So, I've recently joined the forum after a chance meeting with Snoopy (Keith) at "Dubs in the Middle" His knowledge and enthusiasm turbocharged my interest in buying my first buggy, a burning desire I've had since the mid 80's
At Snoopy's invitation I rocked up at the recent Midland Buggy Meeting and was treated to a ride in Snoopy's LWB and Hazel's SWB.
I thought I knew what I wanted but the more I read and the more links I open the more questions I have!
So, this is what I think I want and why (My budget is 5-7K for the right buggy)
1. A LWB buggy    (mainly because I am advised they are a smother more forgiving drive but I haven't actually driven any so not from experience) I haven't ruled out a SWB
2. Historic vehicle with no tax and cheap insurance.
3. 1641cc engine with twin carbs (seems to be the popular choice for reliability)
4. Full wet weather gear preferred.
5. Single roll bar as opposed to a full cage
6. Inertia belts as opposed to a harness
7. Towable with a T5 and an A frame (is it easier to tow a LWB or SWB?)
From my initial research I like the Doons, the Prowler and the Manx styles but willing to compromise!
As my key desire is to have a reliable buggy due to my lack of mechanical knowledge I haven't ruled out having a turnkey buggy built but understand I wouldn't see much change from 10k!  Pros and Cons?
Any advice, details of suitable bugs for consideration, or test rides gratefully received!  As snoopy said "when you find the right bug you will know"
Finally I'm based in Worcester if anyone is local?

Welcome aboard - Good to see you on here 

Quote from: Surferjon on June 12, 2018, 12:35:56 PM
I thought I knew what I wanted but the more I read and the more links I open the more questions I have!

Thats what we are here for - ask away with the questions 

You have a good and realistic budget to get exactly what you are after, but remember that these are not like ordinary cars and the spec and even driveability from two similar models side by side just cannot be compared - find something you like and then tailor it to your own needs.

Each one is as individual as the owner 

Hi bud and welcome,

I'm only in Kempsey if you want to come and have a chat and a ride in my Doon.

In addition I also designed the Doon too 

More than welcome to pop over for tea and biscuits.

Chad

Thanks Dave and Chad for your comments

I will give you a shout next week Chad if that's ok as I'm away this weekend. It would be great to get your take on things and see your Doon! Kempsey is just up the road from me and I know it well!

take care Jon having a place down by St Ives you may find an invasion force coming down for a visit.

Apparently the most scenic drive in the UK is the winding coastal road from St Ives to Lands End via Zennor!

Quote from: Surferjon on June 12, 2018, 07:45:38 PM
Thanks Dave and Chad for your comments

I will give you a shout next week Chad if that's ok as I'm away this weekend. It would be great to get your take on things and see your Doon! Kempsey is just up the road from me and I know it well!

Ok no problems. Let me know and pop around any time. Chad

welcome buddy

It`s a hi from me   

Welcome onboard 

Paul

Quote from: Surferjon on June 12, 2018, 09:03:25 PM
Apparently the most scenic drive in the UK is the winding coastal road from St Ives to Lands End via Zennor!

can second that, the zennor road is real untouched cornwall and ony thirty miles from me , take my z4m coupe down there occasionally, tho i must say the road is more suited to buggies than m cars, stunning costal views and rocky granite tors and bracken covered slopes inland. 👍

Quote from: Surferjon on June 12, 2018, 09:03:25 PM
Apparently the most scenic drive in the UK is the winding coastal road from St Ives to Lands End via Zennor!

Yeah a really nice drive, that coast is amazing 

Well its only taken me 6 years to find a buggy after joining the forum in 2018. I ended up buying a LWB Doon built by Volksmagic in 2014 affectionally known as the "Hulk"
It seems to be fairly well known!

Even after driving it for just a few hundred miles there are several potential mods I would like to consider and would be grateful for any advice /suggestions.
1.Having a long term ankle and foot injury I find the clutch heavy and stiff and wonder if its feasible and practical to upgrade to a hydraulic clutch, and if that would address the issue, or are there other alternatives?

2. Has anyone fitted an aftermarket "electric" power steering kit? I've been quoted over 1k all in but looking at the forum it would appear there are cheaper options using  Vauxhall Corsa Parts. Has anyone had this done, and were you pleased with the results? and is there any one known in Worcestershire who could do it....I'm no mechanic!

3.The bug is presently fitted with Audi TT seats which although comfortable ,tend to sit high leaving not much space between the seat and the steering wheel. I had explored getting the rack moved up but the cost was prohibitive so now its option two, lower seats and, or a smaller steering wheel.MX5 seats seem a popular choice.

4. Finally I need the roll over cage modified to fit a "Simmonds" soft top. I'm guessing Volksmagic will be able to sort this as they made the original cage.

Any suggestions greatly received.

Hello from me.
I cannot claim to have driven every road in the UK but I have driven the coast road from St Ives to Lands End many many times and it would certainly take some beating!

Hello Jon some easy fixes and we have a member of the MBC who has fitted corsa steering to his buggy. We have a meet next friday evening.