Finally, an AFFORDABLE EV Conversion.

[@awdrifter3394]

Put the Comet engine in the Leaf.

[@misamarinovik6215]

😂😂😂

[@J5Jonny5]

Thanks for the mention!!! Glad the Hilux setup is inspiring so many. I do have that De Dion drawing on my GrabCAD account if you wanna download the file. Cheers!

[@ThisOldJalopy]

Glad you found this video! And that you're a fan of "fair use" i.e. stealing 10 seconds of your video to put in mine. Haha

[@J5Jonny5]

@@ThisOldJalopy Haha no worries! I noticed that I was mentioned in a video so I had to check it out. Those leaf motors are awesome btw. I just put one in a project I did recently. 400v architecture is the way to go for sure.

[@dsguthrie]

I am an electrician. I had the same "hot gloves" (the red ones from Amazon) thay are NOT SAFE to use! These gloves do not pass osha standards. reviews will tell you that they bleed voltage! Also if you look at the "flashing" left from the molding process you can see when they removed the flashimg it chuncked out too much material in some spots alond the seam leaving the gloves too thin in those spots. Those gloves have gotten a lot of electricians injured. Also make sure your gloves are rated for the voltage you intend to work with. Be safe. Looking forward to the rest of this project!

[@RonaldFinger]

Literally just checked your channel yesterday to see if there was a new upload! Glad to see you’re back at it

[@badrinair]

You must defintly try making an EV conversion video . i bet it will be great content.

[@wafflezoot]

Odd, I keep doing the same to your channel :P

[@HadiWijoyo12]

and we are waiting for your next video bud! 😂

[@tyrelirwin]

Ronald! Get back to work!

[@dyn9726]

Cmon ronny boy!!

[@im_a_surfingdoggo]

"I am lucky I did not get hurt" channel motto right there

[@UmairAhmadh]

The most practical, realistic, relatable DIY video I have ever watched. Loves from 🇱🇰

[@linda415]

I have a 1960 Comet with the underpowered 144. Always thought about converting to EV - help me Obi Wan. You're my only hope. Great luck.

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Wow! Dude, you are an "American engineering warrior" to attempt this project! Carry On Sir. All the Hot Rod builders of the 1950 salute you and your efforts.

[@murraymadness4674]

Yes, I thought you were killed from reckless disregard to safety so no more videos. Glad to see you are alive. I just bought a 2011 Leaf for $400 to swap into my 2002 PT Cruiser. Will be following. Leaf swaps have been done for years now, but the cars are dirt cheap once their batteries are dying, which is the fate of the early ones for sure. Seeing that grinder...one of my shop neighbors had his eye taken out from a grinder disk broke off, I've almost cut off my thumb, so always wear sheild and gloves so the videos keep coming. The Prius has a nice water pump for its coolant. The high temps will ruin anything else non-automotive.

[@No_ni_Official]

I'd avoid gloves with high rpm tools. The glove can get caught, taking a lot more than a finger with it.

[@brunm9203]

Looks like you learned this, but clamp down anything you are cutting with an angle grinder. Also, thanks for the video!

[@stix2you]

less than 60 seconds in, and I already know I'm going to be a lifelong subscriber. You are hilarious.

[@k4nallie869]

14:08, this is what a DIYer is living for. great job !

[@jayeomans]

16:00 Music so loud I can't hear you speak - no need for it, get rid! Great project :)

[@bc4198]

Cool project, and mad respect for crediting and linking the other creators 🎉 FWIW, probably the most available OEM de Dion axle will be from AWD Dodge Caravans. It used leaf springs, too.

[@peterplouf2836]

Lost track of you after the you sold the squareback. Good to see you still building crazy-cool stuff.

[@Maj7]

This is such a great series. Glad to see you're alive and well. Keep up the great work, we're rooting for you!

[@kidsteach938]

I've got a 1971 Hemi Cuda, 4 spd, with that disgusting gas guzzling 426 engine. Yanked the hemi, and put in the drivetrain from a totaled Tesla. man, what a sweet ride now! Quiet and faster than before! So many people have offered to buy it, right on the spot, for up to $65 000! No way would I sell her!

[@SethLunchquest]

this is exactly the kind of conversion I would like to attempt someday. I can't wait to see how it goes!

[@constructdestruct360]

I always loved your video editing style and I'm excited to see future videos on this project.

