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Sat May 07, 2005 10:17 pm

would using a super beetle as a the base of my baja project just be retarted or what. I am of course going to be running a full cage and warrior beam tied into that cage so the whole front end will end up geting the chop anyways. i was just wandering if that work with boxing out the front end so your feet arnt pushing off the ground like a flintstons car. and would it be stong enough sturaly. the reason i ask is that there are a ton of super's out there for sell and at cheap.
Baja Ben

Sun May 08, 2005 12:52 am

I will offer what I can here, but I am still pretty new myself. Some of the "Vets" will have more input. From my understanding the super is not a good platform to start with because it utilizes the McPhereson (sp?) struts up front instead of the tortion arms like a standard. These aparently are not easy to lift, are not as durable offroad, and I believe that they lack the beneficial suspension geometry of the tortion arms which move up and back as the tire impacts an object, which is a main ingredient as to why the VW is a good offroad performer in the first place. Also super beetle "body kits" are different as well from what I have seen from several online offroad supplier websites. I think in all even to save money by going with the super would be a bad idea as you would most likely spend more on aftermarket to compensate for it's factory design shortcomings for an offroad application. Also, there should be cheaper standards available in general as they will be older. I think Supers are only 73 and newer and you could get a 69 or later standard beetle with IRS and be in good shape. Hope this helps, but once again I am still learning so listen to others as well, before making your own decision.

Sun May 08, 2005 12:54 am

For your reading enjoyment.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109738

If you can fab the front end then I say go for it. I'd like to see how it turns out. I've got a hunch that more and more supers are going to be made into baja's. In the past I would have screamed NO!!!, but since you are going to take care of the #1 problem, the struts, then go ahead. Someone has to be one of the first, might as well be you. There are still plenty of 68-74 standards out there that are easier to make into baja's, but we might as well accept the fact that supers are out there in numbers too. Sandlizard does make some good points, as long as you address them I think you'll be covered.

If you decide to go ahead please keep us informed. Take lots of pictures, post them up and tell us the hard and easy parts of the conversion.

Sun May 08, 2005 12:57 am

and hank is pretty smart for a newbie, and I would pass along his advice for anyone that is thinking of running a super as a baja. Unless they are good fabricators (or rich enough to pay a fab shop) to take care of the front end issues.

Sun May 08, 2005 1:24 am

fab is key. i would never run a super off-road woith out a torisionb arm/ vbeam suspejmsion. once that us taken care3w ofm yiu should have nothingf to worerya bout

Sun May 08, 2005 1:27 am

HamburgerBrad wrote: fab is key. i would never run a super off-road woith out a torisionb arm/ vbeam suspejmsion. once that us taken care3w ofm yiu should have nothingf to worerya bout

For your safety we all hope you are better at welding drunk, than typing drunk. Cus man, old lady liquor has crapped in your brain.

Sun May 08, 2005 1:37 am

i dont weld drujhnk

Sun May 08, 2005 6:40 am

There were 2 SB bajas at the last FL Bug Jam where they just used a new framehead. Of course the trunks were just huge open holes as the spare tire tray and some of the sides have to be cut out etc.... but by-golly those hillybilly boys made them fit!

Sun May 08, 2005 10:18 am

thanks guys. the reason i asked was that there are just so many out there. but i did check out all the links and read all the topics. just would be easer to start with a standered. i will be cuting off the fram head and fabing out the whole front end anyways. i do have a welder(2in fact) and a tube bender. i allso have access to a milling machin.(way COOOL!!!!) But it would just save time the long run.
Baja Ben
ps hbb....you danm funny when your drunk!!!!!!

Sun May 08, 2005 12:58 pm

I think thats a good decision. Of course you can "Make" anything work, but why not just start out with an easier platform is how I figure it. There are still a bunch of standards out there as well, and the best part is that they dont need to be in great shape as a majorit of the car will be cut, fabricated, and replaced anyway. Best of luck with your build and take care.