Well, just had confirmation from Mark at Dream Shack that production has started on my Sand Rail :D :D
I have started this so he can update the early build process and add photos, then I can carry on. It will be based on a standard Beetle chassis (once I find one) and I won't be opting for IRS. This may change in the future, but initially I want less complicated. Also not sure on Engine and Gearbox yet so I am researching which would make the perfect pair :-\
No pics yet as it would just be a pile of Scaffy tubes ;D
Pics to follow... yes they are just tubes, but they all got bent to shape today for the batch we are doing next week, three frames for customers, one is a full build.
This one left for Ireland today, making room for the next three frame builds and two full builds. Busy busy busy. We got the main tubes bent up ready to go onto the jigs... One of them will be yours Mark ;)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-16121650_zpsce8ed16a.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-16121650_zpsce8ed16a.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-16143154_zps9139fdbf.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-16143154_zps9139fdbf.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-19100735_zps17abd643.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-19100735_zps17abd643.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-19135853_zps1c867a96.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-19135853_zps1c867a96.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-19135856_zps2a8f5daa.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-19135856_zps2a8f5daa.jpg.html)
Looking Good so far ;D
you may find a 1303s pan with irs then just fit a beam head stock to it. irs will give the rear a lift for the tough off road look.
this is our 1303 version, it uses the standartd front struts etc
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-03-09151413_zpsef7ff554.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-03-09151413_zpsef7ff554.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-03-09151434_zps4d6a704f.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-03-09151434_zps4d6a704f.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-03-05152525_zpsb617ebc4.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-03-05152525_zpsb617ebc4.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-03-05152457_zpsd4949e86.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-03-05152457_zpsd4949e86.jpg.html)
I don't think the IRS chassis is as nice looking, to me anywho ;)
Beautifully built but must have a beam front end ;-)up
Yes, my thoughts exactly. This is what is mine will look like when Mark has finished (well, mine has some extras ;))
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/buggy1.jpg)
Quote from: Big Clem on April 23, 2013, 07:16:38 PM
Beautifully built but must have a beam front end ;-)up
Im wondering what kind of panel job would look good on that chassis.... it has a sleek looking nose and wide back end i think
Quote from: Big Clem on April 23, 2013, 07:16:38 PM
Beautifully built but must have a beam front end ;-)up
I am with you there, and not just because the 1303 version is massively more work! :)
Quote from: Shaggy on April 23, 2013, 07:56:46 PM
Im wondering what kind of panel job would look good on that chassis.... it has a sleek looking nose and wide back end i think
Steve's LWB buggy has basically the same frame jammed underneath ;-)up
We are developing our body now, its a bit more sports than buggy, when I get it right I will post pics
cant wait to see it mate...I just know its going to look different and very sleek :)
wow :D
I spent have years honing the design to get it as comprehensive and cheap to build as possible. It uses all standard VW parts now, including the tank, unmodified steering column etc. You can bolt the frame down, fit the tank and steering in under an hour. Battery remains in standard position etc.
We have got the price down to somewhere more realistic for the current climate, and following recent customer feedback, we will be able to offer powder coating frames from our new workshop. Outscourcing Powder coating a frame was costing us 350 + VAT, and being as we are selling the frames on offer at the moment for 795 all in, it was simply too much. It didnt fit in with the budget build concept.
The whole ethos of these things is cheap fun in a buggy-like style, and a fast simple build. It is gratifying after years of struggle that they are starting to catch on.
They remind me of the days when me and my mate had one of these as our every day road car in the early 1980s
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt258/shaggy1966/buggy/DSC00132.jpg) (http://s617.photobucket.com/user/shaggy1966/media/buggy/DSC00132.jpg.html)
not a very good pic i know but from a 110 camera that had been in the sea Its great :D
I always loves Fugitives too, could never afford one back then though!
and this is what we did when we raced in the SCORR competitions against Kingfisher Kustoms and Bears autos
(http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt258/shaggy1966/buggy/DSC00130.jpg) (http://s617.photobucket.com/user/shaggy1966/media/buggy/DSC00130.jpg.html)
Happy days!
