I'm getting started on building a '68 VW hot rod. The reason for using a VW for the rod is simple. $1.00! I found this thing in horse stall just south of Olympia Washington, at a friends cousins house. The engine was fried-out due to poor care, and the price of $1.00 to tow it off was right!

You work with what ya got, I always say. If a VW hot rod is your style, go for it! There are plenty of souped up VW motors available as turn keys, starting at $1,500 all the way up to $6,000.

The starting buget for mine is around $4,000 (including all the repairs and safety items), because I'm planning on doing about 80% of it myself. And as with any real hot rod, take care of the performance and safety items first! Leave the final painting and fancy inerior for the end. Paint, stereo systems and finished interiors don't make you go any faster, or help you stop! So do the needed items first.

How many other hot rodders out there have a car that can do a 1/4 mile in 15 seconds or less and still get 28+ mpg!

My suggestion is this. Drop in a good rebuilt 1600 motor to start. That will get you around with plenty of power for a good starting point. Heck, you could always sell it off for the same price to someone doing a restore later, if you decide you want more power! There are VW's out there with Porsche motors that are breaking the 10 second 1/4 mile, and are still street drivable.

I'm doing a picture documentary on mine as I go, and as soon as it's done, I'll post it!

Have fun with your VW Hot Rod!