RADwood ready MR2 build | Casey's 80s Garage!

Casey Putsch gets back to his 1987 Toyota MR2 build and goes over all the parts of the build as well as how he proved himself wrong with a lot of elbow grease to build a RADwood ready pocket rocket! Casey shows all his tips and tricks to build a budget car that looks like a million bucks and feels like a little JDM Lancia Stratos. Big thanks to Avalon King Ceramic Coating for saving this paint. Purchase their astonishingly good product in the link below. Yes, it freakin works!!!!
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[@hunternichols6273]

Note to self: must kiss a girl before nitpicking Casey's bodywork

[@CaseyPutsch]

Absolutely the best mid-engine modern classic out there! How do you guys like the exhaust?

[@OnlyTheFinest125]

Love it Casey!

[@carsonyoder6294]

Exhaust looks and sounds sick, for a repurposed motorcycle exhaust 👌.

[@rickc2102]

Sounds absolutely ripping! What Lancia Stratos?

[@campsitez2355]

when is the supercharged RAV4 engine going in it? great content - retro cars are cool

[@jceddo]

Sounds good!

[@alfatasteless]

Man, those bike mufflers sound phenomenal!

[@CaseyPutsch]

Thanks brother!

[@stephen3164]

“Omg - your jeans are so dirty!” Meanwhile, I haven’t changed out of pajamas in 3 days... 😂 Wish my jeans were that dirty... would mean that I’ve been doing stuff instead of homeschooling, laundry, dishes, housework, etc. If it were the 80’s, I’d be called “Mr Mom” - but in 2020, it’s just expected since my wife’s job considers her essential.

[@robertocastellanos9140]

The mud flaps are gonna look awesome!!

[@dr.t.]

The red and black really suit the car 😎😎😎

[@ptshyu2]

Exhaust is sweet and even better since you build it from trash! Keep up the great work

[@CaseyPutsch]

Appreciate it!

[@greenteagabe]

Holy crap you literally have my dream car. That thing is so clean it makes Ed Bolian’s Flood Lambo look like a Fiero.

[@Daniel-lv8ze]

It honestly looks so good.

[@kb9oak749]

I'm no body-man and I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but there is this thing called bi-metallic corrosion. Otherwise known as galvanic corrosion.

[@CaseyPutsch]

They aren’t touching...

[@danstewart8218]

I'm glad you said the 'I'm no body man' part...you only get steel/ali making lurve when they are in direct contact, and if you want crazy rust add a soupcon of rain water.

[@bolio8610]

Beautiful, I’ll be picking up on of these soon. Disappointed RADwood isn’t happening the 5th

[@themgdude]

Casey can do the most accurate English accent that even English people can't do...

[@xerocustom]

Dude everything about that car is absolutely awesome, I love classic japanese cars from that era. My first car was a 1987 Supra , I wish I had the time and money to bring a car like that MR2 back to life

[@ToomasTelling]

MUDFLAPS ON! YEEAH!! RALLY CAR!!

[@derel1cte]

That MR2 would look especially cool with a John Player Special Livery!

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Not a Stratos, it was designed to be a modern (then) version of the Fiat X1/9... And it's seating is waaay better then the Stratos too. Casey, maaaate,... get some decent tyres on there, something that's actually the correct width for the rims. That stretched tyre look is shite for handling, and no one back in the 80's or 90's did that, on any car.

[@jackbeason8058]

I love how Casey's approach to this car has been "well what can I do to this car to put a big goofy smile on my face everytime i start it." I love this MR2 lmao.

[@johnhufnagel]

everyone should have one of those. doesn't matter if it's a $500 beater or a $50,000 fancy.

[@feral4mr2]

Just driving them does put a big goofey smile on your face every time. Never gets old.

[@Spring794]

I just have to geek out here a second... was that box a Toyota alarm or something under the seat? Usually there’s a subwoofer there. I’ve only heard rumors of the alarm’s existing, never seen them before. Also I dig the exhaust.

[@leanmeangreenbeanmachine3347]

It’s absolutely beautiful Edit: PUT THE MUDFLAPS ON!!!

[@pgtmr2713]

It's not a Tercel wagon! :-D

[@feral4mr2]

+1 for the flaps

[@Tanner731]

put the flaps on but paint them black lol

[@johnmoser2689]

Rallye flaps and fab up a mount up front for some Hella lights too 👍😎👍

[@leanmeangreenbeanmachine3347]

john moser i think the lights would be overkill. Integrated led light bar in the bumper would be dope though.

[@Chris-hq7nl]

“Why are you being like that??!”

[@isaacberry5023]

Baby Lancia Stratos indeed 😎 looking good Casey!

[@gabrielmartins-qd8wx]

Holy the car looks awsome. I didn't expected that from so little investment. Great Job!