[@wabudo]

I shouted "YES" when the axle spun! Great stuff!

[@bryandickerson5365]

Good to see you back and thanks for paying the inspiration forward! About 4 years ago I was researching the possibility of combining a Tesla small motor and BMW E30 rear suspension into my Volvo wagon, but then discovered Damien Maguire’s Toyota hybrid transmission idea. It’s not as sexy as an IRS Volvo 240, but probably way more doable! But now your DeDion idea has me considering rear mounted motor again - hmmmmm…..

[@ThisOldJalopy]

Ah yes I looked into that too, that also would have been a very affordable way to get an EV drivetrain. Many many old Priuses out there. I'm following a guy who just put a Prius engine into a Chevy Corvair wagon and he says he may convert it to full EV in the future.

[@bryandickerson5365]

@@ThisOldJalopy By “Toyota hybrid” I didn’t mean Prius, I meant the use of the 450h transmission alone (w/out gas engine). It’s a very powerful electric motor/transmission from the luxury sedan. The beauty is that it fits in the transmission tunnel and leaves the engine bay open yet doesn’t require redesigning the rear suspension. Damien had it motivating a BMW 740 and I just saw a video of a British guy using it in a Datsun 240Z that’s very quick!

[@courier11sec]

I'm just spending this whole time drooling over your gorgeous CL200

[@James-pc2bz]

Hmmmm......drop into a Saab900 might be pretty straightforward. Thanks for the inspiration and continued good luck for you.

[@langsor]

Great content! I've been researching EV swaps for years now. Since I have no budget for this it's been in the planning stage all that time. Your videos on this using the Leaf drivetrain is great stuff. $1,000 for the Resolve-EV wiring still seems really expensive to me. There has got to be a better way. Even so, this approach is still more affordable than anything else out there that I've found. I subscribed to follow. Keep up the good work!

[@speedybeef]

legit so exciting with that first throttle press! Love that this project is still going, can't wait to see more and also would love to see others follow suit with more affordable EV stuff in future

[@napalmholocaust9093]

I have a board made from two 2x10's about 2 feet long held together with heavy brackets. The floor jack goes on it in the yard. Also gets a bit more lift. The flat mending brackets also stop it from rolling off the edge when it slides forward under load. And I can level it. Originally made it just to change suv tires with a floorjack that was a smidge too short, I've had bad times splitting spacer blocks on top.

[@briankuhn7396]

1:45 Funny thing about that... I am a Computer Engineer with 20 years in the field, and currently working on the hardware for EV cooling pumps. I wouldn't be able to leave that controller alone. 😂 7:26 If this works, I have no job!! 😂😂

[@harolddeyoung]

Your research is awe inspiring. That's what makes or breaks the final product. Awe......some. I always cheat... build it. Redo it, do it 10 more times, until it works. LOL

[@chuckr2100]

Re DeDion axle; the 3rd generation Chrysler Minivans with AWD used a DeDion axle and leaf springs. Also best protocol with high voltage safety gloves is to use an outer leather glove for abrasion protection and an inner cloth liner which will additionally protect the safety glove. Good luck

[@deltacx1059]

1:25 good news, you still get a car that actually looks good and is built to last for less than the cost of a mid entry level new car, its still a good deal but obviously doing it for cheaper is great too

[@jacksongorilla6917]

just wanted to say how much i'm enjoying this series!

[@pkf4124]

Was wondering if you were going to drop another video. So glad you are back and making progress.

[@vintageseattle]

Great video! Sweet Comet wagon. Grew up with 170 and 200cubic inch Falcon (Falcoonskie) and Mustang. Looking forward to your next video. Want to dual power my 65 VW Notchback. Cheers. currently driving VW eGolf, great fun!

[@Joshie2256]

Two points. The Leaf gearbox uses synthetic ATF. Neither the spider gears, nor the side gears will get out of place without the axle stubs. I am in the process of transplanting two Leaf motors into a Dodge Dakota 4x4. Phase 1 is FWD with hybrid axles. Phase 2 adds the second motor and De Dion rear axle. I chose the ZombieVerter VCU, but I am an electronics tech in my day job.

[@maddsmish]

Fabulous video, the editing really showed up.

[@randydiver3076]

Mercury Comet was the car my family had when I was a kid. Love that car.

[@badrinair]

All the background score !! 😆 hilarious. nicely done sir. well done 4K budget is really tight

[@KenOhMatic]

Dude, I had the two door 1962 Comet, I put a 302 in mine back in the day. This is soooo much cooler!

