Wikicars - User contributions [en]

Dune buggy

2009-06-16T22:03:54Z

94.231.58.134:

A '''dune buggy''' is a recreational vehicle with big wheels and tires designed for use on sand dunes or beaches, especially a light vehicle with a modified engine mounted on an open [[chassis]]. They are also called '''beach buggies''' and those with an open frame chassis are called '''sandrails'''.

== Design ==

Dune buggies are usually created using two to three different methods.

The first involves alteration of an existing vehicle, most notable the older [[Volkswagen]] [[Volkswagen Beetle|Type One (Beetle, or Bug)]]. The [[VW Bug]] was preferred for a variety of reasons. Most notable are: the [[Rear-engine design|rear mounted engine]] which with removal of bodywork transfers a high proportion of the weight to the rear drive wheels for extra traction; the engine is air cooled, simplifying engine modification, and the absence of a radiator, eliminating a source of failure; the low price; robustness of the front suspension; and the sizable quantity of spare parts from other VW Bugs and buses. This is a possible candidate for the origin of the term "buggy". [[Chevrolet Corvair|Corvair]] engines are also a popular upgrade to a 6 cylinder and sometimes turbo with up to 180 hp. For example, one such conversion was a 1970 Manx 2 on a 1961 VW chassis. It was fitted with a 180 HP turbo corvair engine, with reverse rotation, mated to a VW transaxle.

The second method involves construction of a vehicle frame from steel tubing formed and welded together. The advantage of this method is the fabricator can change fundamental parts of the vehicle (usually the suspension and adding a built-in roll cage). Buggies of this type are called [[sandrail]]s because of the rail frame. Rails, as with the VW Bug, often have the engine located behind the driver. Sizes can vary from a one seat [[all-terrain vehicle]] (ATV) sized go-cart to a 4 seat, 8+ cylinder sized vehicle. Sandrails can have panels or custom shaped body coverings over the rails and tubing that compose the vehicle, though many are left bare.

The third is only a temporary fix. These dune buggies represent mixes of the above two design philosophies, typically after a converted vehicle sustains damage from age, hard use, or accidents and spare parts are not available or affordable. This type of creation is called [[The Boston-Murphy]] style.

== Rear axle styles ==

There are 3 styles of buggies to choose from:

Swing arms have [[axle]]s with inner [[constant-velocity joint]]s. The [[CV joint]] allows up and down movement of the axle, while the outer ends of the axles are fixed to the wheel drums. This causes the wheel not to sit perpendicular to the ground at the extremes of travel, but does give a smoother ride on rougher terrain and riprap.

IRS (independent rear suspension) has both inner and outer CV joints on each axle. The outer CV joint allows the camber of the wheel to stay perpendicular to the ground. This gives a wide footprint that is better for traction and is also good for scrambling up bumpy hills because the wheels will fill the holes beneath them giving the tire better traction.

Bus axles have a reduction gear attached to the wheel drums. They act like an offset axle with a small gear inside the boxes that actually lifts the car up 3-4 inches under acceleration. The [[transaxle]]s are typically lower geared and make for good hill climbers.

All these axle styles and can be attached to the Beetle transaxle (a transaxle is transmission with the axles attached.)

== Function ==
Initially dune buggies were designed for navigating desert or beaches (hence the word "dune"). However, dune buggies have become more diversified in terms of the terrain they can handle and are being built for more generic off road tasks, such as CORR / SCORE indoor track racing. Some are even built for and used as on-road vehicles. Typically the function is determined before the buggy is created in order to maximize the comfort or abilities of the vehicle.

== Building a dune buggy ==
Although dune buggies can be bought (as a kit), many drivers make their own. This is done by separately buying chassis, engine, tires, steering wheel, and axles. Some builders make their own chassis, which creates a special, customized vehicle.

A 1961 or later [[Volkswagen]] sedan is the preferred donor to create a Dune Buggy. Also, alarge gokart is a good donor car for parts of a dune buggy and the creation of a sand rail. The [[VW]] bus, truck, or [[Karmann-Ghia]], do not make good donor cars, however the engine, transaxle, wheels, and instruments can be used from these models.

