How to shorten VW Beetle chassis properly - Birth of the Renobug Part 4

[@anthonynork8868]

I watch a lot of builders and I won't mention any of their names but I love the way you explain each step and your craftsmanship is superb, I am very glad I discovered your channel, it is truly a pleasure to watch your creations come to life. Have a Lakka one, man!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother! Appreciate the support

[@e-curb]

There's one minor thing he does that shows his skill. Before welding, he sands off all the paint down to bright metal. Most welders I see always claim that the weld will "burn through" the paint or rust. In reality, the paint and rust contaminates the weld, making a weak joint.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Not only are you making use of two vehicles destined for the scrap yard, you are building a car that will be safe, fun to drive and all on a reasonable budget with hard work and know how! Applause from the crowd! :)

[@ratrodsafrica]

THANKS!

[@mixerman1]

Ditto!!

[@MackG777]

Hands down the best how-to video and best series of videos on KZbin. Working on my pops buggy, he passed 4 years ago and I got it after he died. Had tons of memories in it as a kid, now it's my turn to build it, (needs a new frame as this one is completely rusted out) and make memories with my kids. God bless ya mate. Cheers

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother! Yeah man, the wheel turns, make those memories!🙂

[@davekennedy9060]

I'm loving this project, fantastic to watch you make a complicated problem into a simple one. Keep it up!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like it!

[@allenstandley1010]

Love your work Dif! Your wife will love this car.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@Uswesi1527]

Excuse me, Head Master, you’ve reinvented the wheel. As always, many thanks.

[@brandonpettit-gr9ly]

So stoked two videos back to back. Thanks dif! Cheers from America…

[@DoonerF]

Precision. Great job! I swear, you make it look so easy. I know it’s not. I’m really digging this build. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother 👍

[@dannico58]

very well done on aligning the front & rear before welding, an all-around great job Diff

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@robbollom7396]

well done Div, Renobugs coming along...Wifey be happy as

[@williamerentfro9543]

Great work my friends! Hello fellow builders from California😊

[@BryanHarris-e4k]

A true professional. Saying hello from very snowy New Brunswick Canada. Love your builds.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Stay warm!

[@eddiealford3579]

Yes sir Mr Diff this Reno Bug is starting to come together I really enjoy all of the work and teaching it seems to me that you do very good work

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@robertwilliams8010]

Always a pleasure watching you work Div! Awesome job and awesome video 👍👍👍👍‼️

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@thornwarbler]

Superb work!! Love the tape measure hack, genius👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Gotta make plans if you don't have helping hands🙂

[@davidsteward9446]

I am having a blast watching you fab this bettle frame to fit the other car. Great work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@MattSeenUFO]

Good work man! When people make something look easy that really isn't easy it just shows you how skilled they are. That is now way stronger than it ever was. Cheers from Adelaide Matt.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate!

[@Thedropshopkustoms]

It’s like looking at a longer haired older version of Brent from Halfass Kustoms…. They both explain in detail how they do their work! And to add they both do their work by the seat of their pants! Great video as always thank you for your time!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! I'll take that as a compliment 😊

[@Thedropshopkustoms]

@@ratrodsafrica Dif it was meant as one! I really enjoy watching when someone takes rust and turns it into a masterpiece!!!

[@laurensmith1828]

That was some awesome engineering there especially the slug welds on the sleives. Everything you did was over the top .thanks for the tips!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johncovin5200]

Diff is a true Master and a great teacher.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@wallyjohnson2375]

Love watching you. The old saying old guys know stuff. You are proof of that. Keep the videos coming.

[@paulmcmain1760]

I look forward to more progress on the Renobug

[@raymondantonio4145]

Hey Diff, I admire your thought process, it’s not just cut, hack and weld, you take the time to look at the whole picture, make sure everything lines up as it should and think about extra reinforcement. Brilliant thinking man! See YOU on the next video!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Doing it right takes less time than doing it twice 😄

[@raymondantonio4145]

You got that right brother! Have a great weekend!

