It all started by making myself a question "should I buy or build my next car". Chose to build my 1963 VW Bug into my dream car and it all got out of control (in a good way!). The whole Bug (except interiors) was done by me (Gilberto "Wichy" Cruz) and this is a very brief summary of the sleeper Bug build.
My first car was a "hand me down" 1969 VW Beetle and my favorite car I had at the time was a 2004 WRX STi. One day surfing the web in 2012, I found images of a black and gray Bug that had a 2.0 WRX STi swap and was immediately hooked! Rapidly started to research how to build my wish list.
With the wish list completed, I went ahead and purchased a pristine 1963 VW Beetle with 67k miles. Made a lot of people mad after telling them that I was going to hack the bug :). The wish list included a 2.5 WRX STi engine, WRX 5 speed with Subarugears diff, Mendeola (now Coolrydes) front suspension, Airkewled 17" Smoothies, Brembo brakes, A/C and most importantly, a closing engine decklid like factory and a stock "sleeper" look.
Chassis and Suspension
The build took about 6 years (since it was done on my free time). A nut and bolt rotisserie resto-mod was performed. Chassis was heavily modified to fit the 2.5 Subaru engine and 5 Speed trans. The torsion tube was cut to move the drivetrain inwards in order to be able to close the rear engine decklid like it came from the factory. The whole suspension was overhauled. A Mendeola front and rear suspension was installed to handle higher speeds and cornering. Porche 911 Turbo Brembo rotors and calipers were added for stopping capability.
Body and Paint
The body was completely soda blasted. All products used was from the Glasurit line. The body was painted with the factory color Sea Blue #L360 using Glasurit 55 Line base coat and Glasurit clear 923-255.
Final Assembly
The body was mated to the chassis. Everything went together perfect (prior to this moment I had measured and pre-fitted the body to the chassis at least 10 times!). With a bunch of friends the body was taken off the rotisserie and placed on the chassis.
Final Review
The Bug was then Dyno'd at 347whp. I drive the Bug everywhere in the island and it feels awesome. Now it gives you the confidence to drive it fast with all of the modern upgrades. The best part is that it stills looks like an unassuming vintage Beetle in and out. I've taken it to a lot of VW car shows, drag racing and even take it camping, hauling a 1962 matching Shasta Compact vintage trailer.
