+++ My Sidewinder Buggy Build Thread +++

[phil5556]

Well this was supposed to be a 1970 Bug rebuild thread but due to lack of funds and wanting something a bit more fun I've decided to go for a buggy build!

I've been to see Mel (manxbuggies on here) and my shell's ready for collection. The chassis is being shortened and painted as I type which leaves me with a few bits to be getting on with while the workshop's empty

This is one sacrificed for the project - was just too rusty (Did buy another shell and have all the welding done but that got ebayed, (sorry Paul)). It looks quite tidy in this pic but it's been photoshopped to get rid of the rust!



Stripped the chassis and took it to the shorteners.

[phil5556]

Newly painted front beam



Lick of paint for the gearbox. Should've taken the drums off while it was still attached to the car! Have to wait til it's back together now



Lovely and shiney



Nice new dropped spindles. Now shiney black dropped spindles.



Thought the track rod ends needed a bit of protection as well.



Not really anything exciting in the first lot of photos. Should get better once I get the chassis back and pick up the shell.

[stujamuk]

Your Sidewinder shell must be the one before mine out the mould, Mel is just doing mine now. What colour did you go for?

I will follow you thread closely Good luck with the build.

I will be starting my own tread as soon as possible and try to keep it up to date with the progress but its not always that easy, you seem way ahead already I havent done any chassis prep yet, in fact the beetle is still whole as im going to try to use it till the last minute.

Did you have any problems with the shell removal?

[crosseruk]

how did you find it with the chassis on the roof rack??

[aint low-aint mine]

Good luck with the build.

I'm half way through buiding a sidewinder.

What colour body have you gone for?

[phil5556]

Originally Posted by crosseruk

how did you find it with the chassis on the roof rack??

It was fine. Wouldn't of wanted to put anything heavier on the top of that car but not a problem. Just strap it down well and try not to brake hard!

[phil5556]

Originally Posted by stujamuk

Your Sidewinder shell must be the one before mine out the mould, Mel is just doing mine now. What colour did you go for?

I will follow you thread closely Good luck with the build.

I will be starting my own tread as soon as possible and try to keep it up to date with the progress but its not always that easy, you seem way ahead already I havent done any chassis prep yet, in fact the beetle is still whole as im going to try to use it till the last minute.

Did you have any problems with the shell removal?

I've gone for a dark purple metal flake. Haven't seen it yet but Mel said he likes it!

Well my cars been off the road for about 2years now so progress hasn't been that quick!

Getting the shell off was fine apart from the fact that both sides were welded to the pan - attacked it with the grinder and it was ok.

Good luck with yours! What colour?

[Waterboy]

Originally Posted by phil5556

I've gone for a dark purple metal flake. Haven't seen it yet but Mel said he likes it!

Well my cars been off the road for about 2years now so progress hasn't been that quick!

Getting the shell off was fine apart from the fact that both sides were welded to the pan - attacked it with the grinder and it was ok.

Good luck with yours! What colour?

Ditto that, had to attack both sides of mine with a chisel all the way along to separate it. Pain in the ass!! I also did the same with the rear hub nuts - D'oh!!

Good luck with your build mate.

[stujamuk]

Originally Posted by phil5556

I've gone for a dark purple metal flake. Haven't seen it yet but Mel said he likes it!

Well my cars been off the road for about 2years now so progress hasn't been that quick!

Getting the shell off was fine apart from the fact that both sides were welded to the pan - attacked it with the grinder and it was ok.

Good luck with yours! What colour?

Thanks, I have gone for the Canadian Blue flake will be picking it up on the 7th all being well.

Hopefully as my beetle was very stock it will separate quite well, Angle grinder on hand though

[phil5556]

Just got bakc from Mel's. Well pleased. Love the colour!!!!! Sorry that it's still in the van, the pics really don't show it at it's best.

Seats are really cool as well!