[@ethanstefanisin6509]

Please lower the mr2 it’s got sum monster truck fitment goin on

[@Marc-pw1wt]

very very very very very very cool cool cool MR2 MR2

[@gehringer37]

Casey...PLEASE tell me where I can find those fender flares!!! Thanks Mike

[@CaseyPutsch]

woodsport

[@lc8438]

80s Looking good in black and bronze/brass? colored wheels. Yes, we need the mud flaps.

[@RAD-RC]

No dislikes? Impressive casey! Seems like you didnt talk enough crap in this video.

[@Aladdin5cave]

Looking really good but could do with a bit more low to fill that gap

[@skater4god]

I just bought another one this year! In surprisingly well condition for the price. I love your exhaust setup, looks super unique and sounds great!

[@sasha-taylor]

definitely do the mudflaps!!

[@themgdude]

I think the red mud flaps look great, however, they may fit the astetic better if the car was covered in mud and driven off road. The way the car is, it may look a bit over the top, but I guess that's the point of this car: to have fun😄 The exhaust sounds hellishly cool!!!! Well done for another super nice and educational project

[@tkreitler]

I like what you've done to Mister two.i think this is your best video in awhile as it was informative, interesting, and no ranting .

[@1littlehondashop]

Looks fantastic!!! love all the unorthodox body repairs and I'm an old body frame mechanical guy ! And yes yes yes on red mud flaps !!!!😎

[@TheOldMachines]

This thing actually came out unbelievably well!

[@alexwymer6873]

You’ve managed to take one of my favourite sports cars and make it like my fav car of all time! All it needs now is a set of tomb stone alloys and a 4 beam light pod !! Only found the channel recently, and found you both an inspiration and totally truthful - which in this world is a rare thing and something to be proud off.

[@tyretear1263]

have any plans on putting a locked diff/lsd in it? becouse it had open diff if I recall correctly

[@kshitijtulsian5271]

Pls do not put those mud flaps on

[@CrazyOneToo]

I'd stay with the stock seats.

[@aaronmcilvain8077]

What happened to racing against the Fiero?

[@danielclarke547]

I still have my first car, an 1986 MR2 i saved from being crushed. The original engine lasted 250k before I burnt a valve, That car taught me how to rebuild engines suspension, everything. Its now running oversized pistons, a ported head and GC coilovers . Its funny, everybody used to laugh at the car until recently but now people love them. I was never going to sell it regardless, but im glad AW11's are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

[@stymiesnerdly771]

Fender mullets on an 80's car? It seems meant to be!

[@colinkaul8324]

Our roads aren’t that bad are they? Michigan resident here

[@philliptrucker7883]

As a truck driver yes... yes they are I’ve had trainees bounced out of their beds

[@Turshin]

South East Michigan, mainly wayne county, roads are terrible. north of I-696 or west of I-275 the roads get much better. The smoothest roads are in Ga. Those highways are like glass.

[@Malkav]

Thank you. You just brought my childhood back.

[@DirtDude117]

Casey, you should checkout "Lizard Skin" for the MR2 and maybe some other toys. It helps prevent rust, insulate heat, and also insulates sound. I used it on my old SW20 and my current S2000 it's fantastic! TurboTom also used it on a V8 LS3 Miata lately. I also want to Recommend RokBlockz's fender liners+splitter/airdam. Bucky Lasick used their material for his bester Subaru which came out great and I also did a custom job on my S2000 with them for the rear. It's made tough and will go with the Rally look well.

[@cliftonmanley3882]

Fiberglass flares ALWAYS crack if you bolt them up hard. That type of Flare was invented in Australia by Holden in 1974 to get MASSIVE rubber underneath their Torana for Bathurst. Imho the Torana A9X Hatchback is THE best car built by any arm of GM since they started building cars. Placed in it's time it was a Beast... and comfortable with a tent option for the Hatch.

[@volvospeed850]

That came out awesome! I've yet to drive a first gen MR2, but have been in a Stratos. The Lancia is a crazy car, the helmet holder in the doors, Dino motor, and they're just so small! I can't wait to see the Stratos build you do in the future.

[@kb9oak749]

It does sound good. Bravo on the exhaust fab!

[@kyleolin3566]

A turbo will quiet down that exhaust a little. Just saying

[@feral4mr2]

Indeed. A little gt2554r is just right for the job too.

[@cliftonmanley3882]

I adapted some white leather buckets to a 1972 Ford Australia XW Ute using this technique. First seat took 2.5hours the 2nd seat 20 minutes.... 🤣🤣🤣 technique is important. And the 2nd seat was tidier.

[@charlesshamseldin9555]

This is the youtube version of '1917' One long take no cuts, perfectly executed.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Thanks!

