Here Is EXACTLY What It Takes to EV-Swap an Old Ford Truck & Turn It Into a Tesla: Chargezilla Ep.2

[@TFLEV]

Check out the www.LegacyEV.com website for more details. The battery cost is around $23,000 for 78+ kWh capacity Tesla packs. The two motors are about $10,000 together. The other components bring the total component price near $40,000.

[@jimcabezola3051]

I'd much rather have this EV conversion than the new ones made in factories today. Excellent build! Enjoy it!

[@markjeepingful]

That’s what I’m looking for!!! Thanks!!! Hopefully they can do it on my 2006 Dodge Ram 2500!!!

[@mpeugeot]

You would have been $$$$ ahead converting it to anything else, including a 3.5 PowerBoost.

[@nc3826]

using a 3.5 PowerBoost.... Would not be a TFL-EV conversion? Would it Einstein?

[@1987Confused]

@@markjeepingful I'm hoping to be able to do that to a square body Chevy maybe my 94 but I think I would rather have a extended cab

[@billyunderwood7221]

At first I thought this was stupid, but now I want to do this to my '69 F100! I bet this thing drives 100% better with the new weight distribution and lower center of gravity, not to mention the new leafs and Fox shocks.

[@TFLEV]

We have at least two more Chargezilla episodes coming soon.

[@golfish8589]

It won't be cheap to convert. Enjoy

[@golfish8589]

@@TFLEV i assume there was a rubber insert placed in the fittings connecting the 2 motors. Can you show this? Thanks

[@nc3826]

@@golfish8589 conversions never are.... and the price was posted in the comments...

[@kotter1792]

Sorry yall get negative press on this. I appreciate the concept and information. I also appreciate bone stock restorations. It doesn't have to be one or the other in my book. Super cool. Thanks

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

One counterintuitive thing about EVs is that they are not more complicated than internal combustion vehicles. In fact they are drastically _simpler_ than ICE vehicles, especially in terms of moving parts: They typically have less than 1/10th as many parts, no pulleys, no alternators, no starter, very few hoses (just moderate temperature low pressure cooling hoses for the electrical components), no transmission (other than a single gear for forward and reverse)* and *significantly* less heat generated overall.^ That last one translates into more efficiency (more than double even the very best ICE engines) and more longevity for the under the hood components. I hope to see a lot more of these types of conversions for classic cars and trucks in the coming years. * Some EVs like the Porsche Taycan have a 2 speed transmission but this is rare. ^ You can generally drive an EV for over an hour, pop the hood and not have to worry about having your eyebrows blasted off your face.

[@lifeisgood12341]

Man, how tempting is it to buy a junk body and take it to these guys instead of buying a new vehicle

[@andrem528]

How much would you think that would run me? Reduce reuse and recycle right

[@jonathang6920]

I keep waiting for someone to buy one of the kit muscle cars like a Shelby or an old hot rod and use electric instead of an ICE.

[@tanner1681]

Or, even better, think of the possibilities of using kit car bodies, or even real steel repro bodies of cool classic stuff, as opposed to the usual fiberglass.. Mated with something like a Chevy E-crate..? 😮 Seems almost limitless the kinda crazy stuff that one may be able to cook up, y'know..?

[@nicholasparry6859]

Let's not call these old bodies junk! Gold compared to the junk body of Tesla garbage. Cars today are so ugly it's ridiculous. Rivian and the Tesla truck are the stupidest things I've ever seen.

[@Barefoot-Bob]

70 grand in parts plus labor ?. for a 150 mile range ? not cool in the slightest

[@meadmaker4525]

I can only imagine this conversion cost a fortune, but it was really cool to see it done. Thanks for sharing some of the process with us.

[@KneeGrowFromDaHood]

$40,000

[@jeffreymoffitt4070]

​@@KneeGrowFromDaHoodthats less than a new truck lmao

[@nicholasparry6859]

Half the price of a ugly Tesla! I'm sold 😂

[@radarw64]

When talking about the coupler, let's not miss the opportunity to say "Love Joy connector".

[@abc123fhdi]

This is better than a dual motor Tesla since you can send all the torque to one axle from both motors with the transfer case, whereas the torque in the front motor on a Tesla can't be sent to the rear.

[@mannygbb]

Love all of these arm chair experts.

[@aaronw8606]

I just want to throw some kudos to the editors. BGM selection was on point and volume never felt intrusive. It took away nothing and, in some places, added everything. Good work guys, keep it up.