Now that's what I am talking about ;-)up ;-)up ;-)up
I love the sandrail look and now prefer it a little more without the panels.
Next step sorted. I am now the owner of a '66 rolling chassis, so work has started on strip down, media blast and shopping list ;D
Can you let me know if it is King and Link or balljoint. ;)
Quote from: dreamshack on April 26, 2013, 08:54:19 AM
Can you let me know if it is King and Link or balljoint. ;)
Here she is in all her glory - ish :P
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/FrontBeam2.jpg)
Ive got a fugitive f30 stripped down at the moment awaiting resto and i may be going to buy a road worthy one sat to potter about in over the summer! :-)
cant wait haha
miss the days when we were out in the old rail ;-)up
was so light at the front, we used to pick it up at the front to turn it round in the car park at work. It was too tight to turn round.
Other drivers used to spend ages moving back and forth to turn their cars round to get out :)
Quote from: Shaggy on April 26, 2013, 01:19:24 PM
miss the days when we were out in the old rail ;-)up
was so light at the front, we used to pick it up at the front to turn it round in the car park at work. It was too tight to turn round.
Other drivers used to spend ages moving back and forth to turn their cars round to get out :)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Thanks for the pic chap. Can you send me one of the steering column too, I need to see the whole thing including the mount plate.
emailed sent dude ;-)up
Mark, you have an adaptor plate on the gearbox, post up a pic. I have my suspicions what it is for. Someone on here might want to buy it from you if it is identified properly ;-)up
like the frame ;-)up i been looking at the expedition type ones on ebay like look of them think be cool towing my jetskis down to beach ect big off road type
is it painted or powder coated ?
you will have fun unpacking that lot ;-)up :D
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-16143154_zps9139fdbf.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null.png)
That red one is painted, when we open the new workshop we will have a big enough oven to powder coat and bake the frames ourselves.
Quote from: dreamshack on April 27, 2013, 08:18:42 AM
That red one is painted, when we open the new workshop we will have a big enough oven to powder coat and bake the frames ourselves.
;-)up
Mine will be grey, no Black, No grey :-\
Anyone identify the adapter on it?
is it a ford adaptor????
if it is a ford one they also changed the input shaft, so to go back to vw power it is another job on the list
I reckon it might be RV8
One of the three frames coming together...
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-26145746_zps22ad6263.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-26145746_zps22ad6263.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-26145824_zpscdf4080b.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-26145824_zpscdf4080b.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-26145858_zps062e875f.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-26145858_zps062e875f.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-27130910_zps3e7c28e4.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-27130910_zps3e7c28e4.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-27134029_zps5c38d7ca.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-27134029_zps5c38d7ca.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-27134039_zps3d61de34.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-27134039_zps3d61de34.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-27135046_zpsbbc7bdeb.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-27135046_zpsbbc7bdeb.jpg.html)
(http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r365/dreamshack/0212/2013-04-27135204_zpsc5d67760.jpg) (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/dreamshack/media/0212/2013-04-27135204_zpsc5d67760.jpg.html)
Sweeeeeeeet ;)
Quote from: BEELZEDUB on April 27, 2013, 12:49:37 PM
is it a ford adaptor????
I believe you are correct. Ford CVH engine apparently bleugh
Just a quick update on the build:
Chassis all stripped and floor pans removed
Gear stick cut out and moved back to original position
Gearbox and Ford adapter and brackets removed (For Sale)
Front Beam stripped and brakes all removed
Sent to media blasters
I am just collating parts for when the chassis returns and to have new pans welded back on. ;-)up
The first big charity show of the year is out of the way, and we are midway through the move to bigger new premises, jigs and main fabricating equipment are at the new place so we can crack on with this frame over the next week or so. How is your floorpan coming along chap?
Getting there. Back from the media blasters and having the new pans put on. A few bits of welding on other small areas, so we are OK.
Did you find that Powder Coat colour?
will you be using it on the road ?
any ideas what sort of mudguards you are going to use.
