Imagine having the chance to buy a brand new chassis for your beloved classic Toyota AE86, but is it a brilliant idea or a recipe for disaster? A controversial restoration approach!
For car enthusiasts, the dream of restoring an old gem often involves wishing for a fresh start, free from the burdens of rust and grime. So, when a Chinese company offered brand new reproductions of the iconic AE86 Corolla chassis, it caught the attention of many, including the YouTube channel BigTime (https://www.jalopnik.com/you-can-build-a-brand-new-toyota-ae86-with-this-9-500-1851658885/).
The BigTime crew decided to put this new chassis to the test by attempting to fit the parts from an old, worn-out AE86 onto the fresh frame. But here's where it gets interesting: the process wasn't as seamless as they'd hoped. And this is the part most people miss when considering such a project.
BigTime's mechanic, Mike Day, pointed out the challenges they faced: "This is the first one, so there are issues. Things don't fit perfectly, and the workmanship is questionable. We found bad welds, mismatched holes, and components that weren't drilled correctly." A risky venture, indeed!
Despite these issues, the car eventually came together with some modifications. They added rivnuts, adjusted hole positions, and dealt with tension on the dash bar. Surprisingly, the car became functional and even performed a quick J-turn. But is it a reliable ride?
The legality of this Chinese-made chassis is questionable. Without a VIN tag, making it road legal would be a challenge, possibly requiring some creative paperwork. However, for a track-only or drift car, this could be a viable option. A controversial choice, but a tempting one for some enthusiasts.
As the project progresses, we'll see how the BigTime team tackles the challenges of turning this chassis into a fully-fledged car, complete with an interior and windows. It's a unique journey, and we can expect an exciting outcome, especially with their reputation for pushing the limits.
A burning question remains: would you take the plunge and buy a brand new chassis for your classic car restoration? The convenience of a fresh start versus the potential pitfalls of an untested product—what's your take? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
