Hi
Welcome along
If I was starting all over again I would like to do a few things differently.
1/ I would move the tranny forward as described on
http://www.beetleracing.com
Gearbox relocation further forward is done easier with the body off the chassis. This is done by reversing the rear cradle (original or after market type), removing the mount on the nose cone and then fitting the Porsche style mount. A hole must be drilled in the torsion bar housing for reverse light operation. The shift rod must be shortened by the amount of the move. A shorter cable is needed ('61 bug is close). We also modify the clutch lever so its angle to the cable is better and longer to make big clutches gentle to operate with less strain on the cable. Some modifications to the firewall is necessary depending on the engine, fan shroud and carburetion used. The benefits from this unusual modification are many. Weight is moved forward, noticeably improving handling. The biggest advantage is when a type 4 engine is installed. The repositioning of the engine and gearbox allows the entire exhaust system including muffler, to fit under a regular Beetle apron.
2/ I would do some chassis & body stiffening like they do on the cabrios.
3/ I would clearance the chassis for a rack & pinion with the chassis off.
There is probably heaps of other things, but this all I can think of at the moment.
Steve C