The Ford Barn

joltesvig · 08-26-2013, 10:27 AM

I have a 31 Model A Coupe which I drive around town for fun but I have my eye on a 31 Model A 4-door Sedan (Murray body) to convert to an electric Model A drivetrain.
Has anyone tried taking out the engine and putting in an electric motor and batteries instead?
I have a 4-Door Sedan in mind for a conversion to electric drivetrain and I would like some advice. I would keep the old drivetrain in case I or someone else some day wants to convert it back to original.
I just want to know if I can do the conversion without permanently ruining a perfectly good Model A in case I or someone else would like to convert it back to original.
Thoughts, advice anyone? Know of anyone who has tried this to get in contact with?

J Franklin · 08-26-2013, 11:14 AM

"A" Tesla!

sidhartha · 08-26-2013, 12:09 PM

Wasn't there a university some where that a bunch of students did this same thing?

Mitch//pa · 08-26-2013, 12:17 PM

something like this

Mitch//pa · 08-26-2013, 12:19 PM

another

Ron/IA · 08-26-2013, 12:19 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Interesting idea. The Fordor would (I am guessing) be the best to chose from for a battery installation. But, not only would there be weight, but the amount of room needs to be looked at too.

Lead/acid batteries take maintenance, and gel-cell batteries would be expensive. Of course the latest technological useful batteries cost would be out of this world.

Question - Could the transmission be eliminated? My thoughts is it could; due to the fact that electric engines always have maximum torque at all speeds.

Ron/IA

CarlG · 08-26-2013, 12:42 PM

One of the guys I worked with several years (6 or 7) back took a project (with several other guys) like this on as a High School project. Their donor car was a Datsun Pickup. It actually was pretty neat, but with the limited amount of batteries they used, range was pretty short. They had intentions of improving on it, but I lost track after we didn't work there anymore.

gweilbaker · 08-26-2013, 12:52 PM

There's a couple of electric Model T's at the Philmont boy scout ranch, they seem to be OK.

newshirt · 08-26-2013, 12:54 PM

Mike Picard in Colorado did it with a 1952 Willys Jeep. I saw it last weekend at a show. (See story below.)

The vehicle uses a huge array of lithium batteries. The electric motor runs on 150 VDC and 250 amps. Yes, that's about 38 Kilowatts! It runs for about an hour before requiring a charge.

Everything from the flywheel back is stock. It has a 5:XX rear-end, so the electric motor overspins the drive train by 3:1, which lets him go 70 mph.

Mike burned up several accelerator controllers in his attempts to "get it right." And when they burn up, they emit a huge cloud of black smoke. Everything in the box vaporizes in a few seconds. 38 KW is a dangerous thing to mess with. But he was successful, and now drives around this goofy electric Jeep with big fat wires all over it.

I enjoyed the technology but not the effect it had on a nice old antique. Oh well... it was his to do with as he liked, as they say.

Here's the article:
http://www.coloradocountrylife.coop/...ces&Itemid=106

700rpm · 08-26-2013, 01:17 PM

My 16-year-old grandson, who loves Model A's, has been talking about this for over a year, ever since he saw the Tesla. He's a combination of a futurist and old car fan, and will no doubt try this some day with something. A Model A? Not one of mine!

Mike V. Florida · 08-26-2013, 02:56 PM

Here you go!

SeaSlugs · 08-27-2013, 11:05 PM

neat idea but to get the benefits of electric cars it needs to be aerodynamic... now it would be neat to make some sort of chevy volt setup with a small diesel engine that runs a generator.

speaking of has anyone ever put like a 3 cyl forktruck diesel engine in a model A?

marc hildebrant · 08-28-2013, 09:13 AM

The energy density of gasoline is about 10X that of a good batery.

If it was my project, I would convert a small pickup truck to electric as the truck is set up for a heavy load.

