Hello,
Just joined here because I've surprised myself by buying a buggy :)
Not collecting until after a short break, as I still want it to be there when we get home ;-)up , but it's a Fibre Fab Mk1 Rat, mounted on a 1966 Beetle 1300 chassis.
Pic uploaded as avatar; better ones to come at end of the month when I have my hands on the beast.
Cheers :)
Hugh
Hello and welcome! So nice to see a Rat that hasn't had it's front wings circumsised too! Nice one!
As David says ;-)up
Looks like it has bags of personality.
Hope you can get some miles in before wet salty frozen roads become the norm.
Great to have another Hugh on the forum.
Thanks everyone, we'll see how good this thing goes in a few weeks time, but it's been mechanically rebuilt so should be no breakdowns for a while...
Cheers :)
Hugh
It`s a hi from me ;-)up
Welcome aboard - as others have said, very nice to see a RAT with all of its front end ;-)up
And it will be staying that shape and colour ;-)up
Cold weather - hah! got plenty of bike gear for that, but might chicken out and try getting a cover made some time 8)
Will have loads of questions, later on when I get to grips with my (our - my wife encouraged me to buy it) new toy.
Cheers :)
Hugh
Welcome from me. Enjoy 8)
Well, that went well ;)
After reading up about MOT exemption here I came to the conclusion that the buggy is not exempt as claimed due to being classed as a saloon on the V5. The last MOT was in 2017 so it is well out of date now. Historic vehicle tax exemption is not in question though as that's how it's described on the V5.
Also the buggy has no wipers / squirters and I was told that it didn't matter as it got through it's last MOT by the current owner saying he could see over the screen. To see over the screen you need to stand up, and I can't imagine the driver doing this and using broom sticks to control the pedals in true Mr. Bean style :D
So, I sent a message this morning to the seller, including all the evidential links I could find, asking him to install wipers / washers and then get an urgent MOT test to make the vehicle legal. I said I didn't want either of us to run foul of the law.
I also offered to pay any extra costs incurred.
He duly replied and said he didn't have the time to do all this and couldn't be bothered with the aggravation, and I'm currently awaiting a refund of my deposit.
I don't want to name and shame this particular motor trader, but being as my avatar shows an unusual design vehicle, it may come up for sale again somewhere in the Kent area...
Cheers :)
Hugh
Most buggy owners - including the many experienced mechanics - like the idea of the annual MOT as a second pair of eyes.
Bad luck on having your hoped for buggy snatched away from you. However given the sellers relaxed approach to MOT regulations you may well have found months into ownership a few other things that apparently "didn't matter".
There are still plenty of lovely buggys trickling onto the market so it won't be long before you fall in love again...
Welcome "new" Hugh
I will stick my neck out a bit the buggy in question has been for sale for a while I am not saying it's not a good buy for someone what I am saying the guys in here are a wealth of knowledge and know a lot about buggys and the current ones for sale so worth a quick post to see people's perspective on a prospective buy. Also do your homework I looked at a Buggy that was registered as a transporter but the owner removed it from sale rather than explain so there are unscrupulous people out there. ;-)up
And any post that "old " Hugh has commented on wouldn't be complete without saying pick the right colour too :P
Oh yes, I would have taken it for an MOT anyway as a safety check, but it was the mere fact of continuing to insist everything was still legal that put me off.
Lucky let off maybe? Anyway I always like to dig around into a vehicle's history if I can.
I was considering going back and just getting the owner to do an MOT for me, then sorting the wipers out later, but I probably need a slap to stop me doing that ;)
What I'll probably do is keep my bike for a while longer and will go quiet on here for a few months while I consider my next move, so thanks for all the help and advice so far.
Not the old 'my yellow one goes faster' :D
I had this on a bike forum a while ago and my purple bike I had at the time was definitely the fastest...
