Body to pan attachment points?

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 10:22 pm

Where does the fiber body attach to the pan other that the floor runing boards, rear support and front frame support? Does it also attach to the front torsion bar housing bungs on top? Any pics of these points ?

flaboyjim · Post by **flaboyjim** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 10:27 pm

Same points that the original Beetle Body used - minus the two on the front beam and the two on the rear shock mounts...

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 10:32 pm

Thanks!!! Anyone has tried to attach the front hood on hinges bolted to the front torsion housing mounting bolts? So that the hood along with the dash flips forwards on air shocks, like those used to keep trunk lids open.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:39 am

Actually the Manx came with two little brackets that attached to the two threaded holes on top of the front beam. They go up and support the front of the gas tank and the body at the same time.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:45 am

Will the weight of the fuel tank on front cause any warping or bending of the front portion of the body if no supports under are fabricated?

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:50 am

I wouldnt leave the front supports out. I think it will cause too much stress to the hood. During my Manx restoration, I spent a very long time trying to get those bolts on. I found it very akward. In fact, those bolts and brackets are the only reason I havent pulled my body off again to replace the fender beading and fuel sending unit.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:39 am

Has anyone tried to attach the hood on hinges bolted to the front torsion housing bolts? So that the hood and dash all flip forwards on air shocks, like those used on trunk lids.

Lee · Post by **Lee** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:16 am

Here's what the front support brackets look like. You need them. I haven't tried hinging the hood because there's no room for anything in there anyway.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:32 am

Just for it to be different and not have a fill cap sticking out the hood...instead have it hidden inside!

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:34 am

Lee, Why did you use those washers? was there a clearance issue? Or were you trying to raise the body for some other reason?

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:46 am

I think they just fit over the threaded bungs in the housing to provide a larger base for the bracket to sit on.

rzeller · Post by **rzeller** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:30 am

Never fails. As hard as I try I just can't help but learn something from this group. After the posts about the gas tank supports I went out and checked my buggy. Guess what? No supports!

Lee or someone else, can you help me with the type of "Z or S" supports I need? How about the size of the bolts that attach to the front beam. I stuck my finger under there trying to judge the hole size, but my finger isn't that calibrated. Thanks, Bud

MickeyUSA · Post by **MickeyUSA** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:16 am

On a Manx 1, the bug's (doner) body rubber washer goes under the Z shape bracket.

Lee · Post by **Lee** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:47 am

Alexh is right. The washers were actually a part of the Siggy Manx kit. They go over the threaded bosses in place of the stock rubber bushings. I figured Bruce did it that way for a reason, so I used them. So far, so good. Bud, Any decent metal can be used to make the brackets. As you can see, the ones that came with the kit were fairly thick. I can make up a set for you if you like, but it would be best to get the measurement of your car so they would fit. I don't know on the bolts, maybe M8 x 1.25. I can remove one of them and check if no one else knows what they are. The top bolts are the real pain, as they also hold the gas tank in place. Those have to be tightened down before you put the hood on (!) or else there's no way to get to them.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:56 am

The top bolts are the ones I was talking about..!