Audi TT off-road project

[Jamaica]

Looks great!

[davemakesstuff]

Well, compression testing the engine did not go well - No.3 was 40psi down on the others! This wasn't a surprise as it was putting out a lot of white smoke when purchased. The seller was sure it hadn't done that when it arrived... but I bought it anyway on the basis that it was worth triple in parts what he wanted for the whole. I was expecting a cracked head but got a cracked block and consequent worn rings instead (i.e. it had run like that for some while). So we had some fun craning engines in and out: https://youtu.be/u8AbwE27Xnw
Engine's not quite running yet but everything looks a lot happier than it did.

[NGRhodes]

I love these conversions, where most of the world is modifying by going for rizzla thick ground clearance and painted on tyres, its refreshing to see the complete opposite, just needs more knobbles on the tyres IMHO and a winch.

[davemakesstuff]

Yes, some proper mud tyres would definitely suit it. My other off-roader project is running Insa Turbo 33s. They're too big for the arches on this one (though they'd look awesome) so I'd be looking for something a bit less extreme.

[anonymous-user]

Following/subbed. Looks great, and I love seeing kids doing stuff they "shouldn't".

I've got a great photo of my godson at 2 holding a chainsaw against a half-cut log (obviously turned off but at a distance you can't tell!).

[davemakesstuff]

We needed a front bumper that was more in keeping with the off-road aesthetic. I was in the metal yard looking for bumper steel and came across some tube with perfect curvature... so built a bumper. It's not quite finished - there'll be a part 2 - but it's definitely changed the look of the front end. Build video here for anyone interested: https://youtu.be/fgBrjKUdC9I

[kambites]

Will it be road legal?

[davemakesstuff]

Yes, it will absolutely be road legal. I'm eliminating sharp edges and sticky-out bits as I go - I'm aiming for "the world has ended but we still have MOTs".

[davemakesstuff]

Quite a lot of welding and grinding later and we have a front bumper:


Build video pt2 here: https://youtu.be/kdSot8x_8e4

[enpointe]

MC Bodge said:

It reminds me of the Dakar 959

exactly this

[croissant]

This is hilarious! I've subscribed to you're channel and look forward to more videos

[NGRhodes]

That looks ace.
Will you be putting a mesh behind grill as looks like could let through stones ?

[davemakesstuff]

Hmm, that's a good shout. I hadn't intended to, but I am quite a fan of keeping the coolant inside the radiator.

[davemakesstuff]

Made a frame to hold the radiator and headlights in a sensible position:



Also, finally got the engine more-or-less together enough for a brief first run. It's rough but it's running. At least one of the 02 sensors is plumbed into a disconnected exhaust pipe, and all the vacuum lines are plumbed into the turbo inlet (which isn't connected to the engine) so some odd running is perhaps not terribly surprising. I will compression test it though, just to be on the safe side.

Video here: https://youtu.be/5X7sxYbRXKE

[Scrump]

Just watched your latest video, it is coming together now. Your daughter with the angle grinder was both worrying and impressive at the same time.

[Escy]

I'm not fussed on the car but like the way you've done the video so I've subscribed.

[Gallons Per Mile]

I love the project! Hopefully I'll be doing mad stuff like this with my daughter once she's old enough. She's nearly one at the mo, so plenty of time to plan

[Northbrook]

You're utterly insane.

Good work!

[pidsy]

Nice one OP!

Best of luck to the two of you.

[Sf_Manta]

Looks like something out of Mad Max or Resident Evil..