Hennepin RestoMods’ Updates - Hennepin RestoMods

Electrification & EV Conversions

Can you convert a classic car to electric?

YES! Almost any vehicle can be converted. There are many ways to convert a vehicle, and here are a few options:

Modern motor swap. Commonly using Tesla motors and an aftermarket motor controller. It’s also common to use the battery packs from Teslas as well. There are quite a few used motors and packs available as they’ve been in production for more than a decade. The Tesla motors are very powerful and not terribly expensive. But there are other options as well. The Nissan Leaf has been in production almost as long as Tesla and are readily availble cheaply as well. Far less power, but decent torque. The Leafs’ battery packs were really bad so plan to replace it in a conversion and increase the range in doing so.
Older style aftermarket conversions. These tend to be simpler power trains using older DC motors. They have a lot less power and are less efficient, but simple, new, and reasonable in cost.
Our A100 conversion went a different route. We sourced a brand new, OEM style drivetrain from China. It’s reasonable in power, but high voltage and more efficient than the DC motors.

What about power and range?

The sky’s the limit! While there are EVs on the market with over 1000hp, and these could be the base for an amazingly fast EV, a Nissan Leaf motor is 110hp and 200lbs-ft. Not impressive, but very drivable. Our Chinese drivetrain is 160hp, which will make a great cruiser. You don’t need Tesla Plaid or Lucid Sapphire power, but it’s an option.

For range, it’s all dependant on your battery pack. More and bigger batteries will provide more range. Many modern EVs run about 400V, and it very possible to build a 300AH battery for a pack over 100 kW-hr in capacity. Batteries can be distributed within the vehicle but can take up a lot of space.

Aftermarket battery packs (LiFePO4) are a little less efficient than OE (Tesla) packs, and are a little larger and heavier. But they are more thermally stable and don’t require cooling like many OEM packs.

So power from 100-1000hp is possible and range from 80-400 miles is possible as well.

How much does it cost?

It’s common to see high end Tesla powered conversions that can cost $150k – $400k. It’s easy to build a vehicle in that price range, but it’s possible to convert a car for far less than that. A motor and controller will cost $10-30k. A battery pack will cost $5-15k. And the conversion itself can cost $20-50k depending on how complicated your build is.

If you’re looking for an electric classic or to convert your classic vehicle to an EV, we’d be happy to talk to you about it, give us a call!

1976 Jeep CJ-7 Restomod

This is a 1976 Jeep CJ-7 Restomod. We built this from the ground up with every piece being rebuilt or replaced. The owner took the Jeep apart and delivered it as a frame with axles, and loose tub and body panels. When we were done, we replaced the axles and several of the body panels, and created a new interior and drivetrain.

Here’s how it started:

Liquid Death 1970 Pontiac Bonneville Hearse RestoMod

1970 Pontiac Bonneville Superior Hearse

+ 2008 Lincoln MKX

We found this hearse in a garage in Nebraska having sat for quite a while. It started life with a Pontiac 455, TH400 and rear wheel drive. But this was intended to be a promotional vehicle for Liquid Death mountain water. A modern drivetrain would make this much easier and more economical to drive for the intern that would enevitably drive it.

The hearse was combined with a 2009 Lincoln MKX drivetrain. We installed the front and rear subframes from the MKX onto the original frame modified to install the independant suspension.

The final specs include:

265hp 3.5L V-6 and 6 speed automatic transmission
All Wheel Drive (AWD) with independant suspension and disc brakes
Casket cooler that extends electrically out of the rear of the hearse. Perfect for keeping cases of Liquid Death mountain water icy cold.
Air helper spring in the rear to support the electric casket cooler

This looks like a 1970 Pontiac Bonneville hearse, feels like the Pontiac, but drives like a modern vehicle.

Introducing the Thirst Hearse!

1986 Ford Broncillac

1986 Ford Broncillac Restomod

This 86′ Ford Bronco has a custom frame fitted with a 2014 Cadillac CTS running gear. The look and feel of a classic Bronco, but the ride and handling of a modern sports sedan.

Specs:

– Custom built frame to mate Bronco body to Cadillac subframes, drivetrain and electrical

– 3.6L V6 with 300hp. (That is 2x the power of the original V8, with the same torque and HALF the fuel use!)