[@OnPointFirearms]

Looks and sounds great. Takes me back to the old days. Might need to build one of these now that the economy is doomed. I have a feeling my days of leasing Audis are over. Might be better to buy a little hero from the 80s with cash.

[@alexfata8190]

That's an amazing exhaust. Considering mine was 200 from walmart I wish I thought of a motorcycle exhaust first.

[@AureliusIX]

That is one glorious exhaust note. Beautiful.

[@tristamii]

Ughh, the MR2 aw11 is my dream car ! Not a lot of those to get easily on the market, good job on taking care of this one.

[@RoMFinishTheFight]

What are the wheels?

[@Turshin]

The exhaust sounds fantastic. Time for Tail of the dragon Casey. A quick roadtrip down to East Tennessee shouldn't be too long for you guys in Toledo.

[@Onlineghost2ohm]

Had a N-A ‘86 in high school. So much fun with the 5-spd. Loved the sharp angles vs. The 90-95 Turbo.

[@63mrl]

20' repairs=$, 10' repairs=$$, 1' repairs=$$$, 1"=$$$$ so you decide where you can save money for those repairs you might have to have a professional do it for you. Good and practical repairs Casey!

[@Darkus505]

These AW11 and the SW20 MR2s are god damn perfect. I own a 300hp SW20 turbo, it handles like NOTHING else on the street, and with the boost I've got and the low weight means that I'm scaring modern $60,000 Mustangs and Kia Stingers. I'm addicted to the MR2 and they are SO underappreciated in the car community. Which means that people underestimate it and when it leaves them for dust at the lights, there is always a good convo afterwards. Y'know. The age old "is that a Ferrari?" And the Targa tops always make things better

[@francoisviviers3598]

Howzit buddy. With the Porsche "test drive" u eat dounuts while making "dounuts" with it. It was cool. But today Evan Shanks eat an burger while making dounuts. Maybe u must show who dounut king , By eating pizza. Lmao...

[@victorquezada8353]

Hey man I’m 15 and there are 2 cars on my street that move from time to time but they never get used and a decent quality. Should I try to get the 1986ish Nissan 300zx, or 1986ish Toyota mr2? I’m going back and forth on deciding and I don’t want anyone else snatching them.

[@OnlyTheFinest125]

I also really enjoy the flaps!

[@zahemi914]

I was 14 yrs old when I saw this car for the first time in 1984, and hv been wanting it so badly, now I own 2001 MRS Spyder, I guess, it is still good enough.. still, if only I could sit & drive this MR2 for once

[@individwheels7816]

Still have the '85 my Dad bought new - I bought it from him in 1991. California-only, rust free car. Arguably more analog and fun than our '94 NSX - they're a blast to drive.

[@joelwoodard9542]

For roughly $750 there is a CXRacing 4AGE T3 turbo for sale on eBay... it’s brand new and sexy as all hell and ready to make that lil’ bastard truly a lil’ beast!... and also, get that baby yoda a good bit closer to being a mini Lancia Group B street car. I love it man!

[@nusratshaheen4913]

Hi Casey , I brought a 1988 mr2 last week. Can you tell me the size of the tyres you have on .The car came with 185/60R 14 ,s and they are different tyre types attached all around. I need to fit slightly thicker tyres. Please can you tell me what size you have. I would really appreciate your answer.

[@stargazeification]

YESYESYES to the mudflaps! amazing aw11, just needs to be dropped an inch and your sitting pretty!

[@jesussavescars807]

U won’t be beating me this year at radwood facts better step your game up😂😂 Iam in Akron Ohio

[@AngelofZul]

The car has come a long way. It’s looking really good man! Please put the red mud flaps on. Get a vented engine lid, and it will add even more character! But man... that thing looks nice with them fender flares. To bad I can’t do that to mine. My 89 SC is all original, and completely stock.mine honestly belongs in a museum. This makes me want to find a beater MR2 and have fun! Unfortunately my wife won’t let me. I have to many cars already lol!

[@xavierhall876]

Exhaust sounds Great! Really like a mini Lanci! Brilliant!

[@rpeterson223]

Please....just say NO to the Red mud flaps......that’s too much Pimp your Ride image.

[@lowristocrat3824]

aw11 rock, i have a 4agze converted to 4agte in mine, just put coils and camber plates in it all around during the rona.

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

add a super charger =) Exhaust turned out great!

[@feral4mr2]

The aw11 chassis really responds well to some more torque. Livens the already great experience up even more.

[@feral4mr2]

I ended up having to make my own 3mm flat bar seat mounts for the race seats. I wrecked a good drivers seat to use the stock runners and found it raised the race seats too high. Specially with helmet on.

[@DerPilotMann]

I would've sworn that I saw this car in Cedar Rapids the other day. Apparently black MR2 with bronze /gold wheels is a popular combo!