[@davidbrumfield158]

Love this two Honda's especially the 60s one

[@tonyhussey3610]

What a great project.. im a newbie to your channel and what an introduction..looking forward to this project.. subbed right away...

[@FrankGraffagnino]

really exciting first spin and we love that test-bench setup for the leaf motor. We did something similar on ours but we are using thunderstruck components. We are planning to do a similar leaf motor build in the rear of our car but more similar to the way the Resolv-EV guy did it in his Porsche (so hopefully we don't have to replace any suspension). Looking forward to following your leaf build!

[@briangoldberg4439]

hey! i totally forgot about your project, but i'm excited to see more of it!

[@EVSwap]

Subb'd! Looking forward to this conversion. I love LEAFs and Resolve-EV, like peanut butter and jelly. Glad you were able to find some value in my videos!

[@woodroemitchell2848]

I keep rewatching this video. Can’t wait for an update

[@atticmusicgggg]

Good video, and if you can do an episode on ECVT conversion, I think it's more realistic for more old cars, as putting a whole battery bed is a bigger operation on the frame than small KWh battery + ECVT.

[@domer1950]

1:12 Wow eye candy: Caddy, Pontiac wagon, Studebaker. niiice.

[@theupscriber65]

Suggestion for an easier drivetrain setup, borrowed from early monster trucks. You can mount a divorced transfer case between the leaf trans and stock rear. It won't be as efficient since you're adding gear train, but it would be easier to fab.

[@Cosmic_Railgun]

That cable management is beautiful

[@bobwilliamson5574]

👍.. good to see you back.

[@42Hertzer]

Glad I subscribed! Would have missed this amazing update! =)

[@dbc105]

Subscribed. LOL, I was going to post a link to Jon's axle, I think that is the best way to convert a leaf spring car or truck as it eliminates so many variables. Clean little Honda.

[@yetiwagon]

thanks, learned alot from you. this grassroots sharing is incredible and we all benefit from it. I used to run a vegoil f250 and this sort of project has been on the radar for a while. i have a rolling 62 falcon coupe. hmmmm.

[@danielturnell1840]

It's amazing how relatively simple it all is. The whole of the engine and electronics fits on a little cart.

[@STho205]

This is why it is so amazing that 120 year old experienced mega manufacturers and 100 crackpot startups in the last 25 years have struggled to build any useful EVs for 14k to 20k...even 70k. Chevy outsourced the whole drivetrain to LG after failing with the two attempts at EV1s. Honda built one and dropped it. Startup companies like Aptera keep inventing one more hurdle...coming next year...for the past 10 Seems like an existing carriageworks builder can knock out a car or light truck and drop an off the shelf EV system in it with a battery pack replacing the fuel tank. Yet they have made EVs more complex than modern ICE.

[@diggidan]

Holy crap i was happy when it worked! My fiance just asked what I sit and smile about, haha. I would love for the music to be much quieter when you talk over it because I couldn't hear a thing you were saying when the success music played :p But I love this project!

[@woodroemitchell2848]

Im loving this project so far

[@alibro7512]

Well done for getting the motor spinning, it's a big step. When I saw the pickup I thought Greg from Good Enuff Garage had called in to offer some advice. If you haven't seen his videos then I thoroughly recommend them. Getting your gearbox repaired or replaced would likely be the easiest way to get the car driving. The coupler by Brat Industries is great but you can make your own too. I used two clutch plates at the motor plus the original clutch plate from my Freelander at the gearbox to make mine and 3000 miles later it's still good. I made a load of videos of the conversion if your interested.

[@ThisOldJalopy]

I'll check out those videos, thanks

[@mitchellsnider4198]

Good on you for resisting the temptation to 3D scan it and build an entirely custom IRS, spending hours looking at camber curves, anti-squat and bump steer. You’re a better man than me. The De Dion will be much faster 😂

[@vilenius187]

Been thinking about this a lot for my 1988 Nissan which is front wheel drive, absolutely nothing else (no ABS, no power steering, no air-con) so to my understanding it would just mean putting the leaf power unit under the hood and off it goes. And what I look forward to most are all the fun near-death experiences

[@DomiaZoumot-j2l]

Good morning if it morning were you Liv God bless you all and be with you all the time every one from your country should be proud of you for your time and work best wishes for you and your family ♥️♥️♥️♥️ for more sacseful ❤❤ keep doing what you doing don't ggeavup God be with you all the that's kind of video we all like to watch take care of yourself and your family ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ happy holiday season merry Christmas 🌲♥️🙏 for you all

[@kimkimkim2634]

Yay! a new video! Can't wait to see the finished result!