– CTS Brembo brakes, with functional ABS

– CTS AWD with traction control and a six-speed transmission

** Will retain the Cadillac wheels as the only outward sign of the work done**

More info to come!

1973 Saab 99.00 Engine Swap Restomod

1973 SAAB 99-00

This beauty is a 1973 SAAB 99 2.0EM Automatic. Completely restomodded with an impressive 1990’s 2.1 liter, 16-valve, 140 HP engine, and a 5-speed manual gearbox!

Hennepin Restomods did some custom work to fit the newer engine. Some of the work that was done is as follows:

* We modified the firewall to fit the slightly longer engine and accessories

* Wilwood brake and clutch pedal assemblies as were fit to add a clutch pedal and relocate the brake pedal from the early 99′ chassis.

*Combined the 99 and 900 harnesses, with 900 engine fuse block and 99 chassis fuse block.

*Rebuilt the 99’s steering & suspension

*Rebuilt the 900 front calipers with rebuild 99 rear calipers.

*All new hard and soft brake lines from the Wilwood brake master cylinder.

*Original 99 radiator, rebuilt and fit to the 900 motor

*Custom exhaust

*Fuel tank from later 99 was modified to install modern GM style sender

2020 Toyota RAV4 Overland build

Hennepin RestoMods

2020 Toyota RAV4 Overland Build

Not every vehicle we work on is old. We purchased this RAV4 as a wreck with only 180 miles. It was a mere three weeks old when it was 'totaled'. We repaired the SUV, lifted it, put bigger tires on, a roof rack with custom lights, and a custom front bumper. The customer paid less than the original sticker for this car and got a much cooler, unique build.

This build uses a Daystar 2.5" lift kit with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure Kevlar 245/75R17 tires (that rub slightly).

2020 Toyota RAV4 Overland front push bar / bumper

2020 Toyota RAV4 Overland roof rack with custom lights

2020 Toyota RAV4 Overland interior with lighting switch panel

RestoMod Camper Vans

Hennepin RestoMods

Vintage Camper Vans

Sprinter Van based motorhomes have become very popular recently. While Mercedes Sprinters are the most common, some are based on Ford Transits or Dodge ProMaster vans as well. Some of these are custom built using new or used vans, and some are brand new factory built units by companies like Winnebago.

Rehabbed or updated vintage trailers have also been very popular over the last few years. These are sometimes small "canned ham" campers or larger Airstream or similar trailers. Many of these feature beautiful vintage aluminum bodies and either vintage interiors or modern interiors.

Camper-interior-restoration-vintage-camper-interiors-its-vintage-camper1

New Camper Vans start at over $100,000, and used ones, if you can even find one these days, can easily be $50-80,000. Vintage campers can be as little as $15,000, but true vintage RestoMod campers are often $30-50,000.

I’ve watched these two trends with interest. We are neither a camper manufacturer or camper restorer, but we believe there is a lot of opportunity for us to use our expertise to update and modernize vintage motorhomes in a similar manner to updated vintage camper trailers, with an emphasis on function and efficiency. We think there is room for RestoModded Vintage campers starting around $25,000 which can provide the amenities of a modern van and the unique interest of a vintage chassis that is different than the average van.

But our vision of what could be is hard for some to picture, so below I’ll walk through a few examples of what we could do with a vintage motorhome. After you read through this, we’d love to talk to you about a project for you!

Vintage Van Conversions

This seems like a very modern trend, there are many older converted vans out there that were built on commercial chassis. These Chassis include Vanettes, Metros, Route Vans, etc. Many of these are essentially functional, but in need of remodelled interiors, new appliances, and a modern driver-train. These will tend to be more expensive options as these vans have become popular for food trucks and other uses.

We featured this vintage Dodge Route Van previously. It was converted, likely in the 70s, but has been sitting for a long time. The 1940s vintage chassis is not ideal for modern use, so this could be updated with a chassis swap similar to the Route Van food truck that we built previously on a modern pickup or SUV chassis. Update the RV systems with that and you could have a very unique and cool vintage RV.

