FORGOTTEN Volkswagen Electric Race Car Sitting 25+ Years! Will it Run?

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  • Опубликовано: 25 апр 2022
  • You know we love our Mk1 Volkswagens! This one is a bit different for sure! How has 25+ years of neglect been to this electric race car? I really hope you all enjoy this rescue and the rebuild to come! Thank you all, as always, for the continued Love and Support!
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Комментарии • 514

  • @Bishopspipes
    @Bishopspipes 2 года назад +401

    You need to contact the university and track down students who helped build this thing and then reunite them with the car via a Q&A session to have them tell you all about the experience.

    • @sexysammij1
      @sexysammij1 2 года назад +27

      Now that would be great to see wouldn't it

    • @rudie2902
      @rudie2902 2 года назад +24

      Surely they would have reseach papers on this car too.

    • @ashtonmaupin3440
      @ashtonmaupin3440 2 года назад +14

      I'd watch that

    • @giffjp
      @giffjp 2 года назад +11

      Exactly what I was thinking when I saw this. Clemson has got to have some info on this too!

    • @TrashcanGarage
      @TrashcanGarage 2 года назад +8

      My thoughts as well. 👍

  • @apartment777
    @apartment777 2 года назад +64

    I sincerely hope you restore this one. I'd love to see multiple episodes just on this project.

    • @Numba1Man
      @Numba1Man 2 года назад +2

      I want to see this car renewed and no longer rusty

    • @lsh3rd
      @lsh3rd 4 месяца назад

      I may be biased, but I'd hope he'd keep all the Clemson graphics on it.

  • @rudolfopadilla535
    @rudolfopadilla535 2 года назад +92

    Those are not solenoids, they are contactors. They are old school but effective and efficient when they work properly. I love the content especially when it comes to Volkswagen vehicles. Looking forward to more brother.

    • @boelensds
      @boelensds 2 года назад

      Jep looks like what you find in UPS units the larger onces.

  • @SunsetBeach06
    @SunsetBeach06 2 года назад +23

    I've reached out to a Clemson ME grad who was there at this time to find out more & to see if he recalls anything. I'll follow up if I get more info. This is so cool-nice job.

  • @essexdavenorton
    @essexdavenorton 2 года назад +24

    I was very surprised how quickly you got this one running and surprised that you didn’t go up in a ball of flames not knowing anything about electric cars This is part of the history of the Electric vehicle And it is great that you have saved it need to be brought back to its full glory

    • @rushd45
      @rushd45 2 года назад +1

      Balls of flame are called Plasma events in EV language

  • @nathankim7664
    @nathankim7664 2 года назад +75

    I'm just imagining how ludicrous this Rabbit would be had the university raced electric cars 30 years later.
    Definitely Rich Rebuilds material here, only without the annoying high-pitched recorders haha.
    It'll be awesome if he saw this video and offered a bunch of parts for a really good deal!

    • @McKluskie
      @McKluskie 2 года назад +5

      yeah defo contact Rich Rebuilds, if only to increase you subs, if you get a mention on his channel it will draw people in for sure.

    • @victorpelini5995
      @victorpelini5995 2 года назад +2

      Absolutely man.

    • @gregpallett1839
      @gregpallett1839 2 года назад +3

      The struggle recorder is part of uncle riches charm! 😅

    • @lsh3rd
      @lsh3rd 4 месяца назад

      Rich had some parts that he gave away, but it probably happened before the rescue occurred. I think a lot of Rich's give aways were for DC motors.

  • @JunkVWs
    @JunkVWs 2 года назад +45

    With the current gas prices :D Would love to see this get fixed up and upgraded to a cheap town runabout

  • @wildthinair
    @wildthinair 2 года назад +14

    “Doc, you built a time machine, out of a Golf?”

  • @BudgetBuildz
    @BudgetBuildz  2 года назад +8

    I’m noticing comments about no audio. At this point everything looks good on my end, and is working fine. Possibly an issue with RUclips currently? If it continues let me know, and I’ll try to get it fixed! Thank you all!

