FAQ

  1. Can Buggies be street legal?

    Yes: When built to WOF standards plus a few Low Volume Vehicle standards, they can be VINed and Registered for road use in New zealand.

  2. What kind of VW donor car should I buy ?

    Donor Car: We suggest that a complete VW Beetle be purchased. Any year will be suitable, provided it has torsion bar front suspension. The models to avoid are, 1302, 1303, 1302S & 1303S. These have Mac Pherson strut front suspension and cannot be used. Swing axle rear suspension is preferred as it will not interfere with the battery box, and is easier to shorten.

  3. Do I have to shorten the chassis ?

    Chassis: You will have to shorten the VW Chassis to build the traditional Manx style short wheel base buggy. Chassis will need to be shortened by 380 to 400mm. But not for our long wheel base Manx or our Daytona style bodies which bolt straight onto the standard length VW beetle chassis.

  4. Can I shorten the chassis myself ?

    Shortening: Yes you can shorten your VW chassis yourself if you have basic engineering skills and can weld. Note: It pays to check with your local Low Volume Vehicle certifier first. Some are more practical than others, we suggest using a certifier who is also a constructor themselves.

  5. Can you shorten the chassis for me ?

    Shortening: We are currently not able to offer this service, most engineering workshops or panelbeaters should be able to help you and work from our plans and instructions.

  6. Do you have plans and instructions for shortening the Chassis ?

    Instructions: Yes we do, Go to our Chassis page for instructions and plans. Or we can email details.

  7. What parts should I save from my donor car ?

    Donor parts: Complete rolling chassis with engine, Fuel tank, Steering column if collapsible, Seat bases, Wiring loom with switches if not replacing, Speedo and cable if not replacing, Tail lights if you like.

  8. Do you build complete Buggies ?

    Complete Beach Buggies: We no longer build complete buggies ourselves very often due to other commitments.

  9. Do you build other kits ? 356 Speedsters:

    Rob is known for developing and building 356 Speedsters and kits from the late 90’s, these have had some further development and are available as the body kits with a custom chassis.

  10. Do I need a Certifier?

    Certifiers: Yes if building for road use you will need to get a Low Volume Vehicle Certifier involved to check your work, and to fix the cert plate to your buggy once it is finished. We suggest checking the www.lvvta.org.nz website for information on certifying.

  11. What engine options are there ?

    Engines: VW engines are simple and reliable, they can also be made for performance in a range of size options by various engine builders, see displacement chart below. Or there are adaptors available for a wide selection of other makes, eg. Subaru, Mazda rotary, Holden V6 etc.

    VW TYPE
    BORE
    Stroke
    85.5
    87
    88
    90
    90.5
    92
    94
    69
    1,585
    1,641
    1,679
    1,756
    1,775
    1,835
    1,915
    74
    1,699
    1,760
    1,800
    1,883
    1,904
    1,968
    2,054
    78
    1,791
    1,855
    1,898
    1,985
    2,007
    2,074
    2,165
    82
    1,883
    1,950
    1,995
    2,087
    2,110
    2,180
    2,276
    84
    1,929
    1,997
    2,044
    2,138
    2,161
    2,234
    2,332
    86
    1,975
    2,045
    2,092
    2,188
    2,213
    2,287
    2,387