Other parts that can be salvaged from a donor VW for use in a Dune Buggy include the front axle and suspension, frame, pedal assembly, shock absorbers, seats, battery, fuel tank (1961 or later), steering column, brakes, instruments and switches, windshield wiper, horn and emergency flasher unit.

== Military buggies ==
Because of the obvious advantages a buggy can afford on some terrain, they are also used by the military. The buggies built for the US military are called [[Desert Patrol Vehicle]]s (or DPV). They were previously called Fast Attack Vehicles or FAV and are used by US [[Navy Seals]]. The DPVs are built by [[Chenowth Racing Products Inc.]], a San Diego based company. As with most military material, they are not sold outside the government.

== Tube Framed Buggies ==
Over time Buggies have been altered to allow maximum recreational use. They are now available in varying sizes.

The most common form of non-racing buggy consists of a 'tube frame' which is simple to construct and sturdy. If the frame bends or breaks it is simple to fix. Steel tubing is preferred to "pipe" as pipe is rolled and welded, tubing is mandrel drawn, making it stronger and with consistent wall thickness.

Engine size varies depending on the suspension, frame strength and performance needs. Most buggies are equipped with a [[4-stroke]] engine to allow large amounts of torque. Very few are equipped with [[2-stroke]] engines. Dune buggies may be equipped with automatic or manual transmissions, but manual transmissions are usually employed.

Engine size may vary from 50 cc for small light buggies to large V8 engines designed for professional racing.

== Fiberglass Dune Buggies ==
Fiberglass dune buggies come in many shapes and sizes. The most popular are those seen on TV like [[Wonderbug]] and [[Speed Buggy]]. These types of dune buggies are known as "clones". They are an attempt to copy the original fiberglass dune buggy the "[[Meyers Manx]]" built by Bruce Meyers. Many companies, worldwide, have copied the Manx.

Some fiberglass dune buggies resemble production, modified or prototype cars. For instance: American Fiberglass Product’s “Humbug” has similar features to a Hummer Berry’s “Mini-T” was a nod to the [[Ford]] [[Model T]], or BMB Automotive’s “Surviver” is a scaled down version of the [[Lamborghini Countach]].

== Dune buggies in fiction/movies ==
*In ''Half-Life 2'', the protagonist Gordon Freeman was able to drive a dune buggy.
*Dune buggies were especially made popular by movies such as ''Mad Max''.
*A buggy is used on the animated ''Lilo and Stitch: The Series''.
*For a brief time in the mid-1970s, Spider-Man used a modified dune buggy as his "Spider-Mobile".
*The 1973 cartoon series ''Speed Buggy'' featured an anthopomorphic dune buggy, voiced by Mel Blanc.
*In the lego Dino Attack series the urban avenger is an appearance of a dune buggy.
*In the [[The Thomas Crown Affair (1968 film)]], Steve McQueen's character drives a dune buggy along the beach.
*In the 19-2000 Music Video by the Gorillaz. The band drives around in a [[Meyers Manx]] Dune Buggy.
*In the Drake and Josh episode Dune Buggy, Drake has an accident while driving a dune buggy.

==External links==
* [http://www.VW-Buggy.pl/ Beach Buggy based on VW]

== See also ==
* [[Apal]]
* [[Meyers Manx]] - Fiberglass bodywork is added to a shortened VW pan to create a popular roadster
* [[EMPI Imp]]
* [[Baja Bug]]
* [[All-terrain vehicle]]
* [[Mini Moke]]
* [[Kawkawa Lake]]

[[Category:Vehicles]]
[[Category:Car body styles]]
[[Category:Volkswagen vehicles]]

Meyers Manx

2009-06-16T22:03:03Z

94.231.58.134:

The '''Meyers Manx''' is a [[dune buggy]] that was designed and produced by [[Bruce Meyers]]' [[Meyers]] Company in Fountain Valley, California, USA, between 1963 and 1971. It debuted in 1964.

The car featured a fiberglass body coupled with [[Volkswagen Beetle]] frame and engine. It is a tiny car, with a wheelbase 14 1/4 inches shorter than a Beetle so the frame has to be cut short and welded. It is so small and light that a person of average strength can lift up the front end of the car by his/herself. For this reason, the car is capable of very quick acceleration and good off-road performance.

