Sand Rail Buggy VW Should You Buy One??
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2021
- Here are most of the things to look for when looking at a sand rail to purchase. Let me know if you have any questions! Keep riding!
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www.creatorguild.co/backwoods...
Im 55 and rail buggies are my favorite vehicle since i was ten ,a growin mans go cart. VWs forever.
Very well said. They are amazing and so simplistic!
I used to have a 1776 single port with a 3 rib bus trans with bug IRS rear suspension long travel arms. It went just about anywhere off road and never had tranny issues. The rail buggies are a lot of fun without a ton of capital invested. Great advice and suggestions.
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing your experience with us 🙏🏾
Single port engines shouldn't be thought of as a negative and are not always a low HP engine. They are quite peppy and are used in a lot of desert racing classes still. Balljoint front ends will always be limited in travel (very limited) and a longer shock will do nothing for you. Just convert it to a link pin beam if you want lift and travel. The beauty in buying and building a rail, is that you can change anything you want to make it perfect for your specific application.
Thanks for the video man. Great info!
Glad you liked it! And thanks for the feedback!!
Nice video.. thanks brother!
I know this is a year old, 35 years ago my buddies and I built several of these. Started with chopped up bugs, found a rail for 400$ , swapped motors, too a 1635, dual carbs…. Etc. that thing would run, had to put wheelie bars on it. Miss those days, very inexpensive. Now it’s crazy money. 😊✌️👍
Right on I miss my first rail. Thing was a beast. 3 rib and cut 35” boggers cutting brakes!
I like the way you can see the fins on your head on the drivers side if I was you I would do the same thing on the other side.
Magnificent video. Honesty👍
This right here !!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 very helpful
Great video! I'm up in NE Georgia. Been thinking about getting one of these rails lately. Never been much of a VW person, but think this would be a fun side project. You are right, there is quite a few in the region. That said, this video gives some great pointers to look at with these old girls.
They are too much fun man and surprisingly easy to work on modifying if you get one be sure to grab the book “how to keep your VW alive”!
As soon as I seen the smoke in your hand ..I knew we were going to get the straight info .
Soo glad I came across this I’m actually buying one Saturday for 2500 bucks runs and. Drives has vin number and looks pretty good
Awesome video
Thank this was helpful
Great tips bro! I’m looking to buy a rail to relive my youth, lol…. You pointed out alot of great info and things to look for. Initially, i was thinking a two seater but now thinking a 4 seater so i can secure and conceal the fuel cell and the battery along with a tool box. Can’t forget a drivin sound system. Lol…
A 4 seater will give you plenty of room if rear seat area is used for that
My dad has a 1980 1800cc vw sandrail and it’s one of the best things he has ever got it’s also street legal so I love it it’s street legal offroad
Nice! Hard to beat these old air cooled motors just soo simple!
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding yeah but it is actually a 1776cc
Man, I'm so glad I found your channel. Could you please make a video. Explaining what people need to know about. How to get a buggy street legal. From , accessories, lights, horns, ect. And especially title issues, mso's. How to buy a buggy without a title and how to make it street legal. That would be so useful.
Hell yeah buddy good stuff just bought my first rail sand buggy 1971 Volkswagen
Right on! That’s a good year! Enjoy it!
I bought my first one roller 500 n put 500 I used 1600 dual port empi shifter same racing seats covers pushrod tunes tune up n headers it was ok needed seat belts but we lightly trail road it I should kept it but it broke the frame behind torsion bar over n over hill hoping up over straight up n down creek bank
Yo I like your vibe man, Just picked up a brand new fully welded Venture Berrien fame.
Heck yah brother! Sounds like your off to a great start!
Getting ready to start building one from scratch in a few weeks.
I’ve been neglecting mine got to get back at it!! Have you priced DOM yet!?
I had a sand rail as a kid that my dad built up. It was a Chenowth frame, 1600 vw. Tons of fun learning how to drive on the property in the 80's. In 2022 I wouldnt recommend one unless you have your own property. Reliability isnt the best, in the end you will be surprised how much a project will end up costing. I would go with quad or sxs and probably save money.
Fun yes. Place to ride is a must but reliability as stock is rock solid.Start making upgrades and changes yes you’ll end up working on it everytime you ride lol. As far as SXS vs atv total different riding experience had them all had a chance to ride a orieon reeper and that rides like a rail that’s in my “to get list”
Very nice of you to give this info got a lot out of it Thanks where are you located
You betcha man! I’m in South Georgia
ENGINE! Not motor! You’re correct that swing axle is trash! Not bad tutorial
I got one that was home built in the 80s or 90s out of 2" square tubing. But I'm going to get a Warrior frame. I have 2 books, How to Rebuild a Volkswagen Air Cooled Engine and one for Baja Bugs. Currently have two engines, a 1966 1300 that was changed to 1600 with 12v and a 1600DP. Only have the swing axle transaxles from Bugs but ik hoping to switch to a Bus CV transaxle to get better gearing and strength. Wanting to build the 1600dp to a 1776 and no larger.