[@voodoo-rides]

So mesmerized by helper springs on shocks. lmao

[@1guyin10]

Interesting build. There are some EPS systems that could work in this truck. The only thing I see that I would definitely change is that original single chamber master cylinder on the brakes. A split system is much safer. Let us keep talking. I'm sure we can come up with another $40K worth of things you can do to it. 😄

[@devonanagli858]

the see through lighted box is the sickest thing ive ever seen

[@dalejones4322]

This is a very cool build, in my humble opinion. I can't wait to see what it's capable of. Great video and thanks for doing this guys

[@TFLEV]

Thank you for watching.

[@MrIpjrobson]

Yeah for sure. Talk about breathing new life into an old truck. Maybe someone can convince Tommy to electrify a Citroen 2CV

[@marcbee1234]

@@TFLEV I was hoping the motors and inverters were going to be liquid cooled like the batteries, very much looking forward to see how they do under load and hot weather! Super luv this content!!!

[@mabelpup8502]

Capable of 85 miles before charging

[@dalejones4322]

@@mabelpup8502 yeah, it's just interesting to me to see where everything is at right now. It's kinda like a benchmark.

[@BayouBricks]

"No touching" Love the Arrested Development quote, Andre!

[@josephcwallace]

Pretty cool transformation, I wonder what was the net change in total weight and how did the center of gravity shift?

[@slyguyaction]

Magnificent work guys. Wow. Definitely need to add A/C if you're gonna use it in the summer. Great work!!

[@kevinvieths3604]

Oh Man! I have a dead, yet sentimental, '77 ford long bed that I worked on with my old man that I would love to bring back to life with this with. It is just an undesirable 2wd v6 long bed farm truck rotting away so I always thought what is the point but to resurrect it as AWD EV? very tempting. Would even love a Hybrid. I gotta find out if there are any options in a budget for me. thanks for sharing!

[@kaptain1477]

You can tell where the oil was leaking onto the frame barely any rust

[@13x]

The NPRD shifter (instead of PRND) would probably drive me nuts every time. (And may be illegal?) Otherwise, this is amazing!

[@paulvansteenberghe4644]

I did a build similar to what is being done here, but I added a carpenters rack with a 1.1 KW solar array that gave me between 15 and 25 miles of free solar driving per day here in Old Town, Maine. You might consider adding one.

[@TFLEV]

Thank you for the feedback. 1.1 kW of solar a very big array.

[@okiedoke6373]

I have that on my 1988 Chevrolet Suburban I also put them on a 94 Pontiac Montana that I was using as a tow vehicle for my welding machine

[@phalanx3803]

you should upgrade those old leaf springs to parabolic springs they offer a far smother ride.

[@ClaytonBigsby01]

You should swap out those parabolic springs with airbags. Much smoother ride😂

[@phalanx3803]

@@ClaytonBigsby01 yea i had that idea to till i seen how much BS red tape you have to go through at least here in Australia.

[@Imacc2012]

They used a chisel to remove rusted bolts? People use spray penetrant first.

[@ClaytonBigsby01]

Spray penetrant ain't going to do shit for a bowl that is truly locked up 😂😂. I'm guessing you never gotten to a problem where you actually needed a tap and die set😂shh. The adults are talking

[@daves1646]

Hey - abt 2.4 miles/kWh. About like the LIghning Pro (though not as fast or at same speed). Should be able to do a LOT of work at a ranch with that battery capacity!! Nice.

[@kieransteele7223]

Loving the build! Don’t understand why these videos haven’t been super popular, maybe video length or something?? The only thing I wish was done different was to completely restore the body too. That forest Service green would have been amazing to see as a fresh paint job. Of course, it’s all $$$$$. Looking forward to seeing this crush some off road courses, keep up the awesome content.

[@lawsonsumner4438]

Cool EV truck! If you want it to keep working long-term, make sure all of those copper bus bars are in waterproof enclosures and get nickel plated! Might end up with some corrosion issues down the road otherwise.

[@cliffordmontana4562]

This is cool but very frustrating. You’re going through all this work and money, but you’re not blasting, repairing, and painting the frame, cab, or bed? It doesn’t make sense. It’s easy to do these things when everything is apart, and impossible once it’s put back together. This is crazy!

