Some Car Details
- Pan: 1972 Super Beetle Modified with a King Pin Front End
- Engine: 1600 Rebuilt to 1776
- Exhaust: Tri-Mill Muffler
- Brakes: Disc Brakes
- Suspension: Rear Spring Over Shocks
- Wheels: 10" Rear, 8" Front
- Tires: Cooper Cobras P275/60 29 1/2"
- Seats: Kragen Adjustable Reclining Front Seats
On Driving his Wombat
I have lots of lookers and questions about my Wombat, even at red light stops here in the San Diego area. "Nice ride! What is it?" is typical of the remarks I get when out and about.
We plan on using the car for around town, shows, off-roading, and National Park camping. My wife and grandkids love the adventure of going out for rides. My wife says the Tri-Mill muffler makes it sound more like a Porsche, not a VW.
The Chassis & Build
It started out as a 1972 Super Bug. I cut off the front end in front of the peddles and welded on a King Pin front end (much stronger for off-roading).
I had six guys come over from church to lift the body on the pan back in March 2007. We thanked them with a pizza party.
I installed new spindles and disc brakes. I kept the original transmission as it had a suggested ratio for street travel and a good ratio in second and third for off-roading.
I rebuilt the 1600 engine to a 1776, installed an electronic ignition, a Webber progressive carburetor, and an electric fuel pump.
I did have a problem with the wiring harness matching up to the 72 odometer and so will need to exchange it for an older odometer to match the mechanical gas tank sender.
I bolted the fiberglass to the tunnel as I plan to use it off-roading and want it to hold together as our desert dunes can get a bit rough in places.
The rear wheels are 10" Cooper Cobras P275/60 and about 29 1/2" making a rugged looking mean machine. I used 8" wheels in the front for clearance turning.
I used spring over shocks in the rear for better suspension. I tried some in the front but they made the over the road ride too stiff.
Finishing Touches
Topping off the car with a soft top, side curtains, and very comfortable back seat for two really makes the Wombat look great.
I installed Kragen adjustable reclining front seats and good safety belts for the front riders. I bought two 5-point seat belts for street and off-roading.
I just added a CB for off roading. I need to keep in contact with home base and the cell phones don't work out there very well
The Voice of Experience
The body arrived in January of 2007 and in my spare time, I started drilling holes and fitting all the parts together before I painted. I wired it after the body was on the pan. If I were to do it again, I would wire it before attaching to the pan.
Yep, I'd do it again. In yellow.
The Future
I plan on modifying the front with a wide performance Eagle beam and 12" suspension. This means I must do some fiberglass cutting for the tower shocks and will need to extend the overside width of the front wheels by six inches. I'll send pics when I complete the job.
Why do it? For better suspension during off-roading in the dunes.
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