Whats allowable for Rat Rod beetles in Australia

1939PlymouthRatRod Learner Dubber

17 posts · joined May 2011 · 16 May 2011, 3:12 pm

#841386

Tell me the truth man, is this kind of build allowed in Australia. For example the extended fronts and the chop tops, I'd say the chops are since the early beetles have a flat windscreen and can the rear split window surrounds be purchased and welded into a latter model bug.

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,474 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 16 May 2011, 3:42 pm

#841388

talk to your local engineer and the transit authority in your state and find out.

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helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 16 May 2011, 6:36 pm

#841423

Changing the wheelbase of the vehicle will require quite extensive engineering test and reports. So yes you could do it. How much money you got?

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waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 16 May 2011, 8:17 pm

#841443

Well, I can tell you a couple of things in that photo which you can't have. You can't run without fenders and you can't go lower than 100mm. Small cycle guards will sort out the fenderless thing, but that car is sitting WAY lower than 100mm.

As said above, getting engineering approval for a bolt-on beam extension is going to cost you some cash, but you might be able to get it approved. It really does depend on what state you're in (and even which engineer you ask) as the rules vary wildly across Australia. I highly doubt that you would be allowed to convert to a hot-rod style solid beam front axle on radius rods which seems to be what the car in that picture is running. The wires and chop should be okay though.

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pod i`ve got to finish this thing one day

4,980 posts · joined Dec 2003 · 16 May 2011, 8:35 pm

#841454

wasnt there a rod beetle from Adelaide with that style front end in vwma mag

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1939PlymouthRatRod Learner Dubber

17 posts · joined May 2011 · 16 May 2011, 9:22 pm

#841469

Ok then I'd say if the extended front was required then its easier to construct a new chassis just like our 39 Plymouth.
I have an idea thats workable we could split the body and widen it and at the same time lengthen it so to make it look like a lady beetle bug.
I'll look for an early beetle body and start doing the maths.

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 16 May 2011, 9:28 pm

#841472

pod wrote:wasnt there a rod beetle from Adelaide with that style front end in vwma mag

There is one in Adelaide but that doesn't mean that it's actually legal. No roadworthy inspections here! You pays your rego and takes your chances...

1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,474 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 16 May 2011, 9:36 pm

#841475

also be careful you dont fall in to the icv(individually constructed vehicle) category, as this could mean that you end up costing thousands and still not be registrable

“We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.” Bill Hicks
the chaos project - click me