[@norrisabram9577]

Stop being a hater, it's for sale, that's for the next person to do, or not, fine something else to complain about 😂

[@cliffordmontana4562]

@@norrisabram9577 I’m not complaining. I’m commenting. Which is what the COMMENT SECTION is for.

[@Str8Shooter-]

It was pretty cool to see this truck at the Overland Expo in Loveland, Co a few months ago. The only reason I went to the Expo was because TFL said they would be there to meet folks in one of their Podcast. Also, because my overland trip with my new 2021 F-150 XLT FX-4 Powerboost from Maryland to Colorado/Utah schedule lined up pretty good for a diversion. Anyway, never got to meet anyone from TFL because they were not there the last day, which was a bummer. However, seeing and touching Chargezilla was a special connection for me with TFL because I enjoy watching TFL's truck videos. Also, got to see the Ford Lightning TFL drove to Alaska. I wasn't expecting either Truck to be at the EXPO. Sorry for the ramble. I enjoyed this video - thanks!

[@terrya6486]

Brings me back to my hi school days when I did my first 428 swap in to my 1972 f250.

[@Glenn-the-Gray]

Curious about maintenance. Can motors and batteries be swapped out without needing to remove cab and box?

[@brohammer]

Super fun video but really surprised once everything was off - why not repaint it ? Next to impossible once all that stuff is on

[@cliffordmontana4562]

That’s exactly what I thought! It doesn’t make sense!

[@CaptZenPetabyte]

I wish I had the $100+K to throw at a project like this over here in Australia; get myself an old International and 'update' ... thanks for the video, great build

[@cosminpopescu92]

Do those front leaf springs look a bit flat or it's just me ?

[@Nikephorus]

This is very cool. I just bet the price is out of range for most regular people.

[@IKnewMickey]

Many companies are chasing the wealthy at the top of the food chain leaving the 90% behind. The top 10% of the population has 90% of the money. Don't quote me on that cus I think the equation is worse than that.

[@barneymiller7894]

It really depends, if your already trying to make the horsepower and torque numbers this truck puts down it will be cheaper with the EV conversion, plus less maintenance and more reliability. And I'm a die hard Ford Small block guy, I thought EVs were going to be shit a few years ago lol

[@TheSchmidt62]

I have a 1968 F100, all original. 68k original miles. I think I may do this conversion.

[@JulianBand]

Awesome video! I love this kind of content, can't wait for more!

[@TFLEV]

Much more is coming soon.

[@DrOldsmobile91]

🤣🤣🤣

[@marsogreen2411]

Could you please elaborate on how this setup is controlled? Do the 2 motors need to be synchronized? And how? Also what numbers were used for the component selection (hp, torque, rpm, etc., especially in comparison with stock)....and is this an AWD vehicle now? And if front and rear driveshafts are running at same speed, would there not be a serious problem at asphalt?

[@tt78syfy]

This is pretty cool. Can I ask, what something like this cost and is it available for everyday folks to purchase?

[@jcc777]

If you don’t get too crazy with the four wheeler, it’s got a really good set up. But if you do any rock crawling, I would put a skid plate underneath that that battery that would not move.

[@MarlinMay]

That is exactly my thought!

[@sarge12212]

I'd put a plate below the plastic radiator fans also. Too east to throw a rock up at them.

[@yubertoledo30]

Quiero poner a mi camioneta f350 año 1966 esa máquina eléctrica exelente diseño felicitaciones sigan enviando más proyectos

[@IGmeanwell]

Can’t wait to see this perform on the ranch.

[@CurtisDrew1]

I'd like to convert my wifes 4WD 89 Isuzu Trooper to electric front wheel drive. No rear drive! And with the hubs on the front I could flat tow it behind my RV by dialing out the hubs when we want to tow it. Im sure she'd run the wheels off it running to town. The body and frame have been restored and are waiting for the engine to get rebuilt. They were great SUV's in their day, but the heads liked to blow gaskets.

[@oneeyedjack2340]

I’m working on the math for an 87 trooper keeping 4wd. Trying to figure out gear reduction for direct drive to transfer case. Got any tips?

[@schmangusschmangus8628]

I wonder if the cost would become lower once there is a standardized process and components so let's customization needed? Say someone made a complete kit for the 57 Chevy since there are so many of those could it end up being half as costly as this perhaps?

