The SEMA Show is happening in a few weeks, and one ambitious and daring builder is bringing in a head-turning creation that could ruffle some feathers in Stuttgart. We’re talking about The Rad Factory and its Porsche Cayenne truck conversion, which, according to the YouTube channel’s latest upload, is basically done, except for some finishing touches for the biggest aftermarket car show in the US.
These guys’ goal is simple: to create a Porsche Cayenne overlander that’s different from Porsche’s own attempt. Unlike the Porsche 944 six-wheeler truck conversion, the project involved a first-generation Cayenne SUV, with its upper portion chopped in half. The team then fabricated a bed for it, to which a slide-in camper would be added for the final build. Sounds simple, but the project, which started a few months ago, had hurdles to overcome along the way.
A Tricky Conversion To Complete
Obviously, maintaining the Cayenne’s structural integrity after cutting the roof would be a key challenge, especially considering that the Cayenne isn’t a ladder-frame SUV. Cutting the body requires careful reinforcement to ensure stability. At one point, the guys welded steel onto the subframe when reinforcing the bed, which caused the truck to twist. Thankfully, that has been solved after modifications.
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Transforming the rear bulkhead to seal off the cabin was also challenging; the team had to shape and sculpt the rear section all while ensuring the vehicle remained rigid. And then there’s the problem of adding a rear window. Fortunately, with careful welding and loads of Bondo, a polyester putty commonly used as a car body filler, all the hard work paid off, with the project nearing completion as the SEMA Show approaches next month.
SEMA In A Few Weeks
Probably the biggest problem that The Rad Factory is facing is that they are fielding two entries to the SEMA Show. The other entry is a Baja-style Miata build, which is also making significant progress, according to their other videos. The SEMA Show is scheduled for November 5-8, 2024, so these guys practically have a few more weeks to finalize everything and get ready for the show.
For this Cayenne truck conversion, the latest update shows the guys fitting a Tune Outdoor camper onto the bed. It’s a wild concept, but it’s got all the right ingredients to be a successful adventure companion. Hopefully, the finished product will be a little neater.
#Porsche #Cayenne #Pickup #Love #SEMA
