Is this something I should be sharing here...

I was given a 62 VW the other day and it should be here this weekend. I've always had a thing for the peoples car ever since I had one that I ran around in in high school. Anyway this car is less engine and is a 62 in semi rough shape. Thought I would rat rod modify it much like this drawing I found a few years back. The issues with this drawing is obvious, in the rear with a vw engine I think it will be hard to get the body close enough to the rear wheels to give it a true coupe look. So with that in mind I acquired a front wheel drive Honda ssi motor, tranny, and axles that I am thinking of turning into a mid engine rear wheel drive. This would free up that space to do what I need to do with the sculpting. I must of know this would happen someday because Ive been collecting odds and ends that will work perfectly on this. I salvaged a model a sedan roof that I have one side chopped down to VW size and I think I can make it work as well as some glass fenders and other things I might be able to Frankenstein this together with. It will be a rough rat rod'ish build but built with safety in mind. So the question is should I hang out at the vw site with this or any interest here? Its not a hot rod in my mind and totally understand if there isn't a place here for it. If so where would I post the progress?

What I have in Mind... and a few parts collected for the project.
Attachment 61648
Attachment 61652
Attachment 61651

It would be cool, in my mind. Simply start a build thread in whatever forum you think is right. No one gets too hung up on where stuff resides here, from what I've seen, unlike some "other" forums where posting in the wrong area is all but a mortal sin.

Are the rear wheels really going to hang that wrong? That always "bugged" me about some modified Bugs! Don't feel bad about putting it on here, I think most will accept all things automotive. For those who don't, we already have a joke of the day column, now they can consider they have two. Smile and let us enjoy your metal work!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scooting

Are the rear wheels really going to hang that wrong? That always "bugged" me about some modified Bugs!

---

Yeah Ive been looking at doing this project for awhile and It needs help in the back end... Besides it gives me a place to use that Honda engine. I pulled the Honda out of the car after we rolled it... Its a screamer and should push that bug body just fine. Plus it will straighten up those rear wheels just perfect.

Ummmmm Cragars yum yum !

Hmmmmm, Honda FWD mounted mid-ship as RWD.... How about 4-wheel steering?!? Talk about cooooooool!!

Thought about it for a second... Ive built 4 wheel steering for rock crawling and it's way more than I want to get into for a project like this. This is going to be a slice and dice, get the look I like and probably drive it for awhile. Then its down the road she goes to make room for the next project. I will let someone else do the finish work on it. LOL Think I will bag it though, It should sit just like the drawing dont ya think?

Im still looking for the Import Hot Rod section they told me to put the build under. Bob & Bob are thinking they are pullin my leg? Where is it?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M.T.

So the question is should I hang out at the vw site with this or any interest here? Its not a hot rod in my mind and totally understand if there isn't a place here for it. If so where would I post the progress?

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M.T.

Im still looking for the Import Hot Rod section they told me to put the build under. Bob & Bob are thinking they are pullin my leg? Where is it?

---

Question # 1... There is a lot of interest here and just continue as you've started - anyone don't like it can go read the 3 word story again! :eek::LOL::LOL:

Question # 2 .... see answer to question 1! :LOL::p:LOL::p:LOL::p:3dSMILE:

Good answer... The other Bobs read that 3 word story to each other to get to sleep at night. After about the 3rd time through I make them drink Niquill cold medicine. Have a great weekend!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M.T.

Good answer... The other Bobs read that 3 word story to each other to get to sleep at night. After about the 3rd time through I make them drink Niquill cold medicine. Have a great weekend!

---

I'll have to try the Nyquil and see if that helps?!?!? 8-)

Neat concept. Get cutting a n post your progress

Well Bob, Bob and Bob and any other person who isn't a Bob, don't you ever thing you should be anywhere else on this build as I, speaking for the New Zealand friends on here, love those German little cars and we will be following along too. You will be able to get that beetle down low without the airbags too and still be driveable. I really like your concept drawing right down to the colour, so Bob, you can pick which Bob is doing the reading, go for it on here and as always, remember, we love photo's.....:D:D:D

I'm with whip -go for it !!!!
will be great to watch this come together and apart from the vw lean on the back wheels, love the concept drawing.


.

I'm thinking the concept drawing shows the suspension in display position, and the wheels would straighten out in ride position.

Biggest butt whippin' in stop light gran prix ever got was a black bug with blacked out rear side windows somewhere near Santa Monica about 48 years ago. Turns out it had a small block chev where the back seat should have been. Given the weight advantage and the hp output of a more modern Honda banger this could be a nasty little ride.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Biggest butt whippin' in stop light gran prix ever got was a black bug with blacked out rear side windows somewhere near Santa Monica about 48 years ago. Turns out it had a small block chev where the back seat should have been. Given the weight advantage and the hp output of a more modern Honda banger this could be a nasty little ride.

