Project Dawn

1994 Beach Truck 200tdi $55k

We bought this vehicle in Oswestry in England in June 2022.  After inspection we found it to be in good shape with a strong relatively low mile engine and an excellent bulkhead (it was replaced by the previous owner) and a passable chassis. 

We considered exporting as was to the UK but decided it was a good candidate for a simple snazzy soft top build instead as it already needed 3 new doors and we had the soft top parts on hand at our shop in the UK.

Process

• Stripped the body back and interior out

• remove rear bulkhead 

• remove floor pans and repair seat box

• repaint in VW Tunis Yellow - My daughter Lily decided we needed to make this one nice and bright

• Install rear bulkhead removal bar

• 3 new doors - brad new series style split doors

• New All Wheel Trim HD galv frame with sand canvas - really nice quality

• seats re trimmed by top class trim shop Kens Customs. High end fabric and quality vinyl which holds up well to UK and elements.

• 10 seater with belts

• 235 85 r 16 Cooper STT PRO on wolfs

• Chassis - the chassis was already waxoiled and had some patches in the past so we decided to leave it and apply a new coat of lanolin. We had in mind that a USA client might want to replace at some point and wanted to keep original for export. The chassis is definitely not at the level of the body or interior but is acceptable and safe. We were trying to keep the budget reasonable on this build 

Work in the USA on arrival

• Engine 200tdi

• Valve adjustment and timing belt 

• New fox shocks

• Mesquite rear deck - high quality product done by local craftsman. Wood harvested in southern AZ. it is georgeous and includes L track for cargo control.
  
  Dash has a few nicks in it and would benefit from a retrim or if considering a LHD swap then perhaps a puma dash.
  
  Truck is currently registered and titled in Arizona