[@marca5883]

It's lovely to hear hand brake & mm being used instead of e-brake & inches💚🇬🇧🌱 Great work as usual🤙

[@ratrodsafrica]

😁👍

[@jimwhittemore1610]

Thanks, getting entertained and some education at the same time

[@brandygray5894]

That's hot rodding man, one change leads to three others😂 Nice fab work 👍

[@tedayer1823]

This is my absolute favorite chennel. I love how you work and explain everything. Your projects are also the best.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks so much 😊

[@grahamrowley-n7k]

It's amazing what blokes can do when they're let loose in the shed with power tools and a welder.

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

This has become my favorite build Diff. Your attn to detail is awesome. Nice job brother man. 😊

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks a bunch!

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome afternoon brother from another country another awesome adventure with yall !! Great to see your helper with you to help with the heavy lifting awesome as always brother

[@stevo.jurisic1980]

Far out Div!.....your fabrication skills, never cease to amaze me mate, your bigger picture thought process is excellent 👍🏻 Cheers Div! 🍻 🇦🇺

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate 👍

[@ReduxGarage]

Sitting here, relieved at the recent “warm up” to -19C, I’m fantasizing about living in a place where heat in a vehicle isn’t necessary. Keep at it Div!

[@ratrodsafrica]

I would die in temperatures like that!😅

[@ReduxGarage]

@@ratrodsafrica sadly, people do. -38 here last week. Why do I live here?!

[@brucemitchell9166]

Good job Dif👍 It was 1969 when beach buggy mania was here, we shortened pan & tunnel 12& 1/2 inches. for off road use Oxy acetylene & hacksaw 😂 Engineering nowhere as good as yours but we couldn't break it. Brought back good memories Thanks man

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yeah, I started out the same way! We had wild fun in those days😄

[@glenmiller3783]

Really nice job shortening the bug chassis

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@danielpancu9841]

Dear Duff... Bob Coates, he s my rat rod hero. Yes, sir. And your friend, you re my second hero. Genial work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

At least I made second place!😆

[@danielpancu9841]

yes... Bob... is great human person... yes, sir. @@ratrodsafrica

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Diff. Great work on making the chassis shorter. I really watching you get in and out of trouble.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Gotta do whatever it takes to stay out of that doghouse man!😂

[@zems63]

I’m really digging this build! Both auto manufacturers are my favorite! It’s really cool to see you put together the pan from the VW and the body from the Renault! I really appreciate how detailed your explanation of each step you’re taking and above all else your laid back approach. I can’t wait to see more of this build!! Thanks For Such A Great Video Div!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure man, glad you like it!

[@martinharris5017]

Nice work gentlemen. Always a pleasure to hear you guys having a laugh and enjoying your garage therapy. Can't wait to see this Renault sitting on the bug pan.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Soon!🙂

[@joecioe8566]

Nice job, I like your way of doing things simple, inexpensive, well thought out, and done right.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! 👍

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Great work and very relatable to the home enthusiast.

[@Tommyp65]

Great job as always diff, I love watching you make things your own. 👍👍

[@francisc144]

Please hurry up with build, i love to see the marriage between French and German completed. Two of my favourite cars.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hurrying is not something that exists in my life!😄

[@richardlincoln8438]

Great fabrication as always Div. Thank You for sharing this content on Your channel. Best Wishes and Godspeed.

[@alanpaulick7815]

Boet safety and strength great for the wife's ride. You really are a master fabricator. Thanks for saring you content. Have a lekka weekend.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet 👍

[@alfbittner6489]

All your tricks for fabricating is next level, you got taught by the best. This Renault is going to be smooth as with VW engine and running gear, as always lekker boet.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@scottcates]

I'm excited to see the Renault body make its move.

[@lindsaylavallee5012]

Wonderfully done as always & thanks for all the what to do to make life easier when working alone tips !!

[@ratrodsafrica]

My pleasure!