    • @collinsgarage1362
      @collinsgarage1362 2 года назад +2

      Ok we are all good now the audio is working again 😁

    • @jcargentum
      @jcargentum 2 года назад +3

      Audio working fine

    • @survivingminnesota8381
      @survivingminnesota8381 2 года назад +5

      All I know is i couldn't hear the motor running.

    • @BudgetBuildz
      @BudgetBuildz  2 года назад +2

      @@survivingminnesota8381 🤣🤣🤣

    • @1954shadow
      @1954shadow 2 года назад

      It was probably still processing, got it to work, early on, in a different browser, but, only in 360 dpi, which it what happens when the video is still processing and loads at a low, dpi.

  • @jmadden805
    @jmadden805 2 года назад +32

    My favorite episode so far. I love how old school new school this is. Who ever thought we would be talking about nostalgic electric cars?

  • @Bri-tg6xr
    @Bri-tg6xr 2 года назад +21

    hopefully someone from the original build can chime in and assist. that would be sweet.

    • @rawr51919
      @rawr51919 2 года назад +2

      someone from the state or uni who worked on it preferably

  • @jamesmarshalla8565
    @jamesmarshalla8565 2 года назад +21

    I’m truly glad there’s somebody’s out there bringing classics back to life! You are amazing and caring for doing y to this! Cheers from Pawnee Illinois! Thanks again 😎👍

  • @richardakajazzyamx9690
    @richardakajazzyamx9690 2 года назад +6

    This is really incredible, and I'd love to see this car restored to it's original racing days glory.
    It was the beginning of a new era of EVs, just like the Model T was the beginning of the first true era of automobiles.
    This 'Energizer Rabbit' is just as deserving of a true restoration to showcase it as what it is.

  • @OnkelPHMagee
    @OnkelPHMagee 2 года назад +4

    I was halfway expecting you to shout "Hey y'all-watch THIS!!" like any Southerner before he meets his demise. LOL. Your love for this project (like the rest) makes you a joy to watch. Chris may not say much, but his cackles after you drive off are priceless.

  • @nigelnigelakiraakira
    @nigelnigelakiraakira 2 года назад +3

    I hope some of the og builders see this and can give us a little history lesson on this some day.

  • @davidgray5583
    @davidgray5583 2 года назад +5

    Becoming one of my favorite channels mate ! Content so authentic. Feels like a bunch of friends going about saving a vehicle for the love and not someone simply going through the motions for content and clicks. Still can’t believe progress with the Targa.

  • @GiorGiiTV
    @GiorGiiTV 2 года назад +3

    Man I don't like Electric cars but something about this specific one makes me like it! PLEASE MORE!

    • @lsh3rd
      @lsh3rd 4 месяца назад

      My hopes are that this vehicle would help open minds about EVs.

  • @jeffzekas
    @jeffzekas 2 года назад +1

    “Nothing scares me” - that’s the spirit!

  • @SanDiego_VDubLife
    @SanDiego_VDubLife 2 года назад +7

    Guts. You are a beast for tackling this car. I would have been too intimidated. It took you like ten minutes to figure it out. What would be really sick is to Rich builds come out and you two do a collab video!!!!

  • @tkskagen
    @tkskagen 2 года назад +3

    You should bring it back to the "School where it was Built" for a courtesy visit!

  • @grayhounddaddy62leake83
    @grayhounddaddy62leake83 2 года назад +2

    Omg....After sitting all those years in the woods, and you get it to run again!!!!!! Seems pretty advanced technology for its time! That was indeed an awesome video! Loved it!

  • @nathankim7664
    @nathankim7664 2 года назад +20

    By far the most unique and coolest project you got here, besides the Porsche.
    I cannot wait for a part 2, this it just way too cool! Restoration is definitely the way to go based on the story this Rabbit has.

  • @CarFul
    @CarFul 2 года назад +3

    Just incredible! I have to admit I never thought you would be able to bring that thing back to life …. RESPECT! Loved the video a lot !👍😀

  • @handyhippie6548
    @handyhippie6548 2 года назад +11

    sounds like a tire is rubbing on something when you turn. they're prolly a little bigger than what they used for racing. i'd absolutely contact the uni to learn about this, since i'm sure the info is archived somewhere as it was a class project build. it would be cool to clean it up, get it re-certified, and race it again. i doubt it would still be competitive, but i'll bet the modern race teams would think it was a hoot if they could see grampy out on the track.

