Soon to be newbie

[mountie1982]

I am looking into buying a project beetle to build. I am hoping to build a Baja bug but not too sure where to start. I have been told to stay away from the Mcpherson front suspension. I guess I should be looking for a straight axel front end? What years are best for a build? Well I not even sure whats question I need to ask to get started so if anyone out there can help a pre newbie out that would be awesome. I Live just outside Vancouver BC Canada and there are not that many beetle out there mostly 73's 74's are al I can find. Are those any good?


Thanks

[BoatCop]

Originally Posted by mountie1982

I am looking into buying a project beetle to build. I am hoping to build a Baja bug but not too sure where to start. I have been told to stay away from the Mcpherson front suspension. I guess I should be looking for a straight axel front end? What years are best for a build? Well I not even sure whats question I need to ask to get started so if anyone out there can help a pre newbie out that would be awesome. I Live just outside Vancouver BC Canada and there are not that many beetle out there mostly 73's 74's are al I can find. Are those any good?

Thanks

You are correct that Super Beetles (MacPhearson front struts) don't make good bajas. They can't handle the shock of any off-road stuff.

You're best bet would be a 1969 or up standard Beetle with the torsion leaf front end and rear IRS suspension. Pre-69 would be OK for a baja, but the later IRS rear is preferable to the old (68 and down) swing-axle.

[mountie1982]

Well I ended up buying a 64 baja. Now I just got to figure out this new world of bajas. Thanks for your input there dude but my option where limited. Not much as far as Vws in my neck of the woods.