Here's something you don't see every day: A VW Caddy/Miata mash up. In the spirit of the minitruck thread in GRM main forum we have a real minitruck. Looks to be about 90% done. The engine is tired but the truck is still registered as a VW Diesel so no smog inspection; you could install an Allison Aircraft Engine if you wanted to. I'm thinking a K-swap would do nicely but an MZR would too.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1097536067969407/
I don't hate it
I like it. California is to far a haul.
It's like a much slower version of the Ranger that won this year's Challenge! :D
I'd love it if they hadn't cut the top off. Just completely destroys any desire to drive it.
I've seen it done time and again and I just don't get it.
In reply to Mr_Asa :
I like the idea in theory but in practice I agree. This isn't like the Shelby Dakota convertible where there was a good(ish) place to put a folded roof.
If they had integrated the Miata windscreen and top and kept the bulkheads separating the bed from the cabin, which sounds like a lot of effort but could be pretty cool... All it takes is a ton of time and welding wire, right?
I think there wasn't room for the Miata pan if you leave the Caddy top in place. They left the Miata seating position in place, there's no way a Caddy could fit that.
I really like it. If someone was in high school in the desert, this would be a great car for them.
dculberson said:I think there wasn't room for the Miata pan if you leave the Caddy top in place. They left the Miata seating position in place, there's no way a Caddy could fit that.
Chopping the top off is probably easier than learning to stretch the B pillar and rear of the cab. I don't think it's much easier though
I love that they made the attempt. But there is much to dislike about the execution.
Wtf is the repurposed ladder rack? Is that supposed to look custom?
Dash and HVAC integration is a bit primitive.
I would also question the structural integrity of the seat-belt mount cum roll-bar brace that is welded to sheet-metal at the B-post.. Odd because the Mazda chassis actually provides seat belt mounts in that location.
I like that we're expecting perfection for 2.5 Steves.
In reply to Appleseed :
My thoughts exactly. It's a semi-hillbilly mash up that probably needs a fair amount of work to really finish it. 2.5 Steves is not big money...
If it had some semblance of a top, I'd've been over there three days ago. As it is, I'm keeping myself busy with other things so I don't contact the seller. This thing would be stupid fun with just about any motor with power cuz you can put anything at all in it and never hafta smog it. And it's a truck with a lumber rack! Can you imagine showing up at an SCCA Auto-X with this? With some 2x4's and a ladder strapped on! Or if I can je ... I mean negotiate the price into Challenge money I might drive it to Gainesville...
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