Here goes

[shiwlof]

Wel this is my first post, so I'll try and make a good one.
I am from South Africa, the city Cape Town.
Next year I am starting my first Beetle project. And the German Look is the best option I can think of.

Reason for next year is simple enough. This year is pretty done in my books. Not much gonna happen still, and with the summer just kicking off here, and most of my days will be in the outdoors, and at the beach. No time for car modding.

So I am sure this has been discussed here before, but just wanna maybe tie it in all together.

What would you suggest the first modding step is?
Engine? Body? Wheels? etc.

And what would be a good engine replacement to begin with? VW 1800 8v is an option I am considering.

Considering the limited resources we have here in South Africa in terms of importers, most work I will have to do myself, or build myself. Or in that case also. Have built for me. So it'll take some time. Which is way I am starting looking at options now.

So this could start a bit of talking, and yeah.
This is my first post... one of many to follow form now on.

[vujade]

the easiest years to mod would be any late model beatle with either ball joint or strut front ends and IRS rear ends.

Welcome to the site I'm not really sure what was offered in South Africa, when you get a car we can go from there.

[shiwlof]

Well we have a pretty big VW factory here in South Africa. We manufacture about all the right hand drive Golfs and Jetta's for worldwide exporting.
We also have the Citi Golf here. Something I think few other countries have. It's basically a mk1 Golf still being made. Just with modern equipment and cosmetic upgrades.

http://www.vw.co.za/models/citigolf/

If you wanna have a look...

I am thinking of using that dash in a Beetle. But I'll see when the time comes.

The Golf engines would also be a pretty good option for a Beetle. There are many 1800 8v and 16v engines floating around in near perfect condition.

[Racelook]

Wow.. that kicks ***!!! A Golf 1 that still is maked.. and with a new dahs and all.. hahaha Cool


It's a pitty that there aint no (new one) in the Netherlands

Yea the Jetta II is still being made in China. VW's world market is funny the way they do things.

Well shiwlof, I have had a Golf motor in my 1303 since 1990 (pics from my signature link) and if I could do it again there would be a Mazda rotary or Subaru WRX engine in there. They just fit so much better (I stress that point) and make a whole lot more power. I just had to have a VW engine though 'cause I'm hard core like that lol.