Dreaming of owning a classic Volkswagen Rabbit? Many car enthusiasts share that vision, captivated by the charm of these vintage vehicles. While restoring a classic car can be a rewarding hobby, sometimes practicality steps in, and those dreams might remain just that – dreams. However, one creative maker found an ingenious way to keep the spirit of the Volkswagen Rabbit alive, even if owning a fully functional one isn’t in the cards. Inspired by an Imgur user known as Managerofnothing, you too can explore the possibility of transforming a discarded Volkswagen Rabbit body into a unique and functional BBQ grill.
Volkswagen Rabbit BBQ Grill Conversion Project – Repurposing a VW Rabbit carcass into a unique BBQ grill
Managerofnothing, while undertaking the restoration of a Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, acquired a donor VW Rabbit shell for spare parts. Instead of letting the leftover shell go to waste, a brilliant idea sparked: to repurpose the front half into a custom BBQ grill. This resourceful maker didn’t just slap some grates on the car; the project involved meticulous craftsmanship. Starting with a 3MM sheet metal mockup to define the grill’s structure, the build moved into detailed bodywork. Sanding and priming were followed by a professional-looking white paint job using heat-resistant paint. Paying homage to his restored GTI, Managerofnothing aimed for visual consistency, even matching the height and ensuring the original car lights were functional on this repurposed grill.
This Volkswagen Rabbit BBQ grill project showcases a fantastic blend of automotive passion and DIY ingenuity. It’s a testament to creative repurposing, turning what could be scrap metal into a conversation-starting centerpiece for any backyard BBQ. If you’re inspired to explore more maker projects and support content like this, consider investing in the future of creativity with Make:. Learn More.
Tagged bbq grill vw
By Krista Peryer
Krista Peryer
Cosplayer, writer, craftswoman at Ruby Fern, and co-founder of the non-profit The Geek Foundation. I love creativity and being a maker!
View more articles by Krista Peryer
Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe now to Make: MagazineThe official magazine of Maker Faire