The Meyers Manx achieved widespread recognition when it won the inaugural [[Baja 1000]] and beat a motorcycle while doing it.

Manxs appear in several movies with stars such as Elvis Presley. One of the more memorable appearances is in original version of the The Thomas Crown Affair, Starring Steve McQueen. In the movie there is a lengthy beach driving scene where a heavily modified Manx equipped with a [[Chevrolet Corvair engine]] is launched over several dunes.

Approximately 5,000 of the original Meyers Manx dune buggies were produced, but when the design became popular many look-alikes were made by other companies. Meyers tried to stop the copies but failed to get a patent on his design. Since then countless ''buggies'' have been produced and are still being made today. A "full wheelbase Beetle" Buggy kit is still being produced and sold by the Meyers company. Many people recognize the body-type simply known as the "Beach Buggy".

Meyers has recently introduced two new models, the Manxter 2+2 and Manxter DualSport. These new models are true to the original design by being sized for a Beetle pan. However, custom orders for higher horsepower engines and other customizations are available. Presently, production and design of new models takes place in [[Valley Center, California]].

==Mayers Manx in Movies/Fiction==
*In the The Thomas Crown Affair, Steve McQueen's character drives a [[Meyers Manx]] along the beach.
*In the 19-2000 Music Video by the Gorillaz. The band drives around in a [[Meyers Manx]] [[Dune Buggy]]
*For a brief time in the mid-1970s, Spider-Man used a modified [[Meyers Manx]] [[dune buggy]] as his "Spider-Mobile".
*The 1973 cartoon series ''Speed Buggy'' featured an anthopomorphic [[Meyers Manx]] [[dune buggy]], voiced by Mel Blanc.

==External links==
{{commonscat|Meyers Manx}}
* [http://www.VW-Buggy.pl/meyers-manx.html Meyers Manx Buggy]
* [http://www.meyersmanx.com/ Meyers Manx company]
* [http://www.fourwheeler.com/tv/129_0513_tv_00/index.html Meyers Manx Four Wheeler TV Documentary]

Dune buggy

2009-06-16T21:59:46Z

94.231.58.134:

A '''dune buggy''' is a recreational vehicle with big wheels and tires designed for use on sand dunes or beaches, especially a light vehicle with a modified engine mounted on an open [[chassis]]. They are also called '''beach buggies''' and those with an open frame chassis are called '''sandrails'''.

== Design ==

Dune buggies are usually created using two to three different methods.

The first involves alteration of an existing vehicle, most notable the older [[Volkswagen]] [[Volkswagen Beetle|Type One (Beetle, or Bug)]]. The [[VW Bug]] was preferred for a variety of reasons. Most notable are: the [[Rear-engine design|rear mounted engine]] which with removal of bodywork transfers a high proportion of the weight to the rear drive wheels for extra traction; the engine is air cooled, simplifying engine modification, and the absence of a radiator, eliminating a source of failure; the low price; robustness of the front suspension; and the sizable quantity of spare parts from other VW Bugs and buses. This is a possible candidate for the origin of the term "buggy". [[Chevrolet Corvair|Corvair]] engines are also a popular upgrade to a 6 cylinder and sometimes turbo with up to 180 hp. For example, one such conversion was a 1970 Manx 2 on a 1961 VW chassis. It was fitted with a 180 HP turbo corvair engine, with reverse rotation, mated to a VW transaxle.

The second method involves construction of a vehicle frame from steel tubing formed and welded together. The advantage of this method is the fabricator can change fundamental parts of the vehicle (usually the suspension and adding a built-in roll cage). Buggies of this type are called [[sandrail]]s because of the rail frame. Rails, as with the VW Bug, often have the engine located behind the driver. Sizes can vary from a one seat [[all-terrain vehicle]] (ATV) sized go-cart to a 4 seat, 8+ cylinder sized vehicle. Sandrails can have panels or custom shaped body coverings over the rails and tubing that compose the vehicle, though many are left bare.

The third is only a temporary fix. These dune buggies represent mixes of the above two design philosophies, typically after a converted vehicle sustains damage from age, hard use, or accidents and spare parts are not available or affordable. This type of creation is called [[The Boston-Murphy]] style.

