Wow! The majority of your questions, I can't answer. But, when you get
that project '65 done, you better show it off in a website or something.
As for the automatic tranny question, didn't the Type III line have a full
automatic available? Maybe you can find one from a donor Type III.

Geoffe Elias
'74 Super Beetle


On Thu, 18 Nov 2004 23:22:43 -0600, Jeff Kleier >
wrote:

> I recently picked up another Beetle to add to the stable; this time, a
> beautiful '65. Here's the plan: I want to make it into a great German
> Looker. Here are the questions:
>
> 1) what is the largest tire/wheel combo that I
> can run without rubbing the fenders? I can
> get the front beam narrowed, no problem.
> The entire car will be lowered 2" all around.
>
> 2) are there kit-car manufacturers that make
> full-size tube-frame chassis for their cars?
> I was thinking of dropping the 65's body on
> to a tube-frame, for strength and updated
> equipment (4-wheel disc brakes, stainless
> plumbing, IRS, etc)
>
> 3) What would be involved in adding an actual
> automatic trans to a Beetle engine? Not the
> auto-stick fiasco but a full automatic. I want
> to surprise a friend of mine who lost the use
> of his left leg; he is still a huge Beetle fan,
> though. AND, would the auto trans be able
> to handle engine HP of around 130-150?
>
> 4) What is the best soundproofing material
> available now? I'm in the process of putting
> a stealth stereo system together in my '66
> and I want to block out as much engine and
> road noise as possible. Also, how about
> wiring?
>
> 5) I would like to hide the door hinges so the
> side profile would be really clean. Has any-
> one done this to their Beetles or if not, how
> difficult would this be to accomplsh?
>
> 6) About Type IV engines. I know that Raby's
> is the pace to go for the engine and trans-
> axle; they are all about the Type IVs! Can
> anyone recommend a shop that can install
> the engine and trans? Also, what about
> Scat's Split-Port heads? Would those be
> recommended for the Type IV? Also,
> Extrude Hone? Would this help as well?
>
> 7) I would REALLY like to have air conditioning
> and decent heating systems in my Beetles.
> I haven't heard good things about Barney's
> and I.C.E., the two places that offer those
> systems. Does anyone have any ideas
> or recommendations about how to get these
> systems into a Beetle, and be happy with
> them?
>
> 8) I am kicking around the idea of having a
> center console that goes all the way to the
> back seat, and up even with the parcel
> tray. Something that would look like one
> piece, padded and upholstered in material
> to match the rest of the interior. The
> problem is that my building/mechanical
> skills are lacking severly. Does anyone
> have any suggestions on where I could
> go and have this done? Possibly even
> have a center armrest come out in the back
> with the console around it.
>
> 9) Last question, for now!!! About the Type IV
> again. Can you use electronic fuel injection
> with a Type IV engine, like what is offered by
> CB Performance? I just want to have a
> very strong, very powerful, efficient engine
> for my Beetle.
>
> That's it, everybody. Let me thank you all in advance for your help and
> direction. Like I've said before and I'll continue to say, Beetle
> people are the best people.
>
> PS What happened to Car Custom, the shop?
> How about Chris Addington, the guy who
> pretty much specialized in custom Ghias,
> and built the one Ghia, Rodbuster, with the
> billet aluminum frame? Price tag: $300K
>
> OK, now that's it! Thanks again and I hope you all have great
> Thankgivings and holiday seasons.
>



--
Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/