Michael Nash's 54 Beetle - 10.289@130.34

nasty · 2010-04-05T12:28:19+00:00

Here are some pics and info on the build of this car as it is now almost ready to hit the track. Chassis was built by Ron Lummus. Chromoly with strut front, type 1 swingaxle ladder bar rear. Chassis was built in Right Hand Drive Configuration. Custom RHD pedal assembly was manufactured from Chromoly. Chassis was then shipped to Australia ready for body fitment and tin work. A 57 body was first fitted but after discovering a great deal of rust, this 54 body was used. The body was fitted to the chassis using the stock heater channel mounts on each side. Additional mounts were then made, allowing the body to be channeled over the chassis for a lower roofline. The sills along with most of the internal sheetmetal were then removed. The dash remains along with glovebox, ashtray and radio block off. Semaphores remain fitted but not (yet?) operational. Next the interior tin was manufactured. Each piece was made from a cardboard template. Once trimmed to size and step rolled, Dzus tabs were welded to the chassis. About 50 seperate pieces make up the tinwork on the car. This includes this area of the rear seat, firewall and inner wheelwells. The front bar work was enclosed, creating a front firewall. Battery, fuel pump and ballast box at front of chassis. A tunnel was manufactured inside to enclose the shift rod, clutch and throttle cables, fuel lines and wiring. Rear wheel tubs were made to prevent tire debris from damaging the interior tin. Fiberglass doors were fitted along with custom hinges and sills from 1/2" chromoly. I then decided to go with the Mendeola swing axle transmission. As it is about 4" longer than the type 1, the chassis rails were extended. The front transmission mount plate and motor plate were relocated on the chassis. The engine was then dummy fitted. As the Mendeola transmission was longer, a new engine cover / wing was made to suit the new setup. Body and chassis then went off to the paint shop. Both were blasted and etch primed. The body was then refitted to allow finish and alignment of the panels. Fiberglass doors required lots of work! Meanwhile engine and transmission were built. Transmission went back to Rancho Transaxle to be finished. Engine long block was built by Craig Brown. It includes Autocraft Case, Cylinders and heads. 86 x 100- 2700cc, Autocraft Cam, Scat Crank Wedgemated, Carillo Rods, J&G Floater Clutch. Carbs are 58mm Terminators. Fuel System and Vacuum Pump from Product Engineering. Dry sump with pre-heater and 16v Alternator. Exhaust was custom made over the top due to limited space from oil pump and parachute mount. A Racepak data logger has been fitted with sensors for EGT, Clutch Speed, Wheel Speed, Oil Press & Temp, Pan Vacuum etc. A fiberglass front was purchased from Creative Car Craft in Florida. Excellent quality. Lower front had to be modified to get 3" of ground clearance. Work continues on the body, now in undercoat. Including the inside. Doors finished after many hours of work. Body came back off chassis so the interior could be finished in colour. Chassis colour was finished and ready for assembly. Suspension, fuel and oil systems fitted. Springs were refitted to all of the Dzus tabs. Transmission and motor fitted with only a couple of scratches. 😬 Finish painted interior panels next. Pedal assembly and then more panels. Plumbing and wiring next. Dry sump tank fitted and plumbed. Motor plumbed and wiring started. Interior wiring finished and tunnel fitted. Battery and fuel pump connected. As much work as possible was done on the chassis before the body would go back on. Chassis then went onto a trolley ready for the body to be fitted. Meanwhile the interior of the body was finished in it's colour and the dash was assembled and wired. Exterior of the body was painted in it's colour and then colour sanded. Body was then fitted to the chassis. The remaining panels were then colour sanded. Once the body was on, some more interior panels were able to be fitted. Tin work to enclose the motor installed next. Safety gear fitted. Body was then fully assembled for one last test fit of the doors and front before being masked up for final clear coating. More to come very shortly!

