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

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]

buy something that is already rego'd and go from there, the money spent on a subaru conversion put into a vw motor can build a more than capable set up (they arn't real heavy!) and less to go wrong, as for information, thats what the forum's for!!

I subyed my buggy (members rides, matt beach buggy) and the only prob i have encountered would be the sump.

Well if you want one best off to buy a registered one . Dont expect change from $5,000 if it has legal rego in NSW. If you plan to build one DON'T build a SWB as they are almost impossible to register these days. Maintainence is similar to a Beetle but brakes and wheel bearings need more attention if offroading it. Subaru sumps hang down so they are really not a good conversion for a serious off road buggy .Hope this helps . Mark

Just remember a buggy is not the most practical everyday car. You can't lock it, which means you can leave anything of any value in it.

If you have dodgy weather you need to carry the soft top around or keep it on. It also doesn't take long for rear window to yellow so you can't see out of it when you have the top on, which is a pain in traffic.

They are very cold in winter.

I drove one for 2 weeks, and I much prefer the baja. Still has the engine in the open, but a lot more luxurious than a buggy.

In a way a buggy has all the disadvantages of a motorbike, but without the motorbike fun factor.

i'd like a Buggy too, if had the $ & space.
I would not like to sell the Beetle though.
( the collection just keeps growing ) 🙂

Wes,

You are right.

BUT!!!
How cool does a buggy look??????

:P

Terry,

You will have to get Ronnie on here to tell us what she thought.

Basically we were up at fraser and it kept raining. Ronnie was riding in buggies and getting wet going through the wash-outs. After feeling sorry for her (actually thinking she would catch a bad cold) I cleared some room on the Baja back seat and offered her a ride in luxury. I think she appreciated have a roof and windows. :puke

Hey Wes,
I disagree about the disadvantages of a M/bike. I can ride to work in light rain and arrive dry (without wet weathers) and have enough lock up space for two helmets and jackets + a little spare!!
Oh, It a BMW of course.
😀😀😀😀
:thumb

Very true Wes,
but what sort of car has windows and a roof anyways????😀

Also, there is less to rust!!!!!

Andy, I ride to work everyday on a motorbike too. I have to put my rain gear on in the rain though, similar to a buggy having to put the roof on.

I have some waterproof lock-up space but not enough for two helmets and jackets...

Well to be honest Wes I still use wet weathers, but if it starts raining after I'm on the bike it has to rain pretty hard for me to stop and put the wet weathers on!!
Besides, most days I take the pushbike. Not protection from nothing there. Even a damp road means sand everywhere.
🙂🙂

well i was going to use it as a daily driver, but i think wes has kindly talked me out of it.
i think it may have to be a project i start (and hopefully finish) later on in life, when i can afford a "weekend cruiser"

-- unless of course i find one for cheap and have the garage space to buy now 🙂 --

thanks all once again.
Yianni

Just buy a buggy and get a decent roof made for it. They are not that hard to make comfortable to drive in the rain and cold. You can always put heaters in it for the cold months and you have the added pleasure of being able to take the roof off and enjoy the sun on all the nice sunny days we have here in Sydney. (As I write this it is pouring outside !!!).
You can always make it so you can store things safely in the back - it all comes down to how inventive you want to be.

There is nothing cooler than driving around with the roof off soaking up the sun.....can't do that in a Baja :bounce:bounce

manx`s are the go...no argument. i was at fraser too & i only got wet when the electrics got wet & had to get out & fix it. thanks wes. a good soft top with clip in clears is all you need. i drive my manx every day... rain, hail (?) or shine & the only time i get wet is getting in & out of it.
a good set of tinted flying goggles is a good investment on the beach too...keeps the sand out of your eyes.
rick
manx020

I have nothing against buggies of course, they are fun and have a 70's coolness about them. But I wouldn't want one for a daily driver. It's a personal choice. I just wanted Yianni to think about the pros and cons before leaping into something he might regret. :thumb

btw, I think the Baja is just as cool on the beach as a buggy :vader

I've seen a couple of German Look road racer style buggys and always kind of wanted one too.

