Building a V8stealthbeetle Roadster: Step 1 Assemble Chassis & Components

[@jimamizzi1]

Probably the best kit I’ve ever seen, well done boys.

[@1320crusier]

Yea, it's def one of if not the most comprehensive kit I've ever seen..

[@Robert-mn8gc]

Perfect Chassis 4 a Meyers Manx 2+2 with some Tweaks . Fabulous Workmanship Fella's 😅

[@arthursmith5409]

I've been following since the very first beetle bug was chosen for fabrication. I really can't wait to see these beautiful sport cars at car shows here in the USA.

[@richardbrowne3641]

I love this car kit! I wish I had the money to buy one, but I am flat broke😭.

[@easytalker864]

Beautifully engineered!

[@KannX]

This chassis is incredibly well designed ^^

[@eaglesview888]

WoW my first car in 1976 was a VW beetle. Gift from my dad... Fantastic👌🏻 l am totally in love already. I want one ...soon gentlemen... Manufactured in SA ?

[@gregzoller9003]

That’s a good looking, well-engineered kit!

[@johnlatifi9847]

این فولکس چه ماشینی ست که دائم در حال تحول ست..واقعا پهلوان ست❤

[@Keith-rk4td]

Would like a Square Back version!😳🤨🤯😁

[@Ukfamine2025]

Seeing the thumbnail, i thought this was building an amoured vehicle. It being white kinda contributed to that. Many years ago, i was a passenger in a friends beetle. We did 120 mph. I thought the engine was going to blow. Rock soild suspension made it feel like the car was going to fall apart. It survived as did we.

[@johnharrigan8770]

I remember reading in Road & Track about the V8 engine Beetle built for paul Newman in the 1960's...

[@MLFranklin]

Such a cool idea and such a cool car!

[@ronstiles2681]

We put a olds 455 in beatle ovew 30 years ago ,and half dozen since everything was customized, be nice to have some just bolt on parts :-)

[@doginu]

I always wanted to build a tank, this is the perfect chassis....

[@simonz6247]

Very cool looking chassis. Any idea on torsional rigidity numbers? How does it compare to tube spaceframes found on most other kit cars in regards to weight and stiffness?

[@stoveguy2133]

Jeez, my v8 corvair was super simple. 1. Remove motor. 2.cut access hole backseat area 3. Rotate trans so it points forward. 4. Install v8 in backseat area. 5. Use simple crossmembers to hold motor/trans.

[@samperras]

Good work gentleman, to get it to production stage, iI definitely be contacting you all from Australia 🇦🇺

[@V8StealthBeetle]

we're waiting...👍

[@txman951]

So well done, thanks for the video

[@AttainingExcellence1]

Should build all wheel drive off-road version

[@V8StealthBeetle]

getting the drive back to the nfront wheels will be fun... maybe an electric motor for the front...

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

When the World changes... and you change with it... #fantastic

[@TheGalifrey]

That's a thing of beauty!

[@viliusr6974]

That looks like a brilliant kit. And well engineered. Thanks for the video. I assume it is US dollars price?

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Great job! Steering wheel is on the wrong side... 😂😂😂

[@jeanfourie5236]

We do both 😊

[@dennisratcliffe5637]

Beautiful work... However, the configuration of the connection for that bolt-on rear cradle seems to be highly reliant on the tensile strength of those 4 fasteners at the bottom. It would be interesting to see a stress/deformation analysis of those joints. The connection might be better if there were mating surfaces in at least two perpendicular planes. - IMO.

[@jeanfourie5236]

Hi Dennis Thank you for your comment. However, you are unfortunately unable to see the inner structure of the chassis, consisting of three horizontal panels, joined to two vertical panels. We are talking 5183, H6. For anything to fail at that point, one would have to shear 6 x M12 8.8 bolts ( 1/2 inch) Apart from that the structure is triangulated up to the rear firewall. Thank you

[@dennisratcliffe5637]

@@jeanfourie5236 Thanks you for the reply. It seems everyone views from their own perspective - engineering eyes... Again, Beautiful work!

[@jeanfourie5236]

@@dennisratcliffe5637 Thank you Dennis. I think you and I could have an interesting evening chatting about stuff like this 😊

[@craigrmeyer]

I admire your achievements greatly, and have only one question: What about *bolting* those jet-cut aluminum panels together instead of welding them? Welding is stronger, lighter and more durable -- no question -- but it's also very high-skill. I'm wondering if there could be some "there there" with bolting them instead. Convention says "absolutely not", but I can't help myself but to ask anyway.

[@romankirschnick5813]

sehr cooles Concept....

[@mrbartlomiej]

Hands down my fav kind of engineering! Brilliant! Is there any chance to get rid of the read drum parking brake for the drift-style disc second caliber hydro?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

now you are talking

[@brandonsparks9747]

God I wish I wasn’t poor I’d love to build one of these. 😢😂

[@ApexPro-Chris]

Wow this is bad ass.😊

[@chasl3645]

Make a mini and a half ton pickup. As expensive as the crap is nowadays it will sell like hot cakes.

