Sunday, May 24, 2009

Work in Progress.

I am now ok with the fact that this is a work in progress and will never actually be "finished". My most recent set back is that my motor to transmission coupler stripped. Its time to look into another type of coupler, or put a clutch back in which may take some torque out of the connection. So I'm back to working on the bus rather than driving, but I don't think it will take too long. I also want to add a fan to cool the motor and a heat sink for my controller... but the coupler is going to have to happen first.

7 comments:

Adam said...

Soren,

This is great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

Can you tell me what year the bus is?

Thanks!

Adam
http://www.ilovevwbuses.com
http://twitter.com/ilovevwbuses

Soren said...

Adam, It is a 73. I chose that year because it is one of the first with disc front brakes to help stop all that extra weight.

Unknown said...

Cool project. :D
You've actually got me wanting to do this myself now. Damn you! *shakes fist* =P

Anonymous said...

I have a question. I Know that it would be much more expensive and harder to get the batteries for but i was wondering have you considered possibly using lithium ion batteries? I think they weigh less and would provide you with a better longer lasting charge.
-austin

Soren said...

The Lithiums are still expensive, probably over $25,000 just to get close to the lead acid pack I have now. There is also very little support for them and I have heard many people that are dissapointed with the performance of their lithium packs. It just isn't available to regular humans like me yet, maybe soon (fingers crossed)

Soren said...

P.S. Its not only the lithium batteries you need, but also a good battery managment system, Otherwise you end up frying your pack. I will have to stay with lead for a few more years.

Philip Cacka said...

Lead batteries are the way to go if you aren't independently wealthy or have a major sponsor. Plus they are 98% recyclable and there is a very efficient and available recycling infrastrucure already set up.