shaft, and mount the motor on the differential, perhaps with a planetary reduction gear in between? Just to remove complexity and noise sources.

[@NeHoMaRG]

15:50 best part.

[@uprightape100]

I'd love to convert my '92 Ford F150 4x4......just need mo money.

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

Dude, liking the channel and overviews. Great work!

[@grabir01]

I dig it. I wish Michael' shop was here in Colorado.

[@aceofheartlessFD]

I am literally building a 51 gmc. Lol i was gonna go with a ls. man im leaning ev now lol

[@bentleymcentire7559]

Make sure you make a video of the conversion. 😎

[@roodick85]

Lol yup take care of your gas engines they won't be around forever. Put that ev power train in and drive it like you stole it 😂

[@Bonanzaking]

It kinda makes sense now a days. I have a 71 mustang and a 63 F100 that will probably get the EV treatment as they undergo restoration. My 04 Ranger probably will too when gasoline does go away.

[@cadeedwards2335]

awesome build. for a EV truck conversion that is planning to be used for work, would you suggest trying to move some battery weight up front?

[@lonhowell1]

Perfect application for an EV conversion. Turning an old clunky vehicle into a modern trouble free wafty cruiser. Please open a UK based workshop...

[@ewadge]

In the UK you have Electric Classic Cars which do pretty much the same type of conversions and from what I’ve seen the quality is on par.

[@Neojhun]

There is also Zero EV. Both them and ECC are awesome companies. You have good options.

[@lorddarphyve]

This looks amazing! Minus the truck itself, what does a modification like this cost?

[@buckrepublican8782]

No answer, that's scary!

[@ocman11]

@@buckrepublican8782 you can take 2 minutes and look at their website. There is a wide range of options, but motor and battery are around 20k. Id tack on another 10k for vehicle specific parts you need. Install would be another 10-20k most likely. Every vehicle, even just different years, will be a different price. That's why they don't give random estimates on a social media site.

[@dmcrew4968]

@@ocman11 OR the company can provide a little CUSTOMER SERVICE to a PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMER and you can keep your crappy attitude to yourself

[@ocman11]

@@dmcrew4968 ok karen.....

[@moneymay1062]

😂 what is the website?

[@stevenslough1515]

Cut my eye teath washing trucks of this vintage at Lough Motors GMC in the 50's

[@kevinbreslin5718]

You really are a good presenter. The truck is great

[@Firstmajortomlikestoticker]

I wish I had the knowledge to do something like this. Wow you guys are awesome. You have my subscription 💯

[@kevinlieb]

Great production and editing, and a great project!

[@rolandmogle9671]

What a great build Michael , Ev west really rocks !

[@richardlibby2407]

Very nicely done. Every one of the EV West videos I watch make me want to convert mine to electric NOW.

[@rustyicepick8462]

Outstanding! I have a '54 Chevy PU. I'd like to put an after market IFS chassis under it and have you guys put your E motor and battery pack in it. Can you work with after market chassis?

[@nickrice1707]

This will work perfectly in my 56 Dodge Mayfair . We have spoke about it b4

[@Nebulasecura]

Doesnt a conversion like this also reduce the need for rare/non produced parts on old dodges, like that? Mechanically of course.

[@roodick85]

I'd love to do this to my F250 it's running well but I'm addicted to EVs now. I'm on my third car now and first EV motorcycle lol

[@JT-xq2hv]

What motorcycle? My daily/track car is an EV but I have been getting the itch to ride again but would only consider an EV.

[@justanumber427]

more like this!!! ( but with more details of the install plz)

[@bobmathew3380]

This is such a great conversion.

[@moonstruck8245]

My dream truck

[@jeffstone7912]

What is the approximate cost to convert a truck like that minus the cost of the truck?

[@paulverket]

Beautiful truck! What do you do for battery cooling?

[@Soundnfuree]

I wanna convert mine!!! How did you power the vacuum-powered wipers?

[@Turk380]

Outstanding! /I have a '56 Studebaker Transtar.. 3/4 ton. if it wasn't running so well on it's original low mile engine I would convert it to EV in a heartbeat!

[@roberttaylor8918]

I have a 58 transtar and I think I will convert my truck as I am on my second flat head motor.

[@Turk380]

@@roberttaylor8918 flat head?? That would have had a 289 ohv..

[@roberttaylor8918]

@@Turk380 My truck is a 3e5 so its a base model with the deluxe package. so it came with 3.0L or 185 CID flathead motor. It gets like 30 MPG but it wakes forever to get to 70 MPH.

[@vincenguyen8680]

How much is the conversion cost ? I have a 1950 Chevy 3100 with a S10 chassis, I just finished the interior, brake booster, brake lines with a 5.7 camaro motor and tranny , radiator went in today . I haven’t wired it up yet . Now I want to switch to electric. Is there a conversion kit to buy?

[@nickvanderpool4822]

Very neat. Why does changing from bias ply to radials help so much?

[@Mj.Daily.Trades]

love it Muhammad Junaid qureshi from karachi, pakistan

[@manuelandrade5621]

Can you cover the install of a epower steering? Similar to how it was used in the thing video.

[@222packrat]

Also please cover power brakes or other brake upgrades

[@1966human]

Super nice truck

[@chrish.3348]

Love it.... Want this swap for my 78 Datsun 620

[@beargibson3100]

I think keeping the transmission is the best part about this conversion. What kind of power and torque does that motor put out?