Cheers :)
Hugh (probably older than old Hugh)
There are 'fast' buggys out there but for me, and many, its more about the journey than going at speed in an open topped vehicle that feels faster than the reality anyway plus the brakes and stability of a buggy, especially on damp roads, doesn't engender a feeling of security.
The choice of yellow ain't about speed. Its a way of standing out from the Tamworth Tango's...
Quote from: HughBug on November 05, 2018, 01:44:58 PM
After reading up about MOT exemption here I came to the conclusion that the buggy is not exempt as claimed due to being classed as a saloon on the V5.
Good to see someone is doing their homework, and if the trader is unwilling to correctly put an mot on it, then you are probably best walking away :'(
This MOT business is going to land a lot of people in trouble especially as Traders mistakenly assume that everything old is exempt - it isn`t >:(
Never mind - plenty out there to choose from ;-)up
Probably a lucky escape as my Buggy when picked up from a trader had a one week old mot that passed with a fog light (not required) that was fitted but no wiring. If it is on there it has to work.
A caliper bolt was missing, about 30% of.the other bolts were loose, many were obvious as if you rocked the car you could see the washers move.
So if he can't even be bothered he either doesn't want your cash (not likely) or he knows it's a duff one
Does give you a chance to find a yellow one as well
All the best
Dave
unfortunately you are not alone with problems like this, a mechanical failure after purchase is one of those things but you expect it to be near enough road legal.
On the historic tax free front even a new build LWB should retain it as the running gear and floor pan (has to be unmodified) are still from the donor, it is only a body swap and body style change.
Good luck with your search.
The powers that be have made it all so confusing
Tax exemption is from the day the Chassis was "born" from the factory - thats the registration date on the V5
However, MOT exemption has nothing to do with this date, and is calculated on the date that DVLA were notified that it became a Buggy
If the V5 says "Saloon" then DVLA have NOT been told its a Buggy (unless you have a LVA inspection record pre 1988), so it still requires an MOT irrespective of how old the chassis is
And for those wanting to notify DVLA of a change, PLEASE talk to us first !! :-X
Confusing is not the word it is unfathomable,
"Acceptable changes" may be a way out of having an MOT as you cannot buy a new beetle shell and the only difference would be the steering column mounting and post 65 seat belt mountings to the body as the rest is all part of the floor pan.
Acceptable changes
It does not count as a 'substantial change' if:
1)changes are made to preserve a vehicle because the original type parts are no longer reasonably available ;-)up that is us you can buy parts but not a whole beetle body.
2)they are changes of a type which can be demonstrated to have been made when vehicles of the type were in production or within 10 years of the end of production ;-)up us again from 1965
3)axles and running gear have been changed to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance ;-)up buggy upgrades
4)changes were made to vehicles that were previously used as commercial vehicles, and you can prove the changes were made when the vehicle was used commercially. :D nothing to do with us.
Then they put a proviso in,
In addition if a vehicle (including a motorcycle):
• has been issued with a registration number with a 'Q' prefix; or ;-)up some of us have these
• is a kit car assembled from components from different makes and model of
vehicle; or ;-)up not a problem if you had a donor beetle
• is a reconstructed classic vehicle as defined by DVLA guidance; or ::) nothing to do with us
• is a kit conversion, where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle, or
old parts are added to a kit of a manufactured body, chassis or monocoque
bodyshell changing the general appearance of the vehicle; ;-)up changing the general appearance is us but then you cannot buy a replacement beetle shell.
it will be considered to have been substantially changed and will not be exempt
from MOT testing.
However if any of the four above types of vehicle is taxed as an "historic vehicle" and
has not been modified during the previous 30 years, it can be considered as a VHI.
This guidance is only intended to determine the testing position of a
substantially changed vehicle, not its registration.
But as it is only about the MOT exemption why bother it saves between £35 -£50 a year and if you have a friendly garage you get a chance to have a good look underneath to see where the rust is starting and any dirty bits that need work.
Thanks for all the above info. everyone - wish I'd joined before I made the decision to buy.
Never mind, as you say, they'll be another some day.