[@peterkelly250]

Enjoy watching your attention to detail Diff.

[@brentbrown8393]

Your methodic approach to overcoming construction difficulties is certainly something all us viewers of your channel should to take notice of and try to emulate. Your video was totally interesting, captivating, and fascinating to watch man. Thanks so much.👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@tomsawyer247]

You have great fabrication skills Diff.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@mikediamond257]

Once again, incredible work. Fascinating to watch

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MatthewFocke]

Great craftsmanship/design. Wifey Wednesday… Cool man…

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@jeffg4008]

Always learn how to do something watching your videos. Great stuff.

[@russelblackwell6041]

Great progress Diff the way you mate your metal together the way you do things brilliant excited to see the chassis in black paint and when you can mount the body on cheers.

[@hooligan_56labelle22]

Great work. I can already see where this is going. Super cute petite bug. Maybe paint this a luminous bug green. Project is moving along great.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. I think the wife really likes the yellow color...

[@hooligan_56labelle22]

In any color minibug is going to be cute.

[@Grizzmakes]

Kak tape measure boet. Love your work. All your reinforcement and planning is great. This build promises to be way beyond minimum expectations in engineering. Mooi.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Obviously didn't use one that you sent me😅

[@mikebeidelman6051]

Dif, and so it goes my brother, awesome craftmanship and clever thinking at its best . mike.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@davidfreyta3857]

While I must admit to not being a fan of either the Renault or VW. I am a fan of the craftsmanship and knowledge you are passing along here. Of course I will be watching the whole build as I do enjoy any car that is home built and done well. I think a lot of the techniques you show can be applied to many projects, not just to the automotive field. Keep up the great content.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@70stefg]

Excellent work! I did not know there are so many tubes inside the frame of a beetle

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Yes, more than one with think! Normally there will be a fuel line tube in there as well. I removed it prior.

[@geoffreymills9932]

It's the details that make a great project and you hit every one with precision, love your work Dif

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@AvverageJoe]

youre a true craftsman, Div. love the show

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@whatzthis64]

I really enjoy watching you work , you are very talented, you explain everything very well, I hope that you have a wonderful day . From Kentucky in the U.S.A. …Brian…

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Brian! You too!

[@mixerman1]

One thing I can tell you is you can't fault it for square and level and strong. loved the hidden gusset plates and makin it look "factree" one more episode and then I start on the truck vids 🤣

[@Mustsed]

That comes along very nice and making it shorter also adds strenght to the whole layout. I used to cut VW chassis to make 356 porsche replikas and that was so easy to work with in comparison to the cars (US classics) i try to do now! Good work and thanks for the detailed explanations Div. 👍👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, the Beetles are fun! Brings back many memories

[@Rustohallick]

All that I can say in an attempt to not inflate your ego is " Dam dude !! ".. Which translates to " You are a true crafts man and a fine teacher. "

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro. I'm too old now for that ego shit!😅

[@terrencebuller7676]

Nice work Div, look forward to seeing more of this build as well. Take care and have a Lekka one. 👍👍👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, same there👍

[@johnnym1320]

Great job Dif! This is an interesting build, I'm liking what you're doing here

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@ThomasEsterline]

Hi Dif. I am in awe of your genius. Your skill and thought process amazes me. Thank you. The Hudson chassis and air bag set up. WOW. Keep it up. Rust is not a crime

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@johnfederkeil9211]

Nice Job Div! Great Video as usual!

[@scootergem]

Brings back memories. I used to have a Myers manx style dune buggy that was shortened 17 inches. Amazing how many tubes there were in the floor tunnel. Nice job and explanations. Bravo!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks

[@billholder9665]

Another great episode Diffy!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@jerrydodd6113]

Always enjoy your vids! Great explanations as well! You should have been a teacher, Diff!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Guess I'm sort of a digital teacher now 😅

[@ishsiriram6646]

Awesome Div...Love the surgery videos Div. Thank you for sharing...

