Oval Bugster

[volkdent]

I purchased KW V3 coilovers for her. Did a lot of head scratching and the cost/value ratio was just too good to pass up compared to competitors.



Got the inner panels cut out of the bug, and got the whole thing ready to go onto the frame table





Unfortunately, the wheels on the frame table are not rated for enough weight, they are barely up for the weight of the table, let alone a 3000lb car. So that was a big waste of time. I'll get some better casters for the table and also I think the legs should be triangulated so they don't fold in if it hits a bump moving it from shop to shop.



Jason

[Panelfantastic]

Originally Posted by volkdent

What is that thing Jeff? What is the running gear?

Jason

1954 Chevy wagon (often called a Tin Woodie). Running gear is the full frame and drivetrain from a 2007 Trailblazer AWD SS, LS2 engine. Doing a body drop and full air ride.

You are making great progress! I am very envious, seems there is constantly something else keeping me from mine.





Jeff-

[volkdent]

Wow!!! Cool Jeff! How's the track, was the TrailBlazer wider than the car?

Last shot of her before she goes next door to Nor Cal Sand & Off Road owned by Eric Jenkins. His forte is offroad, but he's a heck of a fabricator and I need a chassis, so that's a good mix.

Here's the last shot of her:



I had to leave 1.5" between the bottom of the body and the chassis bottom, I simply didn't have any more room at the top of the fender for the strut tops. As it is I have some grinding to do before the fenders will be low enough:





Jason

[Panelfantastic]

You know it! All this modern stuff has crazy wide track, especially a AWD sport ute. I'll be doing some creative fender work to get it right.

This build of yours is soooo kick-ass! I'm looking forward to the updates. Don't skimp out on us! I want to hear about ALL the little bull**** things you have to do a long the way to pull this together. I've seen several builds like this but everyone glazes over how hard it is and all the stuff that has to be done.


Jeff-

[el argentino]

great work! Followed by Italy
pablo

[TSAF]

Great work, keep the photos coming!!!!

[Jadewombat]

I think you should race the Vortex 'Super' Beetle project car when all is said and done, like on a dragon (1/4 mile drag strip then track course) on street tires.

http://www.vwvortex.com/features/pro.../super-beetle/

Great work. Can't wait to see how this turns out.

[volkdent]

I've been following that build too, pretty sweet! I'm hoping to get a look at it as I'm lucky enough to get to go to SEMA this year! I want to have a chat with the Garrett guys on what turbos might be a good option for the Ragster.

Jason

[vw1303]

If your at SEMA check out the Karmann Ghia with Boxster running gear.

[volkdent]

Oh sweet!!! Any name to go with it or a booth number? I've got the catalog so I can look up the booth number if I have a name.

Jason

[vw1303]

Saw it on Speedhunters. They say its in the outside area of the show.

[Wally]

Indeed a cool build also, but doing a bug makes for so much more understatement in the end result imo.

[volkdent]

Originally Posted by Wally

Indeed a cool build also, but doing a bug makes for so much more understatement in the end result imo.

Agreed!

In talking to different vendors there, I was encouraged to make the Ragster into a SEMA build, or at least get lots of vendors on board as sponsors. Reading up on the Internet last night about the Ghia, I found out that Road and Track's favorite picks of the show were that Ghia, and the APR Super Beetle. Maybe the writer loves VWs, but gauging the crowd response watching the SEMA Cruise, it became apparent that people really got emotional about older cars, and not so much about newer. I'm hoping the Ragster can bridge both and may be a good candidate for sponsorship. I'm just not sure I'll be happy with being held to some sort of contract...

Oddly the highlight of the show was a potentially revolutionary new material that was just amazing. I got chills thinking about its potential given it is stronger than carbon fiber, lighter than steel, flame retardant, AND biocompatible! The inventor worked at DOW and by accident created this material years later. It would be used similar to an epoxy resin, and can be ratio changed and filled with additional additives to have a consistence ranging from water to foam. I'm very excited to pursue the material use as possibly a wheel material initially, just has to be strong and light for that, but it may be able to be use as a joint replacement, a tooth, or even to fight cancer!

Jason

[volkdent]

More Ghia/Boxster pics, "Ghia Monster"











Jason

[Jadewombat]

Incredible. Love the slots on the rear fenders. So many questions though, mostly how the heck did the wheelbase length and width wind up fitting the ghia body. The centering and width is spot-on with the wheel wells.