Marc

Kurt in NJ · 08-28-2013, 09:46 PM

Having worked on older electric cars and golf carts I have thought about an electric car
I have worked with programable controllers ---much better than resistor coils, regenerative braking can be programed in --it would be easy to get 3-4 thousand $ invested in motor, controller and batterys if you search for bargains --- in a golf cart the batterys rarely last more than 3 years of heavy use, 5-6 in light use, but you don't go very far between charges the last couple of years
perhaps if you found a forklift that had good controller and motor , the A spur gear trans is pretty efficent, ---t105 golf car batterys can be found in the 140$ range each, you might have to add "core" tradein to that price, 8 might be enough for short trips---but 10-12 batterys are more likely using 8 volt ones --1000 lbs or so, the electric motor will be 250 lighter than the original engine --so you still are adding 750 lbs or so

Paul in Colorado · 08-28-2013, 11:10 PM

Check with Duke's Garage in Westminster CO. They convert many cars to electric. I visited them today, and they were talking about possibly converting a Model A. Their phone number is 303-487-1355. Their web site is www.dukesgarage.net

MacOnMeHill · 11-15-2015, 07:05 PM

I have an old 1929 Model A ford roadster that I love to drive in good weather..
Alas, I suspect that withing the next 10 years, the number of gas stations will start to seriously dwindle. So, I have been wondering if I should sell the old car while there is still good fuelling options. Or.. i had a thought that I might be able to convert the old guy to an electric.

I have been pondering this for a while and recently I stumbled upon this company that might offer some solutions.

http://www.electriccarpartscompany.com/

Seems like I am not the only crazy one after having read this thread.

Aok · 11-15-2015, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacOnMeHill

I have an old 1929 Model A ford roadster that I love to drive in good weather..
Alas, I suspect that withing the next 10 years, the number of gas stations will start to seriously dwindle. So, I have been wondering if I should sell the old car while there is still good fuelling options. Or.. i had a thought that I might be able to convert the old guy to an electric.

I have been pondering this for a while and recently I stumbled upon this company that might offer some solutions.

http://www.electriccarpartscompany.com/

Seems like I am not the only crazy one after having read this thread.

I may be out of touch with the real world being retired but why would the # of gas stations be decreased in the future ?

Hoogah · 11-15-2015, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joltesvig

I have a 31 Model A Coupe which I drive around town for fun but I have my eye on a 31 Model A 4-door Sedan (Murray body) to convert to an electric Model A drivetrain.
Has anyone tried taking out the engine and putting in an electric motor and batteries instead?

What? And deny yourself the pleasure of the sound of a Model A at idle?

BILL WILLIAMSON · 11-15-2015, 08:05 PM

Sounds like someones' DREAMS, when they go to bed full of CHILI & GREEN ONIONS!
Bill W.

Marvin/TN · 11-15-2015, 08:17 PM

I just got rid of a warehouse cart because of the cost of batteries. It took 6 - 6 volt (36volts)
lead acid batteries. The batteries cost in the range of $85 / $105 with only a 1 year warranty. It was in need of batteries again so I sold and will let someone else worry about having to replace the batteries every 2 to 3 years. I considered converting it to gas power but decided to sell it instead.

08-26-2013, 10:27 AM	#1
joltesvig Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Carthage, NC Posts: 147	Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? I have a 31 Model A Coupe which I drive around town for fun but I have my eye on a 31 Model A 4-door Sedan (Murray body) to convert to an electric Model A drivetrain. Has anyone tried taking out the engine and putting in an electric motor and batteries instead? I have a 4-Door Sedan in mind for a conversion to electric drivetrain and I would like some advice. I would keep the old drivetrain in case I or someone else some day wants to convert it back to original. I just want to know if I can do the conversion without permanently ruining a perfectly good Model A in case I or someone else would like to convert it back to original. Thoughts, advice anyone? Know of anyone who has tried this to get in contact with? __________________ John the Model A Rookie from North Carolina

08-26-2013, 11:14 AM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,959	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? "A" Tesla!

08-26-2013, 12:09 PM	#3
sidhartha Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 157	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? Wasn't there a university some where that a bunch of students did this same thing?

08-26-2013, 12:19 PM	#6
Ron/IA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Amana IA Posts: 527	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Interesting idea. The Fordor would (I am guessing) be the best to chose from for a battery installation. But, not only would there be weight, but the amount of room needs to be looked at too. Lead/acid batteries take maintenance, and gel-cell batteries would be expensive. Of course the latest technological useful batteries cost would be out of this world. Question - Could the transmission be eliminated? My thoughts is it could; due to the fact that electric engines always have maximum torque at all speeds. Ron/IA __________________ Ron/IA 1929 Fordor Steelback Hawk A Model A Ford Club http://hawkamodelaclub.org/

08-26-2013, 12:42 PM	#7
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? One of the guys I worked with several years (6 or 7) back took a project (with several other guys) like this on as a High School project. Their donor car was a Datsun Pickup. It actually was pretty neat, but with the limited amount of batteries they used, range was pretty short. They had intentions of improving on it, but I lost track after we didn't work there anymore. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

08-26-2013, 12:52 PM	#8
gweilbaker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 792	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? There's a couple of electric Model T's at the Philmont boy scout ranch, they seem to be OK.

