will a vw beetle body fit on a jeep frame if not what 4 wheel drive frame would come close to fitting the body
4 Answers
I've seen one on an 83 K5 Blazer frame. Fit nicely. This one was only (and i'm not kidding) ratchet strapped on but could be welded and would suggest it. With this kind of customization it doesnt really matter, there will be ALOT of custom metal work.
I suppose it could be done but it would need an awful lot of cutting, patching and welding to make the two fit together but as they say, nothing's impossible! Would be interested to see what it would look like :)
the CJ 7 is the closets fit for wheel base. I measured one from center of front axle to center of rear. they are within an inch or two difference. from human eye probably wont tell. I would recommend a 4 cyl jeep motor for smaller size but an eight would fit as well. also the full suspension on the CJ frame is all connected to the frame and not body. as far as dash and lights, dash on older CJ is flat with round speedo like the beetles. as well as the headlights. I would recommend a 70"s beetle body, they are wider and a bit more room. but in the end with modifications its not impossible.
Actually the best one is the last generation S-10. Guys were using these to stick V-8s in the VW bug for a few years. The reason is that the last generation S-10 has a modular frame and once the welds are cut you can shorten the frame with ease by sliding the front section back into the mid section, thencweld it up again. The most extensive fabricating part is welding in a new floor pan, but some use the universal floor pan kits for hot rods to save time. Some guys who do this it to make a sleeper, so they will widen the fenders an inch to an inch and a half to keep the stock look, but a 4 wheel drive it is not necessary plus other guys take the bug and S-10 chassis to build a hot rod. You can buy wide fenders or Baja fenders with ease from mail order or at VW shows. My only suggestion about the S-10 is do the front transaxle to the '77- ''84 Toyota front differential conversion. If you want to lift it, it will be easier, plus easier to work on.
