Just after we bought the Escort, Carl decided to buy a V8stealthbeetle. This consists of a purpose built chassis from 3L Engineering and Design in South Africa. There are only 100 being made and we have number 5 of 100.
The chassis and all of the running gear are supplied and all we would need to acquire would be a classic beetle shell, and an engine and gearbox.
We found a beetle shell in Taunton for £700. Ideal!
We then bought an Audi R8 engine and a gearbox from Ebay and we were ready to start.
We picked up the crate containing all of the 800 parts which arrived from South Africa and finally had the time to open it and look inside
We excitedly unpacked everything and set to work putting all the parts onto the chassis. I only have very basic mechanical knowledge but this project is so easy to build that even I can do it.
Carl built a frame for the chassis to stand on to make it a workable height for us.
Doug, from the company who we bought the chassis and components from, came to England to interview us for their YouTube channel and to see how we were getting on. You can watch this by following this link https://youtu.be/zYF-d9iAocI
We are now at the stage where we need to get the beetle shell stripped down and and cut to fit the chassis before it goes off to be sand blasted.
Lockdown!!
Spent the afternoon yesterday polishing my silver. As you do……
Yesterday Carl wanted to trial fitting the engine and gearbox onto the chassis. It went perfectly. Everything fits with room to fit the turbos (which is the most important thing)…..
Panels and lights arrived yesterday. Can’t wait to get them fitted.
DIY Trolley
We decided to make a trolley and bolt it onto the metalwork machine so we could move it around easily. It turned out pretty good.
Lockdown Continues
We have been busy making templates to fill holes which are not needed, grinding old rusty panels off and have started to replace them.
New Welder
We bought a new welder from R-Tech Welding 01452 733 933 and it is a fantastic welder. Easy to use, professional and just what we need for our restoration projects. https://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/
Today is another welding day. Doing a bit of MIG welding putting in blanking plates
New panels arrived today from Heritage Parts Centre and we are very pleased with them. They are excellent quality and a perfect fit. The sales team are very helpful and knowledgeable and we received the panels the next day. They can be contacted on 01273 444000 or check out their website at http://www.heritagepartscentre.com
Progress report
Making all the cuts needed so that the shell fits onto the new purpose built chassis
More parts arrived from South Africa today for the build. We will update more when we start to fit them.
We are still welding in new panels onto the body. Hopefully we will be ready for a trial fit onto the chassis soon(ish)
Carl cut the inner wing and front balance off today ready for the new panels to be welded on. Scary stuff!
If you are interested in buying your own v8stealthbeetle, please get in touch and we will give you the details – 07801574327
