Board Logo

VW Virgin. Need help selecting a project.
Deluxe - February 20th, 2008 at 05:18 AM

Hi all, I'm so seriously new to this, I have never owned a VW.
I have had at least one model from just about every other major manufacturer though. Ranging from a 69 Fiat 124 to a 42 Chev pick-up.
I have a beetle project in mind, with some fairly heavy duty customizing involved. (but hey, I'm guessing VW's have probably been customized more often than any other.)
I have a set of requirements and a wish list for modifications I'd like to include on the car, but have no idea exactly which model to start with, part selection, what can be mixed and matched between models, whether I've just wished up something way outta my budget or even something totally impossible!

Basically:
Torsion bar,ball joint front
Dropped spindles(?) Want it as low as legally possible.
IRS with the shorter torsion bars that don't stick out infront of the wheels (?)
Disc brakes, all corners. Dual circuit. Ventilated (?)
The best practical transmission that will handle 150-200hp.

Your opinions greatly appreciated!

vw54 - February 20th, 2008 at 05:55 AM

welcome

u need to work out your budget first of all

Where r u located ???

OZ Towdster - February 20th, 2008 at 06:13 AM

Do you like early or late body shape ??
Any torsion beam beetle body will bolt to any torsion beam pan ie : you sound like you want to be using a 69 semi auto pan with a 63 body which is very common .
In regards to your short torsion bars in an IRS rear end , this is also not a problem with the only downside being a stiffer rear ride.

type3kid - February 20th, 2008 at 08:30 AM

personally, forget a beetle and get in a type 3. not as many around and i'm a huge fan!
either way, glad to have you on board, enjoy

VWCOOL - February 20th, 2008 at 11:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Deluxe
Hi all, I'm so seriously new to this, I have never owned a VW.
I have had at least one model from just about every other major manufacturer though. Ranging from a 69 Fiat 124 to a 42 Chev pick-up.
I have a beetle project in mind, with some fairly heavy duty customizing involved. (but hey, I'm guessing VW's have probably been customized more often than any other.)
I have a set of requirements and a wish list for modifications I'd like to include on the car, but have no idea exactly which model to start with, part selection, what can be mixed and matched between models, whether I've just wished up something way outta my budget or even something totally impossible!

Basically:
Torsion bar,ball joint front
Dropped spindles(?) Want it as low as legally possible.
IRS with the shorter torsion bars that don't stick out infront of the wheels (?)
Disc brakes, all corners. Dual circuit. Ventilated (?)
The best practical transmission that will handle 150-200hp.

Your opinions greatly appreciated!


That will be a 'mix and match' of OE and modified/custom parts. The best/easiest path to what you have listed is to start with a 1968-1970 manual beetle. It has standard non-vented front discs. Convert it to IRS with aftermarket adapters and cut-down manual-spec springplates. get a 1974< Superbeetle gearbox and have it 'built'. Drop spindles - yes, but you may also wish to look at 'selectra drops' that are welded in to make the torsion bars' centre anchor point (therefore ride height) adjustable. Rear discs (and vented fronts) will be aftermarket
Hope this helps

Deluxe - February 20th, 2008 at 09:17 PM

I'm located in Melbourne.
The body style I'm aiming to create is coupe-ute. Something a little different.
That said, if I can gain the experience by cutting my teeth on this project, I would really love to restore a Karmann Ghia to look completely standard. With modifications limited to handling and performance.
Cool, it looks like the search is on.
Where would be the best place to start pricing the parts needed?
The budget is always (unfortunately) a factor. I'm more inclined to spend on brakes and suspension before "go fast"

crunchyyy - July 6th, 2008 at 10:35 AM

sounds like a unique plan..cool!