Cheers :)
Hugh
I wasn't looking for another buggy, honest, but I came across this while idling around on eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vw-Beach-Buggy/283242709543?_trkparms=aid%3D333200%26algo%3DCOMP.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180409081753%26meid%3Dace1bb062873468cb8805f16bdb97948%26pid%3D100008%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D173626533148%26itm%3D283242709543&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vw-Beach-Buggy/283242709543?_trkparms=aid%3D333200%26algo%3DCOMP.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180409081753%26meid%3Dace1bb062873468cb8805f16bdb97948%26pid%3D100008%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D173626533148%26itm%3D283242709543&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219).
Bargain, or run away? 'cos if it's any good I'll need to be quick ;)
Currently SORN, MOT expired Dec. 2017 but seller claims it will come with a fresh cert.
I don't mind tidying it up as long as it is legal and safe.
Cheers :)
Hugh
Others are better informed but for me if it the engine runs without smoke or odd noises, the chassis isn't rotted and the switches all do what they are supposed to - then you're getting a great platform to play with.
A slight coincidence that the latest Newbie (Veedubjay) has also just acquired a Koyote to build.
Fingers crossed others have astute steers for you.
Always check the V5 for what it is registered as, and whilst anything that isn`t ideal would never be a dealbreaker for me, it is certainly a good bargaining chip. Check for rust and rot in the floorpans, and just about everything else can be replaced with some spanner work.
But . . . And this is a very serious one . . .
I do not like to knock other peoples Buggy's as they are all precious to me . . .
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0rgAAOSwlKlbpfLc/s-l1600.jpg)
But, unless you are "Getting down wit yo homies . . " Please put some better rubber on those wheels bleugh
Thank you Hugh (sounds strange, like thanking myself).
The thing is, I am mechanically incompetent; I can deal with points / plugs / oil / brake shoes etc., and replace bits that I see have fallen off, but not much deeper. So any engine work would probably be a garage job with a VW expert.
Bodywork, I can manage fibreglass repairs and make some rear seats.
At that price it may well be a steal as I haven't much money laid by, so get it legal, get it home and sort it out properly next year?
Sorry, I feel I'm going to be a pain in the neck to you before very long...
Dave, thanks also :)
I will get some more info. re:- V5 as I've already learnt that one, and plan to source some more genuine wheels as those things look distinctly Chinese ;)
Cheers :)
Hugh
Quote from: HughBug on November 07, 2018, 08:08:32 AM
Sorry, I feel I'm going to be a pain in the neck to you before very long...
That will NEVER be an issue on here as its the daft questions that keep this place thriving ;-)up
Mot expired Dec 17 so not quite a year ago and the milometer does not work or the speedo is inop as it has had the same mot mileage since 2011. Assume it will need work and go from there, check what the others have said before but it is a reasonably cheap buggy and very possibly a good base for putting your mark on it.
Yeah I noticed that - maybe the odo is jammed as it seems to jump forwards or backwards a mile from year to year?
Either that or he's been driving it backwards :D
Cheers :)
Hugh
Dave is 100% right about daft or 'simple' or repetitive questions - although the latter can sometimes be found in old posts through searches. Mind you ever issue/problem seems new when it happens to you.
If Snoopy says its reasonably cheap then your back stop is to get as far sorting it as possible yourself, and then ask Snoopy if you can trailer it to his drive at Evesham for a look over....you'll find he and Mrs Snoopy the nicest most helpful people out there (plenty others throughout the country but the Midlands has many buggy friendly experts available for the price of a packet of biscuits) and Snoopys VW CV means if he can't fix it he'll know who can.
Currently awaiting replies re:- V5 details and floorpan condition, but this is such a friendly community - thanks :)
Cheers :)
Hugh
When you start asking all the questions, that's when school starts. There is such a wealth of information available from the collective community on here and it's free tuition! Having had my buggy garaged for 33 years and moved house with it 5 times, as I didn't know how to finish it, within 6 weeks of joining this club it was mot'd and on the road. That was in 2016. Since then I've met loads of great like-minded fools who love tinkering with buggies and most of all who love driving them. I've been to weekend events all over the UK and to Germany for IBW - we're going to Holland in June 2019 for IBW this year which is a must do if you can.
