Hardtop/choptop manx concept
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Hardtop/choptop manx concept
http://photo.starblvd.net/Astron These are some concept sketches i've done of a manx(clone) i'd like to build. Very 60's rod inspired, basically i'd be building a custom hard top over a chopped windshield and low roll bar. Any opinions are welcome
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Nice sketch. Good idea. But
I never liked the look of the exterior sides of those buggies. Looks like an uninstalled sixties plastic bathtub and reflects the fact that the body was made for the convenience of the manufacturer, not the customer. IMHO, that kind of nostalgia is just plain wrong-headed, but we are all different.
I never liked the look of the exterior sides of those buggies. Looks like an uninstalled sixties plastic bathtub and reflects the fact that the body was made for the convenience of the manufacturer, not the customer. IMHO, that kind of nostalgia is just plain wrong-headed, but we are all different.
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I have to agree regarding the sides of the manxstyle buggies. The sides are buttugly if you just leave em like most ppl do.
But, with some work that can be corrected quite nicely. Like mine
http://buggy.ulkhyvlers.net/02030012.html
Atleast here in sweden you can buy these side "implants" at a reasonable price.
But, with some work that can be corrected quite nicely. Like mine
http://buggy.ulkhyvlers.net/02030012.html
Atleast here in sweden you can buy these side "implants" at a reasonable price.
Last edited by snebald on Sat Apr 19, 2003 8:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
I like that! And those huge wheels. And the snow.snebald wrote:I have to agreed regarding the sides of the manxstyle buggies. The sides are buttugly if you just leave em like most ppl do.
But, with some work that can be corrected quite nicely. Like mine
http://buggy.ulkhyvlers.net/02030012.html
Atleast here in sweden you can buy these side "implants" at a reasonable price.
--
John from MinneSnowta USA
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- Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2003 12:01 am
RE: Body Sides
Well, there was "another" MANX, the SR and SR2, here is a pic of mine: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/inde ... +65596.jpg
However, for it's original intended use, most good designers would agree that the MANX form follows its intended function. Noting that Bruce had a blank piece of paper when the new MANXSTER ( www.manxclub.com ) was designed, considerable support for the original design still exists.
Consider the following observations:
1. The term "Dune Buggy" originally referred to the sand dunes at the beach. When racing along the sand, the side design assured that the sand and water flying up from the tires would not become part of the drivers outerwear.
2. By not having easily damaged exposed paintwork on the sides of the body, off-roading is much more attractive.
3. Creating the body in this manner allowed for maximum inner width, maximum structural strength and ease of mfg. Remember, in the 60's no one forced anyone to build a dune buggy, and a lot of knock off bodies emerged. I am sure that there were at least 200 different bodies made using this basic design, and today, some 35 years later, it is still the shape of choice.
4. Perhaps most telling is the appearance of the original German Type 133 Schwimwagen. The outer edge of this vehicle, and the tub like appearance of the Manx design, appear to share many of the same genetic beginnings.
If you want a pretty car, the side pods are a good answer, and they do make for a more complete looking vehicle. But try taking them up into Anza Borrego with the Manx club some weekend and you might like the more functional design of the originals.
Form Follows Function. It's how Dr. Porsche designed the VW in the first place...
BTW: The sketch is interesting, but the roll bar would become non-functioning at that angle and the top would be very difficuly and expensive to build with any structural intregity. The design needs to be either all smooth flowing lines or all angular, the combining to the two is a little like trying to play a 6 note octave.
Remember, free opinions, such as this, are worth what you pay for them !
Bob Miller
Riverside, CA
My first Kit Car (1969). A 1957 VW Convert based "Mountaineer" MANX knock off. Paid $100 for the convert in good condition RIP.
Well, there was "another" MANX, the SR and SR2, here is a pic of mine: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/inde ... +65596.jpg
However, for it's original intended use, most good designers would agree that the MANX form follows its intended function. Noting that Bruce had a blank piece of paper when the new MANXSTER ( www.manxclub.com ) was designed, considerable support for the original design still exists.
Consider the following observations:
1. The term "Dune Buggy" originally referred to the sand dunes at the beach. When racing along the sand, the side design assured that the sand and water flying up from the tires would not become part of the drivers outerwear.