Vintage Motorhomes.
There are a variety of older motorhomes on the market that are very inexpensive, and mostly functional. These are often dated, dirty, and have terrible drive-trains.

1975 GMC 26ft motohome – This older motorhome is the classic GMC fiberglass motohome with a front wheel drive V8 drivetrain. This one looks fairly clean and complete. It needs tires and likely some other work and asks $8500. There is a lot of cleaning, likely some updating and repair of the RV systems. The interior could be restored as a vintage interior or could be modernized.

The original drivetrain could be used as-is as its a reliable GM engine and transmission, it could be updated with EFI and updated ignition controls, or it could be swapped out for a modern drivetrain. A front wheel drive V6 SUV drivetrain from a modern Equinox or Traverse might do the job, or an LS V8 might provide better torque. All of these would be cleaner, use less fuel than the original drivetrain.

This 1977 Dodge Tradesman is already fully restored and in great shape. It’s pricier at just under $30k and usable as-is, but could also be updated with EFI or a modern drivetrain from a RAM pickup or Dodge / Jeep SUV.

1977 Dodge Tradesman Coachmen Model Tee Interior3

1977 Dodge Tradesman Coachmen Model Tee Exterior2

1977 Dodge Tradesman Coachmen Model Tee Interior1

1977 Dodge Tradesman Coachmen Model Tee Interior2

This 1975 Ford Coachman class B motorhome represents a common “small” vintage motorhome. There are many of these out there that need updating or full restoration / rebuild. Most of these are powered by Ford V8 engines, commonly the BBF 460CID engine. These engine make great power but burn a lot of gas. A great opportunity here would be to swap in the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 from the modern F150. That would provide more power and be far cleaner while burning a lot less gas.

The interior of these could be simply updated or it could rebuilt to a modern standard. All of the RV systems could be updated or repaired as well to meet modern standards.

This RV is only asking $500, but there are many in the $2-5k range.

We’d love to talk to you about building a RestoMod RV as a unique alternative to a modern Sprinter / Promaster / Transit based motorhome. Please give us a call or send us an email to discuss how we might build you a camper van that is cooler than a Winnebogo and cheaper as well!

Electric Power Steering

Hennepin RestoMods

We recently were able to install an ePowerSteering electric power steering on this classic Chevy Nova. In this video you’ll see a few photos of the install as well as the decrease in steering force needed. These systems provide a simple, clean looking install. No new engine accessories, no hydraulic hoses, no fluid, just an electric motor unit and controller.

If you want to make your manual steering classic car easier to drive give us a call!

New Hire – Kyle

New Hire

Hennepin RestoMods

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The Griswold Family Truckster just got a little tougher

Hennepin RestoMods

The Griswold Family Truckster just got a little tougher

We’re getting ready to say goodbye to this beautiful beast of a 1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. There is a huge new audience looking for these first generation luxury SUVs that show rugged personality and individualism compared to the more rounded, slightly minivanish SUVs and Crossovers of todayThis Luxury SUV of the past was in great shape when it got here, low mileage, great paint, immaculate interior and style for days.

This is a great example of a ride that does not need a full restomod, but can definitely be improved upon. We gave the Wagoneer some refreshments and upgrades to ensure it can roll on for 30 more rugged, refined years.

On the Wagoneer’s creature comfort side, The air conditioning was outdated and anemic, so we updated the inner workings of the AC unit to accept the more modern, more climate friendly R134a for those hot summer days.

The old halogen headlights were dull and weak, so they were replaced with LED headlights and LED driving lights were added for good measure, improved visibility and overall badassedness.

Under the hood, the Chrysler TorqueFlite A727 transmission was in good shape because of the low mileage, but the AMC 360 V8 had no oil pressure and some questionable mods from a previous owner. So we sent them out to Jasper to remanufacture. They replaced all the wear parts and double checked the hard parts to make sure they weren’t damaged. Giving us a right and tight engine and transmission combo that’s ready for the long haul with a 3 year, 100,000 mile warranty. For ease of use and updating, we got rid of the old carburetor and gave it a FiTech fuel injection upgrade for easy starts in any weather.

We’re sad to see this beauty go, but excited that it’ll be out there on the road with a new lease on life and an endless black ribbon of asphalt in its future.