Can I build the bug I want

TAFEteacher · 2012-08-25T03:55:41+00:00

Hi guys I'm looking at getting a bug again as I had them as my first road cars, as well as beach buggies from 13 years old. i then got into motorcycles and other things, but always had the want to get one again. So, here's what I would like to do. Is it an easy bolt up and by adapter job, or does it become a major undertaking. I really like the look of the earlier bugs. Infact, I'd most likely prefer an oval just to have the real early look. The problem is, I also want some mod cons to make the driving a pleasure. So, is it possiblt to put a balljoint, disk brake front end straight into an early floor. Is it just unbolt one and bolt the other in? I'd like to have an adjustable height front end with dropped spindles and disc brakes. I doubt I'd want to narrow the front ens, as I'd most likely widen the guards witha strip between the bolt flange and rest of the guard, and just move the guard out. In the rear, I'd do the Auto conversion, as i want to be able to just drive it around easily, and being nearly 50, I don't want to change gears. I'm basically lazy in that department. That part doesn't seem too hard as I did it 30 years ago back in 1982 when I was about 19, so it shouldn't be too much of a challenge in 2012. I will need advice on what is the best trans to use. One of the biggest jobs will be a chop top. I just want to do it. I wanted one back when I was 19 and never did it, so I want to do it now if I do this project. Let's call it a bucket list event. I'm not too concerned about this part of the project either. I have 2 trades, one as a panelbeater, and the other as a fitter, machinist, so I'm reasonably handy when it comes to doing things. The other thing I want to do is put in a tough engine and it HAS to have aircon......I haven't seen anyone mention aircon on this board yet. Are there kits available? The goal is, I'd use it as a daily driver to work, and then sometimes go for a blat down the quarter for a bit of fun. I don't want to tun the world on fire, just have fun. My idea was to get a floorpan first, or a junker that I could get the floor pan from, and keep the roof to use bits for a choptop, but basically start with a floorpan, do all the bods like later front end, auto conversion, bracing where required etc etc. Then once that is done, get another body that has the oval window, do the chop top, and then marry the two together. What are your thoughts and suggestions on this. Greig

TAFEteacher Casual Dubber

46 posts · joined Aug 2012 · 26 Aug 2012, 5:34 pm

#919451

Ahhhhhhh........ Very nice...!!!!!!

No I won't be making a flat tracker, but similar. Have you seen the one doing the rounds at Meyers. Owned by Kiehl's pharmacy and cosmetics?
I'd like to put a front brake on it, with flatly handlebars, a late model carbie, not sure about the twist grip. I want it road registered.
I'll send you a PM

Greig

Yogie Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,610 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 26 Aug 2012, 6:21 pm

#919458

76 was the first and only year that I know of that had manual gearbox and balljoint/IRS. You can do a conversion to IRS on a 68 pan but, if you can find a semi auto pan from 68, that will be the best option for you.

Yogie

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 26 Aug 2012, 6:23 pm

#919462

say if they knew what I was doing to my 1918 JD Harley project.......

r progressing well nearly on schedule the wheels came up nice

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 27 Aug 2012, 9:11 pm

#919662

TAFEteacher wrote:Thanks Joel.
I'd be curious what parts you used. I was looking at just putting an under dash unit in like you would install in a hot rod.
I'm happy to make things if required, even if I have to model them and make billet items.

That's all I did too.
A Jayair universal underdash evap core ducted in to some original Superbug A/C ductwork and vents , universal condenser and just a new Subaru compressor.

I wouldn't stress about buying a car that isn't IRS.
As Yogie says the only IRS/BJ cars in Aus were 68-70 semi autos and 76 Beetles, both not real common but you're doing a body off resto with a chopped roof so welding in some IRS pivots will be no effort for you.

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 27 Aug 2012, 10:17 pm

#919681

Joel wrote:I wouldn't stress about buying a car that isn't IRS.
As Yogie says the only IRS/BJ cars in Aus were 68-70 semi autos and 76 Beetles, both not real common but you're doing a body off resto with a chopped roof so welding in some IRS pivots will be no effort for you.

^^ x2, nor welding on a ball-joint frame head, so really you can just start with your early pan, altho pedals change early to late and may be a consideration.

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