Any interest in a straight axle Bug build?

Not to get sidetracked, but do 'vairs have unibody construction as well? I think that the best way to do a corvair is road race with a mid engine SBC, big four piston disc's, and lowered 2" all around. Then again, it would be a cool Altered/G***er too.

 

Or build a frame. Or a donor frame. That one that is posted in the thread is on an Econoline frame isn't it? Or am I thinking of a different one?

There is one for sale locally that is midengined with a 283 done road race style. It IS pretty neat.

 

Yeah, this is the corvair that did it for me

Its running a 383, removable hard-top, and beautiful duct work. Built by Archibald Evans.

Back to the bug! What are your ideas for paint (at the moment) and is this thing going to have a name branded across the side?

 

I'm a bug guy from way back.When I had my mid 11sec bug in the late 70s there was a guy in Downey with a red bug 355 Chevy,exhaust coming out the holes in back,centerlines,louvered trunk lid.It looked stock,til it got close and you heard it.It hauled ***!!There was a white one that ran at Lions,with 12spoke halibrandts up front.It belonged to Bob Conners,about 800hp!

 

Right now we are thinking a darkish satin green. I don't know about a name yet. I would like to see one on it, but I guess we'll have to come up with one first.

 

the ultimate sleeper would have the engine in the back...

 

Some different ones....

 

It's going to be cool. Stretch the boundries, throw your wildest imagination in to it. And hell no your not painting it pastel.

 

Once upon a time some company use to make a 1940 Ford style front end for those Beetles. Now if you could find one of those........My 2 cents worth! Gary 4T950 Chevy Guy

 

If you want outrageous, just throw the engine away and put in a turbonique drag axle in it, like the old turbonique bug!!

 

Well I guess enough people are interested, and I didn't get bashed, so I'll keep you guys updated. We need to tune the GMC tomorrow and maybe after that we'll start on the straight axle install.

 

I love this picture! Not only does it look cool but it would save alot of front sheet metal work. Only problem is in NH we would need a bumper and fenders. I don't thinik some little fenders that turn with the front wheels would look too bad but the front bumper would ruin the look IMO.

I think it would still look cool with radiused rear fenders though.

 

I agree that pic is awesome
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/a...0&d=1149301326
I just realised why i kinda dig the bugs with no front guards (A guy can be dull sometines!) they look so much like a Topolino and I LOVE those things.
Hey, Id like to see the progress.
Doc.

 

the most surprising part of this thread is I don't see anyone bashing away!

I have always considered bugs and corvairs excellent dragster fodder. I have memories of "the giant killer" and a little red corvair with "wilsons roofing" painted on the side doing BIG wheelstands. I am sure if you look through the back of your 60's hot rods and other magazines, probably 50% of the ads are for v.w. hop up parts,corvair intakes,and the like. (and a whole lotta shifter kart stuff)
I think,looking at the "traditional" side of the hamb,V.w.'s are widely overlooked. seeing as we spend alot of time talking 50's and early 60's cars,but the little v.w. screamers are taboo-even though those cars were here in the 50's, and raced in the early 60's!
dunno. I guess I am splitting hairs. it's going to be everything a race car should be-light,powerful,and purpose built. *****in'.

that said,I HATE bugs. I know they are loved by many, but I just don't dig 'em.

 

Well...theres really nothing to bash about!
The guys building a wicked dragstrip memory that happens to wear a bug body. Might just as easily be a Fiat, a Simca, an Austin...whatever.
Can't bash a guy just because his taste in bodies is different than your own.
Anyone who went down that road would look absolutely silly!!!

The essense of the rig is big bad V8 horsepower! ALL mechanicals are designed with that fact in mind...not to look "cool" and fit into any style of the month.
The body? Well that just there to keep the "bugs" out of your teeth!!!


Sure hope the builders will keep it as early 60's traditional as possible, because its gonna be unique and possibly even trend setting once completed.
If theres an honestly traditional Hot Rod "bug"...its only right some HAMBers build it.