---

Nasty in the most polite way too. Heck I will have to get the scan out and find a photo of a custom beetle I did panel work on so many lifetimes ago, it had a flat 6 Corvair in it and could frighten more then a few at the traffic lights.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Biggest butt whippin' in stop light gran prix ever got was a black bug with blacked out rear side windows somewhere near Santa Monica about 48 years ago. Turns out it had a small block chev where the back seat should have been. Given the weight advantage and the hp output of a more modern Honda banger this could be a nasty little ride.

---

I remember a similar encounter with that little black bug and it wasn't pretty.

We were playing rally racer in the Honda when we put it on its lid before you could blink an eye. I was so impressed with the engine I couldn't let it go to the scrap yard with the rest of the car. I'm convinced it will push the beetle as fast as it needs to go! The young guns already have a turbo picked out for it so who know where it will end up? I've chopped a few bugs in the past few years and have done a lot of body mods to them in the past. Love the cars and cant believe there is anything that hasn't been done to them? I chopped this one as well as made running boards, Made the rear window smaller, filled the dash and deck lid, lowered and narrowed the front beam, and a ton of other mods.

Attachment 61666Attachment 61665Attachment 61668Attachment 61667

“Every eye fixed itself upon him; with parted lips and bated breath the audience hung upon his words, taking no note of time, rapt in the ghastly fascinations of the tale”. Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer.

Go for it Bob.

M.T., You and the other Bobs are certainly a highly skilled metalworking craftsman!

So glad you've decided to share this project with us!

MT,and Bob x3... ;) ... Just DO IT... I,too have built a few VW's for customers in the past,,including a top chopped bug,back in the mid 80's,for a friend..Whip might know the one in question that I did for Steve Radisich.. Have done a few ''Cal look'' bugs back in those days,as well... The concept drawing is kool.. love it..

Ok guys its on and it will be here somewhere. I will start a build thread later today after I get the bug here and can eye ball it for a few minutes. And Im really glad that the Mark Twain words included "Take no note of time" as this is going to be one slow build. I already have too many projects started so by all rights I should hold off on this for awhile... But then again Bob and I were laughing that I was saying the same thing two years ago when I did hold off. LOL

Oh and for the record on a side bar... The Bobs here with me today are totally fictional. On that note I only say that because My dad Bob Sr. myself Bob Jr. and my son B-III are very real. Pops is very retired, My son and I had a Tuttle moment a few years back and we decided he should try working in the real world and see how things were done away from the family business. We all get together often but they arent here with me! LOL Thought I had better clear the air before word got back to the family that Im talking trash about them on the forum! LOL

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...FSheriffHL.gifThat could be ugly! Very ugly! http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g2...SCRAM/gunt.gif

Left Bob..... Right Bob..... MT in the middle? :eek::LOL::LOL::LOL:**)**):LOL::LOL:





Sorry' couldn't resist.... just a clean shot!:p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 34_40

Left Bob..... Right Bob..... MT in the middle? :eek::LOL::LOL::LOL:**)**):LOL::LOL:

Sorry' couldn't resist.... just a clean shot!:p

---

maybe that should be MB.......Middle Bob.....
;):3dSMILE:

The more I look at the drawing the more I believe that the cab design is what makes "me" sit and stare at it and "like it" !

Wow!! I'm a firm believer that we are our worst enemy(putting down certain makes and types of cars), I,t does not matter what kind of car it is ,it,s a car and we are car enthusiast and talent stumps stupidity!! Can,t wait for the build!! Drawling is awesome!! Pete

I Started a build thread today... http://www.clubhotrod.com/hot-rod-bu...tml#post525212

Bob I'm new to this site but I've got to put my 2 cents in .I like the concept but it might be because I have a 1972 VW except that I put a mopar 440/tunnel ram and two edlebrocks on top.My suggestion would be to put a fiberglass 40 ford hood on it and then you can use any engine setup that you want.The front fenders really lend themselves to that hood and really make your VW over the top.If I new how to post a pic on this site ,you could see what I mean.The rear tires are 33/21.5/15s on a shortened 9 in.Other than that I think it's a sweet ride that you've got. Shadyj

PS there is always a big crowd around it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shadyj

Bob I'm new to this site but I've got to put my 2 cents in .I like the concept but it might be because I have a 1972 VW except that I put a mopar 440/tunnel ram and two edlebrocks on top.My suggestion would be to put a fiberglass 40 ford hood on it and then you can use any engine setup that you want.The front fenders really lend themselves to that hood and really make your VW over the top.If I new how to post a pic on this site ,you could see what I mean.The rear tires are 33/21.5/15s on a shortened 9 in.Other than that I think it's a sweet ride that you've got. Shadyj

