ShopTalk Forums | Aircooled VW Tech & Restoration Help

Well this month’s Off-Roader of the month is long overdue. This guy has been putting in the time and effort into this forum for awhile now. His build has taken more turns then Baja 1000 and I am sure it could very well run that race when it is finally done. He is a attention to detail kinda guy and he won’t be happy till it is just right, not kind of, not close but just right. We have all been following his build and rebuild for awhile now. I have been lucky enough to be able to go over to his place and help him on several occasions and always come back learning something. Well if you have not already guessed it Junes Off-Roader of the month is Hedrock, aka parts flying in the air. Might as well start at the beginning though I know it will be hard to do this build justice.
He built/building a vert, yes one of those guys, you already know he is different just because of that. But he started with this.

And starts cutting


Working on his frame he built this. Ask him if he has a tubing bender. Answer that one for you, nope! Keep watching you will see lots of changes.


I like his one comment “ hope to be done by early spring” well he didn’t say what year.


He caught our attention with the start and the questions started to flow. And the mods begin.

Hedrock wrote:Well after much thought I decided that the distance between the "a" and "b" pillar posts was to close (too hard to get in and out of the car) so I took out the "a" pillars and the tube that holds the stearing bearings and the one above your head out for some slight adjustments. I moved the "a" pillers 2.5 inches closer to the dash. Doesn't sound like it would make much difference but it sure did. I figured all of this was easier than losing about 20 lbs. I'll post some pics when I actually get something done not just re-done.

Then talk of engine and games.

Hedrock wrote:I have mostly been collecting parts to go coilover. Have all the parts for the front and will post pics of the "new" front end in a couple days.
One other part I came across was a 2180 engine. It is a good re-buildable engine and the best part was it was very afordable (free). I'll need to get a good set of cylinder heads and p/c and should be pretty much ready to go. Herbie might be right, I did play a little wack the penguin this week end

And doing some front end work


Some words of encouragement from DG

DesertGuy wrote:I like when you step back and everything "looks" like it belongs where it does... your build definately has that quality, awesome job.

BTW, I think the pony clamps and zip ties will be fine, mine is put together with bubble gum and scotch tape and seems to be holding.

Here is some of the rear cage, I think he is trying to tell me something here.


Body off, one of how many times?

The guy has attitude for sure.


And some of the things we walk away with, sorry Hedrock had to post it.

HEDROCK JR wrote:

Hedrock wrote:More free advice... Watch out for sharp edges on your sheet metal...

OUCH...

Just think, you probably would have hit your head again if it wasnt for me!
Oh and you're welcome for doctoring that up for ya

Then he starts on his dimples


A lot of them


Making a “ahh shoot” foot rest


Doing some dash work on the first dash


Body work




He even let me weld on it some. Brave guy he is.


Body back on and a outside shot.


Here is his 50 gal. cap. Oil cooler, it is big, nice but big.


Adding a roof to it.


Time for a new dash too



Still working on the insides too


Some new meat for the back, maybe one day he will grow some for the fronts.


Something we all need, either this version or one that does the same.

Roof rack added.


And where this baja got it’s other name. Sorry Brian! It loves that trailer.


Mounting rear fenders, this is how the guy rolls. Details guys, details!


And we start painting




And what we have all been waiting for
Before


And with her new coat


Inside shot


And then engine talk starts.

david58 wrote:

Getrdone wrote:Hey! 2276 is a pertty engine!

Are you forgetting he has to out do Leatherneck.

Hedrock wrote:Ok so I've been busting my hump for the last few days and here is where I am now.......
First I've just about got the front end finished. obviously the arms were the first part to be added to the beam. When I got ready to put the spindles on I sprayed both sides of the shims with graphite dry lube. This is an old racing trick Madmitch taught me back in the old days
Here is what I used...


Shims sprayed...

Spindles, tie-rods, rack and limit straps added...

Brake lines (hard and braided) are done but I have not added the hard lines yet. Here is a pic with all of the brakes done and the shock installed. I'm still waiting on the little reservoir block thingys.


On to the back for a while. I sprayed the under side of the fender with undercoating. I think it looks much better. I will do the under side of the hood also.

I installed a HD arm for the t-o bearing along with new final drive seals.

I also installed both rear trailing arms with all new bearings and seals. Every thing in the back is done now but the cv's/axles and the brake lines.

I hope to have this back to a roller by Monday night so I can begin the engine assembly... Keep your fingers crossed

And the engine work begins


Little dash bling too


Battery box


This Baja is about the details for sure.




And it lives


Finishing up on the wiring


Some added bling


Well the Baja ran, ran good, good enough that it lost it’s butt in LS, had parts flying in the air, threw it so high it landed on top of the baja. Well the roof rack came in handy


So the rebuild begins, AGAIN!!



And this is a hint of things to come, soon you will see


Well guys I know I have not done Brian or his Baja justice in this but I want to personally thank Brian for all the hard work in this forum and posting his baja here for us to see and enjoy. Being the Off-Roader of the month is not about having the best build but it is about what you do for this forum , the builds well they are just the eye candy we get to look at. Once again Hedrock thanks for all your time, effort and attention that you have put into the Shoptalkforums Off-Road forum. My hat is off to you my friend. Oh and by the way the next updates on this Baja are going to be something. Enjoy!
Leatherneck

Congrats Hedrock; well deserved, well deserved! One of the builds that drive the sport (no pun intended) forward.

Leatherneck, magnificant post on Hedrock.

Congrats Hedrock!

Snuck a pic of my ass (well, my car's ass anyway) in there too, Leather...

Congrats, Bedrock...

What? Why has Hedrock been overlooked for so long!?

Some baja's are cool, some are nice, some are sweet, but this one is beautiful. You can see how much attention to detail has been put into this baja. I think the trailer queen status can be stricken from the record books after the trip to LS. As much as I love HP and the roar of a big motor, I still like to see the aircooled power plant in the rear. Hedrock's is of my favorite bajas. I can't wait to see version 2.0. Congrats on your long overdue STFORFOROTM Award and thanks for all you do here.

Congrats Headrock!!!

I only hope my Baja turns out half as nice.

BAJA-IT wrote:Congrats Headrock!!!

I only hope my Baja turns out half as nice.

Or at least the pictures of it.

Nice!

Congrats!!!

I love what you did for your dash. I plan on doing the same thing if I ever get that far.

Kudos

congradulations. i just hope that when i start to build my rail next year that i can do as good a job on a build thread as you have.

Way to go 'rock.........

I vote this build gets him ORotM for two months in a row!