[@milescarter7803]

I salute the ingenuity. Hopeful you can package it under the floor without cutting the floor! Also you would not hold one halfshaft still. That would send power through an additional planetary gear (the spider gears), which are not designed for such use. You would install a spool, or weld up the diff gears with a plate to stop them spinning. One vote from me for an AWD Comet using both out0ut shafts 😂. Also some rear axles are available with low numerical ratios, 2.8:1 or similar which might suit being driven off the gearbox. Subscribed

[@fisheye42]

Way cool. Also, meme remix: “I know that truck, I ain’t no stranger.” Wow, De Dion in a Ford EV Ranger!

[@tenchuu007]

Pretty stoked for part 2!

[@racheleverett8402]

Love these

[@IvanQuaglia]

like the idea... I have a small car with solid rear axel but with coilspring and trailing arms ( four links) so this made me think something new. thanks (the only thing i didnt have access to cheap wreck ev where I live... hehehe... in fact i think an wrecked leaf would cost around 20-30k usd if I get one, a conversion shop told me that they will do the job for 20K usd... but ill wait maybe I can find a bargain)

[@AW_DIY_garage]

Great to see a new video from you.

[@tinkering_guy]

So cool! I can't wait to bench test my build! I plan to add IRS in the back suspension of the Panel Bug but I may look at that De Dion setup.

[@ThisOldJalopy]

I'm still thinking about a possible meet up with you since I will be driving through Arkansas in about a month from now. Though I can't think of anything you may need from me, or anything I may need from you. But I'll come up with something lol.

[@tinkering_guy]

@@ThisOldJalopy that's great. We could just pick each other's brains too.

[@shawnbrynelson5333]

For troubleshooting you should get yourself a cheap bench top power supply for variable voltage, but better than using a small battery.

[@deltacx1059]

17:07 weight the vehicle already had, and in my case i dont need most of that, i just need a coupler and a light aluminum adapter plate. Also my car uses the axles from the transmission to the wheels as a suspension link so it would be pretty hard to just use one of those transaxle motors. Its all about specific application. 19:08 thats a corvair, that is my one and only car, really nice cars by the way.

[@gomezelectro466]

I recommend you find a used Toyota Tacoma 2x4 transmission and do the conversion with that transmission, not the one you have right now.

[@David_Blong]

Awesome channel I'm so excited to see the next episode 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@stephengreen3566]

Keep it up! I can't wait for the next video.

[@802Garage]

De Dion pronunciation is decent! Cool stuff man. :)

[@アシュファルト硬め]

I heard blinking ready light on nissan EVSE could mean faulty ground connection. it would be safer with proper ground even if you're using for other tools too.

[@MartinTheMad]

I thoroughly enjoyed this vid. Looking forward to more. Subbed

[@motorv8N]

Congrats - great progress! I’ve got a ‘49 CJ3a that’s crying out for an EV swap…..well either that or a ‘39 Merc Flathead……decisions, decisions…..

[@phaedrus6198]

Great work, can you tell me what auction site you are looking at around the 17 min mark? Thank you, looking forward to the next installment.

[@ThisOldJalopy]

Thanks! And that website is bratindustries.net/

[@robertwa1975]

A good idea to convert a station wagon into an EV, especially since there are almost no electric station wagons available to buy anyway!

[@JimWattsHereNow]

Wow, congrats on getting it spinning and charging. Love the test setup. Good luck with the fabrication. Battery pack in the front of the car?

[@Chris-f7s2y]

Great idea. Much less likely to catch fire (so we are told..😂).

[@ThisRandomUsername]

Great stuff! I hate it when people just slap a motor in the front instead of replacing the gearbox. You lose so much weight and space up front. I guess you will need to put some of your batteries in the rear anyway to give you enough weight over the rear wheels. Good luck!

[@Makemysammich23]

@ 1:39, that Honda CL200 in the background. One just like that is what I learned to ride motorcycle on in the 90’s. I think it was a 1974 or ‘75 model. Had since new. Parents donated the thing to a charity. Rare bike. Are you by chance in Georgia??

