![1967 VW Type 3 Squareback Gets Mazda Miata Chassis Swap 1967 VW Type 3 Squareback Gets Mazda Miata Chassis Swap](https://m.roadkillcustoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1967-VW-Type-3-Squareback-Gets-Mazda-Miata-Chassis-Swap-678x381.jpg)
YouTuber This Old Jalopy presents Project Frankenwagon: A 1967 VW Type 3 Squareback with a 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata drivetrain donor inside in this start-to-finish chassis swap.
Editor’s Note: The three main stages of the build: 1) Stretching the Miata Wheelbase, 2) The Chassis Swap, and 3) Getting it Roadworthy, are included below in PlayList format with detailed videos of each step.
![](https://m.roadkillcustoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1967-VW-Type-3-Squareback-Mazda-Miata-Chassis-Swap-1024x576.jpg)
It took 17 months to get the swap done and make the resulting car roadworthy — it is now a classic (looking) Volkswagen with all of the safety and reliability of a modern passenger car.
The ’67 Volkswagen Squareback was found rotting away in a field — Nothing on the car worked, it was in awful shape — but now it’s a daily driver.
![](https://m.roadkillcustoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1967-VW-Squareback-Mazda-Miata-Chassis-Swap-1024x576.jpg)
However, using the Type 3 Squareback body was not the original plan. In the beginning, a different VW body shell entirely was going to be used: a ’73 Super Beetle. Here’s how it all went down…
Stage 1: Stretching the Miata Wheelbase
5 videos ~ Last updated on Jan 24, 2019
- Cutting a Miata in half
- Setting the Wheelbase on the Miata
- Adding frame rails to a Miata
- Putting the stretched Miata back together
- Driving a Miata Deathkart
Stage 2: The VW/Miata MX-5 Chassis Swap
12 videos ~ Last updated on Mar 4, 2020
- Meetle the Super Beetle is out, Frenchy the Frankenwagon is in.
- Gutting the VW Type 3 interior & Miata exterior
- Polishing & oiling the patina
- VW Type 3 body going onto Miata chassis
- VW Type 3 body swapped onto a Miata
- Setting the stance and ride height
- Welding the body to the chassis and building custom rocker panels
- Custom door sills
- Putting the “car” back together
- Assembling the Frankenwagon
- Final Assembly
- Test Drive
Stage 3: Getting Frankenwagon Roadworthy
5 videos ~ Last updated on Mar 19, 2020
- Pinstripes and radiator grill
- Frabricobbling the windshield wipers
- Building a custom dashboard
- Windshields and donuts
- DIY Fender Flares (the final episode of the build)