So having finally finished the beach buggy after many years on and off due to racing karts then rally cars with my son, I am now about to start on my own vehicle. Code name Sand Scorcher , nothing to see at the moment except a nice tidy garage awaiting a VW I bought 11 years ago.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zBCHt3HK/IMG-2705.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/5ypYJG3t/IMG-2741.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PvprzS0G)
Another build thread with less distractions, this will be interesting.
East coast buggies still do a great Bug Eye Baja kit but you probably know that already...
(https://i.postimg.cc/4y3FCq1D/Screenshot-20250527-113411-2.png) (https://postimg.cc/LYrVLywD)
Quote from: Manxdavid on May 28, 2025, 08:03:19 AMEast coast buggies still do a great Bug Eye Baja kit but you probably know that already...
(https://i.postimg.cc/4y3FCq1D/Screenshot-20250527-113411-2.png) (https://postimg.cc/LYrVLywD)
I have one on order with Rob already but it will probably get modified to suit my application ::)
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a64851651/twisted-tbug-baja-bug-restomod-details/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKj18tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHt1eyLIn4UXsI-rD8mRluHogZ4huq6UjegrSWNKQv5w9FEVDMtjBSD8e6PGN_aem_3uRqkWi3OxgtVkYHElQHHA
Oh no the purists are going to burn me at the stake ;D
Well here she is just brought her back from the farm unit, bit rotten in places but plenty to go at :D
(https://i.postimg.cc/MZMzKbwD/IMG-2745.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rzkBf4K0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8zDGH26K/IMG-2746.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9rxsXN1Z)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gk3d3znL/IMG-2747.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cr1VSN7d)
And so it begins, not going to be many words I'm afraid
(https://i.postimg.cc/rwgCCNkt/IMG-2889.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WdFksrt2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zBGQFG6q/IMG-2891.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yz9KY3q)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pT3gVtcx/IMG-2901.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6QPG2zb)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8cWxjnxv/IMG-2902.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WqN5ySNp)
Looks like the body is in reasonable condition
Great to see a Baja Build on here - Looking forward to this one ;-)up
So I had this turn up today 6 speed manual gearbox from a Porsche 996 and last week bought this Honda Legend which I will be using the engine from, an all aluminium 3.5ltr V6 with v tec 295bhp and 260ft lbs of torque in standard form naturally aspirated, all I have to do is mate the two together and squeeze it all in the back of the Baja :-\
(https://i.postimg.cc/DwhBjjDC/IMG-2750.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xcsvqR9H)
(https://i.postimg.cc/J4ZpQVTD/IMG-2905.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8jkd13gN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/k42c6k65/IMG-2907.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzqxNZ0F)
More max attack today
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(https://i.postimg.cc/0yh5GXb5/IMG-3033.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4YbTs56j)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MGR690Q7/IMG-3034.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hJDRjdMv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RFLMBMGq/IMG-3035.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwCV6Ypr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MTSWNc7h/IMG-3036.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJ6D7kP2)
Some minor modifications gonna be required here
(https://i.postimg.cc/SNmtkZY1/IMG-3049.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bdFRR9T1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dtnN188s/IMG-3050.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fnr7VC2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/kGv1WSzy/IMG-3051.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jnC4bDsW)
Will it need IVA testing because of chassis mods or will you just be an outlaw like (most of) the rest of us?
;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Manxdavid on June 15, 2025, 02:59:24 PMWill it need IVA testing because of chassis mods or will you just be an outlaw like (most of) the rest of us?
