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veeweeman
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2009
Posts: 940
Location: New Port Richey, FL
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 Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:57 pm Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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Thanks for the nice comments Bock...yah, the PT seats are a great fit for any project. ..now here is 28hrs of bustn' @$$....
I should have been a pipe fitter 
No room for a roll bar and shock towers so now the shock towers are my roll bar.
Front axle support....will have more pics of the front end tomorrow.
Just a reinforcement tied into the frame.
This was a lot of work to get done in a short time...I hope that people can appreciate the work I've done and use this build as a reference for their own. ..I will post some really good detail pics and include the angle finder if anyone wants to install a similar rear hoop shock into their bug...heck...if I can squeeze 36" coil over into a Fiat, than a VW bug is like huge!  compared to what I have. ..I hope y'all enjoy the pictures.
Almost finished product. ..tacked in before finally welding.
Those upper shock mounts took me 2.5hrs to make. ..there was a lot of mocking up and measuring over and over before welding.
More pictures coming. ..come back soon.
VeeWeeman |
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cbeck
Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2014
Posts: 2495
Location: high ridge, mo
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| Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 5:00 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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Those diagonals coming to the frame horns look like they would interfere with my header. Did I miss where you mocked yours up?
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My cut in half and rebuild thread
www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647779 |
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veeweeman
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2009
Posts: 940
Location: New Port Richey, FL
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| Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 6:18 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| cbeck wrote: |
Those diagonals coming to the frame horns look like they would interfere with my header. Did I miss where you mocked yours up?
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Top be completely honest cbeck I was just concerned about getting the project done. ..my motor is at the shop getting redone and I don't have another one to use for mock up. ..my exhaust is very different from your. ..I have the sidewinder with the high clearance j tubes...if it won't fit...then I'll adjust it then. ..good eye and thanks for the heads up 
VeeWeeman  |
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cbeck
Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2014
Posts: 2495
Location: high ridge, mo
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| Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 6:59 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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We don't make mistakes, we simply change our mind. A lot. 
_________________
My cut in half and rebuild thread
www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647779 |
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heywebonya
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2010
Posts: 823
Location: Portage, MI
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| Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 7:16 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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Very slick fab skills. The shock tower / rollbar is very elegant and clean.
I just noticed the "suicide doors" Very cool.
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If I knew what I was doing; I wouldn't be building a buggy! |
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Sandbar Norm
Samba Member
Joined: August 02, 2008
Posts: 115
Location: A Sandbar in Fl.
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| Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 7:26 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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Really nice design.
Looks like not your first time building projects.
Good job. |
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tobiism
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2004
Posts: 502
Location: Chandler AZ
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| Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 6:31 pm Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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This is incredible!!! I love that you're not using any certain "formula". Very unique and well built!
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"There has never been a genius without a hint of madness."
-Albert Einstein |
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veeweeman
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2009
Posts: 940
Location: New Port Richey, FL
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| Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 9:19 pm Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| tobiism wrote: |
| This is incredible!!! I love that you're not using any certain "formula". Very unique and well built! |
Thank you all very much for the nice comments. ..it feels good to receive such great reviews from Samba members 
I don't use any formula. ..I just have 3 simple rules when designing my build:
Be different and unique
Don't follow others
And try not to use bolt on parts
My pedals for example, they are custom made one of a kind yet you can get the clutch and brake masters at any parts store. ..if the pedals get sloppy, you can service the bearings. ..it's not just building parts...I'm thinking of way down the road for the other guy.
I just turned 50 in '17 and am in a position to build my dream car...something that no one else has. ..by the time this Fiat baja is finished, I will have close to 20 grand invested...but if you go to the stealership, they'll be happy to sell you a 20,000 dollar piece of $h!t that looses 30% the second you sign on the dotted line.
Another reason I chose to use the Fiat is that I love tiny cars and I love VW's too, so this way I get the best of both worlds. ..I can now go to micro car shows and bug shows.
I do really appreciate all your support and comments.
Happy new year 
VeeWeeman
Last edited by veeweeman on Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:44 am; edited 1 time in total |
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pullstart
Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2016
Posts: 599
Location: Middleville, MI
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| Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 5:52 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| veeweeman wrote: |
The MONSTER FLEA!!
Got my new shoes today!...yaah!
VeeWeeman |
That's insane! Can't wait for more updates
_________________
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 |
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veeweeman
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2009
Posts: 940
Location: New Port Richey, FL
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| Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 7:58 pm Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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Thanks pullstart. ..I have a few more pictures to share but haven't uploaded them yet. ..I took my project to the metal craftsman who is doing some very custom sheet metal work. ..he will have my car for a few months filling in the rear fire wall, building the rear fenders and fixing a few things.
So after I installed the new wheels I measured the front and rear track width. ..they both measure out the same. ..6' 10"s that's almost 7 feet wide ...now that's Insane! !
I agree pullstart, I love the new monster look
VeeWeeman |
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dustymojave
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 5802
Location: Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
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| Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2018 9:59 pm Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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I'm waiting on the beginning of the thread on building the Baja Isetta.
