'63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.

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jerrykco
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.

Post by jerrykco »

ianlighting wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 7:06 am You might want to take a look at your gearbox before you start getting too far into the build. .
Hi Ian,
I have a newly rebuilt freeway flyer transmission and a new set of higher geared transaxles. So what you see in the picture will be replaced.
Above in previous posts in this thread, I mentioned that I would be reviewing how others mounted their Leaf motor, I was thinking of your project.
I'll be looking it over in great detail and may be asking you some questions if you don't mind.
Jerry Kauffman
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.

Post by ianlighting »

jerrykco wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 12:11 pm Hi Ian,
I have a newly rebuilt freeway flyer transmission and a new set of higher geared transaxles. So what you see in the picture will be replaced.
Above in previous posts in this thread, I mentioned that I would be reviewing how others mounted their Leaf motor, I was thinking of your project.
I'll be looking it over in great detail and may be asking you some questions if you don't mind.
Sounds good. Happy to answer anything. I should add, I’m not going to be the right person to help on Zombie VCU stuff, and I do consider myself to still be very much a learner on the whole world of EV conversion, but if there’s any insight I can share I’ll be happy to.
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.

Post by jerrykco »

Bratitude wrote: Sat Jun 28, 2025 5:40 pm that sucks, you could possibly harvest the good cells from the module for other purposes. But I would just slowly drain that cell to 0, and do it in an isolated area. Just reduces the chance of anything happening
Yeah, it does. All 32 Modules are currently sitting at 21.7V including the damaged one. I'll isolate it outside and use a big ass ceramic resister to drain it. Once drained I know there is a facility that recycles the lithium batteries in the USA. I'll see if they want it.
https://li-cycle.com/
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.

Post by jerrykco »

ianlighting wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 12:26 pm Sounds good. Happy to answer anything. I should add, I’m not going to be the right person to help on Zombie VCU stuff, and I do consider myself to still be very much a learner on the whole world of EV conversion, but if there’s any insight I can share I’ll be happy to.
There is significant difference between your transmission and mine. And also how they are mounted to the frame I see. I've been examining them from yours and my pictures. I also included a pic of the gear reduction axle transmission.
Not insurmountable "problems" yet to be solved. Ha!
Attachments
Newer VW Bus.jpeg
Older VW Bus.jpeg
VW Bus Transmission  with transaxles.jpeg
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.

Post by ianlighting »

I’m not surprised there are differences given the 70’s bay window was the next generation on from your split screen type.

In case you’re not familiar, The Samba is a great place to get all the expert VW knowledge if you need it.
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.

Post by J0hannes »

jerrykco wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 1:19 pm There is significant difference between your transmission and mine. And also how they are mounted to the frame I see. I've been examining them from yours and my pictures. I also included a pic of the gear reduction axle transmission.
Not insurmountable "problems" yet to be solved. Ha!
It is so cool, that you actually have portal axle gearing on that! 8-)
I suppose the gear reduction axle transmission you refer to is the gearbox on the wheel hub?

A benefit is increase in ground clearance under the axle, but downside additional possible failure point and transmission losses.

You may want to open those boxes and see how beefy gears they have in before giving full chooch of the Leaf motor :D
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.

Post by jerrykco »

J0hannes wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 8:31 am It is so cool, that you actually have portal axle gearing on that! 8-)
I suppose the gear reduction axle transmission you refer to is the gearbox on the wheel hub?
A benefit is increase in ground clearance under the axle, but downside additional possible failure point and transmission losses.
You may want to open those boxes and see how beefy gears they have in before giving full chooch of the Leaf motor :D
Thanks for the link, JOhannes. Very Interesting read. I was told that it was a 1T transporter and the Wiki Confirms that!
"In 1962, a heavy-duty Transporter was introduced as a factory option. It featured a cargo capacity of 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) instead of the previous 750 kg (1,653 lb), smaller but wider 14" roadwheels, and a 1.5 L, 31 kW (42 PS; 42 bhp) DIN engine. This was so successful that only a year later, the 750 kg, 1.2 L Transporter was discontinued. The 1963 model year introduced the 1500 engine – 1,493 cc (91.1 cu in) as standard equipment to the US market at 38 kW (52 PS; 51 bhp) DIN with an 83 mm (3.27 in) bore, 69 mm (2.72 in) stroke, and 7.8:1 compression ratio.
I'll check the gears in the portal axles soon and post pics, :D
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