[@shawnwaldrop3702]

I think that's the point of doing these random conversions. If you remember in the video, they mentioned a couple times "we did the same thing in the Bronco". So, it seems like they are looking to streamline the process. Several people have commented on the cost of this particular conversion. However, I don't think they are looking at the big picture. All R&D is done with a hefty price tag. But the point of doing these is not to do it cheaply as possible. Its to find out if it IS possible. Once they start to standardize, I'm sure in a few years the costs will come down. It's in our best interest to invest in conversions. Not everyone can afford a brand new Tesla, or F150 Lightning, so its paramount companies like this work to keep costs down. Eventually, conversions will become more commonplace. And will save a lot of vehicles from going to the scrap heap.

[@schmangusschmangus8628]

@@shawnwaldrop3702 I envision or you could say fantasize about some junkyard with a lot of the classic 50s 60s and 70s cars having a combined junkyard and EV conversion shop

[@barneymiller7894]

6:20 Thats pretty typical for old trucks, I myself am the proud owner a 79/8/6 F1-350 Ranger camper special 😂

[@dmegahan]

I think this would actually be fun to take a more modern truck. Maybe even a first, or even better, a second generation lightning and electrify it.

[@DionV]

Ummm, it sounds like you want to turn an EV (lightning) into an EV?

[@That_1_guy69]

@@DionVlmfao no, he said 2nd gen lightning.

[@chrisr4815]

They can afford to convert it to electric but chose to leave the single circuit master cylinder alone...

[@tonygooch8155]

I have an Pulsar Engine that is only called an engine because it is spinning at 20,000 RPM that I am working on and it is all electric, and able to reduce these battery packs and lowering the vehicle weight. And that will be built around mid - 2024. And from there, I should be able to produce enough power to immediately remove any requirement for recharging.

[@prisonerofthehighway1059]

Very cool. I’ll wait on the Edison hybrid conversion for mine but this would be fun to have for short range playing.

[@sheikantoniovonpeanutbutte9667]

Awesome build- but those gauges and window on the floor are hideous

[@joaof1225]

Awesome truck can’t wait to see it off-road

[@fscottgray9784]

Andre has been a very busy man. Good video as always.

[@TFLEV]

Thank you for watching.

[@brenthass5876]

Nice build, curious to see what would happen if it were driven in some deep water

[@seandurgin]

The steering column and gearbox are a single unit on the 61-64 2wd and 61-66 4wd

[@TFLEV]

We learned the hard way.

[@EfrainQuezada]

Just found a 76 f250 no engine no transmission for 1200 on marketplace. Looked it up on KZbin and people have done the ev conversion, am i about to embark on a new adventure???

[@petemorton8403]

That is the model with the different newer style cab & previous older model bed. I think only one year did this ever happen.

[@ivorton23]

That’s a kool truck. I personally don’t care for that EV swap but to each his own. I would’ve put a nice 351 or 460 in it. Guess I’m just oldskool. An Australian Barra engine swap would be killa too👍🏾👍🏾

[@WildBillFlysRC]

How are the brakes? still 4 wheel drums? Such a cool project!

[@not-pc6937]

Steering box-steering box-steering box-The gear box is the one on the back of the motor 😂😂- if you can’t cut it out - cut it off -👍👍-

[@phatcowboy76]

Ford sells crate electric motors with conversion kits for old Fords. Are they too expensive?

[@ryanfenn4982]

how are you guys doing heating and cooling?

[@doublebackagain4311]

Don't see any way to shift the transfer case? (Not that you'd want to go off road in it, I would be skeered to get all that stuff wet 😬)

[@Danzilly]

Andre you should use the hatchet handle as a shift lever for the transfer case! Enjoyed the build!

[@tonyperry5873]

Hello 👋 I have a 68 Ford short bed bump side ,needs all of that done to it How much money 💰, I live in Texas

[@agoogler1887]

I keep seeing elect vehicle programs but I don’t know anyone that can afford to do the project that are being shown ?

[@danagadoiii9032]

When is it up for sale?? I’m ready to put in the 1st and last bids!

[@TFLEV]

We are targeting late January 2023 in Scottsdale.

[@oscarwalton1188]

Interesting truck the cab is mid 60s your bed is late 50s or early 60s so it's likely a older truck frame and bed with a newer cab since it has the earlier style motor mounts and divorced transfer case.

[@erichill5208]

Very interesting build. I would be curious as to the cost of that build. Broke down with all the parts cost and the labor costs separated. Very cool classic ford

[@x4x730]

How much did this operation cost in money?

