The Peoples Rat

[fuzz]

I couldn't find a Ford coupe or sedan for $200 so I got this bug. Blame Timbos avatar, and a link to volksrods.com. I kept lookin at em and got the bug [pun intended]... Anyway the plan is if I don't messup the chop I'll build a 2 x 3 frame, straight axle buggy spring front. I'll use a 8.8 ford rear and probably the 283 and 350 turbo I got settin in the corner.
I'm cutin 5 inches out of the top. Got a spare roof and doors for donors. Not going to give you a step by step cuz if you want to chop your bug just google it. There are several very good "how to,s " on the web.

 

[Dragfink]

...volksrods.com rules!

 

[hotrod preacher]

i really don't know about you fuzz....

tempting all us ratrodders with getting "the bug"....


sounds like a fun project...keep us updated

 

[the reverend muddy grimes]

always wanted to do that, but with a 460. make it look as stock aspossible, and pull up next to a mustang.....then eat it.

 

[fuzz]

i really don't know about you fuzz....

tempting all us ratrodders with getting "the bug"....


sounds like a fun project...keep us updated

Come on...we know you've had the "Bug" for a long time. And so have I and now I've got the "Bug Bug"......

 

[42chevy]

I like it. You need to do the V8 swap that makes it all OK.

 

[skull]

ya!!

cool idea!!

there's one running around centralia , wa with a 454 bbc in in it and he made it look fairly stock.

Later

 

[Gregster]

That's cool !

 

[fuzz]

Here's an update. Got the big pieces fitted and tacked. Shortened the back window 3"s by raising the bottom up 3. This forced me to narrow the back of the bug at the quarters. It's 102 degrees out side so I'm working in shifts, spending half time in the AC in front of puter!!!

 

[hotrod preacher]

looking good!...don't overheat out there either...


saw a church sign a while back that said..."'You think its hot here?!'

signed God"

anyway, thought i'd share that,

stay cool,
HRP

 

[fuzz]

Got the hard part of the chop done. I think reshaping the quarter windows was the most challenging part, making them smooth enough so the glass shop can put glass in them and making them both the same. I don't have patience for body work so I moved onto the frame. 2x3 by 1/8 tube frame, just your basic stuff but I used after market control arms for the mustag rear. I like the tiangulated 4 link and will use VW coilovers to hold it up. I have a 40 axle for the front and got some RPM radius rods and brackets. Will be spring behind and tube shocks.

 

[rainman]

Looking good Fuzz, keep it up!![P

 

[48WillysRat]

always wanted to do that, but with a 460. make it look as stock aspossible, and pull up next to a mustang.....then eat it.

Are you trying to encourage street racing? you know that illegal right?[ddev

That is a cool build[...I can't wait to see the finished product[cl

 

[26Troadster]

saw a build like this somewhere either rrr are kb belive it was alittle futher along. i like it.

 

[fuzz]

I'm sorry that I have to report the passing of an old friend. He and I worked together for nearly 30 years creating various hot rods and other projects. His name was "Snapon mig". I noticed that he was slowing down and had lost some of his energy and the other day he died!! Not to fret cuz I got new friend, his name is "Hobart 187"! He's young and has lots of energy and has been doing a great job for me, hope he lasts 30 years too.

 

[Pookie Bros]

hehehe nice patina on that ol welder.....

 

[fuzz]

Well I mocked up the 283 and powerglide, built motor mounts and trans mount. Also bolted on a set of headders that were left over from a 3rd gen Camaro project that's long gone. With some tweekin I think they'll work. Will fab a crossover pipe into a Y pipe then run a single pipe to the back.
I made the trans crossmember low so there will be room for the exhaust pipe to go between the floor and crossmember. looks like I have enough room for distributor clearance and still have room for a radiator. I plan to use the Baja hood and build a homemade grill over the radiator. The wheel base is 114 inches in order to accomadate front mounted motor and stuff.

 

[fuzz]

saw a build like this somewhere either rrr are kb belive it was alittle futher along. i like it.

I'm not the first guy to build one like this in fact I was inspired by some of the cars on Volksrodders with front motors. There is another site called V8bugs that has several projects similar but most are short wheelbase with fenders!! But I like fenderless rods Thanks for the positive comments guys!!

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

always wanted to do that, but with a 460. make it look as stock aspossible, and pull up next to a mustang.....then eat it.

Why put a boat anchor in it? It's way more fun to eat a Mustang with air cooled VW power... [ddev

503 horsepower/460ft-lbs. torque - 8.99 1/4 mile @ 153mph

Not too shabby for a four-cylinder displacing 2275cc, huh?

 

[hotrod preacher]

looking good , fuzz..........[cl[cl[cl[cl




that pic you posted devil looks very, very intimidating....to think american muscle cars blown away with a "doodlebug" powered 'dub