[@robertcadogan7483]

So are doing other Chevy avalanche trucks 03'?

[@NunyaBusIness-tl1ev]

Building your own EV or Hybrid is the ultimate build!!

[@timelliott6036]

Do you have a step by step “show and tell” video of a conversion?

[@Mathewscience]

Can you do a followup video with it under a hoist? (In the same way the Savagegeese does his vehicle review)

[@joeschlotthauer840]

Is something like this available as a kit. I have a 1951 Ford F3...

[@1989tico]

Range Charge time Ball park cost of just the conversion not of the truck Thanks, great video 🧑🏼‍🔧

[@oldstuffiscool]

I would love to do this to my 1968 C10, I'm in Riverside.

[@BradleyPrescott]

I *love* it. Would love convert my dad's 79 GMC Sierra Grande 1-ton.

[@kennethgray3794]

SUPER COOL I’m Second Guessing my 2017 LT1 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION option.

[@XCHANGEDAVE]

Thank you for sharing that wonderful truck

[@kevinmcdonald6446]

Can't fault the workmanship or the execution of the technology, I know this is coming. But-the "just like a golf cart" comment says it all for me. I had a 51 3 window, 327, 4 speed. I drive a 55 chevy 6 cyl. a lot. The E-truck driving experience seems pretty sterile. I love the whine of the trans, the rap of the dualed out 6, and the slight odor of oil and gas. Cool truck, but on the road, it has no soul. I like it, but I don' think I would ever love it. I have thought about doing this to another of my older cars, but now I don't think so. I know there are gains and losses, but for me, the gains don't cancel out the loss.

[@grumpyjohntxredneckrc6346]

Totally Awesome Red-Rider! LOL Thanks

[@johnparker5325]

Interested more about the ev convention kits used. Is the conversation something everyone can tackle as a project?

[@stevenanderson7022]

This is so awesome! I would love to do this to my 65’ F-250… idea of cost to convert to EV?

[@skovacs13]

why does he need a transmission? can he just go with two gears (forward and reverse)? sorry if this is a dumb question.

[@ShowPhil]

AWESOME! I'm actually building a '52 Chevy 3100 over on my KZbin channel right now as we speak...... documenting the entire build!........... curious what electrifying my truck would cost?? :)

[@mikekendall841]

approximately how much does that cost? I have a 1967 c10 and I'm thinking of going electric in my installation.

[@Friedbrain11]

My ol' '60 Apache 10 had the inside gas tank but it never leaked. Always wanted to put a dual Hyper 11 setup with a pg and battery pack. It would be used as a pickup though so the torque is definitely needed. Why doesn't the speedo work? It is trans driven so should be working.

[@motome8]

In process of researching converting a 52 f3. How much did this conversion cost?

[@jamescutler8055]

Good work.

[@lkendrix7782]

How about stacking some more batteries under the seats to help increase the range?

[@MichaelMiller-op8fe]

I'm thinking with a truck that used to carrying weight ,you should be able to put two Tesla batteries in there. Skip all the high-tech ,use two separate charge plugs and Manual a battery B battery switch in the glove compartment. Small touchscreen display for battery status in the flip down visor to keep the Nostalgia. 😎

[@travisyarbrough4033]

How about extra batteries behind the seat where the old tank was originally ????

[@DailyDriver.]

I’d love to own this truck. My dream ev is a k3500 gmc sierra 3500 long bed crew cab dually with a big ol battery back and a huge torque motor. That long bed should allow a huge pack.

[@dereknicol5284]

First of your videos ive watched and i expect youve explained this many times before, why do you retain a multi speed transmission? Cant the motor go in the trans tunnel and connect to the drive shaft?.. Lovely Truck.

[@ohger1]

Apparently, the motor they're using has a narrow rpm range. I'm converting a '66 Mustang and I'm looking into salvage Tesla motors. 0 ~ 18K range means no transmission needed. Explains why Tesla makes their own electric motors.

[@fixitmann6685]

Sure, you COULD do it that way, if you replaced not only the suspension, but the differential and frame, which were all meant to handle the 90 HP gas motor that would only rev 700 to 3000 RPM, and the torque was transmitted back up the closed driveshaft to the transmission to the frame. For a motor that has full torque from 0- 18,000 RPM you'd tear the whole differential, axle and springs up, let alone the frame no longer distributing the power throughout the vehicle rather than just to the rear tires.

[@dereknicol5284]

@@fixitmann6685 Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for explaining.

[@martinez1701a]

Ide like to convert my 95 gmc yukon 4x4, wonder if there is any problem connecting a electric motor directly to the transfer case to keep it a 4wheel drive or do I still need a gear box?

[@sergioknuf]

How much was total price to convert and is it cheaper this days?

[@michaelvandenhoy1021]

How does this electrical conversion kit work in wisconsin winters? How long does it take to charge this system, do you need a 50 amp plug in ste up for your garage? Are there conversion kits available in Wisconsin/

[@EVWest]

You can check with the sales team at EV west using [e-mail] they can answer the specific questions you have. Sorry of the delayed reply... Drew - EV West Media Manger

[@lektwik]

What is the final drive ratio? Thanks!

[@killabee623]

Now that's a real truck.

[@hayduke4589]

You know, people want plug and play pick-up conversion kits. Air cooled VWs are expensive and there isn’t anything more plentiful than F150s. The same kit could probably span 50 years of production.