From Brasilia to a Caveirão Pickup Truck: A Work of Art Made from Scrap Metal

Imagine taking a VW Brasilia and turn it into a completely insane pickup truck with a truck engine and scrap metal parts. It looks like something out of a Mad Max, isn't it? Because this creation exists and is called on the internet Brasilia Mad Max. A true Frankenstein on wheels, this project was conceived by Leandro Turner, of Black Mountain, Sao Paulo, and shows what is possible to do with creativity, skill and discarded parts.

In this article, you’ll dive into the details of this incredible transformation, learn the story behind the project, and discover how it became a symbol of automotive DIY.

An Idea That Came From Improvisation

The history of Brasilia Mad Max It all started by chance. Leandro, the creator of this machine, bought the Brasília because he needed a new engine for his forklift. After replacing the engine, he was left with the Brasília's bodywork sitting in his workshop, along with two scrap trucks. It was then that he decided to create a project that would unite these seemingly incompatible parts.

“It turned out different because I did it with what I had, right? I would take scrap from outside [the workshop], bring it back and transform it into this,” explained Leandro. With his own ideas and suggestions from followers of his YouTube channel, he began working on this ambitious project.

Structure and Construction

The basis of the project is the long member chassis of a Chevrolet 3100, popularly known as Frog Mouth, a classic 1950s pickup truck. The steel beams were adjusted to create a unique curvature between the cab and the engine, resulting in a robust and impressive look.

The front of the vehicle received a exposed radiator, characteristic of American hot rods, while the engine was completely exposed, without any safe to protect it.

The engine is a six-cylinder in-line diesel 5.7 liters, originating from the legendary Mercedes-Benz 1113. With 147 horsepower and a robust torque of 41 kgfm, it is managed by a manual gearbox from Ford, which includes reduced and rear-wheel drive.

Bodywork Transformations

To transform the Brasília into a pickup truck, Leandro made radical cuts and modifications. He eliminated the vehicle's front overhang, leaving only the cabin on the chassis, and shortened the structure to make room for an improvised bucket in the rear. The idea for the bucket was inspired by a drawing sent by a follower of the creator's channel.

The rear fenders were manufactured in-house to protect the tires, while the rear window and side windows were replaced with perforated steel sheets. Only the front windshield was kept, with the original Brasília's 1998 licensing sticker.

The floor is completely new, made of molded and welded metal sheets. It includes a tunnel to accommodate the transmission and cardan shaft, as well as supporting the seat, which is also Leandro's own work.Her bench looks like I stole it from a square, but I made it myself”, he jokes.

Minimalist Interior and Unusual Steering Wheel

The interior of the pickup truck has been stripped of all finishes. With no door lining, ceiling or carpets, what remains is pure metal. The brake, accelerator and clutch pedals have a spiral design, but the highlight is the steering wheel.

The original steering wheel of the Chevrolet 3100 was discarded because it would hit the driver's legs. In its place, Leandro created a steering wheel from a motor current and construction irons. With welding and a lot of creativity, he created a unique and functional piece.

A True Exercise in Creativity

A Brasilia Mad Max is more than a pickup truck; it is a symbol of how creativity and improvisation can transform scrap into something extraordinary. Made only from discarded parts, the pickup truck has no estimated value. Furthermore, it is not registered to run on the streets, being used only as a demonstration of Leandro's skills.

Even so, the project has gained fans online and highlights the potential for reusing materials that many would consider useless.

Conclusion

Looking at the Brasilia Mad Max, you realize how creativity can overcome limits. Leandro Torneiro took discarded scrap metal and transformed it into an automotive work of art. From the Chevrolet 3100 chassis to the Mercedes 1113 engine, each piece tells a story of reuse and ingenuity.

Although it cannot be driven on the streets, the Serra Negra caveirão pickup truck serves as inspiration for car lovers and DIY enthusiasts. If there is one lesson to be learned from this project, it is that with determination and creativity, what seemed like just junk can become something spectacular.

So, if you have a project in mind, don't hesitate to get started. Who knows, maybe your idea will also become a success on the internet? After all, as Leandro showed, the impossible is just the starting point for those who have vision and courage.