Volkswagen mk1 rabbit Electric caddy 72V runs and drives

1980 Volkswagen Rabbit

1981 VW rabbit pickup. Was diesel is now fully electric.
72 Volt motor paired with an Alltrax controller. I have been building VW pickups for about 10 years and thought I would take on an electric conversion. I am to busy with customer diesel work to finish this right so I am hoping to find an enthusiast to finish this one of a kind truck. All the hard work is done. The truck does run, drive and stop. Really what it needs is a new set of lithium batteries to give it a better range and speed. Currently top speed on blocks in the shop is 62 MPH. With rolling resistance on the road it tops out at about 38 MPH and has a current range of about 10 miles. The batteries are old. With new batteries you can do 45 MPH and have a range of about 40 miles. That is basically what everyone wants to know.
The body. The engine compartment is in excellent condition. I completely wire wheels cleaned, primed, and painted the bay. Strut towers and controller arms had no rust before any work was started. Both doors had rust on the corners and it was fixed correctly in my body shop and primed. The rear wheel wells in the back on both sides do have bad rust but they are easy to get to and it just in the wheel wells. The rest of the truck is good condition. Again, I have been building these for years. I know them well and have nothing to hide with the body or engine build. NOTHING in the original bay has been cut so it could always have a gas or diesel engine put back in it. Custom motor mounts were made to accomodate the electric engine. It is paired to the original 5 speed trans.
Interior...well it's obvious it's not finished. Mocked up a few wood pieces to mount the speedo and the voltmeter. Seats are in decent shape and the carpet is fine. Really just needs a dash.
Tires are brand new Michelin 13". Comes with the 72 volts battery charger that is also brand new.
The controller is $1400 new and the battery charger is $500, both are about 9 months old. I am not planning on giving it away I am in the truck over $3800 as it sits without labor. Would consider partial trade for VW diesel rabbit stuff. Or a cool running and driving air cooled something (no beetles).

• Condition: Used
• Make: Volkswagen
• Model: Rabbit
• Year: 1980
• Mileage: 111,123
• Engine size: 72V electric
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: FWD
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!