08-26-2013, 12:54 PM	#9
newshirt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 868	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? Mike Picard in Colorado did it with a 1952 Willys Jeep. I saw it last weekend at a show. (See story below.) The vehicle uses a huge array of lithium batteries. The electric motor runs on 150 VDC and 250 amps. Yes, that's about 38 Kilowatts! It runs for about an hour before requiring a charge. Everything from the flywheel back is stock. It has a 5:XX rear-end, so the electric motor overspins the drive train by 3:1, which lets him go 70 mph. Mike burned up several accelerator controllers in his attempts to "get it right." And when they burn up, they emit a huge cloud of black smoke. Everything in the box vaporizes in a few seconds. 38 KW is a dangerous thing to mess with. But he was successful, and now drives around this goofy electric Jeep with big fat wires all over it. I enjoyed the technology but not the effect it had on a nice old antique. Oh well... it was his to do with as he liked, as they say. Here's the article: http://www.coloradocountrylife.coop/...ces&Itemid=106 __________________ Ray White

08-26-2013, 01:17 PM	#10
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,902	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? My 16-year-old grandson, who loves Model A's, has been talking about this for over a year, ever since he saw the Tesla. He's a combination of a futurist and old car fan, and will no doubt try this some day with something. A Model A? Not one of mine! __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

08-27-2013, 11:05 PM	#12
SeaSlugs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 3,968	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? neat idea but to get the benefits of electric cars it needs to be aerodynamic... now it would be neat to make some sort of chevy volt setup with a small diesel engine that runs a generator. speaking of has anyone ever put like a 3 cyl forktruck diesel engine in a model A? __________________ 1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons!

08-28-2013, 09:13 AM	#13
marc hildebrant Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 1,128	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? The energy density of gasoline is about 10X that of a good batery. If it was my project, I would convert a small pickup truck to electric as the truck is set up for a heavy load. Marc

08-28-2013, 09:46 PM	#14
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,156	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? Having worked on older electric cars and golf carts I have thought about an electric car I have worked with programable controllers ---much better than resistor coils, regenerative braking can be programed in --it would be easy to get 3-4 thousand $ invested in motor, controller and batterys if you search for bargains --- in a golf cart the batterys rarely last more than 3 years of heavy use, 5-6 in light use, but you don't go very far between charges the last couple of years perhaps if you found a forklift that had good controller and motor , the A spur gear trans is pretty efficent, ---t105 golf car batterys can be found in the 140$ range each, you might have to add "core" tradein to that price, 8 might be enough for short trips---but 10-12 batterys are more likely using 8 volt ones --1000 lbs or so, the electric motor will be 250 lighter than the original engine --so you still are adding 750 lbs or so

08-28-2013, 11:10 PM	#15
Paul in Colorado Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 175	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? Check with Duke's Garage in Westminster CO. They convert many cars to electric. I visited them today, and they were talking about possibly converting a Model A. Their phone number is 303-487-1355. Their web site is www.dukesgarage.net Last edited by Paul in Colorado; 08-28-2013 at 11:20 PM.

11-15-2015, 07:05 PM	#16
MacOnMeHill Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Meaford, Ontario Posts: 3	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? I have an old 1929 Model A ford roadster that I love to drive in good weather.. Alas, I suspect that withing the next 10 years, the number of gas stations will start to seriously dwindle. So, I have been wondering if I should sell the old car while there is still good fuelling options. Or.. i had a thought that I might be able to convert the old guy to an electric. I have been pondering this for a while and recently I stumbled upon this company that might offer some solutions. http://www.electriccarpartscompany.com/ Seems like I am not the only crazy one after having read this thread. __________________ -- mac --

11-15-2015, 08:05 PM	#19
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? Sounds like someones' DREAMS, when they go to bed full of CHILI & GREEN ONIONS! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

11-15-2015, 08:17 PM	#20
Marvin/TN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chattanooga, TN area Posts: 832	Re: Model A Electric Motor Drivetrain? I just got rid of a warehouse cart because of the cost of batteries. It took 6 - 6 volt (36volts) lead acid batteries. The batteries cost in the range of $85 / $105 with only a 1 year warranty. It was in need of batteries again so I sold and will let someone else worry about having to replace the batteries every 2 to 3 years. I considered converting it to gas power but decided to sell it instead.