DavoBuggy 1641 Officially Full-On Dubber

359 posts · joined Nov 2008 · 11 Jun 2011, 6:54 pm

#845764

Oh man, that sux so bad but glad your ok Michael!!

vassy66T1 Wow ... are U reading this?

2,120 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 12 Jun 2011, 7:47 am

#845826

That must be gut wrenching.
Such a beautiful car. It is a credit to you.
Glad to hear you've come out alright yourself Michael.
Best wishes to you and Sarah

Dak-A-Tak Volksie Pete

1,381 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 12 Jun 2011, 9:23 am

#845832

To Michael & Sarah if there's anything we can do , I'm sure all vw friends will step up and help !!
If car needs new body , I bet we can find one here , just let us know .
Glad you were all right buddy , so close to kicking that berg record for us aussies😀

stoker Slammed & Awesome Dubber

91 posts · joined Aug 2010 · 12 Jun 2011, 7:39 pm

#845944

michael, sad to hear what happened at willowbank. Things like that tear your ass out,the build quality & performance were as good or better than most cars in oz from what i have seen from photos on here
As long as you are ok, rebuild it and blow bergs record out the window,stick your finger in the air and yell(YOU CAN ALL GO AND GET F#@&*$ED SOME OFF YOU) thats mine buy you can use it just once!!

LIFE IN THE LOW LANE All people have the right to stupidity but some abuse the pr

2,534 posts · joined Mar 2007 · 12 Jun 2011, 9:03 pm

#845963

Nasty at least you walked away from it unharmed and that is prolly the main thing to look at. The car can be rebuilt but you can't. Record soo damm close but now a lil longer to wait for it officially!! Tough luck mate but as Pagey said I'm sure there are plenty on here who would lend a hand if the need be.

Talk to you at Dyno day next week!!

ACCEPT THAT SOME DAYS YOU ARE THE PIDGEON AND SOME DAYS YOU ARE THE STATUE

Alder Outlaws VW Racing - check it out on fb!!

vwsteve karmann crazy

2,087 posts · joined Jul 2006 · 13 Jun 2011, 7:14 am

#845986

if anyone knows of an oval body can you let myself or nash know please, does not need to be a 54, preferably a 56-57, can be smashed front or rear and does not matter if heater chanels are rooted as all those areas wont stay, as long as main outer body shell is in gc, cheers

1 1963 356b porsche coupe
2 1960 karmann ghia cab
1 1965 karmann ghia cab
1 1966 karmann cab
1 1961 split ute
1 1967 split p/van
1 1952 standard bug
1 1963 ragtop
1 1960 ragtop
2 1954 ovals
1 1956 oval baja project
1 1957 oval flying flea

Dak-A-Tak Volksie Pete

1,381 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 13 Jun 2011, 9:28 pm

#846138

Lorry has one !! out at the farm.

reub VWRX is gone...

2,054 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 13 Jun 2011, 9:36 pm

#846140

That's funny Pete cause he texted me asking for one ( ie mine...)

Reub

vwsteve karmann crazy

2,087 posts · joined Jul 2006 · 14 Jun 2011, 6:58 am

#846162

lorry wants to keep his and my 54 is a last resort, prefer a less rare model to chop

1 1963 356b porsche coupe
2 1960 karmann ghia cab
1 1965 karmann ghia cab
1 1966 karmann cab
1 1961 split ute
1 1967 split p/van
1 1952 standard bug
1 1963 ragtop
1 1960 ragtop
2 1954 ovals
1 1956 oval baja project
1 1957 oval flying flea

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 14 Jun 2011, 8:04 am

#846167

I know of a perfect shell, but not sure about if he'll sell, I'll check it out today (if poss). Problem is, I think he'll want $$. I also know of 2 rusty shells, 1 Bris, 1 up here, both free.

Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 14 Jun 2011, 10:28 am

#846189

http://www.dragphotos.com.au/p84928714

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 14 Jun 2011, 10:37 am

#846191

http://www.dragphotos.com.au/p84928714/h29ed2b09#h29ed2b09

http://www.dragphotos.com.au/p84928714/h130ef3a#h130ef3a

http://www.dragphotos.com.au/p84928714/hccbe0fd#hccbe0fd

http://www.dragphotos.com.au/p84928714/h182adf2c#h182adf2c

http://www.dragphotos.com.au/p84928714/h10118d94#h10118d94

http://www.dragphotos.com.au/p84928714/h19673214#h142f4d93

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

Dasdubber DAS Resto Haus

5,746 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 14 Jun 2011, 12:47 pm

#846211

Sorry to hear about the crash Michael - like the other sentiments on here I am very glad to hear you are okay. Happy to help out if I can to see this awesome car back on the track.
Al 😢

www.dasrestoparts.com.au

STOCK Wolfsburg Wizard

446 posts · joined Apr 2008 · 14 Jun 2011, 12:58 pm

#846213

so sorry to hear the bad news micheal at least you're ok mate
i'm sure you'll come back bigger and better (that records yours mate)

🤘
STOCK

hypo-vw Australias 1st 10sec street beetle (Jan 2007) 10.49secs@132m

2,151 posts · joined May 2004 · 14 Jun 2011, 10:05 pm

#846309

Michael sorry to hear the sad news that your car is damaged after such an awesome build . I have sat back quietly admiring your fantastic work and hope that you get it back on the track soon .
I know that we are a long way from you down here in Wollongong , but if it of any help to you I do have a 55 oval body that would be perfect for you to cut-up for your car . I would be more than happy to donate it to you to assist in getting this awesome car back where it belongs ......😎

Team

FASTEST ET @ WARWICK 2010 & 2011
FASTEST SPEED @ WARWICK 2011
FASTEST ET & SPEED WSID 2012
PB - 6.33@113.07(1/8) & 9.88@135(1/4)

STOCK Wolfsburg Wizard

446 posts · joined Apr 2008 · 15 Jun 2011, 12:06 am

#846328

Great offer wayne see it's stuff like that that makes the Vw community what it is

🤘
STOCK

LIFE IN THE LOW LANE All people have the right to stupidity but some abuse the pr

2,534 posts · joined Mar 2007 · 15 Jun 2011, 8:23 am

#846338

Nice one Wayne!! Good to see the generousity of the volksy community is still
Alive and well

ACCEPT THAT SOME DAYS YOU ARE THE PIDGEON AND SOME DAYS YOU ARE THE STATUE

Alder Outlaws VW Racing - check it out on fb!!

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 15 Jun 2011, 9:16 am

#846345

hypo-vw wrote:Michael sorry to hear the sad news that your car is damaged after such an awesome build . I have sat back quietly admiring your fantastic work and hope that you get it back on the track soon .
I know that we are a long way from you down here in Wollongong , but if it of any help to you I do have a 55 oval body that would be perfect for you to cut-up for your car . I would be more than happy to donate it to you to assist in getting this awesome car back where it belongs ......😎

Nashy and Steve.......see other thread with "h" doing the road trip with his transporter and trailer!........this oval might be far away, but could be easy as a few phone calls to have this body delivered to your doorstep.........would certainly be a fitting story to the comeradery of both the VW drag scene and this forum

"westi" has been popping out some ready one pice fronts....could get the most part of the package delivered in one trip

just thinking out loud

good luck

westi what the

1,610 posts · joined Aug 2005 · 16 Jun 2011, 12:29 am

#846520

i think the front ends are ugly.haha.
but if you want a freeby.all your's mate.
it will cost you a cheery when we race next.ahahahahah.cause that's the only way i am gona bet ya.
sorry to hear about the bad news.but if i can help out let me know.
us na boy's gota stick together.

down sharon.

