DOTM 2011/06

-What’s changed on the bug since last year at this time?
It seems like a lot has changed, but in reality not as much as it seems. LOL! We installed the Airlift suspension kit, had the frame C-notched by Drew Dorbritz, and added the 18″ 5×100 highlighter yellow BLQ Rotiforms. We bought the Thule Roof rack from another new beetle owner and there it has stayed. We removed the back seat to begin a false floor as well, so no spare riders for a long time.
-What direction are you headed with the chosen mods?
Headed in a weird, strange and awfully bright direction.
-What makes your car unique among other dubs?
It’s a new beetle!!! That’s it!!! Just kidding…I’m gonna say the wheels for now. It seems to be the one thing adults, and kids, like so far. LOL!

-What is your favorite mod right now?
Hmm…gonna have to say the Airlift suspension honestly. It’s been a new experience and one that’s a little frustrating, but we are beginning to get it figured out.

-Is your car going to be modded further or is it complete?
We are planning a total tear down and repaint with some performance, audio and interior changes. I’ve got an APR Carbonio Intake that needs to be installed, need to send my ECU off for APR Stage II tuning, and install the exhaust. We have some body work to be done as far as smoothing areas too…a whole different look!!

-What is your ideal day with this car?
I’ve somewhat had my ideal day…having some professional pictures taken at a gtg and hearing people say that it was their favorite car of the whole gtg that involved all different car types. The pictures have shown up in so many different places and I’m just happy to be able to sport Rotiform’s in this color and not get completely flamed in the process. It’s awesome to hear people talk “nicely” about a beetle. LOL! In the future though, my ideal day will be when it’s completely done…I will prob spit on it from frustration, but it will be worth it.

-Any plans to sell the car in the future?
Everything is for sale, but honestly I’ve had someone ask jokingly and I just don’t think I could part with it just yet. It’s in mid stage, so it’s at one stop along the journey.

-Are there any tips, tricks, or suggestions you’d like to offer to those looking to build a car of their own?
WOW…there are a ton, but I’m not sure I can remember all of them. LOL! 1.) When pre-ordering wheels, expect them to take MONTHS and I’m serious…MONTHS before you even know if they are close to being shipped to your door. But normally the wait is worth it in the end. 2.) Don’t always take businesses at their word. Unfortunately it seems that there are less straight forward people in the industry than what you are made to think. Always get a list of parts, or pictures before you pay for something huge like air ride. 3.) If you do buy something, don’t go through a dealer unless you have done some background checking on their sales history…go straight to the manufacturer…saves you a lot of heart ache in the end. 4.) Oil pans are important to take care of with a lowered car; even on air ride. 5.) DON’T CRUB THE WHEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH man, if that happens anytime soon, I’m gonna have to revived…it will be a bad day LOL…hence number 6.) If you get powder coated wheels, you might want to get a 5th just in case. LOL! 7.) Don’t trust templates… 8.) Installs are almost non existent without the help of friends!

-Finally, any final thoughts or shout-outs you’d like to share?
I would like to shout out to my husband who puts up with me and cleaning my car more than I ever would. And don’t hate! He has access to a car wash and it would take me hours to do it cause I’m so anal about everything. LOL!! He has put up with me buying parts and talking about the build for a while. He has also helped me decide the route we are going with it and doing a lot of ground work in finding parts needed. Shout out to the Ashley’s!!! Without their help, the air ride prob still wouldn’t be complete. We went through some serious hell with that install and if not for them I would have been car-less for a while. They let me use their brand new GTI until the correct parts for the air ride showed up, well, we had to make the correct fittings to work. LOL!! Shout out also to my friend Randy for allowing us to use his garage and lift to replace my clutch, slave, and master cylinder. He has also helped me to work on the cabrio to get it running as a daily to put the bug up and get it ready to tear down…his help in the future will aid in the build. Thanks to Erik from Der German for allowing us to buy all of those extra parts! Thanks Morgan for the GLI brakes. Thanks to Drew Dorbritz from Dorbritz Designs for notching the frame, and Ross from Texas for helping with questions we’ve had. Thanks to Grant and April for letting us stay with you to get some of the work done. Thanks to all of the members for the votes, inspiration, the advice and just the good times hanging out. It’s been a blast! If I forgot anyone, I’m sorry…you are all awesome!!!

Thanks Tara!