TheSamba.com :: View topic - Non-Beetle bajas?

Sat Apr 30, 2005 6:42 am

I miss my 64 Baja Bug, but I can probably get a beat up Karmann Ghia or Squareback cheap, less than $300. Other than the approach angle not being so good, are there any major drawbacks to using one of these cars, any benefit? I've seen off-road versions of both before, the ghias were cut in the rear and had a glass front, but the type 3's were all metal. I'm just a wierdo and thought it would be cool to try somthing different. I wouldn't be rock climbing, mostly just dirt roads. I'm aware of the high prices for KG and T3 only parts.

Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:29 am

You would probably have better luck with the Ghia. I think most people do consider the two options you are looking at because it would involve swapping parts out from other vehicles to make it work properly. Now, if you are just looking to "make it work" I'm sure it could be done.

Sat Apr 30, 2005 11:39 am

Just as a side note. I saw a really cool looking baja bus yesterday. The whole back was cut off and it had a roll cage with large tires and it was really clean and shiny. Wish I had my camera with me.

Sat Apr 30, 2005 1:37 pm

how about a baja bunny? stick a rabbit body on a custom beetle pan/rollcage setup. link pin front, irs rear, blah, blah. i've seen one in hot vw's several years ago.....

Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:36 pm

I like the type 3's lifted. Of course your somewhat limited, but you can make some thing pretty cool. I knoe the front ends are adjustable by re-indexing-like the rear of any aircooled, I don't know how much you can actually get out them though.

I just saw a pretty cool squareback done up this weekend. he cut the roof off past the cab and it is converted into a truck. It was a clean job, had an AL rack system on it and sat on some pretty beefey M/T tires all the way around. might be a cool ride with stroker built for low end mated to a full auto tranny?

Sun May 01, 2005 12:57 am

.........................I gotta vote for the Ghia, but I'm just F'd up that way.

Tue May 03, 2005 8:10 pm

I'm all for the ghia. bugs are a little easier so its my project. If your up for a slightly more entailing project- GO FOR IT! Busses seem to require a lot of fab work to be made really nice, i could be wrong, but that looks to be a big process

GHIA!!! :!: