Firebrid: The Prius v Powered Hybrid Convertible

WELCOME to the new thread for the Firebrid Hybrid Convertible Project!

The old thread, unfortunately, had many, many broken links to a Photobucket account that I no longer have. (I have no intention of paying them $120.00USD/yr for the privilege.) The old thread is being locked-down as read only for reference. This new thread will continue the conversation.

All of the photos that I had posted in that thread now reside in an album on PC called Firebrid.
Firebrid | PriusChat

Also, If you want to see the conversation on the old thread, it can be found here:
The Hybrid Convertible Project Prius v | PriusChat

I'm looking forward to lots of good conversations ahead as I continue creating the Firebrid!

Bill the Engineer

 

Happy 4th of July!

Well, I guess the date that the new thread started will be memorable!

Bill the Engineer

 

Plans are to have it on the road in 2019, although the finished body work and trim will be 2020. There is a lot of welding to do this year, and a lot of re-assembly to do next year. Considering I am still a working engineer with a full-time job, and that the garage is a bit cramped and unheated, I make progress whenever I can. This is the most FUN project that I have ever undertaken!

Bill the Engineer

 

Happy 4th of July!

More welding and grinding today. I welded in the adapter plate for the Prius v wiper motor. Then I welded in the second large under-dash panel. I have the next portion ready to go, but I ran out of time.





Bill the Engineer

 

We were among the first to know about this, weren't we...

I have deleted the Photobucket account that I used for years, including for the previous Firebrid thread. I don't pay ransom for my own photos.

Bill the Engineer

 

Final part is finally adjusted and tack welded into place. I stopped at that point because it is just to hot and humid here to continue welding in long sleeves.




Bill the Engineer

 

Not much that is photogenic this week to show for a lot of little activities. Over the next couple of weeks summer fun will be taking me away during the weekends, so progress will be slower for a time. As I achieve anything photo-worthy I will post it.

Bill the Engineer

 

It's supposed to be a Hazy/Hot/Humid weekend coming up, with scattered showers throughout Saturday and Sunday. Welding in long pants and long sleeves is out of the question. Not sure what progress I can make in that weather, but we will see...

Bill the Engineer

 

Actually... My wife and I are just back from a trip to Ocean City, MD, and Southern Delaware...

...aaaaaannnndddd... We just closed on the purchase of a 1.5 acre lot about 10 miles from the beach.

Between now and retirement in Spring 2020 I need to get a house with a big heated garage built AND get the Firebrid on the road. No pressure!

Bill the Engineer

 

The Z3 would be one too many cars in my present little garage. I'll have plenty of room in the new one in Delaware.

Bill the Engineer

 

YES! It is considered a Street Rod. It will be much more legal (and safe) than any licensed Rat Rod, T-Bucket or Deuce Coupe.

Bill the Engineer

 

Roofer coming to the house tomorrow for some storm repairs. Bonus time off for me since the weather is supposed to be nice. Fingers crossed that I'll get something done in the garage to make up for the wash-out weekend just passed.

Bill the Engineer

 

Well, I got a little time in the afternoon to play in the garage after going to fetch more sheet metal from the supply store. I got the beginnings of the LH and RH pockets fabricated where the front fenders bolt to the firewall.




At the moment, they are held in place with right angle magnets. I'll weld them on this coming weekend.

You may be wondering what these pockets are for. They ensure that where the fenders bolt on are on the exterior of the car. They also need to be big enough for my big hands to get to the bolts to tighten them. The firewall area has three different zones that must be isolated from each other: engine area, interior space and cowl ventilation space. These must be sealed from each other if I am to ride with the windows up and top up without gassing myself with engine fumes, or drenching my legs under the dash with rain water. On this project the Prius Denso A/C unit is actually in front of the Firebird firewall so things get a little convoluted in there!

Bill the Engineer