I think with a good suspension set-up and nippy type1 it would make for one hell of a ride.

Something to consider!!!

How Much money do you want to throw at this?????

If you are working on a budget(as most of us are) then look at the Baja option, you can pick up a good Baja for heaps cheaper than a good Buggy.

Just my two cents worth, at least it was before I spent it on the Buggy.

:jesus

Terry, $5000 is cheap compared to the price you'd pay for a buggy that would be reliable enough to use as a daily driver (take note of how many buggies broke down on fraser).

Hi Ronnie, I'm good. So what your saying is buggies are fun for a while (toy car), but not so much fun after a while or if the weather turns bad (everyday car) 😀 Exactly my point 😉

So in the final wash ......... Do Manx ...!

Mate I think there is only one way to look at your problem and most will agree. Do you have a GF or Wife? That question will answer yours. If the answer is YES then you need to buy a Baja. If the answer is NO then hell yeah, the buggy is for you (they pull chics too- sorry lady v-dubbers). Long term no woman wants wind messing up the hair, bugs in their teeth and sun on their delicate skin... trust me I know!:bounce
PS- not cause im a chic- my GF doesnt like riding in the manx... maybecause i drive it like I stole it too!!

[Edited on 12-3-2003 by Mad Manx]

The buggy is the way to go. I think that it is more more fun than any traditional type of car. But it's true that the weather can be a factor, but so what? I find that the challange of things like weather and restristed storage space add to the adventure of the trip.

The buggy also lends itself to individuality. Have you ever seen two buggys the same? These things can be modified in many many different ways. Indeed some seem to go through a continual change during their use because of repairs, maintenance and any special trip requirements.

I do agree that getting a registered one with papers is the way to go, it means less legal hassels.

Manxed69

:thumb :thumb :thumb

[Edited on 12-3-2003 by manxed69]

funniest thing just happened....

Wes bought a J&S buggy from fetch.... (let's hope it doesn't rain ay Wes? 😉 ) Good buy...

Thanks for all the input, i reckon i'm gunna get rid of my bugs before i go into Manx land... but it's definitely a prospect for the future 🙂
I want a buggy for the fun factor, and the joys of having a convertable... maybe taking it on the dunes.. but nothing rough.

Thanks for all the info people. :thumb
Yianni.

Yep, Wes is the proud owner of a J&S. I just spoke with him and he had made it from Port to Taree and said it went really well.

When I first bought my buggy I didn't want to go off road or do anything very rough with it but once you go to these places and see how much fun it is you just can't help yourself. The trick of course is trying to get the balance right between on-road and off-road ability !!

Wooo Hooo :bounce:bounce another J&S at club things:bounce:bounce soon we will out number the Manx's😀😀

I think due to some bizzare typos, and bad grammer, it looks as though the above poeple are saying I bought a J&S.

I certainly have not bought a buggy, and would not buy a J&S (no offense J&S owners :thumb).

I think it is supposed to read, "hey wes, guess what, I bought a J&S from fetch".

And "yep, Yianni is the proud owner of a J&S".

Watch what you type people :puke

so you are ashamed to admit it eh Wes ?😀😀😀😀😀😀

Well I guess another guy called Wes coulda bought it, but that'd be pretty unlikely, but maybe?..........

PS - Yes I would be ashamed :vader
(just kidding, no hate mail please 😀)

Yeah it was Wes that goes by Two Guns . He owns a split Kombi . Located on the central coast .

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 am happy to say that my roof works fine and I am happy to drive it every day even with this shitty weather. I had baja's and buses and they all had those damn doors and windows that hate the salt and mud.
I have a lockup rear manx box and that keeps it all safe and dry. I can go to teh beach and come home, spend 10 mins washing and she is good to go again. How long does Wes' s spend ?
But they are worth heaps more than a Baja, even a crappy V6 one :> Talking of V^ Baja's Wes, you can hardly call your weekend warrior a daily driver, less that 8000km a year .... I do that in 4 mths .....

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)

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

then there is this old fav..

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

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

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

wheels and......

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.