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Long-time stalker, first-time poster. Looking for help finding reputable shop to basically build me a shortened pan with motor/transaxle. I'm not confident I can take on that part of the build, so I'm willing to pay to have it done. Would serve to kickstart my 20-yr project. 
(it's a long story). Located near Denver CO. I appreciate any advice.
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I did mine 25 years ago following the instructions in the CMC build manual. I too was shakie using 2 Home Depot slightly warped 2x4" as an alignment/measuring template -- along with a borrowed oxy-acetylene torch (and adult ed welding class). Just need to measure few times and cut once. Suspect a welding, hot rod or frame straightening shop could do it for you.
There are a bunch of Hot Rod shops in and around Denver. Altitude Hot Rod out in Parker could build a roller for you but all of these guys are gonna get big money to build a roller, even though they could knock one out in a week or two. If you were to get them all of the components and they just shorten the pan and bolt everything on for you, I would expect that to run $3K-$5K in total parts and labor.
But first, you have to find a bug pan. If you want swing-arm for the nostalgia, go with a pre-1967 pan. If you want IRS for better handling, go with a 1969-1972 non-McPherson-Strut front end pan. Check for a beetle sedan of those years on your local Craigslist, the Samba website or google your area for local VW clubs and start chatting people up. They're out there (the donor cars) but you have to dig a bit to find them.
You could also check in the back of Hot VWs magazine for air-cooled VW shops in Colorado to chat with to see if they're interested in your build. There are a bunch of Buggy shops out there, too.
RC,
You mention you're in Colorado but your profile says Pennsylvania? The reason I ask is there is a place in Harrisburg, PA that I believe sells the prepped chassis but I can't think of the name right now, maybe someone else on here remembers.
Several years ago - The Buggyman in Lorton, VA offered me VW pans with titles for $100 each. Suspect that was sans transaxel, brakes and front suspension. He had 15 or so cars sitting in yard. Shipping could be a killer. Be sure to get one with a VW title that matches the chassis # stamped into the center tunnel - saves difficulty registering car.
RC,
You mention you're in Colorado but your profile says Pennsylvania? The reason I ask is there is a place in Harrisburg, PA that I believe sells the prepped chassis but I can't think of the name right now, maybe someone else on here remembers.
There are a bunch of Hot Rod shops in and around Denver. Altitude Hot Rod out in Parker could build a roller for you but all of these guys are gonna get big money to build a roller, even though they could knock one out in a week or two. If you were to get them all of the components and they just shorten the pan and bolt everything on for you, I would expect that to run $3K-$5K in total parts and labor.
But first, you have to find a bug pan. If you want swing-arm for the nostalgia, go with a pre-1967 pan. If you want IRS for better handling, go with a 1969-1972 non-McPherson-Strut front end pan. Check for a beetle sedan of those years on your local Craigslist, the Samba website or google your area for local VW clubs and start chatting people up. They're out there (the donor cars) but you have to dig a bit to find them.
You could also check in the back of Hot VWs magazine for air-cooled VW shops in Colorado to chat with to see if they're interested in your build. There are a bunch of Buggy shops out there, too.
Thanks, DannyP. Sent Acme an email. I don't suppose the proprietor's name is Wile E Coyote...
I spoke with John York of York Motorcars in Ashland VA 7-8 years ago. He did that kind of work--Just didn't have the funds back then. Anyone work with him before?
I'd like to hear what Acme quotes you for a full pan.
ACME usually displays at Carlisle, don't they? There's your road trip right there in one big package. Come to Carlisle, pick up a pan...maybe they even offer a show price.
RC,
I'm checking with a friend in Denver. He said he has worked with a guy in Denver and one in Colorado Springs. I'm hoping to get contact information for you...
RC,
I'm checking with a friend in Denver. He said he has worked with a guy in Denver and one in Colorado Springs. I'm hoping to get contact information for you...
Response from Acme was really quick. Without specifying options, custom rolling "Nostalgia" chassis w/ engine is in the range of $8.5-$10K. Not pan-based. I didn't think that sounded too outrageous.
Long way from Denver but Gary Brindle (sold kit year ago) got his chassis from place in Pasadena MD - they have lots of ads on SAMBA.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=892080
RC,
This should be helpful info from my friend in Denver:
"Jeremy Vreeman, Rocky Mountain Motorworks Restorations 719/648-2280, Colorado Springs, CO. He's done a bunch of VW stuff for me including painting a 356 and working on my RSK. www.motorworksrestorations.com
Patrick, 23 Deluxe, 303/806-8062, Englewood, CO. This guy is a great fabricator in addition to having a pretty complete VW retail shop. I bought lots of parts from him and he also did the fab on the rollbar system in my RSK. 23deluxe.com"
Good luck and let us know how you do.
Bruce
Bruce--thanks for the info. You've really gone the extra mile. I actually work near Engle wood, so my next step is contacting 23 Deluxe. Sent some additional info to Acme, too. Weighing the options. Will keep everyone posted.
NO problem, happy to help. You also might be able to order a chassis from one of the west coast builders and have it shipped to you.
