Germanlook/Rallylook Beetle

[Steve C]

Nice work, have you driven it yet, must be a blast

[412STi]

Wouh!!

Really nice car.
Can you possibly post an audio recording?
Would like to hear the sound of the exhaust.
Possibly also driving?

Thank you.

[72marinablue]

I’m still doing some initial shakedown but it is clearly going to be a completely different car than before. I’m really happy with the power level as 150hp and all the Subaru torque really pulls the car along. Here is a short video-

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeoOBkYt2qz/?hl=en

[412STi]

Thank you.

Sounds really good.
Have fun with the beautiful babe.
Hopefully with little to no problems.

[Mr_Zed_ZX20]

I'm getting ready to replace the long block in my turbo Forester and I've considered doing a similar swap in the future. I didn't realize you're here in Washington, I'm in the Yelm area.

[72marinablue]

Well so far I have about 300 miles on the Beetle. It has been pretty hot in the PNW and I was experiencing higher coolant temps then I was really comfortable with. The car would climb up to 210 when in traffic and the fan wasn't powerful enough to get it back down near 195 which is where the subaru ecu shuts the electric fan back off. I decided to nearly double my CFM of the radiator fan and revised a new fan shroud with rubber flaps that should open at highway speeds but close when the fan is running. I also redesigned my 3d printed intakes in front of the Kamei spoiler to get more direct force fed air while driving at higher speeds. This all seems to have done the trick and she stays plenty cool now even in hot weather. I have mostly been working on finishing the interior at this point, still need to do carpet, seat upholstery etc. The latest fab project is a rear seat "delete." I like the way the rear seat looks but I dont plan on ever having any passengers. I have been building this box to go in the same place, allow a bit more clearance than the actual seat to the backs of the recaro's and also function as a storage space for tools, access to battery etc.







"

[El_Bandito]

Absolutely love how this car has turned out. Stunning.

[72marinablue]

Originally Posted by El_Bandito

Absolutely love how this car has turned out. Stunning.

Thank you!

I finished my rear seat delete/compartment and have been using it for a couple months. It is very handy and allows me to story my toolbox and other items so they aren't floating around the car. I also have built my own steering wheel. I started with a 914 steering wheel that looked like it came from the bottom of a lake. That didn't matter for me as i just needed the metal frame. My inspiration was the early steering wheels in late 60's 911's with the batwing horn button. I like these steering wheels a lot but I wanted a smaller diameter hence the 914 starting point. I laminated many layers of veneer mahogany to make 2 blanks for the front and backside. Lots of routing of different radii of the outside dimensions as well as a groove for the metal ring of the steering wheel. Some stain, powdercoat, and satin finish and I have something that I am extremely happy with. The batwing style horn button was a lot of work, with many individual pieces welded together and filed smooth.

I believe the most important parts of any car are the points that a driver comes directly in contact with. The seats, the steering wheel, the shifter, and the pedals being the highest priority. This was a fun project to make something a bit more special than what was available off the shelf.

[owdlvr]

That steering wheel is fantastic. Well, the whole car is.

Geesh. We're 270 miles apart, we really should get together this year.

[wouter1303]

woah, killer job on that steering wheel!

[72marinablue]

Originally Posted by owdlvr

That steering wheel is fantastic. Well, the whole car is.

Geesh. We're 270 miles apart, we really should get together this year.

Lets do it Dave!

[LLVWGL]

Originally Posted by 72marinablue

Well this place is pretty empty these days but I figured I should post some pictures anyway. After many years I am almost done. So many modifications too much to list. If anyone here is on instagram feel free to send me a message on there @forrest__davis

Nice work! Always interesting to see how to incorporate the radiator in a discreet way!