Desert Fox Scorpion LT

[MACraig]

I am finally starting to restore my LT. It has a curved windshield on it looks very cool although it is pitted up I would like to see about replacing it. Can anyone help me out on which vehicle these came off of.
Thanks

[manxbuggy]

I also have a Desert Fox Scorpion, which was never built. They are pretty neat looking buggies. I have never seen a complete one.
Here is an old article from 1969:

The windshield donor was the 1960's Datsun 1500 & 1600 'low windshield' roadsters. These models have a windshield frame which can be unbolted from the body, unlike the later 'tall windshield' models.

I finaly found a couple of salvagable frames after watching Craigslist for several months. The chrome from the factory did not hold up very well.

Windshield gaskets and seals are still available, and I got a new windshield glass from a guy in California that purchased the rest of a special order lot.

Here is a picture of mine:

Rob

[manxdavid]

This guy fitted an MGB roadster screen, may be easier to source?

http://www.ratraceproductions.com/sand-dune-buggy-scorpion.htm

[Thanatos]

[wythac]

Rob, you've been holding out on me....that is a supercool body.

[manxbuggy]

I’m looking for old documentation and articles on the Desert Fox Scorpion LT.

Does anybody have a copy of Road Test/Dune Buggy magazine, October 1969?

Thanks
Rob

[pilotricky]

The windshield that the Desert Fox Scorpion LT was designed to use is from a Datsun 1500 Fair Lady Roadster. (the windshield frame and glass). The 1500 Fair Lady Roadster had a windshield frame, (chromed), that was a separate unit from the car body, therefore uesable for a buggy body like this. The later Datsun 1600 Roadster had a windshield that looked the same, but was the body color, and, more importantly, an integral part of the body structure, not a separate part. Also, the headlights that were used on the prototype, and that the Scorpion LT was designed for were from the Honda 305 Dream motorcycle.
Unfortunately, the of these items, the windshield, and the headlights are EXTREMELY hard to find any more.
I had the Datsun 1500 Fair Lady Roadster windshield on mt Scorpion LT, but used mid 1980s rectangle GM headlights, and 1968 Firebird taillights on it.

Rick

[manxbuggy]

[bungi]

Rob -

Got ya covered on the Road Test/Dune Buggy Oct 69 issue.

Article says they used Honda motorcycle headlights, if you want I'll scan it and email you the article.

Heres my home email drop me a note.
[email protected]

Later
Rick

[Kellison Jim]

[quote="manxdavid"]This guy fitted an MGB roadster screen, may be easier to source?

Manxdavid, I just picked up my virgin Scorpion LT body and was wondering how much you had to modify the MGB windshield frame and/or the Scorpion.
Thanks, Jim

[BL3Manx]

That wasn't David's Scorpion. When he said, "This guy" he wasn't talking about himself in the third person.

That Scorpion was in Arizona, David is in Liverpool, UK.

This is a stock MGB windscreen. It looks pretty much like the one on the Scorpion

The ad is still posted. Call the seller.

[Kellison Jim]

I guess I should read more carefully, my bad. But thanks for the quick response BL3Manx, the additional info will help on my decision on which way to go, in regards to the windshield

[manxbuggy]

How about some pictures of your Scorpion?

I like the looks of the MGB screen with its aluminum posts. I think that when the Scorpion was re-badged in Europe as the Invader they used a different windscreen, possibly the MGB.

I have an extra Datsun windshield & frame. The metal bits need a chrome bath, and the glass is cracked. The rubber gasket parts are still available. PM me if you are interested.

Rob

[manxdavid]

The British 'Invader' buggy used a custom made screen, possibly rarer than the Datsun screen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGSnnizdekg&feature=related

[Scorpion68]

I have a completed one.

[manxbuggy]

‘Be still my beating heart!’ That is a pretty buggy. It looks like it is in great shape too. Do you know the history on it?

Is that the original gel-coat finish? How about some interior pictures?

Rob

[Scorpion68]

My Grandfather bought the kit for my dad when he graduated college in '68-69. They built it together. 62 beetle pan, 1300cc motor, custom body lift, hurst shifter, ford ignition switch, crager ss rims, goodyear bias ply drag radials (since removed for radial t/a's), garaged its entire life. It was exactly how he built it then when I dug it out a year ago. It has 375 miles on the clock. Buried in the garage since '75. I put a 1600 dual port in it, brakes, tires, and a gas tank.

[BL3Manx]

Looks awesome, even has the original Honda Dream headlights and 68 Rambler American tail lights.

I wouldn't drive it with that missing wheel stud. Those cast aluminum adapters look good but they're marginal strength wise to begin with.

[barrist]

[Scorpion68]

The lug nut has been replaced. He had old wheel locks on there that were not worth reusing, but thanks.