Update: November 30, 2009 -
The Bug was trailered to the paint shop. Hopefully in a few weeks we will start the custom interior work.
Photos of the Bug being disassembled for painting are available in the Photo Gallery.
Update: December 29, 2009 -
The last of the interior items have been received. With the exception of something we may have
overlooked, or decide to replace during assembly, we are ready to go. Still waiting on the Bug to return
from the paint shop, where they are doing an excellent job of making an old Bug look new.
Update: January 8, 2010 -
Jeremy Mansell of Artistic Paint and Body, who painted the Bug is busy polishing the last of the Bug parts
and should be finished in a day or two. We transported the fenders, running boards, and deck lid to our
shop yesterday. We are anxious to get started on the interior restoration, the exterior looks great.
Thanks Artistic! As soon as we start the interior, look for more frequent updates.
Update: January 12, 2010 -
Brought the Bug home from the paint shop. Must say that Artistic Paint & Body did an outstanding job.
Their attention to detail and service were beyond all expectations. They were absolutely great to work
with. The seats have been upholstered, and the charcoal tweed upholstery looks fantastic and fit
perfectly. Our thanks to California Pacific/JBugs. Things hopefully will start to come together at a faster
pace now, so check back often for updates here and in the photo gallery.
Update: January 21, 2010 -
The headliner and rear side panels have been installed. The padded dash, along with gauges, stereo,
and PakTrakr, were also installed. The rear battery boxes have been bolted in place, and so was the
motor. Due to cold wet weather, we have put off painting some items, which may cause delays. We could
go ahead and paint now, but we would prefer more ideal conditions. Next we will complete the installation
of items in the engine compartment, the carpet, and then start working on the upholstered battery
box/rear area enclosure. We also need to figure out which tires to use. The rims are 15" x 7" for the rear
and 15" x 6" in the front. We want a 50 series tires to maintain our low profile. We are not going with the
lowest rolling resistance set up obviously, but in order to match tires, rims, and fenders, we don't have too
many options. After all, this is a Show/Marketing vehicle, so range is not as important as sex-appeal.
However, with our testing set up we did get decent range. (30 - 50 miles) The final set up is adding a
little width in the rear, and about 1-1/2" up front. Should have additional information and photos in a few
days.
Update: January 28, 2010 -
The tires were mounted on our custom wheels today, they look great. We're using a 225R15 for the rear
and 195R15 up front. Continuing to design the upholstery for the battery covers and under the bonnet.
Update: February 1, 2010 -
At last, we announce the name of our marketing/show car, BOB. From this point forward, we will refer to
the car as BOB, which stands for "Battery Operated Bug". Stay tuned as BOB continues its extreme
makeover.
Update: February 6, 2010 -
The past week saw the carpet, and the rear battery box covers built and installed. The steering wheel
was also installed. After the batteries are installed back in their boxes, we will install the seats. Still
waiting on the vent windows, have been having a problem with the paint. Once they are satisfactory, they
will be installed. After the vent windows are installed, the rest of the door components can be put in
place, thus finishing the interior. Still working on the design for under the front, a lot of wiring etc. that
needs to be concealed.
Update: February 8, 2010 -
BOB is registered to attend the 2010 Kool April Nites car show in Redding, California. BOB will participate
in the Friday night cruise on April 16, and the car show on April 17 & 18.
Update: February 13, 2010 -
The batteries were installed and connected. The PakTrakr was wired and the polycarbonate lids were
cleaned and installed. The upholstered covers were installed, along with the seats. The interior is almost
complete, just waiting on the vent windows, which were again sanded, cleaned and painted, before the
doors can be completed. The rear deck lid was attached and adjusted. The rear fenders were attached
and the rear lights bolted in place and tested. We were installing the rear wheels, when we noticed that
we had the wrong size, 205s when what we want is 225s. Back to the tire shop.
Update: February 20, 2010 -
With the correct rear tires installed, work started on the doors. We also upholstered around the front
battery box, hiding all the wires and components such as the 12 volt power supply, fan timers etc. Next is
the front fenders and running boards. Remember to check the Photo Gallery for all the latest pictures.
Update: February 21, 2010 -
Front fenders and running boards installed, still have lights to install in fenders. We had a hail storm go
through last night and we got soaked as we were leaving the shop. Still a lot of work to do before BOB
gets to hit the streets again. We are still on track time wise, and are looking forward to cruising in the
Kool April Nites Car Show cruise, weather permitting.
Update: February 25, 2010 -
Finished at last...BOB went for a shake down cruise this morning, and everything worked fine, so now
we're on to the marketing portion. That's right, that is what BOB was built for, to show off the conversions
that are designed and built by EV4U Custom Conversions. BOB now will be involved in photo shoots,
video productions and of course, shows. Be sure to check his Schedule of Appearance to be able to see
BOB up close and in person, or so to speak. We are currently waiting for clear weather in order to take
photos of BOB in his completed form, so check the Photo Gallery often for updates.
Update: February 27, 2010 -
The weather cleared at last, and we were able to shoot some photos in front of our Shasta Lake,
California facility. Last night we had thunder and lightning, but this morning it was clear and sunny, so
check the photo gallery for pictures of BOB after his extreme makeover. Or visit us at one the shows we
will be attending this year.
Hope to see you at the show, or contact us if you need a conversion or just help with one.
The Bug was trailered to the paint shop. Hopefully in a few weeks we will start the custom interior work.
Photos of the Bug being disassembled for painting are available in the Photo Gallery.
Update: December 29, 2009 -
The last of the interior items have been received. With the exception of something we may have
overlooked, or decide to replace during assembly, we are ready to go. Still waiting on the Bug to return
from the paint shop, where they are doing an excellent job of making an old Bug look new.
