What size box tubing for the pan ??

[jbreddawg]

Hi all, well I have my pan stripped down and am ready to begin shortening it. I am going to build the outer frame sections out of box tubing like I have seen here many times. What seems to be the best size to use ? 2x2 ? 1x2 ? 2x3 ? something else ? Thanks in advance !! Jerry

[Iowa Mark]

I went with 1"x2" 14ga. laying flat. Stiff enough for my steet driving. The body bolts are drilled and tapped into the top of the tube, smooth on the bottom.

[vwracerdave]

You have to consider how high you want the body and ground clearance. If you want a lower street style then 1X2 laid flat would work. If you want more ground/tire clearance then 1 1/2X3 would give you taller body clearance. You can also use 1 1/2X 1 1/2 " square.
_________________
2017 Street Comp Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble, OK
2010 Sportsman ET Champion - Mid-America Dragway - Arkansas City, KS
1997 Sportsman ET Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble ,OK

[jbreddawg]

well, it will be mainly onroad .Maybe some mild offroad in the future if I ever move lol !! I was thinking 2x2 for a few reasons , 1 it would give me a little more interior room and maybe a little more tire clearence. 2 the body I have is 2 inches wide around the lip at the bottom so it should fit pretty good. I do want a low slung looking buggy though , and am also thinking the 1x2 layed flat might look better ? I have looked over all the pics I could find onhere with the tube outers, but often it doesnt say the size. Thanks !!! Jerry

[MURZI]

I used 1x2 and mine was lowered.

full buildup pics here: http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/MURZI/?start=0
_________________
62 vert
2276
Tim’s welded heads
45 Dells
A1 sidewinder
Fk44 cam

[jbreddawg]

thanks Murzi !! I have studied your pics intensely !! I really like the 1x2 idea and am probably going to end up that route. do you think the extra 1 inch you would get from 2x2 would really make any difference ?

[MURZI]

Yes I do. It would raise the front hood up to expose more of the front beam. Funky in my opinion.
_________________
62 vert
2276
Tim’s welded heads
45 Dells
A1 sidewinder
Fk44 cam

[jbreddawg]

Thanks Murzi ! Do you have any close up pics of the rear where the pans mount to the tunnel ? I cut the originals off . I had aftermarket pans and they were very cheap and flimsy . I plan on 1x1 square tube to build the triangle piece at the rear . I see the 1x1 piece in your pic, is that how you did it ? Thanks a bunch !!

[MURZI]

I used the stock VW pieces, but why not use 1x1 and come staright out from the tunnel and then tie it in with another 1x1 making a triangle from the top. Cover with sheet metal....done. Should be strong too.
_________________
62 vert
2276
Tim’s welded heads
45 Dells
A1 sidewinder
Fk44 cam

[jbreddawg]

Thats my plan !! From your pics, I got the impression thats what you had on there .Thanks for all the great ideas you provide to all of us !!!!!!

[MURZI]

This forum has a wealth of ideas. That is why I encourage all of you to start a thread with your own build up. Post pics as you go. All can learn and save time and money.

One day I plan to build another buggy and already I have some new ideas because of all the posts and pics. Keep the pics coming!!!!!

Start your build thread......For those of us who are buggyless it feeds the addiction.

MURZ
_________________
62 vert
2276
Tim’s welded heads
45 Dells
A1 sidewinder
Fk44 cam

[TLHammer]

I agree with Murzi - this thread has given me some good ideas for when I finally get to work on my buggy. Thanks!
_________________
"Blow donuts in the parking lot of life." - high school physics teacher