Several years ago,there was a home I drove past daily that was a little bitty house on a large lot. It had a concrete porch across the front of the house and raised about a foot +. They had a Fiat 500 and an Isetta that were both being restored. In the process, both got stripped down to the bare body shells. Then gradually repaired and rebuilt. The daily driver for the household was a big late 60s Caddy.
I always wanted to take a pic of the place and put it up with a caption saying "If you can't run with the big dog...Stay on the porch!"
_________________
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. |
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veeweeman
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2009
Posts: 940
Location: New Port Richey, FL
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| Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 5:24 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| dustymojave wrote: |
| I'm waiting on the beginning of the thread on building the Baja Isetta. |
I'd like to see that done
So I got the last of my pictures to share...got some more details of the rear cage.
Hoop bar triangle supports.
Cross bracing installed. ..there will be more bracing added later but I had to atleast get the fuel cell mounted for the sheet metal guy.
After the sheet metal guy saw this he said that he will be lowering the front support buy about 3 inches. ..which I'm OK with that.
These are the last of the pictures I had to share until my next home time off, which won't be until March...I should have some updated sheet metal pictures by then. ..I do hope you enjoy the new year!
VeeWeeman |
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Dark Earth
Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2015
Posts: 1054
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| Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 5:34 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| veeweeman wrote: |
These are the last of the pictures I had to share until my next home time off, which won't be until March.
VeeWeeman |
Going back to work so you can get some rest ?
_________________
My Build: '69 Baja - Dark Earth Version
~I'm almost done. I just lack finishing up.~  |
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veeweeman
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2009
Posts: 940
Location: New Port Richey, FL
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| Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 10:42 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| Dark Earth wrote: |
| veeweeman wrote: |
These are the last of the pictures I had to share until my next home time off, which won't be until March.
VeeWeeman |
Going back to work so you can get some rest ? |
YES!! ...you are absolutely right dark earth. ..I only took like a half day off and went to see a movie, then it was back to work. ..I will finally get some needed rest. ..15 days of 12-14hrs every day working on mine or helping my buddy on his Vintage Sportster build. Sheew! 
VeeWeeman |
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pullstart
Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2016
Posts: 599
Location: Middleville, MI
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| Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 12:48 pm Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| veeweeman wrote: |
These are the last of the pictures I had to share until my next home time off, which won't be until March...I should have some updated sheet metal pictures by then. ..I do hope you enjoy the new year!
VeeWeeman |
I understand you're a driver? Be safe out there, and enjoy the views! We'll see ya when you get back in town!
_________________
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 |
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dustymojave
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 5802
Location: Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
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| Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 11:32 pm Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| veeweeman wrote: |
| dustymojave wrote: |
| I'm waiting on the beginning of the thread on building the Baja Isetta. |
I'd like to see that done
...
VeeWeeman |
Or
_________________
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. |
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veeweeman
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2009
Posts: 940
Location: New Port Richey, FL
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| Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2018 12:03 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| dustymojave wrote: |
| veeweeman wrote: |
| dustymojave wrote: |
| I'm waiting on the beginning of the thread on building the Baja Isetta. |
I'd like to see that done
...
VeeWeeman |
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WOW!!!  ...never thought I'd see that one done. ..I bet when he gets on the throttle. ...it's hold on time ...you must have spent hours looking for that photo. ..it would be interesting to see the build of this wild machine.
I would like to also encourage anyone that the VW platform is an excellent foundation for anything you can design up...Myers Manx, not VW but VW based...same for any other body on a VW frame. ..there are sooo many other cool looking small cars that would be on the road today if people would use there imagination, right? ...since I'm out on the road, I'd like to still stay in touch with you, my fans. ..so, what other cool classic do you think would benefit a similar build to mine?...I'm sure you guys can find something cool as a off road grocery getter
VeeWeeman |
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dustymojave
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2007
Posts: 5802
Location: Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
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| Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2018 9:45 pm Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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I've seen a VW Rabbit with a beam front suspension and an aircooled engine in the back.
I've seen an early Honda Civic with a beam front suspension and an aircooled engine in the back.
I've seen a VW New Beetle with a beam front suspension and an aircooled engine in the back.
I've seen VW engines in a Fiat 850 Spyder and in a Fiat 500. Both drag cars called "The Little Giant Killer".
_________________
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. |
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wyobuggy
Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2005
Posts: 68
Location: Hawk Springs , Wyoming
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| Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 3:13 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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| Dang! Just found this one... That's just cool! Can't wait to see the next phase, and you gave me some ideas for my money pit! |
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jimmyhoffa
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2014
Posts: 1059
Location: St. Louis
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| Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 7:32 am Post subject: Re: I couldn't help myself...my story...the tiny "Flea" |
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Haha this is awesome.
I think my favorite part is how much of it is actually done right. I've gotta admit, when I saw the initial parts collection and what two cars were being added together, I thought "wow this is going to be like every Chevy-Nova-On-A-Blazer-Frame build here in the midwest, which is usually just a total trash heap death trap. I'll scroll through to see the downward spiral of poor decisions."
Pleasantly. Surprised. 
Came for the senseless chaos, stayed for the work ethic and fabrication talent.
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1974 Chenowth 2RL #1244 Street Legal
My other car isn't ridiculous. |
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