Left Coast Electric converts 1978 Triump into an EV in three minutes - Video
all photos in this post by Mike Magda
The man in the purple shirt behind this 1978 Triumph is Gadget, of Left Coast Electric (formerly Left Coast Conversions). You might remember him from "Who Killed The Electric Car?" or from an article in the L.A. Weekly last summer featuring LCC. Gadget enjoys taking gasoline engines out of classic cars and swapping in an electric motors and a battery pack. During the Santa Monica Alt Car Expo last December, he and his crew ripped out the guts of this Triumph and tried to convert the car in two days. A little hassle from the Fire Marshall and a few technical hiccups meant that the conversion wasn't complete by the time the Expo closed on Sunday, but they made a go of it, and proved it is possible.
Throughout the weekend, I returned to the conversion booth for quick updates, hoping to see the all-electric Triumph drive out on Sunday. That didn't happen, but the clips I did get make for fun viewing. I've finally find the time to edit the weekend's work into the three minute conversion.
The person describing what's up with the Triumph on the film is Gadget's friend Geo. There are more photos of the conversion after the jump. Enjoy.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bob Bateman 8:25AM (4/17/2008)
I just saw the Camaro and want to convert my 1977 Ford F150,in fact if you ever hear of someone in the Atlanta area doing this conversion, I am a welder/fabricator and would like to contact someone local to be a part of this technology.
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tim 4:09PM (5/02/2008)
how do we get in touch with leftcoast electric.
thank you.....actiotruth@yahoo.com
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Dave Clevenger 10:58AM (12/26/2008)
I have two vehicles that I would like to convert to electric:
1. 1968 Buick Skylark Convertible (vehicle also for sale)
2. 2007 Jeep Wrangler X (4 door)
What is the approximate cost of conversion for each vehicle and what sort of driving range could be expected?
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David Robison 2:01AM (5/26/2009)
My dream is to convert a Citroën DS!
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Phil L. 9:27AM (2/19/2007)
Their conversions *start* at $17K.
Ugghhh. I'd love something like this, but the cost factor is still way out of my reach.
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John Rowell 12:18PM (2/19/2007)
That was a nice little video. Well done. I wonder if they managed to complete the conversion after the expo ended. They were so close.
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kittykat 2:05PM (2/21/2007)
I would absolutely love to convert. How do I make it cheaper to do so. Alot of people I know are on disability and want to support enviro technologies but literally dont have the money to do so.
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Gadget 8:16PM (3/06/2007)
Yes we did get it done. The car is really fast. It had a set of old tires on it that were probably old in 1989 when it was last on the road. I smoked them so bad that the tread flew off! I does 0-60 in less than 6 seconds.... taking off in second.
Our kits do start at about 17 grand but that is with a Nimh battery pack. That pack will last over 100,000 miles. When you figure the cost of gas, tune-ups and engine repairs, the conversion pays for itself in about 5 years. Save the planet and save some money in the long run.
Gadget
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Ray 2:54PM (8/09/2008)
Gadget,
Do you have cars available for purchase that you have already converted?
How fast will the car go after conversion?
Ray
Rowen 12:49PM (3/18/2007)
Gadget, what kind of range does a 2000-2500 lbs car have on a charge with your NiMH battery? Also, how many hours do you estimate that a conversion would take for someone with a fairly good workshop and moderate welding skills? Very interested and excited about your product, thanks.
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Howard Butts 10:28AM (5/29/2007)
Great job on the triumph. i have a 1994 Florida test truck (C10) I got off E bay.It will go about 20+ but it do`s the job for me. I would like to attend a work shop if you ever have one just to know more about what make it work. I have a old GE motor on a stand up parts cart that I would love to bldg sompthing out off or give it to you so you can. Keep up the great work Howard
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Edward Isaaks 4:21PM (5/28/2007)
I have a 29 ford coupe that is looking for an engine. I have tried to contact left coast electric to no avail. Can any one help? Thanks, ed
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