[@marc-oliviersavignac9334]

If it was my car, i would put the muddflap on. It's giving personaluty and a rally look to the car. I really like your energy and what you do for the kids, keep this mindset. You rock 🤘🏻😁

[@maxbond1909]

Casey, how many miles is too many for a MR2 from this era? Looking to buy this exact car for a while but I've heard it's very difficult to replace a mid engine

[@04dram04]

You are shifting way to early! The MR@ has the power in the top end! Rev it out! :)

[@hughjaskoch5456]

Good looking car so far Casey. I had the same car in 02-04 in light beige metallic, your rims would've looked with my color as they are similar. I really wanna find a decently clean one now. But every one I see here in CT are rusted to shit, I don't mind a little rust but CT winters kill these cars.

[@shoominati23]

Get yourself a 68 - 75 Alfa Romeo GTV if you can find a cheaper one. Then you can have a bona fide classic with Italian race bred provenance along the same lines as ferrari, that you can drive everyday!

[@VyNguyen-wy3ov]

Am I crazy if I own a WRX STI 2021 Then sold it and have my eyes set on the 1987 Mr2 aw11 😅…..

[@anhiirr]

amazing lol you did a 3M epoxy bumper repair tutorial as well as a bmw epoxy lap joint in a single vid about how to bring an mr2 back to life affordably. The real mvp of those bumper repairs are that metallic reinforced tape for holding down those net like layers. The tape helps the reapir hold structure while applying the epoxy as well as the overall shape/structure of the repair process..from that to bumper tabs. you can also pop rivet the aluminum to the steel on that epoxy lap joint....but thats more for structural repairs like rockers or dog leg panels.

[@jaycelikin6912]

Nice car. I got one last year for $200. Needed some work but we'll worth it. Now getting money together to 3sgte it. Keep up the amazing vids

[@joelwoodard9542]

Hey Casey, loving the MR2... that note sounds fantastic! I also have a developed a strange love of those funky wheels you got with it ever since I first saw them. If you decide to change those out would you consider selling those to me? I need a shorter wheel in that 4x100 patten to use for my winter tires. If you have any desire or interest, please let me know. I’d be happy to overpay a little as a sort of poor mans donation towards the cause should you have a better wheel for your car in mind.

[@rogerstanley8609]

love the car! had one just like it back in 1995! It"s the one that got away. would love to get it back lol. did you do a carfax? Lived in Ohio at the time, would be so cool if that was the one! love the flaps, Do it!

[@XthTerrorOfDeath]

I wish people would stop making videos about how awesome these are. I already know, and the average person didn't. now the prices for these are going up ludicrously fast, already watched them double in price in the last 2 years around here..

[@stevenplaskett7728]

That will get annoying on any longer road trips. My talon tsi was straight piped to a tuner muffler and it was ear plugs for any 2hr highway drives. I added a cherry bomb in the middle and it's still loud but without the high pitched tones of a open exhaust. Much better.

[@scoobydoodandy4296]

Supervillain name? How about "He who shall not be invited to enter the Concours D'elegance"?

[@robmeekel9198]

Am I the only one who hates rallyart flaps, especially in RED. And I drive a Subaru too.

[@thegenerousdegenerate9395]

Wow... The DRONE is real! Theres no way I could daily that thing.

[@Astro9320]

Damn that looks good... Large over the top mudflaps are 100% necessary

[@brandonar868]

The bulb in your Spoiler need changing...Also put on the mudflaps

[@DenelleZ31]

I need to make my 300ZX nice and pretty like that after I replace the timing belt.

[@chuckhawes7519]

Sharp little car. I wouldn't fit. I had a Pontiac fiero when I was much younger and I barely fit into that lol.

[@jordanslingluff287]

You should look into putting in a 4th generation 3s-gte. Huge power gain and fairly easy as far as swaps. I guess if you just want to leave it stock like it makes sense but just throwing it out there.

[@basithph8958]

The good thing about the first gen MR2? It’s doesn’t snap oversteer like the second gen

[@guyderagisch4964]

2nd gen supposedly got fixed after '92. 3rd gen needs some love, they're cheap right now.

[@TheWingrider92]

if someone dont want the headache of fabrication, the other way to put recaros on your mr2 is taking it from a FRS or BRZ and people sell brackets for it

[@marilynmonbro35]

I always have a hard time believing they find clean examples of these for cheap. Looks like a10k car all day

[@robertbarksdale3728]

I wish my 88 mr2 faired as well. I bought it with the intention of turning it into a stage rally car but the frame is too rusted out and I don't have the know how or equipment to tackle such a massive task

[@michaelherbert4494]

That's an autocross car if I've ever seen one. OVR has (finally) a new site for solo. C'mon out!