  • @adamgagne2520
    @adamgagne2520 2 года назад +12

    That should be in a museum for all to see it's automotive history

  • @attimus02
    @attimus02 7 месяцев назад

    Dads laugh and giggles are amazing

  • @josephebonaparte
    @josephebonaparte 2 года назад +1

    Can't believe this is the first episode! This is gonna be spectacular!

  • @sexysammij1
    @sexysammij1 2 года назад +6

    This is super cool. I hope somewhere that someone who was involved in building this sees it and wants to help resurrect it. Would be great to see her fully restored again

    • @willemp6432
      @willemp6432 2 года назад

      But please don`t change the livery....

  • @lbbwlbbw2
    @lbbwlbbw2 2 года назад +3

    Definitely give Rich Rebuilds a call for help on this!
    He's the guy to call for some help.

  • @ulerhond
    @ulerhond 2 года назад +18

    Welcome to the world of Electric Vehicles! Here are a few tips:
    - Try driving in 3rd or 4th gear
    - Need more torque? Use 1st or 2nd gear
    - Don't shift gears while driving, it's pointless unless you need more torque
    - AC Motors are all regenerative. When you let off the accelerator or apply the brakes, you will regen some energy back into the batteries
    - After having this for a bit, and even what you've discovered here, they are incredibly dependable. Makes fuel engines seem overly complicated, because they are. :)

  • @britishsouth
    @britishsouth 2 года назад +5

    I love the sound!... Like something out of an '80's Sci-Fi movie!

    • @wtbeecher
      @wtbeecher 2 года назад +1

      The sound reminded me of Jackie Chans car in Cannonball Run.

  • @robertbelote5273
    @robertbelote5273 Год назад

    Pumphry and Scotto would lose their minds , fantastic find and nice work!

  • @hoffa2586
    @hoffa2586 2 года назад +2

    Mk1+Budget Buildz=👍🏻

  • @shainanndragon9014
    @shainanndragon9014 2 года назад +2

    Awsome project! I would love to see you, restoring this piece of electric car history back to its former glory.

  • @McKluskie
    @McKluskie 2 года назад +5

    i'd love to see you do a full body restore on this like you have done on the porche, maybe not a full nut and bolt but get it back looking great again, I certainly think it will be worth the money spent when it done.

  • @bryco32
    @bryco32 2 года назад +2

    Dad Giggling behind the camera is friggen hilarious! He's quiet but funny as all get out!

  • @zacharyhassan6352
    @zacharyhassan6352 2 года назад +4

    I heard about this car awhile back! Insane that you found it!

  • @howtodiy7350
    @howtodiy7350 2 года назад +2

    Your love for mk1 rabbits is so awesome... Keep up the good work👍👌❤️

  • @RetroGamerr1991
    @RetroGamerr1991 2 года назад +3

    This was awesome man. just letting you know though you don't have to use the clutch when you take off. You can just throw it in gear and go. there's nothing to stall.

  • @larryalexander4833
    @larryalexander4833 2 года назад +8

    One thing I noticed ( and I have no experience with electric car either) is that I'm surprised Clemson didn't use aluminum instead of the steel for all the mounts . Would save quite a bit of weight.

    • @comethiburs2326
      @comethiburs2326 2 года назад

      cost? it's a student project. also if the deep cycle batteries were to leak, aluminium is more likely to break down.

