Over the past 3+ years that I’ve been running this site, there’s been a few builds out there that are so popular they get submitted to me by multiple readers, and this thread falls into that category. However, the submissions weren’t even necessary this time, as I have been lucky enough to follow this build since the thread was first created. Kevin, the cars owner, is a one man building machine, doing everything on this little BMW, from fabrication to bodywork, rust repairs to paint, and now the currently-in-progress F20C engine conversion. I’ve personally enjoyed every update of this well-photographed thread, and hope you will keep following it.
Tag: fabrication
5 cylinder Audi powered Porsche 996
Porsche’s seem to be blowing up the internet lately. Between RWB, Singer, and most recently Magnus Walker, there’s been a constant stream Porkas on every auto blog out there for the past few years now. But hey, this is Build Threads, so you know if you see a Porsche here there’s going to be something different about it. So how about a full tube framed 996 with a 5-cyl ABY Audi powerplant?
Thanks to Linus for submitting.
Project Speedster MX5
Here’s another build I’ve had my eye on for a while which was recently completed. Like most people these days, I’m a fan of appropriately modified Mazda MX5‘s. But being such a popular platform, it becomes harder to get one to stand out from the sea of Roadsters, without ending up with an over-modded abomination. One way to break away from the pack – if you have the skills – is to create your own one-off special edition, something with more than a selection of bolt-ons. That’s exactly what The MX5 Restorer did to this once battered and bruised NA; he chopped, carved and sliced it up to create his own version of a Mazda Speedster, perfect for those windy roads on a warm summer day.
Group 2 Zakspeed Mk2 Escort
Yep, another classic British Ford, seems to be the flavour lately. This one is a MK2 Escort, taken from a granny-spec stocker all the way to a fabricated and widened twin-cam track tearer. I really like how far they’ve developed and modified the factory floorpan instead of simply ripping it all out and replacing it with custom tubing.
Thanks to Cosmin for submitting.
K20 1st Gen Civic
Here is a perfect example of why I love modified cars. Take the shell of the first generation of specific car, then stuff it with all the goodies from a performance model of one of the most current generations from the same linage. I love it. Click here for more Honda builds.
Thanks to Nils for submitting, who is also undertaking a thorough restoration of a 240Z, look out for it in a future feature. Continue reading “K20 1st Gen Civic”
Niscort – MK1 Escort CA18DET
Many years ago I remember seeing what I still think is one of the best looking CA18DET’s ever put together. It was posted on a forum, and I liked it so much I pm’d the person who’d posted the image. That CA18DET wasn’t bound for the usual S13 Nissan or Datsun 1200 ute, it was built for Glenn’s MK1 Escort, hence the name “Niscort”. Apart from the crossbreed engine conversion, the little Ford receives a full rotisserie build with plenty of rust repairs and custom suspension work. Unfortunately it’s not quite finished yet, but I’ve been checking for updates for so many years I thought I should just go ahead and feature it, enjoy!
Custom built Streetfighter
In my years of ogling over bike builds, I can’t say I’ve ever seen a sportbike with a custom made frame. I’ve seen plenty of choppers and bobbers fitted with fabricated tube-frames, or stock frames paired with hard-tail rear sections, but this streetfighter is the first time I’ve seen a modern bike with a 1-off aluminium frame hugging the driveline. There is some discussion within the thread regarding the choice of material and techniques for building the frame. I’m not qualified to comment on that stuff, all I know is it’s fun to watch things being fabricated from metal!
Thanks to Dante for submitting.
Swallowtail MK1 Golf
About a year ago I featured an Audi A3 turbo belonging to a very talented man by the name of Alex. He was the driving force behind my idea for creating a post tag called People Who Get It, for those special build threads belonging to people who take the time to take nice photos and keep their threads updated. Well, that A3 was just a daily driver, something to tinker with while his real project was being worked on in the background. This is that project.
VW Bug Pickup
1967 Volkswagen Beetle + roof chop + 1950 Chevy pickup = Bugtruck!
Thanks to Geoff for submitting.
Click here for more ute/pickup conversions. Click here for more VW builds.
1JZ Mini
Yes, you read that correctly, a 1JZ in a Mini. A 1JZ…in a Mini. I don’t know what is causing the recent influx of Mini’s here lately, but this is the 3rd one I’ve featured in as many months. To be honest I don’t like featuring similar cars in close succession, and this build is still a fair way off completion, but there just wasn’t any way I could hold off on showing you this one any longer (plus the only thing ‘similar’ to the other ones is what’s left of the body shell!). Did I mention this Mini has a 1JZ in it?
Thanks to Matt for submitting.