TheSamba.com :: View topic - Rail Buggy: Is it safe to modify the frame? see pic

Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:02 pm

I would like to modify this bar that runs behind front seats.. maybe like two round bends so that the front seats can sit back further. Anyone ever done this? is it structurally safe?

see pic:

Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:12 pm

No problem, many cars do not have a bar there. Make sure you don't change the height much, as that will affect the "pull" on your shoulder harnesses. This is addressed in one of the "stickies" at the top of the forum page.

Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:25 pm

It is in the strongest spot since it is tied into a triangulated spot. Like said above by ZARJDR many rails do not even have the bar. A staright bar is stronger than a curved one.

Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:56 pm

I cut mine first thing when i bought it. I had to fit so out went that bar. So far no problems and its been rolled and is plenty straight.

Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:16 am

seen it done many times.

Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:23 am

Do you ever off road you buggy? If so, while your have your welder out I'd brace up that roll cage.

Read this. It will change your mind on the amount of bracing you have.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=354795&highlight=lost+friend

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Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:21 am

Coud you run angles supports down to the center of the floor? I'm thinking if you made a W shape behind the seats it may help. My first though is if this a is a probuilt chassis, why did they make it with a bigger tube than the rest?

I'd be more concerned IF this is a street buggy about side impacts? My vehicles now are just for tooling around in the woods and for me to learn with. In the next few years I plan on building a full race rig (It'l take me 3 years from then lol) and do alot more analysis on the cage impact points.

Fri Oct 23, 2009 2:29 pm

Are you just looking to increase the driver's leg room? How about moving the pedals forward?

Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:33 pm

Leg and room for arms. Im very close the the steering wheel. I think It will mostly just be a street car. But will definatly brace it if I cut out the bar. I was thinking of just moving it back a bit.

Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:50 pm

If those are fiberglass seats they will need back support.

Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:37 pm

I have to ask how close the steering wheel and pedals are. you don't want to move too far back to the point where you can make your arms and legs straight. I've raced for several years and you don't want to be so far back that your arms and legs are straight if you have a front impact the natural reaction for people is to straighten there arms and legs and you want to keep from doing that. when the pedals and steering wheel are close if forces your arms and legs to be bent and they act like shock absorbers in a front end impact like an end over end roll over or a jump that goes bad. my cars i have now they are close enough that there is no way you can straighten your arms and legs... its all about safety.

Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:46 pm

I got ya. My seats are fiberglass but I may change them to a standard (but short) car seat. The rail in question will be moved back just a little. I do not want my arms straight, but right now Its like driving a go-cart meant for children. I need a little distance. Belly isnt exactly rubbing but its not far from that. :)

Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:22 am

Somebody correct me if Im wrong but I do believe that you need to move your upper harness mounting pionts to that bar you want to move. I believe that your harness needs to be mounted around soulder height.

Nice find on the Beachcomber. I want one to make into a mid travel. You dont see those frame in the West very often.

Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:36 am

endobear wrote: Nice find on the Beachcomber. I want one to make into a mid travel. You dont see those frame in the West very often.

Thanks for helping me ID the buggy :)

Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:59 am

No problem.
It is made by XTC motorsports. They make alot of motorcycle powered rails.
Order yourself a free Appletree catalog. Theres a dope a-arm Beachcomber on the cover. At least the last one I got did.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:09 pm

I moved the one on my Chenowth back about 2 inches....I'm tall and needed the extra length...only downfall was less rear legroom.