nasty Commited Dubber

65 posts · joined Jan 2009 · 16 Jun 2011, 8:49 pm

#846633

Hi all, thanks for the well wishes and offers of help. I've taken Wayne up on his offer of the 55 body. Thanks Wayne! Making some arrangements with H to pick it up from Wayne on his road trip.
We took the body off the chassis on Monday and other than some grinding on the roof bar and one rear wheel the chassis and mechanicals are fine. The fiberglass front and doors are fine other than a few scratches. Engine cover needs a new top and Leons glass guy is going to repair the rear guards.
Hopefully it should be back together fairly quickly. Meanwhile the tranny and engine will get a freshen up while the body gets done.

whathaveidone Custom Title Time!

1,559 posts · joined Feb 2010 · 16 Jun 2011, 9:08 pm

#846642

good to hear!!! Hope the rebuild goes smoothly!!!

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 17 Jun 2011, 5:07 am

#846685

cool dude.

gotta love the avatar!!!!!😂

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

LIFE IN THE LOW LANE All people have the right to stupidity but some abuse the pr

2,534 posts · joined Mar 2007 · 17 Jun 2011, 7:35 am

#846692

dangerous wrote:cool dude.

gotta love the avatar!!!!!😂

X2 very whitty! Quite a few of my family have rolled cars over the years and they keep telling me you havent lived till you have rolled one.

Something to put on my "to do list" ..... Not likely lol

ACCEPT THAT SOME DAYS YOU ARE THE PIDGEON AND SOME DAYS YOU ARE THE STATUE

Alder Outlaws VW Racing - check it out on fb!!

h fractals - an ever changing lifestyle

7,671 posts · joined Feb 2005 · 17 Jun 2011, 9:03 am

#846707

glad to read u are fine michael
before long u will have to put ur avatar back on it's feet 🙂

fractal geometry; the inner most limits of mind altering abuse

Fantasy http://seventhchronicle.com

Z = Z2 + C1/r = 1/0 = infinity

Barrels www.barrelman.com.au

VW Workshop - aircooledgarage.com.au
allcooled.com.au

andrewmurphy Officially Full-On Dubber

307 posts · joined Jul 2005 · 17 Jun 2011, 4:42 pm

#846773

sounds like it will be ready for the winternationals seeing as they were delayed.
😉
good luck with the repairs.......

reub VWRX is gone...

2,054 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 9 Dec 2012, 1:23 pm

#934963

How's the car progressing Michael?
I hear it is almost ready?

Reub

h fractals - an ever changing lifestyle

7,671 posts · joined Feb 2005 · 9 Dec 2012, 7:10 pm

#935015

yep update pls 🙂

fractal geometry; the inner most limits of mind altering abuse

Fantasy http://seventhchronicle.com

Z = Z2 + C1/r = 1/0 = infinity

Barrels www.barrelman.com.au

VW Workshop - aircooledgarage.com.au
allcooled.com.au

LIFE IN THE LOW LANE All people have the right to stupidity but some abuse the pr

2,534 posts · joined Mar 2007 · 10 Dec 2012, 5:54 am

#935063

Last I heard car was almost good to go but Michael busted a shoulder/ broke an arm?
Anyone even Michael shed some light??

ACCEPT THAT SOME DAYS YOU ARE THE PIDGEON AND SOME DAYS YOU ARE THE STATUE

Alder Outlaws VW Racing - check it out on fb!!

Dak-A-Tak Volksie Pete

1,381 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 1 Mar 2013, 7:16 pm

#945860

Whats happening mate ! Heard you was on track for some racing soon , back from dyno session .
Hope to see out racing real soon .
Yes I'm calling everyone out there 👍

20bkombi Wolfsburg Wizard

597 posts · joined Mar 2009 · 12 May 2013, 8:52 pm

#955429

How's the progress Michael??

AARON'S SPEED SHIFT AUTOS
Specialising in Vw automatic transmissions, differentials and torque converters
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