Sonder Truck - Hot Rod Pickup

Trabant 601 Hot Rod Pickup Conversion Specifications

1. Base Vehicle:

• Model: Trabant 601 (P601 series)
• Production Years: 1964 - 1990
• Original Engine: 594cc two-stroke, 23-26 HP (depending on model year)
• Transmission: 4-speed manual

2. Body Modifications:

• Conversion to Pickup:
  • Chassis Extension: Extend the chassis rearward by approximately 1-1.5 meters to accommodate the pickup bed.
  • Bodywork:
    • Remove the back half of the sedan body. Construct a new cargo bed from lightweight materials like aluminium or modern composite panels.
    • Design the bed for both aesthetics and functionality, potentially with a tailgate for ease of access.
    • Reinforce the frame to handle additional weight, using tubular steel for added strength and a roll bar to the cab.
• Aerodynamic and Styling Modifications:
  • Front End: Redesign with a more aggressive, custom grille or maintain the iconic Trabant look with modern touches like LED lighting.
  • Wheels and Tires: Upgrade to larger, wider rims (e.g., 15-inch) with low-profile tires for a hot rod look. Consider a 6x15 or 7x15 wheel size.

3. Engine and Performance Upgrades:

• Engine Swap or Upgrade:
  • Option 1: Retain the two-stroke engine but upgrade with:
    • Dual Carburettor's: Increase power output by installing two carburettors, aiming for a 30-50% power increase.
    • Exhaust: Custom headers and a high-flow exhaust system for better performance and sound.
  • Option 2: Replace with:
    • Small Block V8: A lightweight V8 from a donor car like an early Ford or Chevy for significant power increase (up to 300 HP or more, depending on the engine).
    • Modern Four-Cylinder: A modern, higher-displacement four-cylinder engine (e.g., from a Subaru or Toyota) for better fuel efficiency and reliability.
• Transmission:
  • If keeping the original, consider a gearbox rebuild for durability.
  • With an engine swap, match with a suitable transmission (5 or 6-speed manual for V8, potentially automatic for daily usability).
• Suspension and Brakes:
  • Suspension: Upgrade to adjustable coil-over shocks for both front and rear. Lower the vehicle to enhance the hot rod stance.
  • Brakes: Install larger, more modern brake discs or drums; consider power-assisted brakes for safety with increased performance.

4. Electrical and Electronics:

• Wiring: Complete rewiring with a modern setup for reliability, especially for new components.
• Ignition: Upgrade to electronic ignition for better performance and easier starting.
• Lighting: LED conversion for all lights to improve visibility and reduce power consumption.

5. Interior:

• Seating: Convert to bucket seats for a sporty feel, possibly from an aftermarket supplier.
• Dashboard: Redesign with modern gauges suitable for the new engine's metrics.
• Steering: Sport steering wheel, potentially hydraulic power steering if not originally equipped.

6. Weight and Handling:

• Weight Reduction: Use lightweight materials for body panels and parts to counteract the added weight from modifications.
• Handling: Balance the vehicle by adjusting weight distribution, possibly moving the battery to the rear.

7. Performance Expectations:

• Top Speed: Dependent on engine choice, could range from 100 km/h (original) to over 160 km/h with a V8.
• 0-60 mph: From around 30 seconds (stock) to potentially under 6 seconds with significant modifications.

8. Legal and Safety Considerations:

• Regulations: Ensure all modifications comply with local vehicle laws, particularly regarding emissions and safety.
• Safety: Reinforce the structure, ensure all modifications are safely integrated, especially with engine swaps.

Sources:

• General information on Trabant 601 specifications.
• Modification concepts based on community discussions and projects.