FAQ 111

Question: How-do!

I have a '72 Superbeetle that I built from parts three years ago and got rear ended in yesterday. I was ably to pry the sheet metal out of the main pully and limp it on home, but now I'm not sure what to do.

Providing the frame isn't too bent to realign everything, it may be too cost-prohibitive to stragighten the parts that the bumpers, rear parts of the fenders, and that skirt thing attaches to. I don't really want one but I might have to bob the tail to save the car. I have never considered it before, though I guess I can go about taking notes on what others have done. Is there a standard method for doing a tail-ectomy?

Secondly, it is a Super. I have never heard of them being made into Bajas because of the front ends. Any advice you can give me will be welcome.

In the meantime I do have my pickup truck and I'll have my motorcycle back on the road in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the time and trouble.

Will, Norfolk, Virginia

Answer: Supers can be made into Bajas. Raising the front is different, but I think you can get a few extra inches. Besides, more ground clearance is not a requirement for a Baja. There are tons of street Bajas. Over all, it might be the same amount of work to just replace the rear valance, if indeed that is the only thing bent. They are available. Check out parts suppliers that I list at: http://laudeman.com/bug_orders.html Books on Baja conversions are good. The classic is "Baja Bugs and Buggies": http://laudeman.com/bug_links.html If you do get a Baja kit, get it from Mark V Fiberglass. I have never heard of a Baja kit from another source that was any good. The "Baja kit" is between 5 and 7 alternate body parts. You still have to supply the front and rear tubular cage thingies (called Baja bumpers).

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