Just got my acceptance back for the Noosa Hillclimb on the 13 & 14 Nov. There is some 180 cars competing and 40 or so were rejected as there were too many cars.
Still have plenty of work to do, but it should be a fun weekend.
In the class with the beetle is a Hillman Imp, an MG Magnette and a Peugeot 404 and there is 4 F/vees running as well, though in a different class.
Will post some pics after the event.
Craig Torrens6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion
I'll be there to have a look. Have been a couple of times before and it's definately worth a look to see all these classic and vintage cars race up the hill. Great to see a VW entered buggyboy. What are you running (specs). I'll keep a look out for you. Sounds like it will be a good turnout. Shame it falls on the Gold Coast show weekend but at least its on for two days.
Paul
I have to admit that I am running my 54 FJ Holden- (as attached) it may not be a VW, but I think it is way cool. I also own the beetle, which my brother will be driving. Its been a 3mth build, so is still in the playing stage, it still hasnt been driven- (it last drove in 1970). I have just built the motor- given that it is being used for Gp N racing- have kept it the 1300 with some headwork, rockers, extractors and bugspray- may be running a stinger, is lowered all round with 15/ 185s- will see how things go. Have to build the cage in the next week. Wont be anything too flash, though it will probably be the cheapest car running, even if it was quick it will be carrying a weight penalty as my brother is a bigboy- I almost let him drive the FJ and thought nah...
It has been a good experience getting the car to this stage, have learnt heaps...mainly due to stuffing it up and having to do it again- but is all a learning experience.
The paint scheme appeared a big hit with the spectators, Herb went okay considering that it had not been in 2nd gear since 1970 prior to actually racing up the hill, let alone 3rd and 4th...
Good thing is have heaps of room for improvement- did even spin it during one the runs, which was entertaining.
Good one Buggyboy,The fj looks familiar,did you buy this of someone? Looks like a mate that built my tube chassis for my VW sportsedan name John Burke Engineering.JVLRacing
Had a great day at the Hill climb. Lots of classic cars of all shapes and sizes. Great to see a beetle going up. Well done Peter and Garry. Some very quick cars like the Bowen hay p6 hill climbing machine, Porsche's of various models and plenty of v8"s including mustangs, GTHO Fords, Bathurst winning Monaro (which couldn't stay straight on the road).
Some Pic's
Maybe next year a few more beetles can go in it. About 180 cars did the Hill on Saturday and Sunday. Not sure who got the fastest time. Went to the Gold Coast Dub show on Sunday.
Actually due to Herbie not being finished we actually swapped cars and Garry drove the FJ and I was in the beetle- not sure I got the best part of the deal. As for the beetle it is only about 5% finished, but running it made me more determined to get it going better. It looked a little silly sitting so high up at the back, but we just ran out of time and didnt get the cage in or lowered in time- even ran stock tyres.
Until we were actually racing up the hill the car had not been in 2nd gear since it was parked in 1970: We just rolled it straight out of the garage and onto the trailer- it even had the same gearbox oil from back then.
The front suspension was a lowered job, bought off the forum for $50, didnt even change the shockies, speaking of which the rears have been on the car since new.
It was even going quick enough to swap ends during one of the hairpins, though largely helped by the lack of stability in the rear.
My FJ is from kempsey and has been around down there for the past 15 years like this, often competing at Oran Pk etc..
Overall, had a great time- sure the beetle needs a lot of finishing sort of things, but then again it would have been one of the most cheapest cars.
As for running a manx, it wouldnt be excepted, there were 40 cars knocked back due to non-historic or non- member of the right club. I was thinking about running my country buggy but I know that is not the sort of event they ae trying to promote.
