1928 Model A pickup converted to electric

[P.S.]

This truck was likely headed to the scrap pile, but it got a second chance at life by becoming an EV. Save the negativity, can we just take joy in the fact that this truck is still on the road and the owner is enjoying it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJWLiu1CpEU

I would never convert one of my fleet to electric, but it's his truck, and he can do what he wants with it. Beats letting it go to scrap. And it's a neat way of getting some youth interested.

Or am I wrong?

[Cape Codder]

Paul,
So, where did he get the parts to make this conversion and what was the cost?

[Big hammer]

That would be one way to drive you crazy fixing all of the rattles ! The range could be better though.

[Synchro909]

I'm torn. Part of me says "NO WAY", the other says "THAT WOULD BE FUN". I think if I had a Model A like that, it would probably become my daily driver. I'd still be grinning ear to ear while driving it - maybe that's the way to decide yes or no.

[Ayers1]

Neat idea! Undecided if I would like it but at least it wasn't hot rodded!

[AzBob]

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Comes with this warning!

[Doug Linden]

Like Paul, I was able to spend time with Dennis discussing the construction of this PU. It is a well done conversion and can be completely returned to original if desired. The range could be extended if more battery packs are used, but the goal was to keep the EV conversion to the same weight as the original truck so that was why only 5 battery packs.
Dennis just likes to be able to buzz around town doing errands in it and using his regular Model A for longer tours. This conversion certainly added to the conversions at the NAB.

[petew]

Not a fan of electric cars for several reasons but this thing is COOL !
Probably a lot of fun to build and a complete blast to drive . A very unique and completely enjoyable car .
Nice job .

[RDVAARK]

positive or negative ground?

[woofa.express]

I’m not planning to convert to electric. I’m quite content to stick with that fossil powered stuff. But it would be fun to burn off the kids in their hotted up V8 motorcars with my 96 year old vintage.

[Waorani]

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

Paul,
So, where did he get the parts to make this conversion and what was the cost?

Nice! Would love to see a parts list.

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by woofa.express

I’m not planning to convert to electric. I’m quite content to stick with that fossil powered stuff. But it would be fun to burn off the kids in their hotted up V8 motorcars with my 96 year old vintage.

“Nice antique truck! Interesting choice to put racing slicks on the back. Why’d you do that?”

“Uh… no reason…”

[Jim/GA]

Why was this truck "headed to the scrap pile"?

The body looks pretty good... usable? They used it.

What? It needed an engine? That can be done without scrapping the truck. Put a Burtz Block in it.

The frame looks good. They used it on the EV, I think. They used the front and rear axles, brakes, wheels, tires. Good enough for the EV, so good enough for a gas engine driver.

So why was it going to the scrap pile?

[Jeff/Illinois]

Jim you have been reading my thoughts,,, I wondered the exact same thing

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by Ayers1

.....at least it wasn't hot rodded!

I'd call 90 hp a hot rod. It follows that age old build technique my dad taught me when I first started building fast cars in the 60s. Make it a sleeper and fly under the radar.



A sleeper car is a vehicle that has high performance but a low-key appearance. These cars are often fast, powerful, and efficient, but they don't have flashy features like oversized aerodynamic elements or garish paint.
.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by Jim/GA

Why was this truck "headed to the scrap pile"?

The body looks pretty good... usable? They used it.

Maybe it was a pile of parts rescued from an estate sale. Without before photos we'll never know.
I think the whole "saved/rescued" description is overused like barn find.

[Ayers1]

What I consider hot rodded is something that can't be undone such as chopped, channeled, etc. He hasn't taken it and made it almost unrecognizable. I realize that's not everyone's idea of hotrod but that's what comes to my mind when I think of the phrase.

[P.S.]

I don't understand all the negativity. Or judgement. I need a vacation from the web forums.

[johnneilson]

Huh? Oh well
A buddy of mine built one also
Not a great pic but you get the idea

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by johnneilson

Huh? Oh well
A buddy of mine built one also
Not a great pic but you get the idea

I’ve seen that one, a clean and well engineered truck roaming the streets of So Cal.