PS there is always a big crowd around it

---

This is not going to make since to a lot of folks but I'm going to throw it out there anyway. My very first car was my Model A Ford... For a kids first car in my mind it couldn't get any better. Pops built a 30 A coupe with a Flathead v8, 53 3 speed on the floor and Juice brakes. I borrowed it and never gave it back... Have it to this day by the way. Anyway the first day I drove it to school only about 5 miles away I got pulled over 4 times... The cps just wanted to look at my car? Every time I would stop for gas Id have someone shuffle up to me and start telling me how they had one when they were a kid, Or my uncle used to give us rides in the rumble seats, Or some other story that I had already heard 1000 times. Heck I just wanted to throw $3.00 worth a gas and go hold my girlfriends hand, not story tell with some stranger. I also got really tired of loosing radiator caps when ever I would park it out of my sight, Kids running up and down my running boards and fenders while their parents stood and watched the. All this to say I don't like driving the stuff I build... I really don't want the attention... But I love fabricating and building stuff. That is why I typically sell my stuff before it gets to the finish work. I typically get it to a point where the average guy can pick up where I left off and sell it. That way they can finish it and tell everyone they built it, Which I fine with by the way.

I also have seen hundreds of kit cars using the VW platform. In my opinion about 95% of them just miss the mark and give VW Mods a bad name. :LOL: This is where it get kind of weird for me. I want to modify a VW to give it a different look, I don't want to try to turn the VW something else completly... Does that make any sense to you guys? I'm not trying to change this into looking like another car, much like the blue 40'ish Ford VW I did much of the metal work on. I just want to change the look slightly but still have it very recognizable as a BUG. I'm not sure I'm making my point. I also am more interested in the actual build that the end result so my motivation is not the end product but how to get to the end product... The finished car is just a bonus for learning and conquering my goal of building it right. Does this make any since to anyone else? Or am I as messed up as all my buddys say I am? :eek:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M.T.

This is not going to make since to a lot of folks but I'm going to throw it out there anyway. My very first car was my Model A Ford... For a kids first car in my mind it couldn't get any better. Pops built a 30 A coupe with a Flathead v8, 53 3 speed on the floor and Juice brakes. I borrowed it and never gave it back... Have it to this day by the way. Anyway the first day I drove it to school only about 5 miles away I got pulled over 4 times... The cps just wanted to look at my car? Every time I would stop for gas Id have someone shuffle up to me and start telling me how they had one when they were a kid, Or my uncle used to give us rides in the rumble seats, Or some other story that I had already heard 1000 times. Heck I just wanted to throw $3.00 worth a gas and go hold my girlfriends hand, not story tell with some stranger. I also got really tired of loosing radiator caps when ever I would park it out of my sight, Kids running up and down my running boards and fenders while their parents stood and watched the. All this to say I don't like driving the stuff I build... I really don't want the attention... But I love fabricating and building stuff. That is why I typically sell my stuff before it gets to the finish work. I typically get it to a point where the average guy can pick up where I left off and sell it. That way they can finish it and tell everyone they built it, Which I fine with by the way.

I also have seen hundreds of kit cars using the VW platform. In my opinion about 95% of them just miss the mark and give VW Mods a bad name. :LOL: This is where it get kind of weird for me. I want to modify a VW to give it a different look, I don't want to try to turn the VW something else completly... Does that make any sense to you guys? I'm not trying to change this into looking like another car, much like the blue 40'ish Ford VW I did much of the metal work on. I just want to change the look slightly but still have it very recognizable as a BUG. I'm not sure I'm making my point. I also am more interested in the actual build that the end result so my motivation is not the end product but how to get to the end product... The finished car is just a bonus for learning and conquering my goal of building it right. Does this make any since to anyone else? Or am I as messed up as all my buddys say I am? :eek:

---

I hear ya!!! I never much liked those VW "costume party" car kits either! The 40 Ford look, '37 Ford look, Rolls Royce look, etc. Just never worked for me! I'm guessing the PT Cruiser was inspired by the '37 Ford VW....:LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL:
I like the direction you're headed! It's obviously still a bug but with a little extra metamorphosis.....:LOL::LOL:

I think you made your point quite clear in your first post, Bob, and I wholeheartedly support your concept - it's definitely a Bug, but "not your garden variety Bug". I'd love to see more of that type of thinking rather than so many "cookie cutter" cars.

I was thinking it would be wonderful to be able to put the bug on a lift and lift the body and frame off of the mid engine, tranny, exhaust, radiator, etc. leaving it on the floor exposed for heavy maintenance few quick disconnects and the throttle cables, shifter cables, fuel lines, etc could be off. So that got me thinking about building a removable cradle for the rear drivetrain. I think some of the race cars do something like this but was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with a project like this?