[@juan-df5wv]

I would love to see that on a Prius yeah Prius 2010 Prius yeah🇺🇸🦈🇵🇷

[@juiceplanet147]

This video is only 13 minutes intro not included. Please don't crush the edits... KZbin TV isn't for just the highlights. Or Please make a long format channel too. Uncut version per say. This is big screen worthy. 🏆

[@jeanfourie5236]

Thank you for your comment 😊

[@lbermud]

maybe you should go to the channel and see all the other videos available first.

[@eaglesview888]

Would it be possible to convert, at extra cost to hand controls...since l am disabled

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Hi, I think that would be too much for us to handle at the moment. We are a small workshop and will need to focus on regular vehicles. Sorry about that, hope you understand

[@nickepps1746]

You can retro fit hand controls to any car. I have removed one from a 911 they are very crudely made.

[@GTE_Channel]

I would also think it's technically possible. There are companies who specialise in this. I can imagine it's relatively easy with a car that is not yet fully assembled. Best of luck.

[@ronstiles2681]

Yes absolutely possible, in America it's done all the time, we take care of the disabled here

[@pieflies]

⁠@@ronstiles2681yeah, America takes care of its disabled people if they’re also rich. To be clear, it’s obviously something that can be done in pretty much any country, with pretty much any car. It’s just that the kit makers of this car don’t offer a kit that includes that option. You have to add it yourself or pay someone to add it for you, same as in America.

[@gouldnj]

Have you done any research on space and wiring loom to put in an automatic? Before you guys tease me, I’m a wounded warrior and only have one leg.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

it can be done but there will be an extra cost

[@chestertownelectric6290]

Can you post a video from inside the car, driving on the track?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

it's coming... Step 4

[@dieternugel1745]

Hello from Switzerland. Is the V8stealtbeetle legal for the public traffic in switzerland? Many thanks for your answer.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Difficult to say, your rules are very tough. you would need to do some homework

[@davidlindsey4237]

very cool

[@tayloralvidrez4342]

My buddies 1954 Bug with a 1911cc (I think) pulled 3rd gear wheelies. Curious what a LS Bug is like.

[@xopherzenitram]

Same as the previous question- is an automatic transmission easily fitted?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

not easily, but it can be done as an extra

[@motorcopT2]

I would want it built and shipped like in step 1 ❤❤❤

[@V8StealthBeetle]

We can do this. It’s called a roller

[@LoudGuitar14]

Truly curious what prevents you from using a Super Beetle with this? I have a 1303 that I would consider using for a build like this.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

It will work and has been done

[@LoudGuitar14]

Fantastic! I must have misunderstood your earlier response to someone else on this topic

[@shekharmoona544]

Needs a Jaburi flat 8 engine.

[@jamesdash1906]

I wish i could !!!!!

[@crazyoilfieldmechanic3195]

When I was a kid the 300 pound man down the street would honk his beetle horn every morning forcing himself into the car. I don't war 300 pounds but I wouldn't want to raise the roof on a bug just so I could drive a sleeper !!!

[@AD_in_AZ]

How about a Karma Ghia version?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Not enough room under the front end for suspension struts

[@zibafairchild6185]

0:37 Are the rotors that heavy?

[@travisreading7784]

Would it be possible to fit a replica Porsche 356 body on this (designed for an original beetle chassis)?. Thoughts?

[@shekharmoona544]

What happens when you need to make repairs or replace that hose or wire? Is it repair friendly?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

yes, plenty of places to work on the main bits

[@brianreynolds7093]

You can buy a complete factory five cobra replica kit for $20,990 US. You provide the motor, trans, drive shaft and rear axle of your choice. Much more cool that VWb

[@gagis99]

It's strange to me that you don't use a torque wrench when tightening some "important" screws? Greetings from ✌️

[@V8StealthBeetle]

That was always going to be someone's observation... and you won the biscuit. We do a nut and bolt check and torque set, before we start next section, so you will have to keep watching... thanks for the critical eye for detail

[@tonyny708]

Does it include everything minus motor and transmission?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

yes, and the body. upcoming videos will explain more detail.. this video tells all kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnqUpGN5e6mlaZosi=yXQWdOc3RoChUi9v

[@HelbertkamiyamaJosol]

Step 2 please😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnathangoldsworthy]

do you make one to replace an original vw chasis with a vw motor ?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Not anymore. Sorry, only Chev

[@DevLSpark]

Highlight of video at 4:11

[@V8StealthBeetle]

well spotted

[@chrisrhodes5464]

What years of the bug will work on this chassis

[@V8StealthBeetle]

All of them... except the super beetle

[@LoudGuitar14]

@@V8StealthBeetle With all the modification needed to the body already is there something that would prevent using a Super Beetle body?

[@RedPolack]

Can you make a e30 kit

[@V8StealthBeetle]

nope

[@ridiska99]

Where's part 2?

[@ecsnilloc7485]

Would it be possible to fit an Automatic transaxle such as a PDK, and what engine management system is used with the wiring harness

[@jeanfourie5236]

We do not do PDK, and we use Haltech

[@madsdayo7065]

Is there a Carman guiao version

[@lbermud]

No, there isn't.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

not enough room under the ghia body

[@SuperOrbiter]

I think they should sell the complete build car for 29000$ !

