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Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:28 pm

Hey all, i just picked up a 66 bug with a 1300cc and a 1600cc parts motor. I want to build an offroad bug but do not want to cut the rear end off. Is there anyone else that has built something between a class 11 and baja? I dont want to use the really skinny tires like a class 11, i have wide body fenders and it would look wierd. If anyone has any tips/pointers please let me know.

Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:38 pm

Find the smallest BF goodrich TAs you can find or Install some 7x15 tires commonly available at the off road shops.

Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:37 pm

should i go suspension lift and body lift to help offset the loss of clearance?

Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:43 pm

bakertool13 wrote: should i go suspension lift and body lift to help offset the loss of clearance?

definatley suspension if the funds are avaliable, but body will work as well

Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:46 pm

have you ever seen anyone do a baja bug and leave the rear end on? i would like to see some examples if possible

Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:25 pm

bakertool13 wrote: have you ever seen anyone do a baja bug and leave the rear end on? i would like to see some examples if possible

Yea, Thats a class 11
Do a search here or google for class 11 baja bug or something like that.

Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:10 pm

I built this one about 12 years ago:

Had a Thing beam w/ long shock towers, disc brakes and a Porsche ZF steering box, full bumper to bumper cage, dual rear shocks, boxed CM 5-1600 style arms, 002 trans, 1776 with dual Kads, custom thing style exhaust, FG fenders.

Zancat

Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:21 pm

If you want to do it I would run lifted spindles and reindex the rear 1 outer spline and put on some 215/75/15's.Cheep and easy.But do a search for class 11 you will be amazed I was.

Tue Sep 22, 2009 7:25 am

3" lift kit, turn front end, notched rear spring plates with bus CV's.... plus

currently

when it was clean 25 yrs ago

Tue Sep 22, 2009 7:24 pm

so is the 3in body lift and the cut/turn and reindexing rear recommended? how much lift does the reindex and cut/turn add?

Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:43 am

How do I post pictures on the forum? I have some pics of mine with baja fenders, but with the center piece still around the engine.

Wed Sep 23, 2009 9:38 am

Here is how mine looks now.

Wed Sep 23, 2009 1:39 pm

sloboatnova wrote: Here is how mine looks now.

??????????? :-k

Wed Sep 23, 2009 7:44 pm

gotta say sloboatnova i have never seen one such as that where they left the engine hood and apron on with baja fenders. truly an original

bakertool13 wrote: so is the 3in body lift and the cut/turn and reindexing rear recommended? how much lift does the reindex and cut/turn add?

I think the cut and turn and re indexing is recommended. But read up so that you dont blow out your cv's or shocks. Probably gonna give ya 2 or 3 more inches. lifted spindles seem a good idea and i think that will be my next change but havent really had a problem with clearance

I recommend the 3" body lift if your goin full body for good tire clearance, better stance and i like the extra leg room and space in the car along with more room working under neath. But i know people here who are not hot on the body lift for various reasons. I have what i remember as being a 1 " lifted transmission mount that gives me a little more clearance ( also adds to cv angle,beware) I think i have seen a 3' transmission and engine lift on a car on the samba somewhere. intriguing concept but puts the shift rod above the tunnel.

The thing is when you lift the body then the engine sits lower in the engine compartment that raise issues with sealing the engine and making it hard to get to the manifold nuts and spark plugs. When i rebuilt my car recently i did a bunch of sheat metal work to lower the seal and side plates to the proper position and at the same time put doors on the sides so that i could get to the plugs an carbs easy. lotta work but I'm much happier with it this way

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=322568

The biggest problem i have with the full body route is the muffler is low and tends to get pulled off. having bolt on header flanges to the heater boxes helps . I'm working on some ideas to build a cool rear tube bumpers and to some how make a custom muffler to stuff up higher outside the body by the bumper but....well still thinkin on that

Mon Oct 12, 2009 2:23 pm

What should i do about shocks? Am i going to have to cut the body to mount better shocks? Whos shocks should i like into and what type?

Mon Oct 12, 2009 5:06 pm

I use standard KYB gas shocks. Nothing special but they work pretty good for basic baja'n.. I did cut about 1.5" off my lower shock mount and mounted the shock a little bit higher in the same location by drilling new holes on the round shock mount thingy. I did it at the time for more ground clearance but it may have also helped since i have more travel because of notched spring. I use the stock upper mount. I cant remember if the swing axles shock mounts are the same .

Mon Oct 12, 2009 5:26 pm

[quote="dirtkeeper"]gotta say sloboatnova i have never seen one such as that where they left the engine hood and apron on with baja fenders. truly an original

This is how it was when I bought it. I do plan on cutting the back soon. But if you look at it this way, its not so bad. I do like the mud protection.

Mon Oct 12, 2009 5:53 pm

so you use the gas-a-just shocks and they work well? i figured i would need bilsteins or something. i want the best shocks i can get without having to cut holes in the body to mount em