WHA???? Year Requirements for a Flared Speedster???

I have just heard from a reputable company a statement that I've never seen before and I need help on it.

First, think about this: TRUE or FALSE. In order to build a flared fender Speedster you must have a VW beetle from 1973 or before; a 1977 beetle would not work.

This is the first time I've heard of a year requirement on speedster. Obviously, I know it can't be a Super Beetle, but I thought all model years of a Beetle would work. When stripped down, aren't all the pans basically the same???

Help!

Hog wash - heck with front end welding or mod kit (see back of CMC build manual) even the Super beetle will work. '77 was last year for std beetle in US. Maybe they want to save the last production year bugs?

That's encouraging. I'm hoping more replies come in like yours. Its my understanding that once the body is off, most (regular) beetle pans are identical so I don't understand why it wouldn't work either . . .

A 1977 would require smog equipment and tests here in California. Below '73 doesnt have smog rules.

FAIL! My question has nothing to do with smog rules.

It's all about whether the body would fit or not.

brain damage

Indeed, it could be brain damage. But the vendor that told me this is a highly respected builder of Speedsters. I won't out them until I hear more solid replies.

WHY NOT CALL KIRK AT VINTAGE OR JOHN AT JPS.
THEY BOTH BUILD FLARED FENDER CARS AND THEY WOULD BE YOUR BEST SOURCE

- I have just heard from a reputable company a statement that I've never seen before and I need help on it.

Talk is cheep.

- First, think about this: TRUE or FALSE. In order to build a flared fender Speedster you must have a VW beetle from 1973 or before; a 1977 beetle would not work.

FALSE - 1974 standard I believe what the last of the USA built VW's to have a BJ front end.

- This is the first time I've heard of a year requirement on speedster. Obviously, I know it can't be a Super Beetle, but I thought all model years of a Beetle would work. When stripped down, aren't all the pans basically the same???

Basically, yes..., you can always scab on anything your heart desires.
That said, get your hands on a Mexican bug..., and just pick a year.

David - dd-ardvark

"WHY NOT CALL KIRK AT VINTAGE OR JOHN AT JPS.
THEY BOTH BUILD FLARED FENDER CARS AND THEY WOULD BE YOUR BEST SOURCE"

Here's the problem: one of the people you mentioned IS the person that made the above statement.

INTERESTING
MY 06 JPS WAS NOT PAN BASED AND THE DONOR VEHICLE WAS A 74.

Hogwash.

Gerd- The '06 had the Barrett frame?

Somthing about this has an odor....I'm just say'n

You're right, there's something just not right here. I didn't think there were limitations on the (standard) pan that could be used. This is coming as a complete shock to me.

Here's one source that says 1977 was last year of importing the Standard Bug sedan into US --- although production for Europe continued in Germany until 1978. After that it was only the Super convertible for US thru 1979.

http://www.rossvw.com/vw/77beetle.htm

Note standard position for spare tire.

STAN WHAT IS THE BARRETT FRAME?
THIS IS MY 06 FRAME

THERE YA GO GERD!

http://www.manxchassis.com/

Alan, I smell it too. I know it isn't me or you, so who do think dealt this one?

....odd eh?

Gerd had a mild flare. The more recent Super Wides like Troy and I have were pre 70 and I think swing axles. Mine for sure is a 66. Billy B also did a Super Wide last year that was recelty for sale on Ebay. Does the big rear end make any diferrence?

"Does the big rear end make any difference?"

I'd have to say it depends on the woman, IMHO!

Dr. Evil are we talking J-Lo or Kardashian?

Yech to both. We are talking figuratively, though. If either one of them were actually in front of me, I'm sure they'd be just fine!

I'd really like to make the girl in this videos aquaintance, though.
Something about leather and long dark hair:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVxt-Qr8ml0

The song is a bit redneck but who cares about the song anyway?

DS

I built and have a CMC flared on a 1976 pan...no problems. Why not asked whoever told you this what the problem would be with a pan newer than 1973? I am assuming you are in the US and not talking to a foreign manufacturer - although I doubt that would make a difference.

Mine is a 1969 and it has IRS, but I think the IRS was a modification that Kirk made, because I specified that when I ordered it. I'm also 99% sure Billy's widebody was also IRS, but his was built on a 1971 VW pan.

IRS standard from 69 on in US, actually there were some 68s with it also.

Not only was it standard from late-1968 on, but it's also a major PITA to add IRS to a swing-axle pan and get it all straight. You must add forward attach points for the rear diagonal arms and THOSE determine the rear wheel alignment.

There is NO tangible difference in a "standard", IRS, non-McPherson-strut pan from 1969 - 1977.

This builder, (as we all know) is blowing smoke out of an oriface and hoping you'll believe him.

So think about this: What's the supposed big deal with a flared body? The pan/frame outline (that which fits directly to the pan) is identical between the "classic" and "flared" cars. All that's different is a little more fiberglass sticking out at the wheel arches. THAT has nothing to do with the pan configuration.

This has been resolved. I heard back from the vendor and they corrected their previous statement. The flared body will fit as long as its not a Super Beetle