Hi,

I need a new chassis for my 1976 VW Safari ... if anyone can help .. I would REALLY appreciate it !

Cheers

Greg

So what will fit / substitute ?

beetle pan will work but you'll need KG pan halves

or a KG pan if someone has one laying around...

My suggestion is to re pan half your existing pan ...there are several differences between a 181 pan and a ghia pan....these are ..rear torsion housing is welded in at a slightly different angle for increased ground clearance..ball joint front end and c/v rear limits the amount of ghia pans available....secondly the torsion tube assy is also strenghtened for more off road abuse.....if your pan spine is solid and not rusty weld in halves . the cost of danish pan halfs is about 4-500 per side. I can help with replacement pan halfs call steve on 0400356057....you will need to reuse your seat tracks as the replacement halves are bare......if the spin is rusty I also have a donor 181 pan available cheers steve

Hi,

Thanks for the help ... the story is as follows .... it has new complete pans welded in .. I got this done in Bali where the car was purchased .... so the pans are good ... it is the outer rails and the front head that appear to have issues. The engineer does not think it can be repaired so I am preparing for the worst and wanting to source a compatible chassis. The car is otherwise pretty OK .. I have been given a list from the engineer stating that i have to put a roll cage in to meet the front seatbelt requirements under the ADR's (NOT HAPPY), it must have a collapsible steering column, lockable steering, parking lights in the headlights and a few other niggly bits .... enough to keep it off the road for a while.

I am not keen on changing the seats to a highback configuration with the seatbelt guide above the shoulder, like the Mercedes convertibles but I woould rather do this than go through a roll cage and change the car in this manner ...... again nay suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
For those who want to know it is a Mexican Built Safari, plated as a Type 181 but is factory built in right hand drive .... they were made in Mexico, South Africa and Indonesia for the European market ...... interesting history!

I agree with Steve from Kombi Rescue. Pan 1/2's are the go, but if the spine/tunnel are no good and complete replacement is required, you MUST use a 181 pan. If the rust is concentrated at the frame head, you can buy these new, although thinner than og so need an experienced person doing the job for a lasting repair. If you replace the complete pan, it becomes another car as VIN is changed so I'd contemplate retaining some important parts of your pan so you don't loose its identification.
PS I believe a rhd 181 is a 182, be interesting to see it's actual model designation.
Doesn't it already have a colapsable steering column?
There's plenty of 181's regoed in Oz, not all have roll bars or high back seats, maybe you need to change your engineer instead of your seats?

Guys,

The tunnel is good the pans are new ... it is the outer rails that have the biggest issues, and the front head.

Apparently the column is not collasible in my car.

Thanks for the suggestion about the engineer ...... this has already crossed my mind!

Cheers

What outer rails???

The outer of the pan is a simple folded lip where the body bolts to, outer rails might be the body sills, in which case you have some major work ahead. Post some pics, we'll be able to advise you, I have put in replacement sill into a 181 before.....not a small job, but quality parts/rust repair panels are available.

Thanks Matt .. I should have some photos over the weekend ...... please accept my apologies for the lack of technical knowledge .. I am still coming to grips with this Thing!

Just as a reference, a lot of Mini Mokes only had lap belts and no roll bar right up to the late 70's. The roll-bar and three-point belts were optional. So if it's legal for a Moke, it should be legal for your Safari!

BTW: If the engineer has a surname starting with "P" and has several Leyland products laying around his workshop then I recommend you find another one. PM me if you want.

Hi bnico .... the engineer has a surname starting with G ... and there are no Leyland bits lying around but I will have a second, third , fourth or fifth opinion until I get the right answer ...and you make an excellent point about the Moke ... I will be following this up on the wekend with a friend of mine who builds Mini's and Mokes!

Cheers

Hi guys .. all good .. the infamous rocker panels have had to be replaced and subsequently new floor pans are on the way! .... damn engineer couldn't even distinguisg between a collapsible steering column and one without .... after some investigation mine is right.

Thanks for your help!

Greg

Am putting in 1976 Beetle highback seats for the whole seatbelt issue .... giddy up !

i have some cheap but prfrct cond Golf and Cordoba Seats in grey or chrcoal full set
$100 ea incl back !!!and some door card material u could adapt
pics if ue mail me
seeat belts attach to seat frame and 1 set of side trays also incl
B

Thanks to all for your help .... the engineer did not and does not understand anything abut VW's .. more than that the Safari !

The rocker panels were rusted ....... his report stated the chassis was "beyond repair" ... initial shock but after your help and some digging, I now know what must be done ...... I am now on the right track with the car ..... of course the US dollar value helps more than ever!

Thanks again to those "in the know" for your advice and suggestions!

greg

Good stuff Greg, hope all goes well with the repairs.

Any advise needed....well you know where to go now .

Thanks Matt,

I think I will be up your way nest week (well Noosa anyway) for work .... catch up for coffee ya?

Greg

Yeah, Greg, give me a call, see how the day is going at the time.