TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Apr 09, 2025 3:52 pm

I picked up a beetle for a Baja project. It’s fairly rusty. Pans are good. It’s running and driving. Where can a guy get a Baja kit or front-end in the southeast? (OBX, NC to be exact).

Wed Apr 09, 2025 4:51 pm

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and assume that's IRS? There's several outlets for new pieces. Or you can find them for sale all the time on marketplace for a discount. You just have to decide what syle you want. Standard, bug eye, hood bulge, winged, scooped, roof scooped....

As much as I love bajas, that thing is a better candidate for a Class 11. Much too nice at this time for a baja. lol jmo do what makes you happy. Only reason I say that is baja'ing usually requires cutting a large portion of the body off and your body is still in great shape. Look up class 11's and see if maybe that appeals to you first before you burn through that thing.

Wed Apr 09, 2025 5:55 pm

If the front end and back are straight and without a ton of filler, I would go Class 11 as well.

I am about to start a converting a '69 Vert to a baja because when finished cutting out the rust and bad body work I ended up with a car that has no front clip, the rear apron cut away, and with 3 out of 4 fender going in the dumpster. The car was probably owned by a teenage driver because it looks like they hit everything anywhere remotely near the car. It had more bad body work than an aging actress in Hollywood.

Now it will soon be starting a new life as a baja...which for the record was not the original intent.

Thu Apr 10, 2025 10:09 am

Yup. Don't cut it if it hasn't been cut.

It's way easier to replace stock bodywork than it is to match up "Baja" kit pieces from defunct manufacturers.

"Baja" kits show up all the time at swap meets. Typical used "Baja" kit comes with three fenders and cracked hood.

Peruse TheSamba Classifieds. Check the prices of cut- up Bugs and bodies. No matter how you value the car, it's worth less once it has been cut for a Baja kit.

If anything leave the body alone. Build in "dirty attitude" with dirt capable tires and suspension mods.

So- called "Baja" kits are intended to emulate the look of competition vehicles intended for desert racing. A cut- up Bug defeats some of the utility of a stock body specifically weather protection and dust intrusion. Nuthin' like the car filling up with dust or sand because you cut it. A stock body with all seals in place will actually float. Someone "sailed" one across the English Channel.

If water can't get in dust can't get in.

.
.

Thu Apr 10, 2025 11:05 am

All very good reasons.

Bajas are like hair bands and Class 11's are like James Bond. At least Bond before he got cuckled. Much classier. If I had the opportunity I would trade my baja for a "class 11" any day. (Don't tell her that)

Fri Apr 11, 2025 2:39 pm

I am just asking if there is a shop or supplier where I can purchase a Baja front end in the south east. If not I will order from out west and pay the outrageous shipping. I don’t really care for the class 11 look.