Author |
Message |
USMCord1 Razorback
Joined: July 22, 2005 Posts: 1538 Location: Az
|
Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 12:15 pm Post subject: Rail shell |
|
|
I know Berrian sells 3 pc. body/shell kits for rails but has anybody made there own with fiberglass or aluminum? If so what steps did you take ? Does not have to be completely covered just something to deflect wheel spray and some of the elements. I do not know the frame that I have so buying one from manufacture is out of the question. Thanks! _________________ For a Good time |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Jowlz The Anti-Purist
Joined: May 02, 2005 Posts: 2464 Location: Tunkhannock, PA
|
Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 12:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Either way you go fibre or aluminum...weld on tabs to mount the panels. Don't screw into the tubing to attach. _________________ The honey-do list put my project on hold....... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
vdubrookie Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2017 Posts: 306 Location: Battle Creek,Mi
|
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 8:25 am Post subject: Re: Rail shell |
|
|
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1657370.jpg
PO had this added to my sand rail. It definitely helps with debris & wind. Pic doesn't show it but it even has a mini spoiler on the front to help with wind deflection. Attachment method goes against what he told me about not drilling into tubes, though. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
heywebonya Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2010 Posts: 823 Location: Portage, MI
|
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 10:22 am Post subject: Re: Rail shell |
|
|
What is the recommended thickness of the sides? Any issues with snags or sharp edges? _________________ If I knew what I was doing; I wouldn't be building a buggy! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
pullstart Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2016 Posts: 599 Location: Middleville, MI
|
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 5:24 pm Post subject: Re: Rail shell |
|
|
A friend gave me some drops from reefer unit installs on semi trailers. I traced a pattern of the side rails and drilled/zip tied these on a night before a return trip to the dunes last fall. free and easy, not the best looking but when they break I can duplicate cheap. eventually we'll build an aluminum body like an open wheeled modified or something (in-laws are all circle track natured). Best part about them... they worked great to prevent most of the sand from coming into the passengers!
_________________ 4 seater Appletree buggy, road legal with 002 IRS, 3x3 Appletree kit, 6" over Dan's beam with 10" towers and Fox 2.0 shocks, '00 Subaru EJ25 with KEP stage 3 clutch and KEP adapter plate.
my build page: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662104&start=0 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
dustymojave Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007 Posts: 5802 Location: Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
|
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 5:07 pm Post subject: Re: Rail shell |
|
|
Lots of different brands of rails can interchange the from fiberglass hoods. I've seen Hi Jumper, Funco and Chenowth hoods and side panels on short back rails. I've seen Hi Jumper hoods on Berrien frames. I've seen Berrien panels on a Hi Jumper.
I'm not gonna say they are universal and any brand's body panels will fit any other brand's frame, but it's not too far from the truth. And you could make sheet steel or aluminum side panels then use a fiberglass hood.
Typical off road race buggy bodies that are custom made are made of .050" 2024 or 5052 alloy aluminum sheet. But thinner will work pretty well too. In the midwest and east 1/16" aluminum diamond plate is popular for buggy bodies.
Check through the images in the offroad part of the Samba Gallery and the offroad section of the Samba Classifieds for ideas.
It's generally considered wrong these days, but back when in the 70s I saw lots of race buggies with sheet metal body panels attached with self drilling/self tapping "Tek" screws into the frame rails. Some cars lasted many years that way. I think if you don't get carried away, such small holes will not substantially weaken the frame tubing.
I've seen holes punched near the edge of panels for zip ties to wrap around the frame rails like pullstart said. I've seen similar with hose clamps. I've seen flat strap stock tabs welded to the frame rails for screws and nuts. I've seen aircraft cable clamps ("Adel" clamps) used. I've seen thin sheet steel welded or brazed to the frame rails. My Hi Jumper has the hood held on with 4 rubber straps like big rig hoods.
LOTS of options _________________ Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
SoCalBajas Member
Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|