  • @jackonthefarm5540
    @jackonthefarm5540 2 года назад +7

    You might be interested... Several years ago I bought an electric VW (1984) Rabbit Convertible (Cabriolet) on eBay and had it shipped 1000 miles sight unseen. I changed it from lead-acid to Lithium-Ion batteries which requires a different charger and a BMS (battery management system). Fully charged I am at 165 volts, and I need to recharge around 142 volts The controller is meant for 120V, but I have had no problems. I generally drive in 2nd or 3rd gear. If I am in first gear, on pavement, and I punch it, the rubber comes loose from the wheels in the front and they go flat. That is a lot of torque. I use it as a daily driver in the summertime. I have taken it to two car shows... people hang around and ask hundreds of questions. I can plug into a normal 115volt/15 amp outlet or a 240volt/50 amp welder outlet. But you must choose your extension cord wisely.

  • @mcdonaldm73
    @mcdonaldm73 2 года назад +2

    his is so cool. So glad you saved it. Just be careful, that much dc voltage can easily hurt/kill you.

  • @robot797
    @robot797 2 года назад +1

    the pink car in the intro
    is awsome
    I would love to drive that one

  • @craighiebert3384
    @craighiebert3384 2 года назад

    That was cool! Right out of high school (1981), I apprenticed/worked at a busy VW/Subaru repair shop. We worked on everything; Brats, GL wagons, air-cooled VWs, Baja's, race buggies, Rabbits, Sciroccos, etc. New subscriber from California.

  • @chucklengyel6882
    @chucklengyel6882 2 года назад

    Great Rescue of the Early Westy, wow it was pretty complete with all the electrical parts!, looking forward to more videos on this.

  • @maxeluy
    @maxeluy 2 года назад +3

    No matter what powers a car, if you are working on it and things go right is going to give you the same adrenaline rush and happiness!

  • @soundmaster1966
    @soundmaster1966 2 года назад

    Michael, your electric journey just started. Love your passion to get the cars and their original quality back on the streets. We loved those classy episodes that times and enjoyed it very much. As you do it now and bring the good memories back for all of your viewers. Thank you and take care buddy. Yours Ulf

  • @cellagp321
    @cellagp321 2 года назад

    Are you kidding...I was super excited when it fired up like the DeLorean...very cool😃

  • @jacobosmer5604
    @jacobosmer5604 2 года назад +2

    Looks like its going to be a fun project it was nice to meet yall this weekend and see all your projects. I'm looking forward to seeing more videos on this.

  • @gregpallett1839
    @gregpallett1839 2 года назад

    Your dads giggle is fantastic.

  • @bigjnsa
    @bigjnsa 2 года назад +2

    Famous last words "Get in the car its safe"

  • @chrislambert2889
    @chrislambert2889 2 года назад +6

    Congratulations on 150k subscribers 🎉🗣️🔥

    • @BudgetBuildz
      @BudgetBuildz  2 года назад

      Thank you so much!!! 😊😊 We wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you!!!

  • @dominikmichalczak4941
    @dominikmichalczak4941 2 года назад

    Your and your dad laughing in happines when this thing moves is priceless :) All the best!

  • @nigelnigelakiraakira
    @nigelnigelakiraakira 2 года назад +13

    It's both cool and sad seeing the car in those pics from back in the day and then seeing the state of it now. But alas! I think you were the best possible outcome for this car! Neat!

  • @timg8138
    @timg8138 2 года назад +3

    If I don't keep myself in check, my HOA neighborhood yard would look like your buddy's lot.

  • @garycallahan7867
    @garycallahan7867 2 года назад +6

    The junkyard looks like a goldmine. Hank and Wiley would have needed a lot of vice grips on that job.

  • @paulog8813
    @paulog8813 2 года назад +2

    You should try to get in touch with somebody the students or teachers that were involved in the original project. Maybe the college would be interested in sponsor the restoration.

  • @michaelterhune40
    @michaelterhune40 2 года назад +1

    I'm as excited as you guys are!

  • @TheCam2363
    @TheCam2363 2 года назад +3

    So glad this video finally came out!! That would be such an awesome daily especially with gas prices. I would love to see this one day. Such an awesome car! An electric rabbit is on my bucket list for sure

  • @petewg56
    @petewg56 2 года назад

    Your BEST video yet ! Hope you get that shifter fixed and those strange noises under the car fixed without too much pain. Love that car ! Thanks again.