Welcome Hugh 2 (Hewtoo :D)
Hew too could catch on ;D
As Zipbuggy says, great community here. Not many questions that don't get answered.
Paul
Who says I am staying :P
Avatar changed to my current 2 year old muscle powered 4 legged buggy ;)
Seller has got back - car is Convertible body on V5 - result!
Floor pan described as welded but solid, whatever that means, could be original welding or repaired?
Hoping to go and see it in Crawley in the next couple of days as I'm away next week.
Cheers :)
Hugh
Speedo has been disconnected all the time seller has had the vehicle, if it passes MOT I'll need to sort that out first. Yeah I know it's part of the test but nobody's noticed it for years.
Cable snapped? Speedo broken? no idea yet but surely not too big a job ;)
I can go and see it on Saturday.
Cheers :)
Hugh
Convertible is a huge result ;-)up
I`d be surprised if there was a chassis out there that had not been welded at some point, but a glance over by Mr MOT man should sort that one, and as for the speedo, well even if it did work, the speeds would be way out given that wheel and tyre combo anyway. Easy fixed and nothing to worry about.
Keep us posted ;-)up
Well, you'll be pleased to know that I have bought the Koyote after some negotiation, and will pick up after our few days away next week and after the seller gets it a new MOT.
I didn't realise that the speedo connects to the nearside front hub, and the seller has the end piece to connect it, so it may even work, albeit showing more speed than actual because of the size of the wheels ;)
In the meantime I have a GPS speed app on my phone to stop me going astray.
Thanks for all your help, will start a new thread once I have the buggy home.
Cheers :)
Hugh
Well done 2nd time lucky on buying a buggy, now the fun starts.
Quote from: snoopy on November 10, 2018, 05:33:16 PM
Well done 2nd time lucky on buying a buggy, now the fun starts.
Ha ha, actually 3rd time lucky - I went and viewed a faded orange heap in Canvey a few weeks earlier and left quickly ;)
Cheers :)
Hugh
Quote from: HughBug on November 10, 2018, 05:35:29 PM
Quote from: snoopy on November 10, 2018, 05:33:16 PM
Well done 2nd time lucky on buying a buggy, now the fun starts.
Ha ha, actually 3rd time lucky - I went and viewed a faded orange heap in Canvey a few weeks earlier and left quickly ;)
Cheers :)
Hugh
I know the one in canvey been there ages looks like mine orange Californian but with a spoiler on a q reg
Welcome to the forum
Thanks folks...
I'm still waiting for the seller to have an MOT done so we can complete the sale ;)
Cheers :)
Hugh
MOT is being done on Thursday....watch this space :)
Cheers :)
Hugh
Good news then so itchy fingers whilst waiting for a time to collect it
Well done on becoming a buggy owner and I'm sure it won't be too long before you know every nut, bolt, grommet and gasket on what I'm sure will soon be a trusty steed. You say you "can deal with points / plugs / oil / brake shoes etc., and replace bits that I see have fallen off + you can manage fibreglass repairs and make some rear seats." If you do can all that, then you should be able to tackle most other things on a buggy as well, it's all old school and nothing to be frightened of and there is always loads of help and advise on here. Welcome and have fun. Just to give you something to aim for, Stoneleigh kitcar show is just under 6 months away and is great weekend with a good buggy attendance. Cheers Paul.....................
Welcome Hugh ,good to see another Kent buggy owner ,plenty of help here ,as I found out when i joined , 8) ;-)up
Thank you ↑↑, a little apprehensive about maintenance as it's been a long time, but yeah I can cope, and my seller friend will be taking me through the major points before driving it away.
