Baja New Beetle

[vwtech73]

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum. I thought that would share with you guys my latest project it's a nice 1998 New Beetle gl 2.0 5spd with just over 100k miles. I'm going to turn it into a Baja Bug and no I'm not just lifting the suspension and triming the fenders like the other ones that I've seen that look more like a rally car than a Baja Bug. I will keep you guys posted with updates/pictures

[FreqWiz]

Kewl, can not wait to follow this

[vwtech73]

Just ordered the 2in lift kit from metalnerd.com and also ordered stock front VR6 springs and rear springs form a Jetta wagon which should give me another inch of lift. I will be runing aftermarket Jeep wheels with a 3-1/4 inch back space and 1-1/2 inch spacers(to clear the front struts)I'm going to be runing a 31in tire.

[DZLBUG]

Cool project...but 31" tires? The engine and entire driveline is going to be overstressed. Beware of your wheel bearings and other front suspension parts. They will wear out at least twice as often as normal. You may also want to look into doing a ring and pinion swap to get the revs back up.

Good luck, don't be a stranger. We want pics.

[Zann]

Thats what I was thinking...the stock motor and transmission. Seems you would just go V8 with a truck trannie or something to actually have the car be a daily driver and go off road.

[CASilBug]

If memory serves, VW developed a concept NB that could be driven off road but it never came to market.

The underbody needs to be a lot stiffer to take the car off road.

[Palmettoguy]

[vwtech73]

Here are some updated pictures of the New Beetle Baja project so far I've installed the 2in spacers and rear springs from a Jetta wagon and front springs from a vr6 Jetta. the total lift is 4in rear and 3-1/2in front. The tires are 28/8/15 BFG km2 mud terains mounted on aftermarket 15x7 Jeep wheels.

[kcfoxie]

i approve!

[Timber]

I love it keep us up to date.

[bugsy98nb]

Sweet !!

[Palmettoguy]

Looking real good

[richrecovery]

nicely done...what else is in the works for this project?

[Opelmania]

I'm digging it. I'm curious to as to what else you are going to do. There is one here by me on 31's. Hot Wheels Bug.

[TDI_bubble]

Looks good, I'm planning on doing the same thing, not sure what type of tires I will be getting. The 31's look good, but I want something a little more freeway worthy.
I've got everything I need to get the bedliner coating done on the lower sections of the bug. I'll post up pics when I get it done in the next few weeks. Too cold here to do it now!

[vwtech73]

Originally Posted by TDI_bubble

Looks good, I'm planning on doing the same thing, not sure what type of tires I will be getting. The 31's look good, but I want something a little more freeway worthy.
I've got everything I need to get the bedliner coating done on the lower sections of the bug. I'll post up pics when I get it done in the next few weeks. Too cold here to do it now!

to run 31's you will have to make the wheel wells larger/cut the main body/chassis (not just the plastic fenders) in the front and also you will have to relocate the evap canister thats mounted in the right rear. I tired to put 31's on mine and I couldn't even turn the front wheels. the 28's was the largest size that I could get to work. also you will need to run spacers or wheels with atleast a 4in off set to clear the spring mounts on the front struts.

[vwtech73]

Just crashed the Baja Beetle when I skided on a patch of ice and than hit a concrete retaining wall head first. It still drives but the frame is bent/everthing in the front is pulled to the left a few inches
well I'm looking for front end parts so if anyone has any parts cars in or around chattanooga tn let me know.

[Palmettoguy]

Dang dude! That sucks!!! At least you are alright.

[kcfoxie]

oh man! NO! NOOOO!!!!!

We had some Jettas in the Clayton yard, will you need a subframe? If so I can pull one, they run $85 I think from our yard. I replaced mine on my 98.

[Opelmania]

That sucks! Hope it doesn't take much to straighten it out. You just started your project.