TheSamba.com :: View topic - Good buy? Identification help? First time buggy buyer *pics*

Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:29 pm

I have been keeping my eyes out for a buggy for about four or five months. Main goals are cheap, reliable, and street legal. I have a road trip in the works and would like to take the buggy. So what I have come up with around here is a buggy that has been titled as a 2001. I am not sure if that is when it was built. Asking price $3500. After talking to him I know he will take $2700-3k. He also had some interest in the banshee I am looking to get rid of.

What is known is that it has the ford pinto motor in it. The owner bought it a few years ago and doesn't know much about it other than that. He said he thought it was the 2.3 but I would even be happy with the 2.0. For long trips from what I have read the water cooled pinto would be preferred over a VW, also am I correct in assuming that they take better to a turbo than the VWs? Didn't the 2.3 come turbo charged from ford in the late 80's early 90's. It sounded good when I heard it run last week. I do not know engines that well, but the next time I go my mechanic will be going with me. It also looks like there may be a slow oil leak from the oil pan but that is something that I can take care of myself. There is a picture with numbers stamped on the motor. Can anyone let me know what they mean or point me in the right direction to find out?

What is not known, what frame it is on and what trans it has. He thinks it is a bus trans. I would be happy with a 3 rib as of now. After I type this up I am going to go check the trans identification thread. I don't recall if it was on this site or not. I will look further into it but I have pics below. Any help would be appreciated. Like I said earlier, there are possible boost plans down the road, would a 3 rib hold up to mild boost? Mostly street use with occasional dune trips are the main focus as of now.

The lights work. The paint seems to be chipping but it is in acceptable shape for me. Has cutting brakes. If I recall correctly it has American Racing rims, chrome with good tires which is definitely a plus. He said it runs and drives fine. He is going to let me take it out the next time I am there. It went into all gears with out any problems when I sat in it.

If you guys don't mind take a look at the attached pictures. Feel free to comment on anything that you see even if it wasn't about anything I was asking about. This will be my first buggy, and I am trying not to rush into anything without some knowledge. If you see anything wrong and or something that is a plus let me know.

This is my first post. I apologize that it is so long. I want to thank everyone for the information that I have read on this board. This seems like a great place to get started. I have been lurking the forum for a few months now. My photos are too big to attach so I am uploading to photo bucket now. Any info/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

http://s1003.photobucket.com/albums/af154/sproutysbuggy/

Thanks

Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:33 pm

I was told that it is a beetle trans.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:37 pm

Ya it is a t1 trans.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:02 pm

Pretty sure it's a 2.3 (I have a 1970 2.0) I'll do a little checking to be sure. The engine mounts are fine but be aware, you will get a little tired of the vibrations on long trips. you can reinstall rubber mounts on the engine and tranny pretty easily though. Pinto engine refers to the 2.0 and 2.3 engines collectively. These engines were produced from the late 70's to the late 80's and were put in the pintos, mustangs, xr4ti (turbo) and other small ford family cars. They are a nice, strong engine that is easy to work on and cheap to rebuild. on a side note they have solid lifters so you may hear a loud tick/knock from the top end, this is normal. The buggy looks good over all and, in my oppinion, looks to be priced right. I see no red flags from the pics. Good luck!

Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:05 pm

buy it.

take it apart, spend 3 days cursing alot while you scrape off the paint and rust.
paint it. put it back together.

you're set.

offer him 2500. always undercut by alot, makes you seem like an ***hole but often it works.

thats all the advice i can give

Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:50 am

What is everyone's though on using a beetle trans for mostly street use? What should I be looking into as far as cruising at higher speeds for extended trips?

Thanks for the info guys. I will be contacting him today or tomorrow to see if I can negotiate further and let him know what I have found out so far.

Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:10 pm

Anyone?

Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:38 pm

My brother's rail has a 2.0L Pinto engine (mounted mid-engine) in it backed by a swing axle type-1 transmission. His 2.0L was built by Esslinger (Google them) and it is flat out fast. His trans has taken A LOT of abuse and has stuck by faithfully. Though it does have a spool as well as other mods. IMHO I'd look at building the inside of the engine before I added a turbo as you mentioned.

I'd bet the type-1 trans will be fine for that engine even with a turbo installed as long at your not going to be dumping the clutch and doing wheelies all day long in it. As a security blanket there are plenty of places that sell and rebuild the type-1 trans for not too much dough.

My brother's rail:

Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:08 pm

He hasn't really budged on his price. I still think I will pick it up this coming weekend. I plan setting it up with a type 1 freeway flier trans and just do a mild build before the trip next year. Depending how it holds up I may possibly think about boost down the road.

He wants 3k in cash or $2700 with a couple single shots I have.

Any other thoughts before I go and purchase it?

Mon Nov 16, 2009 5:58 pm

Maybe this instead.

3.8
6 rib

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/mcy/1455133567.html

Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:21 pm

sprouty wrote: He hasn't really budged on his price. I still think I will pick it up this coming weekend. I plan setting it up with a type 1 freeway flier trans and just do a mild build before the trip next year. Depending how it holds up I may possibly think about boost down the road.

He wants 3k in cash or $2700 with a couple single shots I have.

Any other thoughts before I go and purchase it?

I looked at the second one you posted. It looks pretty good but I'm still partial to the first one. Anyway, if you do get the first one, HOLD ON TO YOUR GUNS!!!! and just give him cash. Legislation is a comin'...

Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:51 pm

I know. I know he has had a few offers. I think one was for 2700 but he didn't take it. Sounds like he would be content on keeping it if he doesn't get the price he wants. Decisions, decisions. Maybe cash in front of him will help hinder his mind.