I used to love the beetle when i was young. I still want to own one.

 

Good stuff. I followed this build thread from the beginning. Great job! I love it when a plan comes together!

 

next step, RX8 Radio and A/C

 

The radio isn't so good on the rx8, I'd spend the effort in a aftermarket (alpine, kenwood...) head unit.
Have you considered just putting in a wabasto roof, I guess in florida a/c is important though.

 

well I really want to go with the whole idea of using as much of the Rx-8 as possible rather than an aftermarket radio, plus then I wont need an adapter to use the steering wheel controls or remount the climate control buttons

 

got ya.

 

LOVE this thread. I'm amazed at your skills, honestly.

I agree with using the stock radio, can't wait to see more progress.

 

Took her to the Tire shop to get an Alignment and she came back fat!

Before


After

 

I'm probably blind because I can't spot the difference, other than the passenger seat seems to be missing on the 2nd pic

 

rear tires appeared to have had some serious buffet

car looks great, congrats on your progress to date

 

added some 215/70R15 to the rear verses the stock 165/80R15
so it's taller and wider

 

Ah, now I see.
Pretty close the the OEM 225/45R18 size.
205/70R15 would have been almost perfect match, but this is good enough. More rubber on the road

 

I wanted to get a little bit better highway speed for the rpm to try and get better fuel mileage. I can always throw it into 3rd for passing power.

 

Actually, seeing that the tire size you selected results in the speedo reading about 2 mph lower than the real speed and knowing that the RX-8 speedo reads about 2 mph higher than the real speed, this may be the perfect size after all

 

That would be great if I could figure out how to connect the Speedometer!

 

lol.... when everything is a blur, you are probably going too fast!

I like the new rear tyre look. Plus it give it a little rake by the looks of it...might just be camera angle though!

 

you are correct about the rake it is not the camera. Seen as the fronts are shorter and the rears are taller it gives it a nice stance

 

went and got the A/C system charged and everything is good! I now own an old beetle with A/C!

 

I think you are due to give us another video of it running

Excellent work by the way, very impressive.

 

vid ftw!

 

He is probably on the road, driving to CA...

 

Well we made it out here to San Diego!

I was able to get 25mpg but should be better now that I don't have it loaded with a welder, two tool boxes, jack stands, misc tools, computer... all that weighed 550lb!

The trip went well and I would drive it across country again if I had to. It would have been nicer if it were quieter but 550lbs put extra load on the car making it louder. A/C was awesome!!!!!

I need to replace the steering box as it has too much play that couldn't be adjusted out.

One problem that was annoying was the throttle! I would be cruising and all of the sudden the throttle would quit! I would have to release the pedal then mash it all the way to get it to respond again. Anyone have this problem before?

I will try and get some good pics/video soon



oh and I didn't see a single RX-8 or beetle the entire trip from Tampa until I got into California!

 

Epic !

 

sweet.... I bet you didn't see any other RX-eetles either!

 

Just saw this. That's impressive!!! Glad you made it ok.