Oval Bugster

[volkdent]

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

They really aren't that enthusiast friendly, this one is definately in the grey area, but as long as it's registered as a '57, has '57 VIN plate, and no other VIN #'s are able to be seen, it's a '57. I suspect if there was a big accident and push came to shove I would probably be in trouble defending myself, but it's all a gamble isn't it?

Jason

[Humble]

You dodged the bullet for sure, with no smog-check you're free to do anything you'd like. No smog years are pre-1976, anything '76 or newer gets smogged every 2 years and has to pass smog rules from year of manufacture.

If I remember correctly for split body/chassis cars you can go by either the chassis or body vin as long as only one was visible. This was to eliminate reg issues on repaired vehicles but became a thorn in the side for stolen part recoveries. It's common practice to go by the older vin to get around smog issues or having the car inspected for smog compliance which is a huge pain.

Panel, not to highjack a thread but you can't just leave us hanging, that looks awesome!

[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-

[MarnixGSR]

Some think about doing it...you just DO it. Respect!

[surfbeetle]

This looks incredible. I have comment regarding the dmv in California. There is a rule that refers to what the car most resembles. The car would be registerred based on the year that the vehicle looks like rather than what it was. In my case, I have a 68 VW pan with a 67 VW body so it's registerred as a 67. I had it inspected by the highway patrol and then properly registerred with the dmv. So i would think that you could be able to do the same, just ask the CHP to see how they would do the paperwork and make sure you have all of your receipts.

[volkdent]

Originally Posted by surfbeetle

This looks incredible. I have comment regarding the dmv in California. There is a rule that refers to what the car most resembles. The car would be registerred based on the year that the vehicle looks like rather than what it was. In my case, I have a 68 VW pan with a 67 VW body so it's registerred as a 67. I had it inspected by the highway patrol and then properly registerred with the dmv. So i would think that you could be able to do the same, just ask the CHP to see how they would do the paperwork and make sure you have all of your receipts.

It's already registered as a '57, but if it wasn't they use the numbers. The most difficult number to change on ACVWs is the the chassis # under the rear seat, so I'm surprised they used the '67 for you, they registered my '60/'68 as a '68. There aren't any VW numbers left on the '57 body so they most definitely would have used the Boxster numbers. They are gone now and once I re-rivet the '57 tag on the Boxster chassis we should be all good.

Thanx for the kudos Marnix, just have to keep going! The chassis guy is finishing up another project, so no real progress on it.

Jason