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Good luck there😂😂😂

[@CT.411]

Now there’s an idea. Surely, there are other 2200lb, 400+HP V8, hand built vehicles available for $29k, right? 😂

[@BIBIWCICC]

Sadly you cannot road register these in the UK anymore. Under the new rules it come under “significantly changed” and you can’t claim it as a historic vehicle.

[@FluePeak]

Why use Allen key bolts? Any rust on thoose and it will strip out. Just use regular bolts and nuts?

[@RyanMcIntyre]

Regular hex bolts are the Phillips head of modern fasteners. At least a hex cap is better, but most are using torx and e-torx now.

[@jeanfourie5236]

@@RyanMcIntyreThank you Ryan. After 32 years in this game, I have NEVER had an Allan head fail on me….

[@mitchd949]

Neat, but coming out of South Africa is a big red flag for me. Got burned 15 years ago buying a GT40 replica out of South Africa...the company went belly up and I and a few dozen others learned the lesson "don't buy such toys outside of my home country."

[@purpleduggy7680]

ok cool, so all project cars are impossible because you got burned on a GT40 project 15 years ago. that's crazy man.

[@edwardoshoemaker7712]

good info

[@mitchd949]

@@purpleduggy7680 I didn't say that at all. I simply said "I" would only buy one where I can go with money in hand, buy the kit, and go away with product in hand. By keeping the entire deal in my own country, it makes things logistically easier. I was relatively fortunate back then to only lose about $5k USD, some guys lost over $30k USD. There was legal action but how much money are you willing to spend in effort to possibly recover anything? Feel free to do what you want, I was merely giving one guy's opinion based on personal insight.

[@jeanfourie5236]

@@mitchd949 It’s a fair comment. I too would be concerned had I bought something from the other side of the world. However, we do have an agent within USA, and this same person has been doing business with me for two decades already. You are in good hands.

[@mitchd949]

@@jeanfourie5236 I appreciate your comment, but an agent in the US doesn't help any legal situations when the factory and assets are overseas. The company to which I'm referring also had a US agent who was well known and liked, regardless, he too got burned and likely his reputation never recovered. Again, I'm just offering some insight based on personal experience. Others are free to assess risk as they choose to do so. Like I said at the start - this kit looks very neat!

[@HelbertkamiyamaJosol]

Atep 2 please

[@markduncan6690]

If you gave me this “Outfit” I wouldn’t take it!

[@D-DAY]

23k is that usd or uk dollars?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

United States Dollars direct conversion to other currencies

[@jancvdweide6646]

@D=Day since when do they have dollars in the UK

[@forsaleau]

This would be so illegal in Australia 6.2L😨

[@V8StealthBeetle]

depends which State you are from. Some like Western Australia are very happy

[@1320crusier]

...wut...

[@marylinbelcher9918]

Mine

[@tralfazz7579]

Are there any videos of these m9ving under their own power like actually moving down the street? All the videos are just people talking.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

this one... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5eziohmlpWBrqMsi=uQwjfoSJSu2uWad5. we will be putting our roadster on the track so keep tuned

[@a68k_de]

23.800 ... looool

[@wintermaia2904]

Tem como alguém passar o contato desses rapaz , se caso alguém souber , manda pra mim . Por favor

[@V8StealthBeetle]

go to our website 3L Engineering details are there

[@wrenchmanhotrods1247]

Why are you calling a hard top car a roadster , roadsters have no top and no side windows .

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Correct... the car rolling down the road is not our roadster. we haven't built it yet. This is a customers car. Sorry for the confusion

[@V8StealthBeetle]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIGYlZmrgtRolbMsi=Nwpfy6hQq3pZ2ngN. see here

[@bbb462cid]

How is a clean, attractive, extremely uncommon car with custom exterior touches possibly "stealth"? I love this build but "stealth"?

[@V8StealthBeetle]

we gotta call it something

[@1320crusier]

2200lbs and an LS3... Stealth Beetle? Nah... WARP BEETLE xD

[@daos3300]

24k lmfao

[@waynec369]

An advertisement interrupted by more advertising = thumbs down.

[@V8StealthBeetle]

Sorry mate. It’s a business. I suggest you watch another channel so as not to be disappointed. Here’s a thought… don’t buy one

[@V8StealthBeetle]

I see you have had a channel for 13 years and have NO content… 👍 Troll

[@waynec369]

@V8StealthBeetle don't worry yourself. I'm not gonna buy one, you narcissistic bastard.

[@TheSinkingGarage]

Things like this are great for business.

[@glennmorris25]

@@TheSinkingGarageno such thing as bad press. i like that they’re biting back. I like them and their product a little more now

[@karldettling5981]

Good luck finding a getrag transaxle for this. In fact any transaxle !

[@V8StealthBeetle]

no problem...

[@karldettling5981]

@@V8StealthBeetle Where?

[@jeanfourie5236]

We have plenty in South Africa. I must have used more than a 100 in the last 10 years, and we have used 27 in the last V8SB units.