Building the CyberRoadster: A DIY Enthusiast’s Journey to Create the Ultimate Tesla Before Tesla

One Man’s Quest to Build the Ultimate Tesla—Before Tesla!

When Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, it was initially received with mixed reactions. Some loved its angular, cyberpunk design, while others thought it was ugly and impractical. But one person was immediately inspired: David Andreyev, a Tesla fan and DIY enthusiast based in Sacramento, California.

Before his current project, David gained recognition online for his ingenuity in building a Cybertruck-inspired vehicle based on a highly modified Toyota Prius. With that venture wrapped up, David’s focus transitioned to this incredible CyberRoadster build that takes center stage on his YouTube Channel, Cyber Hooligan.

David started by buying a crashed-damaged Tesla Model 3 Performance. He immediately began the car’s repair and transformation on his driveway—which ultimately did not please his neighbors, who encouraged him relocate to a dedicated shop—but most of the grinding, cutting, and fixing the donor Model 3 Performance was done at home.

The next step was to strip the Model 3 down to its bare bones. Then, David started welding the new body panels, which he made himself from raw sheetmetal and rods. He also had to modify the suspension and interior to accommodate the Cybertruck-inspired unique design.

Insane Amount of Work

Building David’s CyberRoadster was not without its challenges. The car required immensely more work than anticipated to meet the Cyber Hooligan’s expectations and vision, and it can be difficult to materialize one’s ideal design, especially when working with metal. But David was not deterred.

You can do it! It just takes a lot of hard work and determination. 

After fixing the suspension of the damaged car and cutting the structural skeleton of the Model 3, David started building panels from scratch (only the hood is repurposed, albeit modified, and the doors are be kept). He used sheets of steel and metal rod to artfully craft his unique creation—or should we say creations: He had to build several rear quarters before he was happy with the overall style. He recently settled on a hypercar/Corvette meets Cybertruck design with a hit of Lamborghini Lanzador EV Concept. Note that the Italian EV was presented well after David has designed his Roadster, yet they share similar traits in the rear.

The glasswork is also bespoke: David used two TM3 rear glasses to cover the top and back of the roof after some custom cutting. Then came endless weeks of filling the panels, sanding (in a makeshift sanding booth), and some more filler and sanding. In retrospect, David reckons one would be better off making a body from clay to make a fiberglass mold than going through the pain he had to go through. You live and learn! Now the naked body is ready. David “just” has to complete the interior, finish some trim, and wrap the whole car.

The project took over a year to complete, but David could finally drive his Tesla CyberRoadster for the first time last summer.

“I’m just a guy who loves Teslas and wanted to build something different,” David says. “I never thought it would get this much attention. If I can do it, anyone can. It just takes a lot of hard work and determination.”

And determination David has lots: He has been building the Roadster after his busy general contractor and family man schedule. Despite his online success, filming for YouTube videos is not his full-time job!

He plans to continue driving and modifying his car, hoping to inspire others to take on their own automotive projects—and he already has another fantastic project in the works!

Of course, building your own CyberRoadster is not for everyone. It is a complex and time-consuming project, and it requires a lot of skill and resources. So, if you dream of owning a Tesla Roadster but don’t want to wait for Tesla to start production, consider building your own. It may not be easy, but it is possible. And who knows, you might just end up with the one-of-a-kind car that you have always wanted.

SPECS

David Andreyev 

• Location: Sacramento, CA
• Model: 2018 Tesla M3 Performance
• Vehicle Name: CyberRoadster
• Overall Weight: Initially 4,050 pounds (currently unknown)
• Time to Build: One year
• Cost to Build: $50K
• Occupation: General Contractor

Motor & Drivetrain 

• Powertrain: Original Model 3 Performance
• Power: 358 kW/480 hp
• Torque: 660 Nm/487 lb-ft
• 0 to 60 time: 3.2 seconds

Battery System & Charger 

• Pack Design: Original 82 kWh (76 kWh usable)
• Cell Type: 2170-size lithium iron phosphate
• Charger Location: Relocated in the rear above the bumper

