Best Vehicles For A BioDiesel Conversion

With the advent of $140.00/barrel oil and drowning polar bears, the call for eco-friendly fuels ratched-up quickly with biodiesel being one of the favored fuels. With good reason, too. A readily available supply of fuel, courtesy of your local deep-fat frying food seller, and a number of diesel vehicles available make this century old technology economical and well within reach of the average motorist. Now that oil and, consequently, fuel prices have dropped and polar bear celebrity status has gone the way of Britney Spears celebrity status, the prices for diesel vehicles have dropped meaning an even less expensive green tech alternative to Detroits polluters.  And, really, do you think the Earths' atmosphere gives a damn about the OPEC pricing? 

1) Mercedes 300 ~The ever-stylish Mercedes 300 is renowned, not only for it's overall high quality but also, for the fact that the Mercedes 5 cylinder has proven near bullet-proof, always a quality one wants in any motor. Parts for this classic Mercedes are plentiful and relatively inexpensive(as far as Mercedes goes) so any renovation is relatively reasonable from a logistical and price stand point. There are many of the Mercedes 300 on the road today, converted for and running all varieties of biodiesel, so this is no longer bleeding edge technology.

Find a great diesel Mercedes for biodiesel conversion at BioDieselAutoSales.com...

 2)Ford F Series pickup trucks. Not nearly as stylish as the Mercedes but much more practical when it comes to moving a cord of wood, picking up a pellet stove, bringing home another diesel motor(this one as the basis for a home generator~more on that idea later) or pushing snow with a plow attached.  While there are quite a few of these around, the prices tend to run to run a little higher than for the Mercedes. These are nearly the ultimate in utilitarian   workhorses and the prices reflect that fact. Again, though, parts are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, even if you are using remanufactured parts rather than transplants from the bone yard.

3) Volkswagen Golf/Jetta/Rabbit. Perhaps the least expensive, least glamorous and least utilitarian(except the VW 'caddy' pickup), these are perhaps the most plentiful of the biodiesel converts. The Rabbits stopped production in 1984 so the bodys/frames are starting to get a little tired but they're still decent commuting vehicles and with a visit to the body shop/welder these can be bolstered enough for day-to-day transportation. Again, parts are plentiful and inexpensive.

Find Old Diesel VWs', New Diesel VWs' & Every BioDiesel in Between HERE!

When buying a vehicle for use with biodiesel all the normal rules apply. The motor is only one aspect of any vehicle you buy. Drivetrain, suspension, braking, electrical systems are all other factors you need to research before you spend your hard-earned money on a car, SUV or truck, whether it will save the Earth or not.

Body/Frame ~That diesel motor may run like a swiss watch but if yourfeet fall through the floor like a flintstonemobile, the body literally breaks in half or the wheels punch through the engine compartment while you're driving, that's a whole other can of worms you'll have to resolve! Shock towers, rail frames, floor pans and the like; become acquainted with vehicle issues(and they all have their peculiarities).

Going and STOPPING ~How's the transmission on that potential veggie car? It's one thing if the motor runs strong and the body is pristine but if that transmission is a clunker, get your checkbook ready or make sure you're a good mechanic. Same for brakes, though they're usualy less expensive than a tranny. The thing here is, make sure you know how well your grease car stops, before you try to go down the road.

All the Parts for Any and All Biodiesel Cars, Trucks & SUVs from BiodieselAutoSupply.com!

 Those are the 3 factors determining what makes a good biodiesel conversion. The Mercedes, Fords & VWs discussed fulfill those criteria and if you research and shop carefully, you'll soon have the biodiesel buggy that will be the pride of your green community. Happy shopping!