Where Should I start?

[OTB Dub]

Well the time has come for me to start a project car. I would like to build a Kick A baja, but I'm not sure where to start. I need to know with what chassis to start with and where to get suspension mods? These aren't my only question. I have done a lot of reading and researching I just need to talk to people you have done it in person. I would like to build my baja for trail running and the occasional mud hole. I guess I kind of want an all-a-rounder. Thanks for the help.

[Class 11 streeter]

Start by finding a Baja. Appearance is not so much an issue as function. Your first Baja should be a simple engine/transaxle/suspension setup for the learning experience instead of trying to get everything perfect the first time. There are several web sites out there where the owner was a first time Baja builder and they document months of work work work that gets them frustrated and discouraged instead of telling stories of their ride time.

I suggest you get one that runs. It doesn't matter if it's swingaxle or IRS, balljoint or kingpin, it just needs to work. It may cost a little more at first but if it runs then you can spend time in the drivers seat instead of time on your back on the garage floor. There are a lot of Baja's out there sitting dead in backyards and garages for cheap but if they have been sitting for years you will spend months of weekends getting things fixed and working again.

What you will do over time is form plans about how you want to modify the Baja "next upgrade time" based on what you learn and what you want to try out and then you will have the drive to either rebuild your Baja better or build another one.

Some of the best offroading Baja's look like they got beat with the ugly stick.

Ugly = Fun!

[GDRBO]

Seriously good advice! If you become frustrated your project could well become someone elses bargin. Buy something you can use and modify to suit your needs. Un less you have experiance you can hardly know what you need. 10 people can/will tell you at least 8 different things they did and you are still gussing what YOU need.

[OTB Dub]

Can you guys tell me where you are buying your parts from. Also if you could post some all-a-rounder baja it would be greatly apperciated. Just pics in general will help. Thanks guys.

[Guest]

try http://sandlizrd.baja.com/ for general information

and Remember www.google.com is your FRIEND ask him nearly all your questions

for buy/sell of VWs I recommend www.thesamba.com
there is another good VW classified but i never remember it's name..


www.ebay.com is good for parts.. is iffy for cars.. buyer beware there..



danfromsyr

[Bob Ingman]

Get the book Bajas and Buggies by Jeff Hibbard. It has a load of information on building a non-cosmetic Baja on a budget. Book is available all over the net and VW shops including www.aircooled.net
Good luck. Bob Ingman

[jeremy nesbitt]

I've bought alot of stuff from chirco automotive www.chirco.com

[BigGaluot]

i have been building a baja for about six months . money is a little tight so the going has been slow . the best places i have found for parts has been the samba and the little nickel . its a free clasified . i have gotten some stuff from guy that gave up on their bajas . if you have time you can find some really good deals on stuff . i got and adjustable front beam for 50.00. its almost new and it was complet from drum to drum with a steering box . same guy also had a used narrow eye 7 pice kit minus a front fender for 40.00. week before i got a 6 piont show cage and 2 plastic bucket seats with cover for 140.00. so if you have time look around . the stuff is out there . i got lots of good stuff last fall at the swap meet .
Glen

[Nick]

TESTING BECAUSE I TRIED TO POST AND IT DIDNT GO THROUGH!

[YELLOWBAJBUG]

Get a bug with an IRS rear end and a balljoint front end, i think thats 68 and later, dont get a super beetle they are not good for off road cuz they have front struts. depending on how much work you do and how much money you want to spend you could either slap on a fiberglass 7 piece baja kit raise the rear end by turning the torsion bars and get a rebuilt front beam with front torsion bar adjusters, slap on some big tires on the rear and then just use it as is and upgrade as you take it out and play. theres a lot of info on the net about building baja bugs and theres an excellent book called BUILDING BAJA BUGS AND BUGGIES by jeff hibbard, get it before you start, it has a wealth of nation.

[Nick]

Get the book BUILDING BAJA BUGS AND BUGGIES by jeff hibbard it has a wealth of information. sorry about the typos in my last post im drunk

[Ribz]

indeed the book that everyone has mentioned is a great book, even being waaaayyyy out of date

-Ribz

[prerunner1499]

well, that book bajas & buggies, has avery basic modification you can do to a baja in thare. those things have changed little over time.
What HAS changed is all the little doodads, gizmoa, and aftermerket parts choices.

All the cool gidgets in the mags still wont do any good if you cant take it out and beat it without breaking it.

Things Ive learned
1. KISS keep it simple stupid,,,,, the more elaborate the more $ your throwing into it.
2. a type one trans is tough enough for regular off road use as long as you dont get air and let it slam dowm under power. BAD ,, very BAD!!
contrary to what others say, most bajas are running type one trans just fine. (but a bus is stronger)
3. a class 11 chenowth cage is worth the money spent, it already fits and it works great.
4. you can always do more later after you get it running and rolling.
5. the cheaper it is the less your significant other gripes about "that damn money pit haha bug"
6. do your homework when buying parts. there are alot of oprions out there and prices vary alot. I've seen combo link pin spindles for $310 to over $550.
7. advice is cheap and its always available. But good advice is priceless.
8. drive it like you dont want to break it and usually wont break.
9. BUY ONE ALREADY STARTED.

I got my baja, full score legal bumper to bumper cage, fuel cell, cut & turned beam, new centerline wheels, good tires, all custom wired, baja 2 tube bumpers, sheetmetal door panels, alum dash and head switch panel, one peice race front end and rear fenders, 6 fox shocks,,,, all this for,, get this $500 bucks. SCORE DUDE SCORE!!!!!
Ive since replaced the original momo, it had a cracked case,, put thing front end on, 2.5x2.5 arms, and it has over 500 desert pre run miles on it.
IF I were to build this I would have countless hours, and at leads $3000 into it.

[OTB Dub]

Thanks guys. You have all been really helpful.

[Chirco]

We are build an affordable Baja and putting pics on our web site.
www.chirco.com
Maybe some of this info can give you some ideas.
Best of luck
Don