I figured since i had a build thread on TheSamba.com i would make a thread here to see what people think. I bought this thing April of last year for $500. It was bone stock when i got it, but that changed within 2 weeks of owing it. It first started off with a simple drop. Within 2 months it progressed into a 4" narrowed front beam. Not more then a month after the new beam, BAM!!!!!! rear ended a ford focus. Needless to say the front was totaled. I started the rebuild process in October and have been going ever since.

This is just a run down of what has been done so far. I have replaced the front clip, have new fenders and hood. Replaced and shortened the pan head 1.75". Modified the 4" narrowed beam to a single bag beam. And some minor rust repair so far. The plans for this beast is a full air ride setup, full roll cage, a 2443cc turbo motor built to the max, and a couple of things i have up my sleeves.

I know this site mainly has honda's and such but i know there are VW guys that would appreciate one of these being put back on the road and not crushed. Even if they are water pumper guys or not. So let me know what yall think.

These pics are from when it was my daily up until the wreck.







These were takin just minutes after the wreck





And after i got it home.






The rebuild process











Starting on the new and shortened pan head. The original one was bent from a previous wreck form a po.

 

The front single bag setup.










Let me know what yall think.

 

I fucking love these things

 

dope

 

I like it. Its a different build. Hopefully you will finish it up the way you are planning. Keep posting more pictures along the way.

 

 

Two questions:

Is there some bitter division between "water pumper guys" and whatever air cooled guys call themselves?

Why would you want to narrow the front end on a suspension design that already handles really horribly?

 

Thanks for the comments. More progress will be coming in the next couple of weeks.

 

Some narrow the fronts because they just like the narrow wheels, other so they can lower the car more and not hit any of the fender.

 

No division really. I just call the water cooled dubs water pumpers. And having a narrowed beam lets the bug go lower up front without rubbing the fenders or to run a wider wheel and tire combo up front.