question on vw frame cutting/fab

Let's say that I want to get the vw beetle pan ready before finding the body, will the shortening of the pan will be size compatible with all available bodies out there or should I wait until having the body on hand to start modification of vw pan?

thanks

Steve: Most, if not all, of the body manufacturers will tell you how much the pan needs to be shortened to match their bodies. I worked with a CMC body and their manual not only tells you the dimensions needed when finished, but how to do the cuts, shortening and welding to complete the job. Having said that, I also used an old reference article from Kit Car magazine to help me along. The CMC body requires a pan shortened 11.81 inches. Not sure what the others need (help, someone??) but I'm sure someone here can help.

I'm sure that JPS, VS and IM have the same types of assembly manuals for their kits and can make similar recommendations.

I would suggest that you decide on a body manufacturer, decide on which body style you prefer, and THEN you'll know how much you'll have to shorten your pan (and also which year(s) they recommend for a donor chassis). It's all pretty straight-forward and many of us on this forum can help as you go along.

Good Luck!

Gordon
The Speedster guy from Rhode Island

Whoops!

Just remembered that IM provides a tube frame for their cars, As does Beck) so "shortening of the pan" is not an issue in their case!!

gn

Gordon
I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
What I was trying to do was to get "ahead" by getting the pan shortened before finding the body kit, I guess it will be wise to find the body in advance he?

Steve,

Just checked the manual for my 94 VS re: pan shortening:

NOTE: It is necessary to shorten the VW pan 11.81 inches. To do this a 10" section is removed from the pan following the instructions in this section. The pan is then pulled together with an overlap of 1.81 inches.

Hope this helps. If you want, I can scan the section on pan shortening (4 pages with illustrations) and e-mail them to you. Sounds like you'd be able to mate either a CMC (if you can find one) or a VS body to the shortened frame.

Scott Bell

what's the most available/affordable/quality kit out there this days? (if there is such thing)

There is a guy down here in Texas that will sell you a shortend, refurbished pan. He has the specs if you give him the kit type. It was like $1800 turn key without wheels or tranny. New brakes and drums, shift bushings and rebuilt front end. IRS or Swing. Really clean. They look new.

john,
your speedy looks real nice.
hard top and every thing.
a real speedy gons haul ass
with those fuch's
LOL

do you have that guys name and number?
the one who sells refurb pans.
with title I hope?
thanks

I'll see if I can find it. He builds a manx knock off and is in East Texas. Back to you next week.

yes would like to hear who and where, now someone has a body for me?

If your a tall person, you may want to spring for the deeper rear pans If the car is a non tube build.

I have put deep floor pans into a car....the easiest way to discribe them is that they are a large configuration of a pan roller pan ...the taper begins at the front of the seat and drops down and levels off to a depth of 3"