vw beach buggy

bazmc35

Hi guys was thinking of building a dune buggy and was looking for plans on the net then i came across some of the kits for a beetle just by shortening the chassie and they look brill. So has anybody done this and what can i exepect, like where ya got the kit from and how it came out.. And anybody know where i can pick up a half decent beetle with a good engine

brosnadog

ask the same question on www.eircooled.com some of the guys on there should be able help.

carchaeologist

Some info on various conversions here.. http://www.buglebeachbuggies.co.uk/build-a-beach-buggy.php

And here..http://www.buggyclubuk.org.uk/

bazmc35

Cheers lads so good info, seen two beetles for breakin in traynors but from one of them sites it says avoid the 1302 and 1303 versions how can ya tell, both beetle's are 81..

trevorbrady

bazmc35 wrote: »

Cheers lads so good info, seen two beetles for breakin in traynors but from one of them sites it says avoid the 1302 and 1303 versions how can ya tell, both beetle's are 81..

if they're 1981 models then they're neither 1302 nor 1303. You can tell for sure by looking under the front wings, the 1302/3 has coil spring front suspension whereas the "ordinary" beetle has torsion bars. If you see big 4" diameter coil springs under there, avoid it if you're looking for a buggy donor. There are other visual differences too, the front bodywork is more "bulbous" to accomodate a spare wheel lying flat as opposed to stood up at an angle in the "ordinary" bug. The 1303 has a "panoramic" curved windscreen too, that's a dead giveaway.

trevorbrady

y'know what, a picture speaks a thousand words:

"ordinary" torsion bar beetle:



1302:



1303:

carchaeologist

The 1303 never looked quite right in my eyes,the oval,with the smaller front windscreen is my favourite shape.

The front screen on later flatscreen bugs never quite matched the side profile.Still,its only a small thing..

bugsntinas

you could always buy a copy of volksworld for help.

carchaeologist

bugsntinas wrote: »

you could always buy a copy of volksworld for help.

Or "ultra VW",its just as good a magazine.

riggsi

i started building one a couple of years ago,ive shortened the chassie and put in new floorpans have it painted up and waiting for the body.
i will put up some pics when i get a chance

bazmc35

Rang traynors today and the beetle's are not for sale, they say they make more money off breaking them so i'm back looking again...
Hey riggsi where ya getting the kit and parts from??? And keep me updated on how your getting on with the project

carchaeologist

riggsi wrote: »

i started building one a couple of years ago,ive shortened the chassie and put in new floorpans have it painted up and waiting for the body.
i will put up some pics when i get a chance

Is there much to shortening the chassis,someone told me theres a certain way to cut the 'pan for strength,i presume the gearlinkage has to be shortened too?

riggsi

there are a few different methods for shortening the pan,i used a steped cut in the center tunnel,if that makes any sence.you do need to shorten the gear selector rod handbrake cables and clutch cable.

bazmc35

can you post up the drawing's for shorting the chassis... How do ya go about insuring it after its cut, do ya need an engineer cert and how much can ya expect to pay???

riggsi

I have a book that explains 5 different methods of shortening a chassis i will try and scan it later on and stick it up.not sure about the engineers report though,haven't got that far yet.

p fingean

im looking for the plans for the frame work of a vw buggy can any one help

hi5

The frame is normaly the VW floorpan with the fiberglass buggy body bolted on.

Just realised,you may mean a 'rail buggy'

http://dunebuggyplans.com/

unkel

@p fingean, welcome to boards

Please do read the forum charter though and please do not revive old threads...