[@ptonpc]

Welcome back :)

[@sseilheimer396]

I didn't realize how much I missed watching Home Improvement lol

[@wampapup]

I didn't know you could even still get those 6v batteries. I think the last time I saw one was in a Radio Shack... so you know, not that long ago :P

[@ianlighting100]

You’re back! Good work. I’m afraid I may have been one of those who left alarmed comments on your last vid. Sorry! Actually I think I was laughing (with you, not at you!). If it’s any consolation somewhere in the mix your last video fed into the reason why I have a smashed leaf on my driveway, plus a derelict vw T2 campervan… Yup, doing the same, just not filming for everyone to laugh at me, so respect for you doing this for us all! I am also, Resolve-EV, Nissan (obvs), and am pending a decision on batteries. Like you I heard the rumour - I’m guessing you watch Jimmy, EV Swap? That’s where I heard it on his presentation PowerPoint episode. I’m just waiting on my Brat couplers. Arrived in England, then I watched the tracking info as they got sent back to Canada. Thanks UK customs… tossers.

[@LeonSteelpaw]

an interesting idea Lets see where this goes

[@johnkirkland7653]

I had to subscribe. This cat is much braver than I. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby...

[@hunt0583]

Early Corvair’s have a similar suspension to a VW beetle and later Corvair’s have a similar suspension to the early corvettes. And the transmission is connected to the rear axle in order to connect to a rear engine. Maybe this info will help you find the optimal rear setup.

[@brackcycle9056]

So lucky to live in USA ... in the UK You must keep the frame or Monocoque as factory ( no holes or welded on lugs) & you could change the transmission or axil, but not both....or you risk loosing the registration for the car. ...( why UK Electric Classic Cars go with registration plate method) . .. Yet you can get away with "upgrading" uk classics to modern & massive ICE engine, no problems ! Look forward to your next vid... If possible keep a log of the hours you spend ..

[@phenylxeon]

these sound effects are killin' me

[@nsal5012]

I’m curious to see how the rest of the cars equipment will be run, Like heater/ac, radio, etc.

[@PWN-E]

Kinda getting a kick out of all the safety near misses. On the broken cutoff wheel, I like to use an old welding hood with a clear lens. Practically free and nearly zero chance of metal entering your eye, no matter how many times it ricochets!

[@smurftums]

Another possibility would be to use the 1998 AU series Australian Ford Falcon independent rear suspension setup. The Australian Falcon was based on the USA 1966 Falcon platform, so the track may be 4 inches too wide...

[@Bumblebee4788]

Face shield, gloves on both hands, leather apron, vice to hold axle, and 2 hands on the grinder next time......don't ask me how I know.....

[@whitefreeman5798]

you are doing an awesome project.. and developing great skills.. do you know of anyone doing any work with hydrostatic type drives instead of ev.. i know it was experimented on using a vw tdi engine for delivery trucks.. i do not know if they just couldnt get funding because it was not working out well or if it was too efficient and got shut down

[@1Also]

Sofa King Kewl Good Luck!

[@honeyforce996]

Your channel looks awesome. Could you do a fundraiser for a better microphone? I'd pitch in a couple bucks. Good luck with all the projects

[@anthonyvalenzuela3905]

Have you had time to keep the build going? Any update videos coming soon?

[@onegreenev]

Interesting that the Resolve allows the use of the stock inverter. At a reasonable price too. Need an adapter so I can stuff it into my VW Bus.

[@ThisOldJalopy]

Like I showed at the end of the video, you don't need to use VW transaxle, just put the Leaf drive unit (motor & gearbox combo) where the transaxle is, and connect the VW axle shafts to the Leaf axle shafts. You can however use the VW swingarms, so you don't to worry about the suspension like I do. I believe this is what @tinkering_guy is doing.

[@onegreenev]

@@ThisOldJalopy Well, Im no into engineering a new mout system for my VW Bug or Bus and the transmission I have is designed for the electric motor anyway. No need to re-do something I already have and I do like shifting when I want to shift. But it is a good option for electric components now that this control box is available. Im going to look into it further. I’d like to see the stock inverter be able to handle at least 1000 amps.

[@onegreenev]

@@ThisOldJalopy Yeah, I’ll just stick with what I have. I already have the transmission. The car had been converted to electric years ago. No need for tossing out what I have spent good money on. I got into electric car conversions back in 2009.