  • @giffjp
    @giffjp 2 года назад +1

    Love this channel! Its great that you show when you hit a snag, always keeping it real! Got a laugh when your dad said, "I think you stalled it." I really like seeing you guys work together and the laughs you have. Thanks for another great video!

  • @k-dawg3893
    @k-dawg3893 2 года назад +1

    Pretty cool car! Something different. Looking forward to more on this one.

  • @christenrten
    @christenrten 2 года назад

    By far the best automotive channel on RUclips! Keep up the great work!

  • @danielwilliams9625
    @danielwilliams9625 2 года назад +2

    Great new build! I think that old Rabbit might need a new flux capacitor. You guys never fail to amaze me....great channel!!

  • @DachsAutos
    @DachsAutos 2 года назад

    That curtis controller and the pot switch is the way to go. Same setup I have on my old golf cart. An upgrade to those 3 contactors. I've had to go thru all the wiring in mine a few times, as the pot switch gets fouled up, and the solenoid.

  • @CannibalCars
    @CannibalCars 2 года назад

    Amazing, unique episode. Well done for saving that car and thanks for sharing with us! 🇮🇪🤝🇺🇸

  • @haydenuk02
    @haydenuk02 2 года назад

    That’s cool and can’t believe it worked after sitting for who knows how long. Great work and thanks for sharing this with us take care

  • @thomasgross3701
    @thomasgross3701 2 года назад +1

    Coolest E-car ever! Maybe a short distance daily Greetings from Germany

  • @EVDIY
    @EVDIY 2 года назад

    Your dad has the greatest laugh. His chuckle when you set off had me grinning ear to ear.

  • @henkipenki3127
    @henkipenki3127 2 года назад

    I like that little pink car, would make a nice toy for my grandson!

  • @cjbeeg
    @cjbeeg 2 года назад

    This is absolutely amazing. I was getting all giddy when it started working! Truly amazing! Thank you !!

  • @richardford4570
    @richardford4570 2 года назад

    Fix it as best you can and sell it to a tech museum as it's a piece of experimental electric car history. It's great to see how fast it was for the time .cheers from Australia 🇦🇺 ♥

  • @rich5223
    @rich5223 2 года назад

    So cool can't believe it was scrapped it should gone to a museum. You got to contact university and find out more

  • @StressedYeti
    @StressedYeti 2 года назад

    So cool! I have a family friend who would do electric conversions to vehicles like vw busses and beetles. He had an electric-converted 914 that was a blast!

  • @stephensnyder1510
    @stephensnyder1510 2 года назад

    As a westy rabbit owner I really hope to see where this thing goes. Really cool heritage behind it and not every day you stumble upon an electric racecar let alone a mk1. Keep us up to date and good luck with it!

  • @VermontPaintandPhoto
    @VermontPaintandPhoto 2 года назад

    spent 25 years as a master tech for Toyota and built a lot of old school e vehicles. Love watching someone work through what i see as normal..lol have fun and my last 1967 mini cooper could do 130mph in high gear. the motor will rev. PMC is a great control unit. have fun, ps im a VW nut and still own a 1973 Ghia . I may have some electric books around. Ill look and see for you

  • @McKluskie
    @McKluskie 2 года назад +1

    wow, really exciting interesting project, this will hopefully draw in some more subs from the electric car enthusiasts too , good luck my friend, you'll need it with this build !!!

  • @treybrown4214
    @treybrown4214 2 года назад

    and your dad giggling after you said "it works" is killing me lololol

  • @mannye
    @mannye 2 года назад

    This is a piece of history and deserves to be restored back to original! I wouldn't doubt that some of the original builders might want to participate.

  • @debihalsey2247
    @debihalsey2247 2 года назад

    Loved this video! Thank you for sharing!

  • @aaronshewmake6270
    @aaronshewmake6270 2 года назад +5

    Way cool car! Watch out with that much voltage and wedding rings.

  • @stuartkarshagen6274
    @stuartkarshagen6274 2 года назад

    That thing is really cool 🤙🏻, you know alot more about electronics than you give yourself credit for. Hope to see more of it 👍🏻

  • @JackBWatkins
    @JackBWatkins 2 года назад

    Very cool, and glad you did not catch on fire.

