gtjim
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by gtjim on Jul 21, 2012 23:09:54 GMT -5
Being new to the VW kit scene, I was wondering how the purists feel about us guys chopping off the bug to put our fiberglass on? The reason I ask is that while looking at several issues of "Hot VWs (and Dune Buggies" - this part lost in small font and usually the same color as the cover picture), I noticed a trend. All the articles are bus or bug related. All the coverage at the shows has maybe one pic showing a couple of Manx buggies and that's it. Other than the sand rail advertising, you would never know they existed. When I get my car in shape to maybe do a show, will the VW guys even talk to me? Or am I off base here....
Thanks!
Jim
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Post by Dan MacMillan on Jul 22, 2012 21:18:27 GMT -5
Should have no problem. I was apprehensive about participating in shows with 32 Fords/ 57 Chevs etc that people have sunk 10's of thousandas into. Many praise my ability to do what I do to the humble VW Bug. Others are absolutely pissed when I take first place in imort classes. You must remember to educate the public. Many Bradleys were originally turn key cars and since over 100 were sold, it makes Bradley an official automobile manufacturer. So what if they bought their chassis from VW, AMC bought many existing parts from other manufacturers. They just lasted longer and sold more cars.
As for the purists....WHO REALLY CARES.
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Post by Dan MacMillan on Jul 22, 2012 21:37:34 GMT -5
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Post by rush2112fan on Jul 22, 2012 21:39:27 GMT -5
My wife and I take my GT2 to local car shows. It is a conversation starter sitting amongst the fords, chevys, vw's, jeeps, rat rods and all sorts of vehicles. Most people don't know what it is. But folks respect the work put into the vehicle. I receive a lot more compliments than negative comments. But I haven't taken it to a VW show. I wanted to go to the Effingham VW event this year, but I couldn't get off from work and it was an eight hour drive from where I live in Michigan. Some of the guys here went to Effingham and had a pretty good time according to their posts. My goal is to go next year. I'd suggest going to local events with a mixed format. You'll probably have a couple VW guys showing up. Chat with them. You will probably get a feel for how they feel then. So far I haven't had any negative feedback from the VW guys I have met. Just negative comments from a Jaguar owner and an occassional v8 owner asking if I need to wind up my 4 cylinder to take it home. I remind them of my great gas mileage.  |
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Post by Dan MacMillan on Jul 22, 2012 21:48:16 GMT -5
I have attended the big Vw June Jitterbug show in Niagara Falls 4 times with the above buggy {that is where the pics were taken} and with my Kyote buggy, Also my Thing made an appearance. For the most part anyone interested have good things to say. The others don't say too much. Most realize we are resurrecting a car that would never see pavement as a Beetle.
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Post by Dan MacMillan on Jul 22, 2012 21:55:06 GMT -5
Just negative comments from a Jaguar owner and an occassional v8 owner asking if I need to wind up my 4 cylinder to take it home. I remind them of my great gas mileage. The bug was the start of a big can of whoopass Porsche opened on the Jags and V8 guys. Without the bug, Porsche may not even exist. They are just jealous. |
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Post by Dan MacMillan on Jul 22, 2012 22:04:45 GMT -5
When I first met the owner of this 800hp 32 ford kit car  I commented on how he could blow my buggy away in first gear. His reply was yes he could, on pavement. But put us on sand {what a buggy is made for} and he would not stand a chance. We both respect the other's skills and choice of rides. That is the front of my GT2 on the left. |
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Post by trimagnum on Aug 10, 2012 1:18:24 GMT -5
I've owned quite a few odd cars. And it seems each group has it's "Purists" and thats ok. The important thing to remember is it's your car and as long as it makes you happy that's all that matters. Some of the odd cars were a TVR Vixen 2 Crosley micro cars a Sebring CitiCar and this thing.  Home built in a tent in my driveway so just have fun with what you have . People who don't like it aren't worth your time . Rich H |
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gtjim
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by gtjim on Aug 10, 2012 1:48:39 GMT -5
Ha! Wow, some fantastic pics of beautiful cars here guys! Thanks for the feedback. Don't worry, people like that don't faze me - but I was wondering...
Thanks!
Jim
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Post by centralvalleygter on Aug 10, 2012 10:29:36 GMT -5
trimagnum,
Nice looking car, ur, cycle. I seriously thought about building one of those, but the bike I was going to use for the base ended up being too costly to get running properly. Yours looks like it turned out well. Has it met your expectations?
Warmest Regards.....
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Post by trimagnum on Aug 11, 2012 14:20:52 GMT -5
For the most part it has . The hand clutch set up seems cool in theory but it's hard to get used to. It handles better than I thought it would but it's got the largest sway bar I could find on it. If your short and chubby like me it's hard to get in and out lol. But if you have the space and the time build one it's a great project you'll have a lot of fun . Enjoy the weekend  |
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Post by Tony O. on Aug 11, 2012 21:23:07 GMT -5
Trimagnum,
What is the trike/car/cycle you posted a picture of?
Is it a commercial kit or your own design?
Regards,
Tony O.
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Post by trimagnum on Aug 11, 2012 21:57:56 GMT -5
It's from a set of plans sold by RQ Riley 13 sheets and a book . It's basically built from scratch this one was built in a tent in my driveway. There isn't a body kit for it that's all made from foam sheet plywood and fiberglass. With a subframe that connects the VW type 1 front end to the Kawasaki 1000 LTD. It's a fun build but a bit hot in the summer gets tons of attention .
Rich H
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