unlimited 5 class build???

[spadednstuff]

hey im thinking of buying a bug to start a 5 class build an was wondering if there are any opinions out there about what year is good or anything elese about 5 class bugs???

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[younggunracer]

Yea spend your money on a 12 its more fun and and more competitive! Just my opinion anywyas are you looking to build full tube or you gonna use a pan?

[spadednstuff]

well this will be my first build mostly to learn so im not exactly shure what the difference is. ima dirt bike racer trying to leard to fabricate so yea i dont kno a whole lot yet

[baja stu]

You might want to start out with a 5-1600 car. It's cheaper to build and you incorporate the pan. For a good 5-1600 car your going to spend 20-25k and a 5-car your going to spend 40-50k. You can either find a pre 66 car and swap out the swing axle for IRS or you can find a 1969 and up car and swap out the front end from a ball joint to a link pin. This is up for debate which one is easier . Look in the classifieds for some used parts. Try to pick up some used parts and save yourself some cash. For your first car you might just want to build a play car and just have some fun. Just remember to incorporate all of the safety items in the car; i.e. cage, 5-points, window nets, roll over valves, and a fire extinguisher. Take it from me, I’ve rolled a car and you will appreciate all of the safety parts.

[spadednstuff]

yea im still not shure what im gonna do or if im gonna do it with a bug, just want to find somthing reasonably cheep so i can learn an have some fun with it. but thanks for the tips, I'll make shure its safe to roll befor i go mobin through the desert. oh and what exactly do roll over valves do???

[younggunracer]

yea im still not shure what im gonna do or if im gonna do it with a bug, just want to find somthing reasonably cheep so i can learn an have some fun with it. but thanks for the tips, I'll make shure its safe to roll befor i go mobin through the desert. oh and what exactly do roll over valves do???

It prevents fuel line and cell leeks when you role. So you don't get caught on fire

[younggunracer]

You might want to start out with a 5-1600 car. It's cheaper to build and you incorporate the pan. For a good 5-1600 car your going to spend 20-25k and a 5-car your going to spend 40-50k. You can either find a pre 66 car and swap out the swing axle for IRS or you can find a 1969 and up car and swap out the front end from a ball joint to a link pin. This is up for debate which one is easier . Look in the classifieds for some used parts. Try to pick up some used parts and save yourself some cash. For your first car you might just want to build a play car and just have some fun. Just remember to incorporate all of the safety items in the car; i.e. cage, 5-points, window nets, roll over valves, and a fire extinguisher. Take it from me, I’ve rolled a car and you will appreciate all of the safety parts.

I'm going to agree if this is your first build and you wan't to gain fabrication experince build the bug or just a plain buggy. You don't have to be rule specific with motor and go out and buy a mendeola and such. Just keep it simple. I would build a tube chassis buggy based of a 1600 if i was you. Use a bigger stock vw motor and a 002 trans you can get both cheap. Keep your cost down for now and when you get more experince build a class specific car!

[bajafoolin']

IMO I don't think you should spend a dime until you decide exactly what you want to build. Then you should start drawing and making parts list including all the tools you will need or where you can borrow them. Then start pricing things out, how much for your 5/16 build plan, how much for your 5 open plan, how much for your 1600. Now instead of asking just a couple questions a week about an old broken bug in your backyard, you have a plan and are on a mission.

A year ago I got all worked up about building a 5/16, but I had never thought the entire process out. I did not have a SCORE rule book and with all the high tech TT,CL1,CL10s its hard to pay close attention to the construction of a vw bug (especially if your eye is untrained). Once I got myself a rulebook I realized I was missing two class requirements doors and a floor pan. And until another prospect bug comes my way I'm drawing Trophy Bugs that I can't afford.

If your money is burning a hole in your pocket then spend 2-3 grand on a baja bug that works, put it on the trailer and go get some time in the desert. You will brake it everytime you take it out, but experience is how you learn anything. You will learn way more that way than sitting in your garage learning how to weld and asking people on the internet how to build your bug. Get a vw mechanic in your corner giving you advice and give it some time. If throwing your money into a 40 year old dusty bucket of bolts is really what you want to do, then in due time you will be racing.

I suggest you buy a score rulebook, logically that is the best way to get familiar with each class and their differences. If you have a desire to drive a race car thats one thing but the telling factor is your desire to learn.

[5_guy]

I know of 2 new 5 unlimiteds being built right now, with a new SCORE legal chassis and all the top of the line components (FAT Type 4, Fortin Trans, King Shocks, etc) both racers budget just for the car is at $60,000. This does not include spares or equipment for chase trucks and or pits.
Just something to think about.

[BajaCoalition]

I know of someone selling his 5/16 really cheap. Started originally asking $21,000 for everything, spare tires, motor, tranny, etc. but needs out quickly dropped the asking price to $12,000. The car is race ready, if your interested PM me for details.