EDIT,
forgot to say, looks like its going to be pretty cool, always fancied a rail myself, even before I saw my first buggy.
Quote from: Steve on May 21, 2013, 09:12:24 AM
will you be using it on the road ?
Hell Yeah ;-)up
Quote from: Steve on May 21, 2013, 09:12:24 AMany ideas what sort of mudguards you are going to use.
Not sure yet. I will be discussing it with Mark @ Dreamshack. There are a few ideas but nothing's decided
Quote from: Steve on May 21, 2013, 09:12:24 AMEDIT,
forgot to say, looks like its going to be pretty cool, always fancied a rail myself, even before I saw my first buggy.
Thank You. I had a GRP MK1 when I was a lot younger and always said I would own a rail at some point ;D
Quote
Hell Yeah
;D top man ;-)up
Quote from: Steve on May 21, 2013, 08:30:45 PM
Quote
;D top man ;-)up
I honestly cannot wait ;)
I want one of these. ;-)up I feel this could be my next project!!!
Quote from: rich74310 on May 21, 2013, 09:14:08 PM
I want one of these. ;-)up I feel this could be my next project!!!
go on Rich, do it, do it, do it ,do it ;D
what are the regs like over in france for this kind of thing.
I'm planning on moving the family to South West France next year, so have already discussed a LHD version.
Its a bit of a gray area. :( As ive found out. More down to dvla than anything. It can be done but its very long winded. Dont export it from the uk without a reg doc. If You have this its alot easier to register it than an actual export certificate.
It is defo registered on an E '1967 at the moment. When it goes to France I will be purchasing a UK LHD chassis before registering it. At least this should keep it simpler..........hopefully ;D
V627/1, built up vehicle inspection report - take it to the DVLA, they have a look, check the chassis number, make sure it is still a standard pan, and that's it, they change the V5 - and if you are lucky you get to name it! DO NOT try this with a SWB or tube frame buggy or Dave will be out here with his can of worms JPG
My current V5 for this Sandrail actually states
Beetle Sport
I can live with that ;-)up ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
cool
Well, I went to collect the Sandrail top/Body this weekend and met up with Mark and Karen from DCS (Dreamshack Custom Sandrails).
There were a few tweaks and additions we discussed, So Mark set to
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null-41.jpg)
We then proceeded to load it onto the roof rack for the long journey home
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null-45.jpg)
When I actually got home, I left it on the roof as no-one was around to help me get it off. I woke up in the morning keen to get it cleaned and primed in charcoal black, but again no-one was around to help me get it off. So, as I needed to do this ASAP, I improvised and masked off the car and proceeded to primer it :D
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null-43.jpg)
I think I got a good finish too ;-)up
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null-42.jpg)
Quote from: Sandrailer on July 28, 2013, 06:08:47 PM
When I actually got home, I left it on the roof as no-one was around to help me get it off. I woke up in the morning keen to get it cleaned and primed in charcoal black, but again no-one was around to help me get it off. So, as I needed to do this ASAP, I improvised and masked off the car and proceeded to primer it :D
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null-43.jpg)
::) ::) That's good... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Top work ;-)up
Any updates on this build please??
Not for a couple of weeks, he is on holiday abroad avoiding the weather :)
Ah ha. I'm back and getting on with it.
The chassis was cut to bits to remove the rot etc and new floor pans put in. It was then treated to a nice smooth coating to finish off. We then slowly started to bolt all the bits back on but found that the refurbishing of some of these parts was time consuming. This meant I started to build a huge shopping list of new parts required.
So for the last few weeks I have been wheeler dealer-ing to get the best deals where possible.
These parts are slowly going on but am I am just waiting for a couple of key parts to arrive in the next few weeks so I can finish her off, just in time for the snow ;D
Here are a few photos:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null_zps49470da1.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null_zps4a47fc22.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/rotoryboy/null_zps61b76647.jpg)
When I get the next bits, I can start to bolt on most of the others, so will update after wards
That's looking really good enjoying see ing this built ;-)up
Looking Good ;-)up