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Whats allowable for Rat Rod beetles in Australia
1939PlymouthRatRod - May 16th, 2011 at 03:12 PM

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.
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m605/Holdendays/VWRatRod.jpg


barls - May 16th, 2011 at 03:42 PM

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


helbus - May 16th, 2011 at 06:36 PM

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?


waveman1500 - May 16th, 2011 at 08:17 PM

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.


pod - May 16th, 2011 at 08:35 PM

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


1939PlymouthRatRod - May 16th, 2011 at 09:22 PM

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 - May 16th, 2011 at 09:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by pod
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...


barls - May 16th, 2011 at 09:36 PM

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