Posted: 3/11/2009 2:01:17 PM EDT
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My latest, greatest [/sarcasm] idea is to build an old style VW bug from completely new parts. I would buy a complete motor & transmission. Here are some of my questions:
Is it legal, given current safety and emission regulations? How & where would I get a frame? I looked at the J.C. Whitney catalog online & I see that they have complete engines but they look pretty expensive, starting over $3800. Comments? Additional ideas? Thanks. 
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| I have a 56 VW BUG rag top oval window I've lost interest in restoring it's about 85% all the boday work is done minus one door. I have around $7000.00 into it currently. It will be worth at least 13,000 if I finish or find a buyer interested in a project. I was going for the classic VW with modern parts look disc brakes etc.... The laws at least in CA are that whatever the car had on it when it was new, is what it needs on it when restored. For instance there weren't seat belts on a 56 VW bug so therefore in restoring I could leave those off. Hope this helps |
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I once figured it up and came to the conclusion that just under $20K would build you an aftermarket jeep completely mail order with top notch components Your number is suprisingly accurate. Don't ask me how I know.  J ust E mpty E very P ocket I almost bought a 69 bug eight years ago. I say go for it but be ready to empty your pockets. |
| I for one would not buy a 'new' Mexican engine.... I would find a old original 1600 dual port and DIY. Get a book they are not hard at all. Last rail the we used a VW in was a 2345cc. and was built for less than $1200 including the block. Trans axles can be built for cheap by Mogal or parts and DIY again. Floor pans can also be had after market but originals are plentiful. Eger thing of a Baja? |
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It can be done and in most states you would have to register it as a component or kit car. Having to conform to what ever the individual state regulations are. In many ways you would be better served to find a chassis that is salvage-able (it like 68 or 69) because regardless of whatever else you bolt to it would be a 68 or 69 VW having to conform only to the safety and pollution standards of a 60 or 69 VW. have done a couple of Kit cars experience has taught me, it is much less hassle to register "an existing car" than to create a new one.
If you are looking for authenticity a Mexican engine and tranny might be fine. If you want something to drive around town and on the occasional trip look at Berg of CB you can match you drive train much closer to your application. (you can by a an engine producing as much hp as you like and a Trans-axle with gearing to meet your needs) Some other considerations safety and handling. Again if historical accuracy drums will stop the car, eventually . but if you are scratch building for can have disks all the way around and if you were going to have to buy new drums the bolt disk kits ad very little to your overhead. In the Kit car world disks are pretty much a have too. If I were looking at something I was going to drive in traffic at all it would have disks As far as suspension goes you can get as radical as you want. From coil over conversion with rack and pinion front ends to just using dropped front spindles |