;D ;D ;D
I can't imagine what you mean, it's only modified if you know what you're looking at :D ;D
Bit more messing
(https://i.postimg.cc/zffZtdMV/IMG-3055.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CR9Qd4wg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8PV8Qk98/IMG-3056.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xqgpLQ9g)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ghj5WFvY/IMG-3057.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGGxJB64)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SKn1YH37/IMG-3058.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VScW3ZYd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/CK9PGmVy/IMG-3059.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QBkJsgtS)
The OCD has kicked in :-\
(https://i.postimg.cc/28vpw6b6/IMG-3093.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wh2fps7L)
(https://i.postimg.cc/TPdZfJkL/IMG-3096.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DSNCcL3n)
Bought some really good solid doors , the guy couldn't undo the hinge screws so cut through the hinges :-[ made my own hinge pins from silver steel as they are more accurate to size
(https://i.postimg.cc/x1xPNGfb/IMG-3075.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MnBBhQjW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XvtcQVyj/IMG-3077.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LqB1sFTw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0z6rYD0/IMG-3078.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2L3bTbDN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9MTPkvGG/IMG-3079.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MM6jM33T)
(https://i.postimg.cc/90hPHJps/IMG-3080.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwMnz6Bh)
More tin work before the real modifications take place
(https://i.postimg.cc/zXjtYzdk/IMG-3195.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/56XqwVWH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/5tHnzwfP/IMG-3200.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GBCFwT8Y)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RC1GwCzz/IMG-3201.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wt3Mvv39)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/FHHP9M8X/IMG-3203.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3dzj1c3t)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/vHQhhRQx/IMG-3206.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7MFRMn9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rFQJYhmn/IMG-3234.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hfQTX1VT)
More body restoration while waiting for the bug eye body kit, also bought some tamiya paint to get colour matches from ;-)up
(https://i.postimg.cc/5yD40jQG/IMG-3240.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/y3X4p1PX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dV2ssssH/IMG-3241.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k253wdtK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yYS6Ghwz/IMG-3390.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZC4hBNbf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PqdtNgNt/IMG-3393.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RWbrDbc8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1zMyFvND/IMG-3394.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8FJ8QB4C)
I know it's not a beach buggy but I thought you'd like the build thread, anyway trial fit of the bugeye body kit
(https://i.postimg.cc/Bn8bGwZv/IMG-4059.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Xrb4fLCM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRXsC4Tb/IMG-4060.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MnWgZFBk)
(https://i.postimg.cc/q7TTZmNV/IMG-4061.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2fz2vNf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/25DDXH1p/IMG-4069.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87t97mdw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/cJSS5DvG/IMG-4070.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/68Yg8fVM)
I was going to get the shell sand blasted but on the past I've had issues with blasters getting over exuberant and stretching the steel, I don't like chemical dip as it sits in the seams until it's painted then ruins the paintwork. So I've opted for some good old hard graft manual removal.
Also sorting out the wheels 8x15 front and 10x15 rear ;-)up
(https://i.postimg.cc/zv8S53pG/IMG-4252.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJpbPvt9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/50wqZ8Bm/IMG-4254.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwS7fwkW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fT55z761/IMG-4257.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KRktQTc5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wMgcH3Fx/IMG-4258.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzZ71DHN)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/tJpty7DG/IMG-4263.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJpb3fW6)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vZqPz7hM/IMG-5217.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4Ycb49jF)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MTRdqCSY/IMG-5221.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VrfjFH5S)
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Your 'hard graft' is paying dividends. Some shots look like something brand new on a production line but of course this is going to be a one off.
Do you have an on the road date in mind ?
Loving it ;-)(-;
Another quality build going on in Kidderminster it looks great ;-)up
Quote from: Hugh on November 27, 2025, 08:20:37 AMYour 'hard graft' is paying dividends. Some shots look like something brand new on a production line but of course this is going to be a one off.
Do you have an on the road date in mind ?
Not sure at the moment at least another 12 months :-\
Quote from: snoopy on November 27, 2025, 02:53:06 PMAnother quality build going on in Kidderminster it looks great ;-)up
Thanks Keith
For all of you into automotive wiring this is the donor car I'm just stripping out and working out the sensors and smart entry and start technology to graft it into the Baja, believe it or not it still starts drives and the keyless entry all still works, not long now before removing the remainder of the loom and the engine.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VL48xscQ/IMG-4385.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bsGWbhJ3)
Just had to jump in my time machine and nip back to 1970 for a drivers side door ;D
(https://i.postimg.cc/tg4MGpHc/IMG-5337.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VJ2Rjyv9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3RyfW1NK/IMG-5340.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G8Cx5kvN)
Fits like a glove or should I say door !
Starting to get interesting now mocking in the Honda clocks
(https://i.postimg.cc/43JKZKvn/IMG-5397.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2pMvgpd)
nice and symmetrical but always handy to put a seat and steering wheel in place for the instrument positions as sometimes they get hidden from sight when you are sat comfortably especially if a smaller thicker rimmed wheel is used.
My wife bought me a Tamiya Sand Scorcher for Christmas ;D now I have a scale model to work off for the real thing, so dangerous I'm now modifying everything that isn't to scale :P
(https://i.postimg.cc/YCNR5B0g/IMG-5435.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFtc7Ppx)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rpQJpG5H/IMG-5437.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XZBFHCHK)
You are going to need 2 big R clips to hold the body on 🤣🤣🤣
That's a great gift. Looking forward to that build thread ;)
Big version looks to be coming along nicely ;-)up
Amazing work, i am always mesmerised when looking at the quality of your work, so much so i am now reluctant to put anything up on my new build.
