Open to all advice please. Have done the 4WD thing, and can't afford to build a beach buggy.

So why not build a VW Baja.

So where to start? Which year beetle should I look out for? Is rego going to be a problem (NSW)? How straightforward is this type of project?

Any guideance, thoughts, sanity pills very much appreciated.

Have also read this link - some great info

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=54756 

Cheers, Dave
dgolding01@optusnet.com.au
Carlingford NSW

[ Edited on 8-2-2007 by challenger ]

I am looking to build something that will get me to Stockton Beach - have some fun - and back home to Sydney.

Will be taking some kids from our scout group so cannot go 'all out'.

So I will purchase a late 60's or early 70's beetle with registration, and add a basic Baja kit, a lift (I guess), and some off-road tyres (for starters).

Or have I over simplifyed the whole thing?

Nah, you haven't, little more than big wheels and tyres on a standard Beetle will allow it to 'do' Stockton!

If that's teh case, buy just about anything . It's only when you need/want long-travel suspension etc etc that certain chassis and components are better than others

mate if u have the money buggy brad had a bloody fantastic baja for sale a little while back, ej 20t, a/c big lift, rims everything u could ever want and for the price a steal.. cost a heap more to make on your self..

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=59791


not sure if he still has it but well worth a look


steff................

ahh the journey starts ,how exciting :bounce:bounce

I paid $2500 for a Pathfinder - you sure 4WDs are too expensive?

Bloody good value for what's been done, but over the top for me.

Will look around for a basic beetle and a Cheetah kit for starters, and see where I go from there.

Now to find a good reliable beetle with no/little rust. Help appreciated.

My only suggestion is to make sure that you get a torsion bar front end Beetle. The MacPherson strut front ends don't suit Bajas for two reasons. The kits don't fit unless you get a special one and the front end is too poking out the front so you can't get a good approach angle for creek crossings etc.

Check out what Bronze has done with his Drop Bear....71 Baja....nice and simple, and has a heap of fun at Stockton

Yeah - this is what I want. Hi Bronze, if you see this note, couild you please let me know the full specs of Drop Bear (if you don't mind me learning from your expertise), and approximate budget.

Cheers

Dave

You may find my rebuild diary of some use for ideas...

http://www.offroadvw.net/bajawes/linktodiary.htm

What a great source of information. This is wonderful. Thanks.

I will probably just go for the 2" lift initially on a standard beetle 1500 (if I can find a half reasonable one), and a Cheetah kit.

Anyone have anything for sale?

Ciao, Dave

hi challenger there's a kit on ebay but it needs a little work

You have mail. Drop me your phone number and a time and I'll give you a call.

Wes and others here have been doing this much longer than I but I'm happy to help where I can. I can explain what I'm using at Stockton and throw some advice that has helped me out to get mine just right.

Drop Bear Vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJIgi-01nig 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C6-6EN53S8 



[ Edited on 11-2-2007 by The_Bronze. ]