to manx, or not to manx, that is the question...

vdub2c · 2003-03-07T04:17:24+00:00

hi y'all, i didn't really know where to put this topic, but i want technical data more than anything.... ok, i've been thinking about giving up the bugs and buying a manx, or buggy, or something of that description... the reason for this is i think the buggy would be alot easier to maintain. i.e, if i need to get to any mechanical stuff, it's basically out in the open, if not it's easy to just take the top off. Also, i was thinking about subaru(ing) it. the radiator placement and engine fit would be easy as pie in something with no engine bay. plus i'd like to start offroading and a buggy like that is optimum vw choice for that sorta stuff. I'd like all of your feedback.. pros cons critascisms (i could never spell that word). I know many don't agree with the suby conversion, but it's the easiest way of getting more power - engine conversion - bang for your buck... (ask Wes! 😉 ) anyways, feedback greatly appreciated. Thanks, Yianni. EDIT: i forgot to ask myquestions... :P 1. are buggys cheap to buy for something in not too good nick... but a stable and mechanically good base (not engine just running gear) 2. are they easy to maintain 3. are they easy to get rego for? 4. where could i get information? thanks people. [Edited on 7-3-2003 by vdub2c]

vdub2c Magazine Dude

245 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 14 Mar 2003, 8:26 am

#31632

Baja Wes wrote:Wow, another Wes into the offroad VW scene, what's the chances?

I apologise to Mark and Yianni who were correct, and did not have typos. You gotta admit, it is very confusing 🙁

I didn't know 2guns was a "wes" as well.
Sorry wes - bajawes that is... (oh man i need a panadol)

OvalGlen Custom Title Time!

1,361 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Mar 2003, 10:29 pm

#31802

now Manxs can be ...well low.....
courtesy of flat4ever forums

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Regards,Glenn>

OvalGlen Custom Title Time!

1,361 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Mar 2003, 10:35 pm

#31804

then there is this old fav..

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Regards,Glenn>

OvalGlen Custom Title Time!

1,361 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Mar 2003, 10:36 pm

#31805

ground clearance is not spectactular but I guess I like
the idea of a legal street Go Kart.

Regards,Glenn>

Grey 57 Old Grey Cruiser

2,937 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Mar 2003, 10:39 pm

#31807

That Blue one is kool. Luv those wheels.:thumb

OvalGlen Custom Title Time!

1,361 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Mar 2003, 11:11 pm

#31817

and on this flat4ever they have keen modlers...
They take this standard buggy model and modify it

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Regards,Glenn>

OvalGlen Custom Title Time!

1,361 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Mar 2003, 11:12 pm

#31818

wheels and......

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Regards,Glenn>

OvalGlen Custom Title Time!

1,361 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Mar 2003, 11:17 pm

#31819

so Yianni , are you intending on getting some " Air ".
The buggies I like dont look like they would land well......

Regards,Glenn>

The_Bronze. Minister of Volkswagenism

1,922 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 15 Mar 2003, 8:40 pm

#31964

I am in the same boat as you Yanni and have had this conversation with Wes just recently (Baja Wes) about Baja's V Manx's.

Hmmm - The wife issue is a valid on and is the determining factor in my scenario but since the minister of leisure and transportation hasn't been in the Baja for months then I think the next VW will be a buggy for sure. I like the Manx but since I have two rug rats as well the LWB 4 seat option is the one for me and The Sharpbuilt buggies fit the bill perfectly. Unfortunately they come with a hefty price tag so it will be a while before the Dog-O-War makes way for a replacement. I got the Dog-O-War, repaired, made reasonably reliable and registered it for just under $2000. I have probably spent another $230 in mechanical and additional repairs. So for about two five I have a stock height, but moderate terrain vehicle that I stay dry in and can take the family. The Baja for me is definately the better option, but... I think Buggies can be daily driver and like Mark (MR930) says buy the registered and the other Mark (J&SBlue) says it a mix between on road and off road functionability and inqenuity How ever it's spelt).

If I had the $'s - I'd be in a sealed, heated 4 seater sharpbuilt. It wouldn't be the best of it's breed but it would get me to and from work, trail blaze weekends then chase it's brethern during the holidays. Sand, Sunburn and Salt are issues, but so are starvation, sanity and sexuality. There's ways around them.

By the way - I think Marks J&SBlue buggy is perhaps the tidiest buggy on the east coast. I nearly cried when I heard it had been dammaged. Hope its on the road to recovery Mark.

Bronze.

Rathmines, Lake Macquarie, NSW.

vdub2c Magazine Dude

245 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 17 Mar 2003, 8:45 am

#32266

well i got drunk all weekend so i could have a serious think about manxing...

i've decided to do MORE homework on the things and find out what i can and can't do in regards to rego, laws, mods, priceing.. etc.

Glen, i actually want a weekend (or daily driver) cruiser... not keen on flying through the air... not cos i don't like it.. i just get worried about something breaking on the way down.

I like the look of the lowered manx... as you say, it's a street legal go-kart. it has all the style of any other vw, but with a much more "toy-like" appeal and feel.

more research needs to be done!

J&SBlue Officially Full-On Dubber

307 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 17 Mar 2003, 8:58 am

#32269

Hi Bronze,

Thanks for saying such nice things about my buggy. I am waiting for a nice sunny Sunday in Sydney so that I can finish off the repair job and paint it. It wont be as good as the original but since this thing goes off road it is probably going to worse rather than better.
It is hard to keep an off road buggy looking smick I find as you end up dragging through all sorts of things.

The biggest thing I find between a normal car and a buggy when it is raining is the amount of time it takes to get into a buggy through the "doors", you cant just run up to it, swing the door open and jump in. Once I am in and have the door back in place it is no problem.

Mark.

vdub2c Magazine Dude

245 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 17 Mar 2003, 9:04 am

#32271

one other question....

how hard are the buggys to get insurance.... and is it expensive?

i called up NRMA and was asking for some pricing.. and they were like.. what? buggy? manx? vw with fibreglass shell... what?

so they were no help.
what do you guys pay (assuming it's 1600 engine, nothing fancy.)

:beer

J&SBlue Officially Full-On Dubber

307 posts · joined Dec 2002 · 17 Mar 2003, 9:55 am

#32276

vdub2c, I insure my buggy through Shannons. It is a pretty good deal. It costs $236 a year for full comprehensive, plus a free windscreen each year, plus free salvage rights. It is insured for an agreed value of $9k.
I took my buggy into them once it was rebuilt to get the value increased.

Mark.