I got a lead on one for ~500 without a motor going to look at it tomorrow
I had a 73 from SNG in Phoenix with an iron horse, Pinto motor you could not kill it you could not break it you could not stop it
I'm looking for street legal here in SC but find nothing but the fiberglass tubs, I want the tubes and good power, never had one so watching your vids to pick up tipps
Reminds me I need to do a “street legal” rail video!!
I just got one and it’s a BLAST!
To bad it was 100 degrees today when I picked it up. Sweated my fat ass off LMAO
Bahahah heck ya brother!!!
awsome. I was recently given a brazilian made 1990 combi bus, in full working order; but, I can not get too excited about restoring a bus. however, many years ago I use to work paint shop and we painted a sand rail for a local racing team in Nevada. Now I am looking to make a ground-up build with my 12 year old nephew. I am just starting to do my homework to see how viable it is with the VW bus would be, and costs. This helped a lot to sort of get the lay of the land.
don’t want a vw bus?!! how???? could you send it to me??
Good bonding experience. May need deep pockets for a full on restore but would be worth it
Lol I know right.
This video was directly targeted for me. Really appreciate it! Looking to get a legal rail put together sooner or later.
Lol awesome! Goodluck!
Hey bud , thanks for the great video. Lots of good info. Looking to buy a buggy that is street legal and in great shape . Wanna something quick enough to wheelie lol. Looking to spend around 4k more or less. I'm in GA if you know anything. I see a few on fb market
Right on brother! I’m in South Georgia. If you want to wheelie check the front end weight if you can lift it that’s a plus and also a built motor. If you find one with a light front in you can get bolt on mods to beef the motor up $4k you should find something decent! And don’t buy the first one you look at! Plenty in my area Douglas Fitzgerald waycross area.
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding awesome I'm 30 min n.e of macon in a little town called Gordon. I'm a trucker so I'm only home 1 week a month . Dude I would love to ride , check out that durhamtown place. I'm a gun, bike , atv , and car nut. Lol. Right on man .
man i know Gordon ga lol my day job have been out to Rescar shop many many times, small world
I got one and I most definitely would never sell mine fuck that I love my rail
That’s what’s up! I regret trading off my first one ever it was a beast
I just got a 4 seater chenowth frame sandrail with a complete 64 corvair rear setup. I'm not a fan of the Chevy swing axel design but for $800 I can't complain. It needs work but I bought it as a project and will soon post a video of it running... if and when I can get it running lol
Wow a four seater for $800 and running gear you stole it!! Great deal!
Do you have a link to your channel?
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding yeah it's
youtube.com/@valenciafamilyadventures
I haven't posted it yet but I did get it started by dragging it behind a car and droppingthe clutch. It's a heavy smoker lol
Great video, I subscribed, like all the red flag advice 👍🏻 always wanted a sand rail they are rare in my parts, Maybe one day I’ll find one 👍🏻 built my own Version of a signal seater if your interested in checking it out. Will check out more of your vids 🤜🏻
Hey, thanks for the informative video. My dad's a retired mechanic and I'd love to get a sandrail project for him and I to work on. How would you recommend getting started? Buy a frame, or a kit?
Father son project would be awesome! Cherish the time you have. Getting started wise depends on how much you want to spend. If money not an issue I’d start fresh with a new frame and build from the ground up. There’s so many option to choose from. If budget is somewhat limited there are still good project rails out there be sure to fine a solid frame as a base and go from there.
What size tires/wheels?
Your in video with dual port is a 60 hp not 40hp . I have several when younger. one just like this but with dual carb. 4 into 4 header.. man them thangs will talk to you. Im going to find one sometime and build again. miss them.
Thanks and I know right! Gathering parts now to build a 1835, too much fun and easy to work on. Get back in it!
I hate shat! Good video. thanks for posting
Man is there any way you could reach out to me in regards to these motors. I have just purchased one almost identical to yours with same motor but it’s in kind of rough shape. First time purchasing something of this nature and I’m completely lost on this motor. I believe I have all the parts to it but the upper end has been torn down carbs, alt, fan and valve covers all off by previous owner who got the rail with locked motor but it has been broke free and has compression. Was going to finish the tear down and put back together but curious about some changes in the process due to it sitting under a tarp for the last 20 years has some love needed to it.
HMU through FB link should be in bio
Hey man i pick up my frame fryday. Have a 308 Holden engine setting in the shed will it fit .
Not familiar with that engine. Practically any engine can be modified to mount up the unpopular ones such as this one would require custom mounting plates. Common engines such as gm3800 4.3 ford 6 cyl etc have readily available conversion plates. Your combo most likely require custom machining as week for flywheel etc. cost may out way benefit if already having an engine laying around.