  • @smithcorp904
    @smithcorp904 2 года назад

    Michael that little vw was cool as heck typically iam not much of a vw fan but watching your channel I love see what you and your dad rescue with those little cars but this electric car was super cool fix it up and make it daily cut down on the fuel costs! Loved the content can't wait to see more on it!

  • @lugnutgmc
    @lugnutgmc 2 года назад +1

    Love this car, and all Rabbits. I've had a few including my current TDI swapped VW Caddy. I currently race a 1.6 D swapped cabriolet in 24 of lemons. As a price comparison I bought a 2016 e-Golf with 22k miles on it 2 years ago for 11 grand. It has a 100 mile range best case scenario

  • @travisdrum6760
    @travisdrum6760 2 года назад +3

    This will be cool to watch and see what you do with it!

  • @MadsGormLarsen
    @MadsGormLarsen 2 года назад

    This is like kids finding the car from ghostbusters and getting it to work :)
    "Get in her it's safe... year right!"

  • @bbanga5542
    @bbanga5542 2 года назад +1

    Looking forward to seeing the evolution and restoration of this one!

  • @teunla9633
    @teunla9633 2 года назад

    The Porsche was cool buy this might be cooler. Old school new school tech. Wow! Really appreciate your work :).

  • @davidlilly169
    @davidlilly169 2 года назад

    I am really glad you saved it.

  • @thomasdiersch1181
    @thomasdiersch1181 2 года назад

    The thing that gives me the most joy is watching you take a complete mess and make it clean....

  • @billvanderpol2066
    @billvanderpol2066 2 года назад

    Keep this up and you’ll be the next Mate Rimac! He got his start racing an old BMW E30 converted with a forklift motor and now builds the fastest and most sophisticated street legal car in the world (the Rimac Nevera).

  • @joshuabreeden1211
    @joshuabreeden1211 2 года назад +4

    I agree with the other comment definitely track down the mechanical technology department at the University and see if you can speak with someone that was a part of the build also another piece of advice is with the motor not being able to stall it would probably be best to have the car in gear and clutch release before you give it gas during takeoffs because the motor spools up so fast that it will burn your clutch out faster and I didn't see very good under the hood but it might be a little difficult to remove the electric motor in order to replace the clutch I personally would not use the clutch unless I was changing gears I wouldn't use it for takeoffs. I'm sure the RUclipsrs that you collaborated with on the boat would probably love this project I know I do and I would never have expected for you to jump going to an electric vehicle like this but I'm so proud that you did. This is a very awesome video I keep up the awesome work man. Loved every minute of it... I believe you burnt out your controller because it was not attached to anything it looks like it touched the ground wire that it was next to probably frying the controller rubber roofing is a good insulator and make sure you attach any components so they are unable to move. It's just one of those learning processes

  • @BossLinco
    @BossLinco 2 года назад

    Cool to watch you unpack how it works. Great project.

  • @hubridgell4511
    @hubridgell4511 2 года назад

    Definitely Make A video series on this Car!

  • @donnie2533
    @donnie2533 2 года назад

    Great video glad you posted keep them coming thanks

  • @mircoheitmann
    @mircoheitmann 2 года назад +1

    i think you can try to launch it without the clutch, just get it in gear while the motor is stationary and then give it gas. in ev swaps with manuals you typically find a gear you can do all your driving in, from parking lot to highway, so you'll only need the gas pedal (assuming the motor has enough torque to start i suppose).
    also fantastic video, i've never heard of this vehicle but i love it already.

  • @AndrewHCann
    @AndrewHCann 2 года назад

    Excellent video Budget Buildz :) also it amazing car and shocking a car back then do for future on vechiles for electric types! Also hope see more videos too this car and very good information and interesting 👍!

  • @justinraystyles3537
    @justinraystyles3537 2 года назад

    I always wondered what Clemson did with that car glad you found and rescued it!!

  • @staceyrenner5418
    @staceyrenner5418 2 года назад +1

    Little late to the show but man, what a cool little rig!