I really want a car to play around with. I want something classic with lots of cheap parts availablity and easy to work on. So I am liking the Beetle. Are there any other suggestions for cars? What should I look out for in getting one? And can they be autocrossed?
Best bet for an autocrosser would be a later model with IRS, avoid the swing axle models. Both the balljoint and McPherson strut front ends can handle well (the Super Beetle suspension is generally like the 944). Power is the big holdback (how fa$t do you want to go), but they are light and can be quick and fun with the right build.
And Kennedy make adaptors for any engine swap in the known universe.
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/real-grassroots-another-what-car-thread/10993/page1/
Some discussion in that thread on Bugs. As mentioned, get an IRS car, '69 or later. If you're planning on keeping the thing, working on it, etc. then you definitely want to get one that's mostly rust free. Floors are fairly easy to fix, but any more than that and you should walk away unless you like rust repair. Bugs are pretty damn simple, and parts are as cheap and available as it gets. I've also been fooling around a lot with my old Volvo (122) and it's a pretty simple car as well. Not quite as cheap to work on, but still pretty cheap. Lots of people around here like the LBCs (little british cars) but those aren't my cup of tea.
Anything can be autocrossed. It's driving around on pavement, if the car runs you can autocross it. 
Bryce
I got a ride in this earlier this year:
I don't know Beetles, but I can totally vouch for avoiding the earlier swing axle design. This car had it. When the car leaned in a turn, the outside tire rotated into massive amounts of camber. And then the tail would come around quite nicely. This guy had dropped a 2100 motor into it, so it had plenty of power and could power slide pretty well. But I could feel that the lack of rear grip was definitely holding the car back.
He also said that there are aftermarket axles available with a second (outer) CV joint that would significantly improve the camber issues. They're caused by the stock axles having only one joint, what would be the inner joint on a modern axle.
there like crack, some people will look at you like nuts for doing it other will under stand. I love my ACVW
Drugs are bad (um kay)
Volksroddin wrote: there like crack, some people will look at you like nuts for doing it other will under stand. I love my ACVW Drugs are bad (um kay)
& like crack, they are addictive. I'm on my 14th. I don't know of any car that is easier to work on or modify or more fun than a VW Beetle. You can set them up do do anything from some light autocrossing to all out off road racer. +1 on the sticking with a '69 or later. The IRS tranny is the way to go. The Super Beetles have a slightly wider front track (3" i think). If you can find a Karmann Ghia the CG will be lower & all the go, turn, & stop parts are the same. If you do get one I recommend How to Keep You VW Alive for the Complete Idiot Sounds horrible but its the best VW repar/maint book out there. So go get one & join the cult...I mean club.
btw, here's mine.
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I worked on a '67 Ghia for a guy, did quite a bit of work on it for him.
You have to forget everything you know about how cars are put together.
The Ghia turned me right off ACVW's but I'm sure there are some deviants that still like them. Working on one is kinda like self abuse, it feels so good when you stop.
Shawn
Trans_Maro wrote: Working on one is kinda like self abuse, it feels so good when you stop.
Now, that I don't understand. I've lived with and worked on a few. Sure, working on ACVW's has its quirks, but nothing too bad. There is a LOT of information out there on how to do things the right way, the wrong way, and the VW way. They aren't Model T's, but they are pretty close on the simplicity scale.
Pulling the engine is pretty easy - I've done it by myself, and didn't need a hoist. With a hoist or a few friends, you can even pull the body.
KG's do have a few odd things related to the body, I suppose. I'd still like to play with one.
KG bodies were basically hand-made, so any body work can quickly turn into a giant PITA. Mechanically, they're about as complicated as a rock
blockquote>Tim Baxter wrote:
KG bodies were basically hand-made, so any body work can quickly turn into a giant PITA. Mechanically, they're about as complicated as a rock
Tim's comment reminded me of a childhood memory - a picture in a VW dealer brochure of K-G seams being filled at the factory. Dad bought his first new Ghia around this era. Here's the picture:
Trans_Maro wrote: I worked on a '67 Ghia for a guy, did quite a bit of work on it for him. You have to forget everything you know about how cars are put together. The Ghia turned me right off ACVW's but I'm sure there are some deviants that still like them. Working on one is kinda like self abuse, it feels so good when you stop. Shawn
What kind of work did you have to do that was so hard? I've always loved the simplicity of air cooled VWs. A couple of funky designs here and there, but usually in the sake of keeping things simple, cheap, and robust.
Bryce
I had a bunch before being turned onto cheap italian tin. 68 and 69 beetles, and two 74 superbeetles.
Even the later IRS designs can catch you unaware and bite if you are not always aware of the fact that what little weight the beetle has.. is over the rear axle.
almost everything but the front cowl and roof tin can be bought new and easily welded in. There are only about 32 bolts holding the floor pan and body together.. so if it is floor rust (check around the battery especially (it's under the rear seat passenger side) you can pop the body off, cut out the bad pans and weld new ones in.
I personally like the superbeetles over the standard. The strut front end gives you an almost real trunk and the vent under the bumper is the perfect place for an oilcooler. Automatic beetles had their trans cooler there.. there was even a stock fan for keeping it cool in stop and go traffic.. perfect for an oilcooler.
Like any old car.. your three worst enemies are going to rust, brittle wiring, and cheap previous owners. Get them all straightened out and they are as reliable as gravity
SillyImportRacer wrote: <img src="" />
We really need a drool icon, I LOVE that thing.
neon4891 wrote: We really need a drool icon, I LOVE that thing.
Thanks. If things work out right, my buddy from CO is gonna come get it & redo the suspension, engine & tranny. The plan is to make it a street legal BITD 5/1600 car
I don't have a project vehicle at the moment, but when/if I ever get my project domicile "done," (or close enough) I want to find a Beetle to fix up. I just like them, not sure why except that a good friend of mine redid his in high school, and I thought it was the coolest thing on wheels.
bugs are cool
I too am lusting after an AC bug. My first two were a 56 convertible and a 61 hardtop.
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