Update: January 8, 2010 -
Jeremy Mansell of Artistic Paint and Body, who painted the Bug is busy polishing the last of the Bug parts
and should be finished in a day or two. We transported the fenders, running boards, and deck lid to our
shop yesterday. We are anxious to get started on the interior restoration, the exterior looks great.
Thanks Artistic! As soon as we start the interior, look for more frequent updates.
Update: January 12, 2010 -
Brought the Bug home from the paint shop. Must say that Artistic Paint & Body did an outstanding job.
Their attention to detail and service were beyond all expectations. They were absolutely great to work
with. The seats have been upholstered, and the charcoal tweed upholstery looks fantastic and fit
perfectly. Our thanks to California Pacific/JBugs. Things hopefully will start to come together at a faster
pace now, so check back often for updates here and in the photo gallery.
Update: January 21, 2010 -
The headliner and rear side panels have been installed. The padded dash, along with gauges, stereo,
and PakTrakr, were also installed. The rear battery boxes have been bolted in place, and so was the
motor. Due to cold wet weather, we have put off painting some items, which may cause delays. We could
go ahead and paint now, but we would prefer more ideal conditions. Next we will complete the installation
of items in the engine compartment, the carpet, and then start working on the upholstered battery
box/rear area enclosure. We also need to figure out which tires to use. The rims are 15" x 7" for the rear
and 15" x 6" in the front. We want a 50 series tires to maintain our low profile. We are not going with the
lowest rolling resistance set up obviously, but in order to match tires, rims, and fenders, we don't have too
many options. After all, this is a Show/Marketing vehicle, so range is not as important as sex-appeal.
However, with our testing set up we did get decent range. (30 - 50 miles) The final set up is adding a
little width in the rear, and about 1-1/2" up front. Should have additional information and photos in a few
days.
Update: January 28, 2010 -
The tires were mounted on our custom wheels today, they look great. We're using a 225R15 for the rear
and 195R15 up front. Continuing to design the upholstery for the battery covers and under the bonnet.
Update: February 1, 2010 -
At last, we announce the name of our marketing/show car, BOB. From this point forward, we will refer to
the car as BOB, which stands for "Battery Operated Bug". Stay tuned as BOB continues its extreme
makeover.
Update: February 6, 2010 -
The past week saw the carpet, and the rear battery box covers built and installed. The steering wheel
was also installed. After the batteries are installed back in their boxes, we will install the seats. Still
waiting on the vent windows, have been having a problem with the paint. Once they are satisfactory, they
will be installed. After the vent windows are installed, the rest of the door components can be put in
place, thus finishing the interior. Still working on the design for under the front, a lot of wiring etc. that
needs to be concealed.
Update: February 8, 2010 -
BOB is registered to attend the 2010 Kool April Nites car show in Redding, California. BOB will participate
in the Friday night cruise on April 16, and the car show on April 17 & 18.
Update: February 13, 2010 -
The batteries were installed and connected. The PakTrakr was wired and the polycarbonate lids were
cleaned and installed. The upholstered covers were installed, along with the seats. The interior is almost
complete, just waiting on the vent windows, which were again sanded, cleaned and painted, before the
doors can be completed. The rear deck lid was attached and adjusted. The rear fenders were attached
and the rear lights bolted in place and tested. We were installing the rear wheels, when we noticed that
we had the wrong size, 205s when what we want is 225s. Back to the tire shop.
Update: February 20, 2010 -
With the correct rear tires installed, work started on the doors. We also upholstered around the front
battery box, hiding all the wires and components such as the 12 volt power supply, fan timers etc. Next is
the front fenders and running boards. Remember to check the Photo Gallery for all the latest pictures.
Update: February 21, 2010 -
Front fenders and running boards installed, still have lights to install in fenders. We had a hail storm go
through last night and we got soaked as we were leaving the shop. Still a lot of work to do before BOB
gets to hit the streets again. We are still on track time wise, and are looking forward to cruising in the
Kool April Nites Car Show cruise, weather permitting.
Update: February 25, 2010 -
Finished at last...BOB went for a shake down cruise this morning, and everything worked fine, so now
we're on to the marketing portion. That's right, that is what BOB was built for, to show off the conversions
that are designed and built by EV4U Custom Conversions. BOB now will be involved in photo shoots,
video productions and of course, shows. Be sure to check his Schedule of Appearance to be able to see
BOB up close and in person, or so to speak. We are currently waiting for clear weather in order to take
photos of BOB in his completed form, so check the Photo Gallery often for updates.
Update: February 27, 2010 -
The weather cleared at last, and we were able to shoot some photos in front of our Shasta Lake,
California facility. Last night we had thunder and lightning, but this morning it was clear and sunny, so
check the photo gallery for pictures of BOB after his extreme makeover. Or visit us at one the shows we
will be attending this year.
Hope to see you at the show, or contact us if you need a conversion or just help with one.
| Part III: The Restoration |
Copyright© 2009-2010 by VCE All rights reserved
| You can email us with questions or comments at: EV4Uinc@yahoo.com |
| EV4U Custom Conversions© |
Electric Cars Scoot, Gas Cars Pollute
TM
TM
TM
TM
BOB (Battery Operated Bug) is a trademark of EV4U
Custom Conversions. EV4U Custom Conversions is a
division and trademark of van Wyhe's Custom Engraving
and the sole property of van Wyhe's Custom Engraving,
and may not be used for any purpose or by anyone other
than the owners.
Custom Conversions. EV4U Custom Conversions is a
division and trademark of van Wyhe's Custom Engraving
and the sole property of van Wyhe's Custom Engraving,
and may not be used for any purpose or by anyone other
than the owners.
TM