[@jeff3175]

Div i reckon your wife must really look after you the way you're paying her back with all these magnificent engineering fixes, I believe the work you have done would be structually more sound than the Beetle and Renault when they originally came off the factory floor. Good job 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

She does!😁

[@johnkranz4004]

Div really nice Cuts and repairs That’s the best way of doing it Nice and Strong

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks

[@patricksmith4622]

I just want to say I truly enjoy watching your videos, I am a fan of hotrods and VWs so I am really enjoying this build, have ideas for one of my own , we’ll see what happens

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks!

[@markrobertson9015]

Well it looks like you know what to do with the beetle frame so far looks great. On wifey Wednesday I'm sure you made your way indoors now and won't have to modify the dogs house to accommodate you 😊 see you in the next video Take care Div.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yeah, can sleep warm for a while now😅

[@gerard4444]

Very nice work, looks easy... when you what to doo Your are a master builder for shure Ziet er strak uit, erg goed gedaan

[@raychambers3646]

Nice job Diff a lot off work for such a short difference in length ! Hope the lady wife appreciates it . Happy new year from the uk .

[@cayminlast]

Coming along nicely. Die Korporaal se, 'Baaie Mooie" gedoen boetman. Thanks for demonstrating how to do the job properly, instead of just butt welding, add some strength and integrity to the joint.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Korporaal!😄

[@flatworm00]

You make it look so easy I really like the way you approach each task and explain how you are going to do it.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@psnaith1]

Dude, you never cease to amaze me! this gone to a cool mini rat rod!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Mini it will definitely be!😅

[@Franknberrie]

What an incredible fabricator you are, i love your channel

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@robames1293]

Another good one Diff. I already love this car, the marriage of an Italian to a German. haha

[@ratrodsafrica]

Love is blind!😅

[@virgiliomarzan47]

Hi Dif, I just love the way you describe what is going on and your way of rectifying it, and your fabrication is so cool, this build is coming along and anything you build always looks good?

[@williamrome2257]

Awesome craftsmanship !

[@LeonardMagnusson]

westport wa.state here sir. after seeing that mangled cut you had to clean up. some people should be be told. drop the tools and back away from the car. for life. when the manx vw's came into life. i had a job at a small assembly garage. i think it was 71 or 72 good memory. thank you. oh, mine always wanted to drop a cylinder. my uncle took it and dam it ran good. do not know what he did but dam. a car that did more than 40 again.

[@YugoMilan]

Dif man you are awesome! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world! Every video I watch I learn so much and as previously stated you explain each step incredibly well! I have been binge watching your videos, it’s really awesome to learn from an OG!!! Have a great day all the way from the Arizona desert.

[@ratrodsafrica]

I appreciate that! Thanks bro

[@keithk2926]

Beautiful job Diff 👍cheers from California

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@shotsrodder]

Nice job Div👍

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Great job on the project. Really like the way you think out the steps you need to take and then do them. That floor pan/ chassis is looking great! Shortly your Bride will be tooling around in style.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks a bunch!

[@frankschwartz7405]

Nice job. A guy would think you're an old dune-buggy builder from way back.

[@ratrodsafrica]

That would be correct 🙂

[@dragontattooee]

Forest engineering for the win, loving Renobug, have a lekka one Div

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@andrewmantle7627]

Good looking sculpture.

[@susandrinkrow5938]

You realy are quite the engineer Diff .

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks

[@jasonpittell516]

Great work as usual diffy

[@curbshoppin]

I just love watching you work , you are a artist sir🏁

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you kindly

[@bazbrudenell817]

Your a craftsman sir 👍👍

[@bradpage8967]

Really enjoying this build! I saw your VIN cover plate before you explained it and was asking myself, now what is that?! Makes sense, no reason to confuse anyone at the inspection station!😁 VW sure made good use of that tunnel for a bunch of stuff!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Yes, let's not confuse beaurocrasy 😅

[@davewilson7278]

Loving the build, nice work. Regards from the UK.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!