Chassis/Suspension 

• Lowering Kit: RSR 1.5-inch lowering spring

Wheels, Tires & Brakes 

• Wheels: Rohana RC7 20×10 +25 with 2-inch spacers
• Tires: Toyo Proxes S in 255/35R20

Body/Paint 

• Paint: Will be wrapped
• Color: Undisclosed
• Bumpers: 2023 Model S
  front bumper, 2015 Toyota BRZ rear bumper
• Body Mods: Too many to list
• Headlights: Original with custom 12V LED cyber lightbar
• Taillights: 2023 Lexus LX600 tailgate light strip, Tesla brake and turn signal
• Glass: Front and top are repurposed and modified TM3 rear glass (custom cut)
• Rubber Moldings: Original
• Body Kit: All custom

Interior 

• Install Shop: Cybershop
• Seats: Original with a
  3-inch drop
• Steering Wheel: Yoke by Hansshow

Sponsors and Special Thanks: 

Sponsors: Hansshow steering wheel and Evercoat body filler and putty

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does the custom vehicle utilize the Model 3 Performance variant?

The custom vehicle leverages the platform of the Tesla Model 3 Performance to enhance its speed and overall performance dynamics. By using this particular variant as its base, the custom creation inherits the impressive acceleration and handling qualities that the Model 3 Performance is known for. This strategic choice ensures that the vehicle not only boasts a unique exterior but also delivers quick and agile driving capabilities, aligning with high-performance standards.

How did Andreyev integrate the lighting system with the vehicle’s native system?

Lexus

What is the custom electric vehicle being modified with to conform to legal standards?

The custom electric vehicle is being equipped with updated lighting features to meet legal requirements.

What kind of lighting modification did David Andreyev make to the custom vehicle?

Headlights: Original with custom 12V LED cyber lightbar

David Andreyev’s lighting modification goes beyond simple aesthetic upgrades. He meticulously integrated a genuine light bar from a Lexus with Model 3 tail light elements. This fusion created a sophisticated lighting system featuring running lights, fully functional brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.

What’s remarkable is how seamlessly these lights integrate with the car’s native system, maintaining full functionality without any hitches. While this process is anything but simple or inexpensive, it’s a testament to Andreyev’s dedication and craftsmanship, resulting in a vehicle that not only looks stunning but also operates flawlessly.

Is there any noteworthy commitment involved in the modification?

Yes, the process is described as a labor of love, highlighting a strong commitment to achieving the desired result.

What is the nature of the modification process?

The process involves complexity and requires significant effort, indicating that it is neither simple nor inexpensive.

How does the modification integrate with the vehicle’s existing system?

The lights from the Model 3 integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s native system.

What functionalities does the modified lighting system have?

The system includes running lights, along with fully operational brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.

What components were used in the modification?

The modification utilized a light bar sourced from a Lexus, combined with elements from Model 3 tail lights.

What two Tesla products inspire the design of the CyberRoadster?

One of the most intriguing aspects of the CyberRoadster is its use of parts from other vehicles. For example, the front bumper is from a Model S, the rear from a 2015 Toyota BRZ, and the rear light strip is from a 2023 Lexus LX600 SUV.

The CyberRoadster takes its primary inspiration from two iconic Tesla products: the rugged Cybertruck and the sleek, upcoming Roadster. This fusion results in a vehicle that combines the best of both worlds—the futuristic edge of the Cybertruck with the high-performance allure of the Roadster.

By integrating elements from a diverse range of vehicles, the CyberRoadster stands out not just as a homage to Tesla’s innovation, but also as a testament to creative automotive design. This eclectic mix gives the vehicle a unique character, blending performance and style seamlessly.

What is the nature of the CyberRoadster project?

The CyberRoadster is a new initiative associated with the individual mentioned, showcasing a blend of features from existing and upcoming Tesla models.

What are the Tesla products that inspire the CyberRoadster?

The CyberRoadster is inspired by two celebrated Tesla products: the Cybertruck and the Roadster.