Re: my newest big bad idea

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2011/7/16 18:49:36

I dont think you would save any significant weight by going to fibreglass panels and new powertrain. New cars are heavier than you might think, and old cars are lighter than they look.

A 1937 six cylinder 110 weighs 3140 to3310 depending on body style. The 120, about 200 lbs more.

You could probably take nearly 1000 pounds out of the 110 by discarding the original engine, transmission, clutch radiator and driveshaft. More for the 12O

Compare this to such modern "lightweights" as Toyota Corolla, 2700 to 3000 lbs depending on model, or Toyota Avalon at 3700.

The Packard has the additional advantage that it needs no power steering, no power brakes, no air conditioning, climate control or even heater.No automatic transmission.

These power sapping accessories are murder to adapt to an electric car.

The one advantage the new cars have is that they slip through the air with better streamlining. But if we are talking about a car that will do all its driving on city or suburban streets and never go over 5O this is a meaningless advantage.

In other words, I would way rather adapt a mid 30s Packard to electric, than any comparable modern car. It would be far easier and far better.