== Rear axle styles ==

There are 3 styles of buggies to choose from:

Swing arms have [[axle]]s with inner [[constant-velocity joint]]s. The [[CV joint]] allows up and down movement of the axle, while the outer ends of the axles are fixed to the wheel drums. This causes the wheel not to sit perpendicular to the ground at the extremes of travel, but does give a smoother ride on rougher terrain and riprap.

IRS (independent rear suspension) has both inner and outer CV joints on each axle. The outer CV joint allows the camber of the wheel to stay perpendicular to the ground. This gives a wide footprint that is better for traction and is also good for scrambling up bumpy hills because the wheels will fill the holes beneath them giving the tire better traction.

Bus axles have a reduction gear attached to the wheel drums. They act like an offset axle with a small gear inside the boxes that actually lifts the car up 3-4 inches under acceleration. The [[transaxle]]s are typically lower geared and make for good hill climbers.

All these axle styles and can be attached to the Beetle transaxle (a transaxle is transmission with the axles attached.)

== Function ==
Initially dune buggies were designed for navigating desert or beaches (hence the word "dune"). However, dune buggies have become more diversified in terms of the terrain they can handle and are being built for more generic off road tasks, such as CORR / SCORE indoor track racing. Some are even built for and used as on-road vehicles. Typically the function is determined before the buggy is created in order to maximize the comfort or abilities of the vehicle.

== Building a dune buggy ==
Although dune buggies can be bought (as a kit), many drivers make their own. This is done by separately buying chassis, engine, tires, steering wheel, and axles. Some builders make their own chassis, which creates a special, customized vehicle.

A 1961 or later [[Volkswagen]] sedan is the preferred donor to create a Dune Buggy. Also, alarge gokart is a good donor car for parts of a dune buggy and the creation of a sand rail. The [[VW]] bus, truck, or [[Karmann-Ghia]], do not make good donor cars, however the engine, transaxle, wheels, and instruments can be used from these models.

Other parts that can be salvaged from a donor VW for use in a Dune Buggy include the front axle and suspension, frame, pedal assembly, shock absorbers, seats, battery, fuel tank (1961 or later), steering column, brakes, instruments and switches, windshield wiper, horn and emergency flasher unit.

== Military buggies ==
Because of the obvious advantages a buggy can afford on some terrain, they are also used by the military. The buggies built for the US military are called [[Desert Patrol Vehicle]]s (or DPV). They were previously called Fast Attack Vehicles or FAV and are used by US [[Navy Seals]]. The DPVs are built by [[Chenowth Racing Products Inc.]], a San Diego based company. As with most military material, they are not sold outside the government.

== Tube Framed Buggies ==
Over time Buggies have been altered to allow maximum recreational use. They are now available in varying sizes.

The most common form of non-racing buggy consists of a 'tube frame' which is simple to construct and sturdy. If the frame bends or breaks it is simple to fix. Steel tubing is preferred to "pipe" as pipe is rolled and welded, tubing is mandrel drawn, making it stronger and with consistent wall thickness.

Engine size varies depending on the suspension, frame strength and performance needs. Most buggies are equipped with a [[4-stroke]] engine to allow large amounts of torque. Very few are equipped with [[2-stroke]] engines. Dune buggies may be equipped with automatic or manual transmissions, but manual transmissions are usually employed.

Engine size may vary from 50 cc for small light buggies to large V8 engines designed for professional racing.

== Fiberglass Dune Buggies ==
Fiberglass dune buggies come in many shapes and sizes. The most popular are those seen on TV like [[Wonderbug]] and [[Speed Buggy]]. These types of dune buggies are known as "clones". They are an attempt to copy the original fiberglass dune buggy the "[[Meyers Manx]]" built by Bruce Meyers. Many companies, worldwide, have copied the Manx.

Some fiberglass dune buggies resemble production, modified or prototype cars. For instance: American Fiberglass Product’s “Humbug” has similar features to a Hummer Berry’s “Mini-T” was a nod to the [[Ford]] [[Model T]], or BMB Automotive’s “Surviver” is a scaled down version of the [[Lamborghini Countach]].