Nav there is no set quality standard or design brief our buggies are all different and you also do some amazing quality work so get posting as it inspires others to do things to their buggies, you found out at the NEC others there had an alternate approach to a build problem so we all need inspiration and seeing things we had not even thought of.
Nav please you must post your latest project, I for one love to see what everyone builds as one person's way of doing something has a big influence on another person's build, how it's executed is really not relevant 8)
Tyres have turned up 235x70-15 front 275x60-15 rear, the scale ride height is 195mm from top of tyre to underside of arch front and rear which is how it's sat now on the lift. Difficult to gauge whether it looks right without the wheels in at the moment and so many other variables :-\ Any comments good or bad would be appreciated
(https://i.postimg.cc/wThv5jYD/IMG-5510.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXn44s6v)
with 235 on the front will it get electric power steering fitted slow speed turning.
Hi Keith yes I'm fitting either Honda civic MK 7 electric rack or Vauxhall Cavilier rack with Peugeot 107 electric steering column
Quote from: Speedy on January 07, 2026, 10:53:55 PMNav please you must post your latest project, I for one love to see what everyone builds as one person's way of doing something has a big influence on another person's build, how it's executed is really not relevant 8)
Ludicruz I for one would love to see more on the Beetle build. Back in the late 60`s my best mate`s dad had a 1966 1300 After leaving school and getting our 1st cars, (Both Beetles). To say I had been 110% hooked on Beetles after my first drive is almost an understatement. You either loved them or hated them. Went on to own quite a few more.
Build thread within a build thread
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(https://i.postimg.cc/W1QsBMwK/IMG-5530.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2vr8RZF)
If only i could build the real thing this quick, it's not Tamiya model perfect but I'm enjoying building it
(https://i.postimg.cc/3wJVJsgK/IMG-5620.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4YqBWFLM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/5tNTNh8D/IMG-5621.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/21M20Xcx)
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Ready for a spin
(https://i.postimg.cc/d0cQttPR/IMG-5652.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hXMR2nGh)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/wMMgb1JF/IMG-5655.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJwwXT6b)
I'm not to keen on the fibreglass bonnet for the SandScorcher so I've made a rod for my own back, okay it's a bloody expensive way to achieve what I want but hopefully I'll end up with a steel properly opening and closing bonnet. Work in progress ;-)up
(https://i.postimg.cc/L5VwSrzk/IMG-5689.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKH0kYYV)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SKXB91hN/IMG-5690.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DWTpkg0t)
(https://i.postimg.cc/prB4vgfN/IMG-5691.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/y3kvXppn)
(https://i.postimg.cc/D0cHhtqH/IMG-5692.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WqhX6YYw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qqGSr98P/IMG-5693.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/H8VB4vvz)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xT0B5127/IMG-5695.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MXFsKxXb)
Now that's thinking out of the box, totally amazing!!!! Can't wait to see the finished bonnet....
Dash modified and Honda clocks fitted, bit more dash line work to do but essentially there
(https://i.postimg.cc/kDrMxbDG/IMG-5564.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKbrDVQZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/jqBy837z/IMG-5567.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhbJvrMj)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bYZQ9fsv/IMG-5569.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0hBJgPk)
Home made bonnet hinges motorsport style
(https://i.postimg.cc/d1X7z0Z3/IMG-5863.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XGf75486)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3R69rpbG/IMG-5872.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62rCY7K6)
Nice work as expected
I wasn't going to post any pictures of bonnet etc until it was in primer but have decided it can be seen in its raw state. A little more panel beating is required and obviously some light skimming of body filler.
Once it's on gas rams I will put a second bonnet catch on so I can release the primary lock then the safety catch so it opens on its own for filling with fuel ⛽️
(https://i.postimg.cc/d1vgXXF3/IMG-5873.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z97fvwCz)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/SNzV6d0Y/IMG-5902.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/56bw1w2f)
This is lovely work! Very impressive.
Started on the chassis, modified the front to accept A arm suspension the bottom plate will stay off to allow access for the gear change cable and the heater hoses. Oh I do like getting carried away ;D
(https://i.postimg.cc/15LDTQV9/IMG-6183.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jL4WwBh9)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/W1kwb3cP/IMG-6191.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/18yqvyzW)
Slow progress just recently due to a good summer out in the buggy a lot, back in the swing now and mounting the electric steering column and dummy positioning the seats
(https://i.postimg.cc/HW6fbt3H/IMG-8109.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mhFXsC06)
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