I just got a rail given to me and I know nothing about it but I know the motor isn’t any good because I drug it out of the woods where it sat for 15 years with no spark plugs in it. I have $0 in it so I think I’m going to strip it down and start fresh
I just picked up a fixer rail from my aunt. It ran before it sat for a couple of years and unfortunately water got into one side of the carbs and pistons. I’ve always wanted one and I do enjoy working on engines. Would I be bow to get your contact info if you don’t mind me asking you some questions on what to look for while working on it and get your thoughts on how much it’s worth as is? She wants it gone but I want to make sure I’m not overpaying
Sorry for the delay my contact info is in bio. Email or hmu on Facebook
No problem. I appreciate you getting back to me. I got it up and running just need some tuning. I followed you advise and bought the book. That was very helpful. Thank you for that. I will reach out with questions if and when I have them. Thanks again
Don’t hesitate it’s usually something simple and that book is your vw bible. I love it because it explains it where we normal folk can actually understand it haha
Hello I got one a year ago finally picking it up to day it was a partical traid out for a audio install thought it was a yerf dog any help would be appreciated
Will help anyway I can. Reach out via email if you’d like
Been looking 4 one 2seater, don't care if it runs or not. Not many around here anymore an if u do find one their either junk or they want a fortune for them
I know right most are junk now like this one I think because people don’t know how to work on them anymore so they are just riding the snot out of them. Good luck on your search!!
I was thinking of getting one and put a ford 4 cylinder out of a ranger
That’s a real popular engine swap. One thing to keep in mind with engine swaps are the additional components you will also need such as engine wiring, weight and most importantly liquid cooling. All of which makes the vw motor support due to it’s simplistic and minimalistic design. With that said a buddy of mine just recently swapped an LS 5.3 into one of his beetles!!! Sickness haha
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding how much is it to rebuild a vw engine I spoke to a local guy that sells and builds bugs and he said around 3k and how many miles between rebuilds I see that the vw engine is split case and built like a motorcycle engine and was wondering the life span
Hey, I'm trying to get into this kind of thing, and I know absolutely nothing about it. if you could help me out, that would be incredibly helpful!
I picked one up for 1500 bucks. Brakes don't work, needs a master cylinder, engine doesn't run right (needs carb rebuilt), doesn't have front brakes, has a title and matching vin plates. Needs electrical work for sure along with lights and what not. Would you consider that a decent deal? It's got some California bubblegum but nothing major.
If the frame is solid absolutely. Wiring is very basic so that’s no bugging if brakes are locked up and drums may be good opportunity to upgrade to disc brakes
I just picked up a project rail, I’d like to pick your brain about it a little, not sure how to message on TH-cam though…
HMU on Facebook.
What is the name/material you used for the top of your sand rail?
Expanded metal
Looking to buy a rail to work on. Asking $300-450 but it doesn’t have a motor. Any alternatives for the vw engine that won’t break a college students bank
Just going with an aircooled motor will be your cheapest option. Sold my buddy a running one for $300. Plenty of motor swaps but you will have 7-1000 into adaptor plates I’m currently working on a Baja bug with a ford 2.3 turbo.
I plan on getting one but I'm not keeping that motor. I'm going with a Subaru EJ25 and trans.
What adapt do you need to put the engine on vw trans or can u run another
@@hb91 Kennedy makes the adapter
@@dezrat thank you esslinger used to make the Ford 2.3 adapter for VW bus trans back in early 2000s it was 500$
Keep your options open there are alot of adapter kits out there. The subie motors make good power for a rail but are prone to blow headgaskets.
Hey man first time owner decent mechanic I am having a problem with my clutch not disengaging and I've already tried everything at. Least once any advice
Clutch setups on these are mostly mechanical have you pulled motor for closer inspection of clutch itself. Pretty simple task just don’t forget to pick up a line up tool first. Check your pedals and cables. Is cable hanging up through your tube etc.
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding I replaced everything that is in one and it does that same thing
Do you think $2000 for a two seater buggy bus trans with a trailer it doesn’t start but it cranks and it needs a new master cylinder. Is that a good deal?
Sounds like a good deal if it’s not garbage or rotted out
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding turns out it actually runs bad part is it six hours away? The guy said he’d meet me halfway for it kind of sketchy to buy side unseen, but I’m looking for a project I can practice welding on.
Could you check this post for a sand rail out for me? He wants 6,500 for it and looks great 2 sets of tires and he looks like a mechanic with real detailed wiremap
That’s a clean build brother! Thanks for reaching out I replied with my thoughts on it and some things for you to consider!
Hey I just picked up a rail I would love to show you what I got a see if I got a deal
Would love to see it Shoot it to me email in bio
Crude!
