Reasoning for Shortening Chassis?

[Bkhansen93]

Does anyone know the reasoning behind originally shortening the chassis fir a fiberglass buggy? Other than making the building of one just that much kore complex

[stevemariott]

I believe it was to match the length of Meyer's original monocoque buggies.

http://meyersmanx.com/manx_history
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1963 Manx copy
1968 Bus

[Wolfgangdieter]

A short wheelbase makes for a more agile off-road vehicle. Check size of original WW2 Jeep - short wheelbase. Not many folks need/want a 4 seat dune buggy. Plus short wheelbase makes it cute!
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CMC '57 Porsche Speedster Replica and Dolphin boat tailed full pan VW MOD-T Street Buggy

[EVfun]

I have wondered if it was an effort to match the Ackerman geometry of the front suspension more closely with the wheelbase. That should help keep the tires from digging in on loose sand. Most street cars are set up with the Ackerman steering for a wheelbase somewhat shorter than actual. In turns this causes the inside tire to turn a little too much, pulling some weight off the outside tire to improve handling and inside and matching outside tread wear a little better.
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[oprn]

Much simpler than that. Smaller turning radius and more important, clearance over the humps. Doesn't get high centered as easily.

[didget69]

Bruce has spoken on this subject before -

Bryan
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I never found the need to impress people with any mechanic certifications, trophies or track wins... unless it was for Mom to post on the refrigerator door.

[oprn]

One of my old Bosses bought a home built bush buggy with about a 4 ft wheelbase for a hunting buggy. He loved it, could turn around on a very narrow cut line and would jump log piles and ridges that had everyone else hung up.

Ugly as sin though!