Best mods for daily driver

aussietanker · 2014-04-24T11:49:47+00:00

Hi all ... i am really looking for some advice from "the experts" on here ... I am interested in buying/building a beetle that is as close to a modern car in "drivability" as possible ...so that I can basically use it as an everyday driver. And to complicate matters, I would like to use an early oval body (pre 55 hopefully) so that it looks "old school" but drives as close to "normal" as possible. do you think thats possible, and what major systems would I need to upgrade. To be honest, my main concern is that I live in quite a hilly area. I have a stock 58, and driving it in my local area is awful ... you need almost 10 minutes notice to apply the brakes ...and relying on the handbake on a hill start is just plain scary from reading on here, I know that its possible to put disc brakes all round on a beetle, I also know that the suspension can be improved by putting in the suspension from a very late model 70's beetle (I think thats called irs) ....I think that you can put in electronic ignition ...is there anything else that can make a huge difference ... and what about that handbrake for the hill starts, is there anyway that can be improved ... or is that as good as it gets ... how do i get decent windscreen wipers 🙂 i do totally understand that a 50 year old car is a 50 year old car, and not likely to drive like a modern one. but what mods can i do to get it so that its a safer and more comfortable daily driver My budget is around $30k and I need to get it done by a professional restorer as I am fairly useless at this sort of stuff. Do you think thats a reasonable budget.. and can i still keep the original pre 55 body and pan, or do I basically need to put an old model body on a late model pan.. sorry about all the questions...any help or suggestions are very appreciated

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 30 Apr 2014, 6:00 am

#989789

As per Ian Mezz .... Building will cost tens of thousands more than buying a car that is already restored/modified and on the road. Your budget will achieve likely twice as much "investment"

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 30 Apr 2014, 9:13 am

#989803

Modifying the 57 pan will cost a LOT more

If you were doinf the work your self it is possible

You are going to need to buy a late pan to get the suspension bits anyway. And the gearbox.

The terouble with buying one done is buying a good one

Futue te ipsum!!!

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 30 Apr 2014, 9:34 am

#989807

here's one thats done.......and is for sale 😉

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Hoffer Learner Dubber

16 posts · joined Apr 2013 · 30 Apr 2014, 9:42 am

#989808

That's beautiful any more details ? Price specs etc