[@DBHHellhound]

Man I would've spent time fixing all the rust before slapping all that in there...

[@RyanLeBlanc1]

Please tell me youre going to level the body and frame.

[@wild_lee_coyote]

It would be interesting to see how it compares to Edison Motors EV conversion kit.

[@spartanchirho]

Going to fab a skid plate for the batteries, esp the rear?

[@Ringo300880]

Is this motor splashproof IPxx? It looks so open and the connections also rot away if there is enough moisture. But by the way, a great project. Thumbs up from germany

[@bobqzzi]

That is a very cool truck

[@ebikeliverystable]

Wrap it up I'll take it. Thanks for sharing

[@trentmorrison6074]

I wonder if I can find a way to make it work for a gen 1 or gen 2 crv. That is actually what led me to this vid. I know suvs are closer to trucks then anything else or old school ones unless you wanna bring station wagons to the chat. There was one guy who did ev convert a 1st gen (98) but it was far from complete. I wanna go for just getting parts I would need. Ideally I would be able to have almost the same range as a built up EV by Having the 2 batterie method. If there's any products recomended to buy I apreciate it. But the purchasing wont be done until a year down. Im in trade school still.

[@newscoulomb3705]

Nice job. Congratulations, Andre!

[@TFLEV]

Thank you for watching.

[@rijdendebarbier]

It’s not high voltage kabels it’s high amp cable, how thicker the wire more amp is gonna flow in to it

[@countryroadstakemehome]

This is exactly what I want to buy one day and turn it into an electric. That is epic sick.

[@johnb7430]

Just takes money... lots and lots of it

[@sharp11girl]

Can you charge it at Tesla Supercharger?

[@donovandelaney3171]

Why doesn't the truck have a floor under the batteries? Trucks are supposed to have a floor.

[@dcimedic]

With the old green color I wonder if it was an old US Forest service truck?

[@leedchristensen]

How heavy are the batteries?

[@st-qp4mr]

My question is how do they keep that floor so clean ..in a car garage??

[@michaellauerman4344]

Keep on sweepin'. My foreign car shop was always this clean. (an hour after heavy teardowns...)

[@mannycarrillo6595]

What kind of motors are those?

[@Hirthirthirt]

I love the E-motor-whine

[@easternbluebird9371]

@6:20 in a normal 3 year old car driven in Scandinavia it would be just as stuck oh yeah! It always amuses me how mechanics in dry countries struggle with corrosion when here north it’s an everyday thing

[@asp1345]

Need more of this. Love it

[@saltydogg]

Don't know the size of the original gas tank, but all that work and $40,000.00 to replace it with a 6.3 gallon tank!!! But 2.17 miles per kilowatt hour equals about 26.92 miles per gallon, that ain't so bad. But it can only go about 169 miles on a charge, that ain't so good.

[@kismetcorp]

I'm not sure how far you guys have gone but I would suggest putting a CCA charging port on this instead of a Tesla charger so you can get the $350 hypercharge

[@kismetcorp]

you getting serious props for the attempt on this project

[@Allen-jy6ew]

The internal combustion engine has sent millions to the grave. No sadness to melt down a disease for all time!

[@chrishultgren777]

it literally improved billions of peoples lives. unless you like staring at the rear end of an ox or horse.

[@michaellauerman4344]

Go hug a tree

[@Grisbane]

An EV pollutes more in making, maintenance, and operation in a few years more than this truck has in its entire lifetime. Do actual research before spewing your Greenpeace propaganda BS. May actually learn something.

[@IKnewMickey]

"Are ya holdin it" guy works like me but he's more selective with his words. Lol

[@stevemiro731]

I would buy something like this in a heartbeat vs a new truck

[@ickyiceful]

I keep getting kicked out of all my mudding spots for my truck being to loud this would be awesome

[@briancristoni8413]

That is so sick! I’d love to swap a lightning power train into a first gen ranger. My first car was a 90 ranger and I miss the look of them.

[@nc3826]

For what it is worth there is a ranger EV in the planning stages....

[@ClaytonBigsby01]

That'd be a real danger ranger😂

[@lamontcunningham5286]

So what's the total cost for this?

[@tagadvance]

What did you guys use for the CCU?

[@OldDirtGuy]

Odd that they took the cab off and didn't align it with the box when they put it back on.