VW Buggies/SandRails

[sam97]

Anyone know a lot about VW sand buggies? I was thinking about buying one, a local guy has one for sale without an engine. It has a torsion IRS, and looks to be pretty clean. What should I look for? Whats a good price? He's asking like 1500. I might go look at it today.

 

I mainly want one to take to Silver Lake, to drive my girlfriend around in before I buy her a quad. I am also looking for opinions on engines: what size, parts, carbs, brands, etc. I am kind of on a budget. I haven't worked on or dealt with one before, but my auto mechanic father is going to help put the new engine in and get it running.

 

 

Sorry for the book, but I just want to get your guys' opinion.

 

Any information is appreciated. Thanks

[racer]

look at the frame real closely for welds in odd places, these could indicate that its been wrecked and had a new section welded in.

[Master of Faster]

IRS is a good thing. That is the preferred rear suspension. Does it have a tranny in it? If so ask him if it is a car or bus tranny. Bus trannys are better but not neccessary for what you want. You would want at least a 1600cc dualport motor for runnin around at silver lake. You can usually pick them up complete for under $300.

[crbanshee]

for $1500 you cant realy go wrong if it has everything exept the motor...and like gimmeabeer said check it out for odd welds and broken spots..and if its your first buggy i recomend using a volkswagon motor they are easy to wrench on and reliable..i wouldnt go with anything less than an 1835 just because the 1600 is kinda guttless..what is the wheel base it it a 2 seat or 4 seat buggy?? if its a 4 seater you want a bigger motor than 1835..but if its 2 the 1835 will be a good starter for you...look close at the front end the vw front ends have a tendancy to crack..after the motor your next thing should me shocks..they will make a world of difference in the ride and help to save your frame..if you can get ahold of a bus tranny (vw bus) i would go with that too they are stronger..

 

 

hope that helps

[ledofthezep]

Check it out & see what it looks like. Could be a steal...I've been raised around rails; feel free to ask me any questions you may have on VW rails, or PM my bro-in-law '2276' I believe is what he goes by on here & ask him...he by far knows more than I do.

 

[banshee x]

i hope you have a lot of experience wrenching,i have had about 5 vw sandrails 16oo single port to 2500 fuel injected and your always wrenching on something whether its carb(s),spark plugs,coils,generator,alternator or just plain oil leaks(vw mark thier spot) i have had more fun AT THE DUNES on a quad than ever in a vw powered rail,but good luck to you maybe you'll get a decent one that you can have fun in

[vdubn]

i hope you have a lot of experience wrenching,i have had about 5 vw sandrails 16oo single port to 2500 fuel injected and your always wrenching on something whether its carb(s),spark plugs,coils,generator,alternator or just plain oil leaks(vw mark thier spot)  i have had more fun AT THE DUNES on a quad  than ever in a vw powered rail,but good luck to you maybe you'll get a decent one that you can have fun in

 

I would agree 100%. I used to have a sandrail and honestly thought it was better than the ATV's (until I rode quads that is). For the family, ATVs are hands down more fun for everyone, they are more maneuverable, and a heck of a lot less work.

 

Don't get me wrong, ATVs come with their share of work, but every aircooled VW I've owned has been a huge time consumption. I've owned rails, bugs, busses, squarebacks, Meyers Manx's, you name it, and even though you buy new parts, they still leak oil and the new parts fail as often as the old ones.

 

If I ever do a sandrail again, I'll run a 1.8t VW watercooled engine, or a subaru, no aircooled VWs any more.

 

Just my 2 cents...

[ScrewMachine]

If I ever do a sandrail again, I'll run a 1.8t VW watercooled engine, or a subaru, no aircooled VWs any more.

 

Just my 2 cents...

394064[/snapback]

 

Word! I had nothing with problems with my old one, but I saw an old boy running a Subaru engine in his rail this weekend up at Walden. Damn, that car would just go and go and go. Outcliming other more powerful buggies and he didn't stop once to wrench on it that I saw. At first I kinda chuckled...Subaru?? But he made a believer outta me.