Have you ever thought about creating a car from scratch, with improvised materials, a lot of sweat and a good dose of creativity? Well, this is the story of Kaio Tavares, a 25-year-old from Atibaia, in the interior of São Paulo, who transformed a Ford Ka 2000 into a unique convertible, nicknamed “Ford Kaixa D'água”. In this article, we will tell you how Kaio made his passion for cars come true, with a tight budget and unusual materials, such as a water tank.
The Passion for Cars and the Decision to Build a Convertible
Since he was a child, Kaio Tavares has always had a passion by cars, especially by convertible models, those who have the famous retractable hood. However, instead of buying a ready-made convertible, he decided to create his own project. With a tight budget and few financial resources, he chose to build the car with his own hands.
The idea was born about eight months ago, when Kaio, already with six years of experience as a welder, bought a Ford Ka 2000 for around R$ 1.7 thousand. The low value of the car was one of the main factors that led him to invest in the transformation. And that was how his journey of adaptation, welding and a lot of innovation began, using tools such as a sander and a machine make gates.
A Project Without Planning
Unlike many projects that begin with detailed planning, Kaio didn’t have a set plan. He followed his intuition, cutting, welding, and modifying the car as needed. His method was simple: do as his mind dictated and adjust as the work progressed.
For him, the most important part was the creativity. “I started without any planning. I did it as I thought, cutting, welding and seeing how it turned out”, says Kaio. The only help he sought were videos on YouTube, where other content creators shared their experiences with “homemade” cars. This was the starting point for him to take the first steps in the project.
Improvisation and Unusual Materials
One of the biggest surprises in this story is the improvisation that Kaio made with materials that few would imagine being used to modify a car. water tank His mother's box was one of the main components of the project. Kaio used the box as a base to create the new lining for the car doors, showing that, with a little creativity, it is possible to adapt household items for an automotive project.
Furthermore, Kaio's mother also played a fundamental role in the project, providing a red blanket that she used to cover the floor, doors and even the back of the seats. This made the interior of the car even more unique. For Kaio, this help was fundamental to the success of the transformation. “At first, my mother thought I was crazy, but she calmed down when she saw the car taking shape and the project moving forward,” he says, with a smile on his face.
Unusual Car Transformations
What was once a regular Ford Ka, with a simple design and functional, it was now transformed into something completely unique. One of the main details was the creation of a new trunk lid. Instead of simply replacing the original lid, Kaio went further: he used the car hood upside down, common extension made of welded metal, creating an exclusive piece to cover the enlarged trunk.
Another curious detail was the modification to the rear exhaust, which was made with the pipe of a old stool that Kaio had at home. He didn't think twice before giving the object a new use, showing how creativity can transform any item into something useful for the project.
Kaio also decided change the original silver paint of the car for a red paint. But the transformation didn't stop there. He later decided to replace the red paint with a matte black, creating a bolder aesthetic for his vehicle. The entire painting process was his responsibility, which means he had complete control over every detail of the project.
The Retractable Roof: A Challenge in Its Own
As if modifying the entire structure of the car wasn't enough, Kaio also had to face the challenge of creating a retractable hood. And again, he used his creativity to find a solution. Initially, he tried using red canvas to cover the ceiling, but this attempt did not work. That's when Kaio resorted to black canvas and to support the hood he used PVC pipes, those commonly used in plumbing installations in properties.
The Ford Kaixa D'água's roof is not electric like that of other factory convertibles, but is manual. Kaio puts it on and takes it off with his own hands, a process that, although not as practical as automatic systems, maintains the essence of the project: a car made by hand, with a lot of dedication and improvisation.
Structural Reinforcement to Ensure Safety
With so many modifications to the car's structure, Kaio knew he would need to reinforce the vehicle's base to ensure it was safe. To do this, he applied structural reinforcements at the chassi, welding metal tubes to the floor and behind the seats. This reinforcement was essential to compensate for the lack of a hard top and to prevent the car from becoming “wobbly”, as he himself says.
The Cost of the Project
The construction of the Ford Ka convertible It wasn't cheap, but it didn't involve millions either. Kaio estimates that he spent around R$ 10 thousand to transform the car. Most of this cost was paid out of his own pocket, with Kaio making sure to keep the project as affordable as possible.
The Future of “Kaixa D'água” and Kaio's Plans
Today, the car has become a real success in social media, with Kaio even receiving reports in TV stations. The project, which began as a personal passion, is now a showcase for his skills and creativity. The name “Mini Porsche” was even given by a follower, referring to a luxury brand, although the design of the Ka convertible does not refer to a Porsche. Kaio, however, decided to adopt the name in a humorous way, despite the criticism.
Kaio does not intend to get rid of the Ford Kaixa D'água. The goal now is to take it to events and exhibitions, where he can show the public the result of his dedication It is creativity. In addition, Kaio is already thinking about his next project: “homemade” version of a Tesla. For him, there are no limits to what can be done with imagination and skill.
Legalization and Challenges
Despite its success and dedication, the Ford Kaixa D'água faces a major challenge: legalization so it can circulate on the streets. Since the modifications made by Kaio were not done by an accredited workshop in the DMV, the car cannot be driven on public roads. It only circulates within the condominium where Kaio lives, in the rural area of Atibaia, and its surroundings.
Kaio has not yet given up on the idea of legalizing the car, but he recognizes that this would require a fortune. For him, the lack of knowledge about the legalization process at the beginning of the project was a surprise. Despite this, Kaio remains firm in his love for creation, not seeing this as an obstacle to continuing with his projects and ideas.
Conclusion
The story of Kaio Tavares and his Ford Water Tank is an example of passion by cars, creativity It is improvisation. The young man from Atibaia transformed a simple Ford Ka 2000 into a unique convertible, with limited resources but with a lot of dedication. Although the project was not easy and required many hours of work and patience, Kaio managed to create something unique that catches the attention of everyone who sees it.
By betting on improvisation and unusual materials, Kaio showed that, with dedication It is creativity, it is possible to transform anything into something extraordinary. The “Mini Porsche” is undoubtedly a reflection of this passion, and its success on social media proves that there is a growing audience for these “homemade” and personalized projects.
Although the car is not yet available for road use, Kaio already has plans for the future and does not intend to stop there. He continues to dream of new creations, and we will certainly see more in the coming years. innovative projects coming from his garage. After all, for Kaio, there is no limit to what he can create with his own hands and a good dose of imagination.
