Under the hoodIn the Bootfront j-boxCar as purchasedGlass Install
OwnerChristopher Webster
LocationTerrace Park, Ohio United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1972 Volkswagen Type 3 Fastback
My wife and I chose this car because it would comfortably seat 4 and because the batteries could be kept completely outside of the passenger compartment. We will still have a small trunk space once this conversion is complete.
MotorNetgain Warp9 Series Wound DC
DrivetrainStock VW Transaxle, Stock Type Clutch
ControllerEvnetics Soliton Beta
1000A, Web browser based programming, super nice.
Batteries10 Deka 8A31DT, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
System Voltage120 Volts
ChargerKelly
120v
HeaterEV Parts solid state 120V 1500 Watt w/Dayton blower from Grainger. Have provided for heater but not installed core/blower yet.
DC/DC ConverterKelly
300W 13.8V
InstrumentationPakTrakr
Top Speed65 MPH (104 KPH)
AccelerationIt's quick, I'm trying to be nice to my old drivetrain on this 40 year old car. I still have the controller dialed down pretty low. Some day I'll turn it up to 11!
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
That range is based on similar conversions. I toasted my pack pretty good (bad) before the car was finished. I resurrected the batteries but still not sure what range I'll have. So far I've tested the car to 9 miles. Still in the testing phase.
Seating Capacity4 Adults. I am installing retractable seat belts in the rear (and front) so we can have safe kids.
Tireswill be stock type
Conversion TimeThis "conversion" was mostly restoration sprinkled with a little conversion project. Many hundreds of hours, labor of love.
Conversion CostInsured for 20K, probably have a little more into it than that but I couldn't bear to count every penny.
5/24/2011 Glass has been installed and car is ready to be trailered to CIncinnati where we are moving. I will be finishing it at the new house once we get there.

2/16/2012 Took it for it's first short drive last night. Motor controller was showing undervolt on the 12v system. Turned out to be a blown fuse protecting the dc/dc. I think I'll put the next higher fuse in after checking through the wiring. Going to take the first "official" drive down the street today with the family. Big day after 3 years of work.

3/14/2012 Got License Plates! and it was so easy, whew. I've been sweating this part for three years. I've solved my 12v accessory problem by getting a 13.8v dc/dc to replace the 12v one that came with my rebirth kit. Now I'm licensed, insured, and ready to cruise. Speed is good, have only been up a little past 40mph. I'll report back once I've been on the open road.

code by jerry