Lol just bit
I want to build one powered by a twin turbo rotary out of a rx7 fd
Wow that’s be interesting if you could find a motor and build adaptor plate. And hold on!
What's the proper price for a nice Sand rail......2004 street legal?
Location condition build quality all determine price. Running can run between $1500-$10000
Never drill holes in tubing or ROPS it weaken's the structural integrity, will fold really easy. Always weld a bracket to it to mount something.
Want one bad! Biggest problem is where to find one for sale!
Market flooded in my area. Another option would be a Oreion Reeper. I had a chance to ride run and it feels and runs very similar to a vw rail!
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding wish I knew where your area was!
South Georgia Brother!
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding That’s great as I’m in north Florida. Is there a publication they advertise them in? Thanks
FB marketplace. Just change your search location to some cities in south GA and you’ll fine then! Try Valdosta and waycross
My only thing is the suspension seems crappy on em probably doesnt handle the whoops well. And those vw motors have no power id like to do a 4cyl turbo k motor
Stock suspension agreed. Upgrade long travel and it’s pretty good. Lightened flywheel and retard the timing a smig and it’ll be at top speed as fast as you shift through gears :)
I regret no picking up a wrecked supercharged 3800 on the cheap
@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding ive got a supercharged nissan xterra I'm selling. That's the vg33er, you can get parts from the turbo model, get rid of the SC and push over 500hp with a bunch of mixing and matching vg33 parts. Otherwise just stock it makes 210hp and 250tq. Add meth injection, smaller pulley, and hand port the heads maybe even a thicker head gasket I bet you can get close or more than 300hp. You can also get a cam. I was gonna fix it up as my baja bucket but I need a truck more rn.
That’s impressive
These types of sand rails are really only good for dunes, if you want a cheap vehicle that can do desert, dunes, trails, then get a class 9 vehicle. Again there not the best for everything. I also recommend a Joyner sand viper(800cc or 1100 is the recommended size) they can do anything at a cheap price and are easy to work on and customize
Brother I’m In south ga I WISH we had access to some real sand dunes. That would be the life! I’m jelly lol
Literally just recorded and posted a video, no edits or nothing .... not bad
lol thanks almost all my content is unscripted, one takes with very little if any edits!
Basically if you see one like this run and run fast. Keep looking till you find one that is set up better than this pile.
You have a phone number or anything because I just got a sand rail and everything is in awesome condition and there were no red flags. But when I got home it won’t shift into 1st gear and I’ve already replaced the shifter assembly and that didn’t work.
Sorry for the delay. Check the bushing coupling on rod between shifter and transaxle. It’s prone to failing
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding thanks for the suggestion and it’s missing it. I really appreciate the help 👍
Right on! Hopefully that’ll be an easy fix
Are dune buggies illegal in Texas now?
\-_-/
Never heard of these being illegal anywhere. Other than street legal aspect of having vin and proper Registration and all items to be street legal. Lights turn signals etc
dude if your trying to sell it your not doing a very good job
Lol not for sale! Never should have sold the 1st rail I ever had! I just like junk and working on it
I respect his honesty above all
Don't blow up the dual port!
The transaxel is garbage on mine
Utv vs the sandrail.. Ughhh
It’s really just a different riding style. Well worth it.
By the time you spent what it costs for a utv you could have a pretty serious rail. The biggest downfall comparing the two is the buggys suspension. But lots of upgrades are available.
Short answer NO
Uhm,it's all about money and talent,but one,and if you don't like something, change it!
No doubt! And one I’m struggling with the most here recently is Time!!!
The VW motor is ok for beginner but lousy for abuse I'd go eco tech na or turbo or supercharger stock factory motors are plenty of power for rail the subaru motors work good so do 2.3 Ford motors I had two with VW motors unless built n use bus trans there better def drums are def dangerous to use on off road n on road disc brakes on rear atleast with cutter way to go to
All good points. Gathering parts now to build a 1835! And good idea was gonna send this motor till she blows may throw an eBay special turbo on her and just send it! Lol
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding I hope you find good deal on one saw a turbo eco tech motor n computer 700 buck otherday with 80 k on it lots of life left that esslinger adapter plate for pinto or ranger motors was 500 new back in 2000 for plate to adapt to be trans but run you disc on rear atleast n cutter brake to turn cause once right wheel spins you can hit right brake n left wheel will pull like skid steer help climb big hills here in indiana
Fortunately VW engines are super newbie friendly. When I was 18 my dad gave me his old rail on the condition that I put the engine back together, needless to say I did!
I grew up building SBC with my dad I’ll never forget the first 1600 I tore down. Was bind blown lol
@@BackwoodsOffroadOverlanding Nice!! Mine was an old 1835cc with the old style transaxle. Super fun