TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Apr 24, 2003 4:36 pm

Hi,
I just bought a sleek body for a shortened vw pan, from Berkely Ca, made in 68 by Hummbug, anyone know any info?
Pictures are still on ebay, search for vw kit car or buggy, it sold for $105....
Any info and advice greatfully received,
Thanks
Graham

Sun Apr 27, 2003 7:27 pm

At the DuneBuggyArchives message board there is someone with the original ads for the Hummbug. I had asked about one a while back since I'd like to find one to build a center seat Can Am style street buggy for myself. James

Mon Apr 28, 2003 12:15 pm

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Thu May 01, 2003 2:30 pm

James, do you know if it was mid-engined? On a standard wheelbase?
Thanks
Graham

Thu May 01, 2003 5:22 pm

To tell you the truth I've never seen photos of one with the body off the chassis. It seems the DBA is a little slow lately, there is usually alot more info available. Did you try a search at the DBA message board? My original thread on this body was titled Beaujangle Can Am X2 ( which is the body's name in England, and how I first came to know of it ) James

Thu May 01, 2003 5:25 pm

http://www.geocities.com/danielmacmillan/adds/humbug.htm
This is the link to the original ad from a magazine...

Thu May 01, 2003 6:18 pm

I searched for humbug and a guy was going to post info , but got delayed.
The ad doesn't mention mid-engine, which is good news, but my shell appears to be missing the back under bumper piece.
Any idea if I could use an IRS pan?
See my shell at ebay item 2411403947
Many thanks
Graham

Thu May 01, 2003 7:57 pm

I'm trying to remember what the issue is with IRS vs. swing chassis. I think it was more of an issue with Manx and clones that had the battery and spare tire well which would interfere with the diagonal arm. My Sandwinder has a flat rear section and is on a swing chassis. The one real advantage of the swing is you can place the battery behind the torsion housing between the transaxle and spring plate ( so its not behind the passenger seat ). Even if you're missing the engine cover section, at least you have the side pods which look real cool...the body just don't seem complete without them...plus I'd rather have the engine exposed anyway. James

Fri May 02, 2003 12:27 am

I see what you're saying, I'd just rather have better handling and higher gearing, plus the option of disc brakes at the front.
Just trying to work out what unloved bug to "rescue"

Fri May 02, 2003 3:32 am

Most people say that the '69 to '72 chassis is best: IRS/ball joint. I have a '68 with the swing/ball joint set up. I have a pair of '70 Ghia disc brakes I can put on the front, but I'll use the drums for now seeing how the car is so light ( might not need discs ) James

Tue May 06, 2003 11:37 am

Turns out, the LaVar brothers of Santa Cruz knew the guy who made these kits back in the day, from the prototype on, {he then made speedster kits}, and they have a custom jig for chassis-shortnering so they could well be of service, around $500 to shorten, is this average?

Tue May 13, 2003 12:19 am

Hi
I've found out for this kit a bug chassis only needs shortened 5 inches, pedals etc left untouched!
Follow the trail to "shoptalkforums" where you can see my Body{!}shell, another project and a nice running example!
Many thanks to everyone for taking the time to research, help and advise on my latest folly....
Cheers
Graham