Canterbury? - I am at the other end of the M2 so not so far away ;-)up
Cheers :)
Hugh
Quote from: Hugh on November 07, 2018, 09:43:53 AM
Dave is 100% right about daft or 'simple' or repetitive questions - although the latter can sometimes be found in old posts through searches. Mind you ever issue/problem seems new when it happens to you.
If Snoopy says its reasonably cheap then your back stop is to get as far sorting it as possible yourself, and then ask Snoopy if you can trailer it to his drive at Evesham for a look over....you'll find he and Mrs Snoopy the nicest most helpful people out there (plenty others throughout the country but the Midlands has many buggy friendly experts available for the price of a packet of biscuits) and Snoopys VW CV means if he can't fix it he'll know who can.
^
WHS ;-)up
Well, it failed the MOT spectacularly, mainly brakes, headlamps and gaters, so it's in the garage being fixed up for a retest.
At least I know I have a caring seller :)
Cheers :)
Hugh
A fail is good so they will do the drakes and the other things far better than a dodgy pass then find serious problems when it is home.
Quote from: snoopy on November 23, 2018, 02:12:01 PM
A fail is good so they will do the drakes and the other things far better than a dodgy pass then find serious problems when it is home.
Yeah, that was my feeling as well ;)
Cheers :)
Hugh
Quote from: HughBug on November 23, 2018, 02:02:00 PM
Well, it failed the MOT spectacularly, mainly brakes, headlamps and gaters, so it's in the garage being fixed up for a retest.
At least I know I have a caring seller :)
Cheers :)
Hugh
Got to say you have the perfect example as to why any vehicle at all, but especially a home built one, needs an mot from a decent garage. For the sake of the cost of an mot you , at the very least, then will never be driving around in a potentially lethal thing. No apologies here if I upset anyone but why on earth would you want to dodge an mot. (Yes there are a lot of us with the experience and capability to maintain our buggies correctly but there are many more who are not).
Well said Paul ;-)up
Quote from: Paul1953 on November 24, 2018, 08:53:06 AM
Quote from: HughBug on November 23, 2018, 02:02:00 PM
Well, it failed the MOT spectacularly, mainly brakes, headlamps and gaters, so it's in the garage being fixed up for a retest.
At least I know I have a caring seller :)
Cheers :)
Hugh
Got to say you have the perfect example as to why any vehicle at all, but especially a home built one, needs an mot from a decent garage. For the sake of the cost of an mot you , at the very least, then will never be driving around in a potentially lethal thing. No apologies here if I upset anyone but why on earth would you want to dodge an mot. (Yes there are a lot of us with the experience and capability to maintain our buggies correctly but there are many more who are not).
And that is why, even though the buggy can be MOT exempt from now on, I will continue to get it tested ;)
The car is 50 years old and it needs an annual safety check at the very least.
Cheers :)
Hugh
And that is why, even though the buggy can be MOT exempt from now on, I will continue to get it tested ;)
The car is 50 years old and it needs an annual safety check at the very least.
That`s the way to set an example.. ;-)up ;-)up
I was speaking to a local VW guy yesterday and he recanted a story of a buy window bus he had been working on, interior, paint etc. He kept telling the owner it needed welding as the body was attached with filler to the chassis and it was not legal/safe to drive.
The owner picked it up, saying he was going to take it for an MOT and drove home, but had already stated it was MOT except so would be fine.
Well the owner got pulled, the traffic officer looked it over and took the bus off him and it was crashed.
It turned out the owner was a traffic cop from another part of the country.
Moral of the story, MOT except doesn't mean road legal, and as others have said, just get it tested.
MOT passed, picking up tomorrow :)
Will start a new thread with photos once home and safe.
Cheers :)
Hugh
Great news.
Hope you keep up the momentum and enthusiasm over the darker wetter days ahead.
All home and safe, the buggy drove like a dream for the fifty odd miles home, although I didn't go over 50 on my iPhone GPS speedo app.
Now the fun begins :D
Cheers :)
Hugh the 2nd