2. By not having easily damaged exposed paintwork on the sides of the body, off-roading is much more attractive.
3. Creating the body in this manner allowed for maximum inner width, maximum structural strength and ease of mfg. Remember, in the 60's no one forced anyone to build a dune buggy, and a lot of knock off bodies emerged. I am sure that there were at least 200 different bodies made using this basic design, and today, some 35 years later, it is still the shape of choice.
4. Perhaps most telling is the appearance of the original German Type 133 Schwimwagen. The outer edge of this vehicle, and the tub like appearance of the Manx design, appear to share many of the same genetic beginnings.
If you want a pretty car, the side pods are a good answer, and they do make for a more complete looking vehicle. But try taking them up into Anza Borrego with the Manx club some weekend and you might like the more functional design of the originals.
Form Follows Function. It's how Dr. Porsche designed the VW in the first place...
BTW: The sketch is interesting, but the roll bar would become non-functioning at that angle and the top would be very difficuly and expensive to build with any structural intregity. The design needs to be either all smooth flowing lines or all angular, the combining to the two is a little like trying to play a 6 note octave.
Remember, free opinions, such as this, are worth what you pay for them !
Bob Miller
Riverside, CA
My first Kit Car (1969). A 1957 VW Convert based "Mountaineer" MANX knock off. Paid $100 for the convert in good condition RIP.
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Bob's comments are well taken. There are powerful arguments regarding engineering esthetics that have molded the landscape for centuries. Choose one and be happy, and feel free to change your mind later.
"Form Follows Function. It's how Dr. Porsche designed the VW in the first place..."
Don't you rather wish that his first engine concept had worked out? It was a radial design.
"Form Follows Function. It's how Dr. Porsche designed the VW in the first place..."
Don't you rather wish that his first engine concept had worked out? It was a radial design.
- tuna
- Posts: 2531
- Joined: Fri Apr 14, 2000 12:01 am
The other alternative that was done was like my other buggy project:
The side panels are flat and have integral front mudflaps. I've only seen this on one other buggy, which was an identical body.
For more details, check out the Orange Crate website.
Tuna
The side panels are flat and have integral front mudflaps. I've only seen this on one other buggy, which was an identical body.
For more details, check out the Orange Crate website.
Tuna
- C V Man
- Posts: 291
- Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2002 12:01 am
I think the car looks great!
Although, I have to agree about that laid back roll bar...
...It'll just fold down like a bucket handle.
The thing I hated most about those buggies were the "T-bucket" style "Herman Munster" roofs.
(even though they are simple and fuctional)
(which normally is my kind of thing)
This curved roof looks a lot better to me.
I say:
Build it and show us pictures!
C V Man
Although, I have to agree about that laid back roll bar...
...It'll just fold down like a bucket handle.
The thing I hated most about those buggies were the "T-bucket" style "Herman Munster" roofs.
(even though they are simple and fuctional)
(which normally is my kind of thing)
This curved roof looks a lot better to me.
I say:
Build it and show us pictures!
C V Man
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- Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2002 12:01 am
thanks for the comments. I'm not really seeing the conflict between straight lines and curved...the windscreen's pretty straight, but i dont have much to work with there. As far as the roll bar goes, i can definately see that, i dont have the cage fully planned yet, but it will have bars running from the back of the chassis up to meet that, as well as supports that run the length of the roof and meet up with a loop that sits in behind the windshield. It should be darn sturdy, i'd hope. The cage will also change if i build it, most likely, once i get my hands on a buggy body to actually see stuff in person....
by the way, i'll be doing a custom interior on this too, nothing too fancy, just super cleaned up, basically only a tach and (maybe) a speedo, everything else (including a cd player) will be hidden in a custom made console, with one or two flip up covers. (again something i really need the car to start working on) if anyone's got any buggies sitting around that they dont want, please let me know.
(ps, the munster car, that's what those huge roofs remind me of...i hate those..look too 60's...(and this is a '50's/60's inspired car)
by the way, i'll be doing a custom interior on this too, nothing too fancy, just super cleaned up, basically only a tach and (maybe) a speedo, everything else (including a cd player) will be hidden in a custom made console, with one or two flip up covers. (again something i really need the car to start working on) if anyone's got any buggies sitting around that they dont want, please let me know.
(ps, the munster car, that's what those huge roofs remind me of...i hate those..look too 60's...(and this is a '50's/60's inspired car)
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just fyi, i discovered that the page only appears to have one picture, if you click on the PAGE 1 link at the top left you will get a grid of more pictures...or go to http://photo.starblvd.net/Astron?st=album&pg=0 if you're lazy
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