custom vw golf pick up

[randx0]

this started out as the valvoline vw golf racer. I started back in the early ninties when it was new. I always wanted to get good at custom body work and this was a first step. the plan a simple turn it into a pickup. as I was cutting off the roof I discovered the rear bumper/tail light section looked cool turned upside down .after adding some plastic to the rear window area and the pick up bed I trimmed up the interior the rear package shelf became the back of the interior tub these boxy cars sure made me feel like a customizing wizard. everthing was lining up perfectly then I got cocky and tried to customize the front grille. the headlight bezels got melted and the project was halted for the first of many times. at the time I wasn't in any club the internet had yet to become a reliable source and it never occured to purchase a second kit . after a few years I took it out again and tried to do something with the front end. I had a junk mercedes 190e that looked good so I cut out the hood and slapped it on there intending on using and modifying the entire grille bumper parts well the hood fit I tried building up the headlight area with plastic and quickly realized it was above my talent level. and there was just no way to get that bumper to fit.back in the box it went this time for quite some time .I would occasionally take it out and see if I could do anything but nothing materialized. I always knew that this thing will fall together as soon as the front end problem was solved so it remained on the to do list . recently I pulled it out and tried again to use plastic for the front bumper it just did not work then I recalled the balsa foam I had I figured why not give it a shot .after very little trial and error the front bumper was shaped into something that would look good enough to get this thing finished. so here is where it is at now.

I will post up more later questions comments and criticism welcome.

Edited May 2, 2011 by randx0

[randx0]

Ok so the interior has the door panels and dash from the new beetle ,leftovers from my jwac build.the door panels only needed slight sanding. to fit the dash a bunch off the forward portion and a little off the sides . the rims are fujimi cut down to fit skinnier beetle tires so I didn't have to start cutting and narrowing the suspensions.the headlight area is still being refined and the grille now has mesh in it which I am not sure if I will keep it or try something else.

thes are some templates so I can try to put some 3d around the inside of the windows.

and the bed which was originally just be covered but now will be open.

That's the latest installment of finishing a 20 year plus clearly obsolete hopelessly outdated build. Thank you for looking.

[randx0]

[jeffs396]

Cool conversion Randy! Nice work so far

I used to own a 1982 Rabbit pickup in my youth...I have two AMT Rabbits in my stash to convert into the Pennsylvania built pickup someday

[randx0]

Thanks Jeff, you might appreciate that at one point this was going to be four wheel drive kinda like a brat,but I dont remember why I ruled out that option. I think the wheelbase is a little longer on the rabbit pickup. sounds like a fun conversion I think it may be a lot easier than one might think.

[MikeMc]

Is that the balsa foam??

[randx0]

Is that the balsa foam??

yes the yellow stuff in the headlight area and the front bumper. I think once I get it painted it will all become much more clear.

Edited May 8, 2011 by randx0