Pistachio before the exterior update

This 1975 VW Transporter is a real barn find from Oregon. Originally delivered with a 1.8L Dual port pancake engine from the factory, this Transporter was powered by a 2L Type 4 engine, from a 1978 VW model, coupled with a manual 4-speed transmission when acquired in 2020. It’s now in Pennsylvania and its new owner has named it “Pistachio”!

The engine was removed for restoration, it was refurbished with new seals and carburetor. It is bolted in but not wired now that Kimli has decided to convert his Transporter to Electric. She would consider replacing the original manual transmission with a more trustworthy one, or go to direct drive. She is open to suggestion, but reliability and cost are the two main elements of her decision.

Most of the body work has been performed, rust remediated, primed and base color coated. Only some grinding or welding is necessary in the front pan and Kimli is already working on that process along with other interior remodeling.

This 8 Seat Passenger model is equipped with standard drum brakes as well as 14” wheels and tires. Vehicle equipment is very basic with heating but no power steering or AC. AC and power steering would be a great upgrade for the conversion and Kimli is open to suggestions. Gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure will need to be replaced by EV instrumentation.

Kimli is looking for a shop ready to do most of the electric conversion work: motor and adaptor plate +/- transmission, battery pack and BMS, on-board charger and DC/DC converter, junction box and wiring. She will ship the van to a converter in the state of Pennsylvania or in neighboring states, and will upgrade the brakes, suspension, wheels and tires, AC and power steering, 12V system, gauges and everything else herself.

Kimli wants Pistachio to be just a bit more powerful than today (50-100hp). With a curbweight of 2,500 Lbs., the expected range of 140 miles and top speed of 70mph is very realistic. A maximum 7 hours of charge is required for up to 80% of battery capacity. 

Pistachio will be used every day but only in good weather and top up will be made mostly at public charging stations.

No towing requirement.