Manta Street Buggies - Australia

[VWfossil]

Hi MantaAustralia
I am rebuilding one of these Manta buggies, I have not got a
Windscreen yet, can you confirm it is a Karhman ghia screen
Also did you find a roof, I found a farmer in Melbourne who has
One.

[MantaAUSTRALIA]

The original had a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia windscreen. Some were modified and some copies of the Manta had a Superbug curved windscreen.
Well done with the roof find.
I am in WA and I don't know anyone here who has one, so well done.

[VWfossil]

My latest project, a Manta buggy, chassis is beyond
Repair, to date have picked up another chassis and
Pans, have shortened as per the Volkswagen Worx method
This was difficult and time consuming, will be running a
Ball joint front end with disc brakes, rebuilding a 1600 TP
Engine, will post progress photos as I progress.

[MantaAUSTRALIA]

Here in Australia you cannot license a NEWLY shortened Chassis or Pan. Unless you get engineered etc etc etc.
Most buggy owners here rely on getting previous registered Shortened or SWB Chassis/Pans.
I would check first if same rules apply in NZ.
Whats the Volkswagen Worx method ?
Pictures would be good.

[VWfossil]

Yes, same regulations apply in NZ, I have to have
A Low Volume Certification, unless used off road
The vehicle was registered on the road, back in the
Early 1980's, I am checking out the rules for re-registration
I have three photos uploaded, click on the Gallery tab below my
Blog to view. I would be keen to hear how you are going on your
Buggy, thanks for the advice on the screen, Karmann Ghia dimensions
Fit the buggy frame.

[MantaAUSTRALIA]

Thanks for the photos and that I have helped with the Windscreen.
You may find that Dept of Transport will allow re-registration for the road, but only on vin number on the old pan.
Not sure if Dept of Transport will allow it to be transferred to another pan with a different vin, just because old pan is beyond repair, but let me know if they do. ?

Noticed you have a hardtop, and its a shame your in NZ, if you were close to Fremantle, Western Australia I would of loved to make a copy.

You haven't got a MANTA badge/emblem or logo by any chance ?
If so any chance you do a close up photo of it.

[VWCOOL]

Hi folks, a little O/T but these 'Tuff Pans' I manufacture in Australia might be of interest to Buggy (and Baja) builders:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=7591677608...mp;theater

They are a CNC/laser-cut, include a strong box-section edge and available in full- and buggy-length. They provide more ground clearance and make building a chassis a LOT easier than using standard replacement half-pans

[VWfossil]

Will let you know how I get on with M.O.T, that will be further
Down the track. I have just posted a few more photos, the third photo (Manta
Buggy Melbourne) is a photo my cousin sent to me last month, owned by a farmer in Melourne since new, he bought the kit in 1972 and still driving regularly today. I made contact with him, he mentioned
His hard top is in his garage not used, may be possible to take a copy from his top. I could dig up his details if you like. Sorry no emblem on my buggy
But I will check my bits and pieces, can you describe the emblem.

[MantaAUSTRALIA]

VWfossil,
Hows that Manta going.

[Lance 87]

Gday mate, i have just stumbled across this page looking for more info on the Manta. Have had mine for 4 years now love it. I dont have the emblem, didnt know they had one but very much want it now haha I do have the hard top though im in the Whitsundays Qld might be a bit far for you.

[MantaAUSTRALIA]

Wondered how VWfossil, and any one else is going with there Manta Buggies.

[VWfossil]

Hi Manta Australia,
Manta is off to visit engineer tomorrow, first Low Volume Vehicle certification check, will post latest photos shortly.
Should be on the road for next summer