Help with possible purchase

[Bwic415]

Hey everyone, new to the forum and happy to have found a solid place for information. I'm currently looking at purchasing my first buggy. I've found a manx-style buggy that the owner explained was completely rebuilt over a period of a few years. From the pictures it looks to be solid. I'm working on arranging to check it out in person. I was hoping for some advice on what to check for. I have some decent mechanical knowledge and background, but I'm new to the world of VW. What are some things I should pay attention to? Regarding the VW front and rear suspension, besides ride quality, how can I determine if they are in good shape, or able to be adjusted?

Additionally, if anyone has some input on registering and insuring the buggy in NY state, I would appreciate it. As I understand the car is currently registered as a 1963 VW and I can register it as the same using the previous owners signed transferable registration. What about insurance?

I really am thankful for any help, I did read over the previous buggy buyer guide post, but was hoping for any other suggestions.

[Gary0302]

Hi there,

I know that's it's been a few days since your original post; I think the lack of responses reflects the scope of your inquiry. There have been entire books written on both dune buggies and air cooled VWs in general, so it would be extremely difficult to cover all of the bases as you consider a dune buggy purchase.

However, I would like to suggest an alternative; consider checking out the air cooled VW clubs that may be based in New York. If you go to the top of this page, and highlight "Community" you can choose "Clubs" in the drop down menu.

For instance, one of the clubs listed in NY is the Long Island Volkswagen Club (I have no idea as to it's possible active status), here is the link to their club page:

http://www.livc.net/

Forums such as thesamba can at times be help in specific circumstances, but nothing beats having someone that is experienced in air cooled VWs put their eyeballs on a possible purchase or project. Best of luck in your search.
_________________
Gary David Holbrook
Facebook and YouTube
Coastal North Carolina

Check out my videos on Youtube

"It's a buggy not a space shuttle...." - Dale M.
"When in doubt, blame it on the previous owner" - Gary0302

[jspbtown]

I always look under the dash...wiring is the door to the soul regarding a quality build.

[Wetstuff]

That "look under the dash" from jsp was probably one of the best suggestions I have heard here...

Don't get bogged down with specifics of suspension, etc. (it remains a kit car - even when completed) Stick to the generalities.

Jim


..sorry, don't have a clue about NY
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Manx #2614

[MrGoodtunes]

[wads]

Although i am not by any means an expert,

you can easily determine if there is end play in the lower pulley, by trying to move it back and forth

most of the buggies i see for sale are in the 2k to 5k range, and having a solid engine is a huge part of the value of the car.

Wads

[Bwic415]

Thanks for the tips. Gary, your advice on checking out a local club is a great idea. I will look into it. I did wind up purchasing a buggy. It needs some work, but its all there. The motor seems to run well, the body is in good shape with only some minor chips and scratches. The frame and pan, not so great. I'll be on the lookout for a chassis to swap in the near future. I will post some pictures soon, I am hoping to get some help identifying the manufacturer.

[Danwvw]

Yes Pictures!
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1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

[mini t]

as long as the tunnel is soled all you need is to replace the floor pans not the hole thing much easer then shorting the tunnel

[Bwic415]

Here are some photos of my new buggy. Can anyone help with identification. It has some of the manx features such has the reinforcing tubes under the fenders that run from front to rear bulkhead, the spare tire and battery well etc. However the dash, although plastic with a steel support, certainly looks different than any Manx dash I've seen. At any rate, I wasn't looking for, or expecting a real Manx, just a cool looking buggy.

[/img]

[calebmelvin]

Looks great, congrats!
_________________
Caleb
'68 Tagged Manx | My Wanted Ads
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[Sharp64]

Very cool.
_________________
1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine

[YDBD]

Very cool buggy.

I'd say it was a Manx even if I saw it person, if it's not it is a very good clone.
the dash could have been cut out and swapped to what you have, ya never know...

-front badge on the hood
-rear license plate mount
-flat fenders
+ all the others you mentioned

are dead give aways to me. but I'm no expert. That would be Winnie Meyers.
_________________
'56 pan Dune Buggy since '69
don't live in the past...but when I did:
'67 bug
'64 baja
'60 dune buggy
'73 Personenkraftwagen Type 182 "Thing"

[Bwic415]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. For fun, I submit pictures for official verification. Again, I'm not expecting it, but for $20 bucks it's worth checking out. I snapped the throttle cable today, fortunately the previous owner had a replacement in the back ready to go.

[Ken]

What stands out to "me", and it means absolutely nothing really, and this isn't derogatory towards builders/owners who don't do it, but the fact that it has padded and upholstered side panels seems like a nice and complete build...... I think a person who would half-ass a build and just throw together a pile of junk would not have taken the time to fully upholster the interior!??! Again, just my thoughts.
Looks like a nice Buggy. I can't wait until ours is finished, sometimes I wish I just bought a running buggy like you did, vs. doing a complete restoration/build !!