== Dune buggies in fiction/movies ==
*In ''Half-Life 2'', the protagonist Gordon Freeman was able to drive a dune buggy.
*Dune buggies were especially made popular by movies such as ''Mad Max''.
*A buggy is used on the animated ''Lilo and Stitch: The Series''.
*For a brief time in the mid-1970s, Spider-Man used a modified dune buggy as his "Spider-Mobile".
*The 1973 cartoon series ''Speed Buggy'' featured an anthopomorphic dune buggy, voiced by Mel Blanc.
*In the lego Dino Attack series the urban avenger is an appearance of a dune buggy.
*In the [[The Thomas Crown Affair (1968 film)]], Steve McQueen's character drives a dune buggy along the beach.
*In the 19-2000 Music Video by the Gorillaz. The band drives around in a [[Meyers Manx]] Dune Buggy.
*In the Drake and Josh episode Dune Buggy, Drake has an accident while driving a dune buggy.

==External links==
* [http://www.VW-Buggy.pl/ Beach Buggy based on VW]

== See also ==
* [[Meyers Manx]] - Fiberglass bodywork is added to a shortened VW pan to create a popular roadster
* [[EMPI Imp]]
* [[Baja Bug]]
* [[All-terrain vehicle]]
* [[Mini Moke]]
* [[Kawkawa Lake]]

[[Category:Vehicles]]
[[Category:Car body styles]]
[[Category:Volkswagen vehicles]]

Apal

2009-06-16T21:57:50Z

94.231.58.134:

{{List of {{PAGENAME}} Models}}'''Apal''' is a small scale automobile company originally from Belgium. It is now based in Germany.

==Phase 1 -APAL - s.à.r.l. Application Polyester Armé de Liège (1961-1998)==
Glass-fibre specialist ''Edmond Pery'' founded this small [[automobile]] manufacturing company in Blégny-Trembleur (Liège), Belgium in 1961. Pery presented his first model, a GT coupe with gull-wing doors, propelled by [[Volkswagen]] or [[Porsche]] engines at the Brussels ''Autosalon'' (or ''Salon auto de Bruxelles'') in 1962.

In 1965, Apal started producing a Formule V single-seater.

Between 1968 and 1973, about 5000 glass-fibre bodies were produced for different [[Dune buggy|buggy]] models such as Apal Buggy, Apal Rancho, Apal Jet, Apal Avvi, Apal Corsa (with gull-wing doors) and Apal Horizon.

The most successful model was called the Apal Speedster and is a replica of the [[Porsche 356]] model, built on a [[VW Beetle]] floorplan. Altogether 700 were completed between 1981 and 1994.

The last model, named the Apal Sport One, based on [[Pontiac Fiero]], appeared in 1992.

Edmond Pery also designed an all-road prototype for [[DAF]] in 1974 and another prototype for Volkswagen in 1992.
The small firm produced and sold all models in limited numbers.

==Phase 2 - Apal Gmbh, Germany (1998- to date)==
The original Belgian company went down in 1998. [[Apal Gmbh]], a German company of Ostercappeln, bought all the spare parts and restarted production of the Apal Speedster.

As of 2006 the company has stopped production of ready-built cars and now only sells kits and spare parts.

==External links==
* [http://www.VW-Buggy.pl/apal.html Apal Buggy]
*http://rvccb.be/LISTE%20CONSTR.%20BELGES/A.html#apal
*http://apal.de

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Kit car manufacturers]]

Apal

2009-06-16T21:57:06Z

94.231.58.134:

{{List of {{PAGENAME}} Models}}'''Apal''' is a small scale automobile company originally from Belgium. It is now based in Germany.

==Phase 1 -APAL - s.à.r.l. Application Polyester Armé de Liège (1961-1998)==
Glass-fibre specialist ''Edmond Pery'' founded this small [[automobile]] manufacturing company in Blégny-Trembleur (Liège), Belgium in 1961. Pery presented his first model, a GT coupe with gull-wing doors, propelled by [[Volkswagen]] or [[Porsche]] engines at the Brussels ''Autosalon'' (or ''Salon auto de Bruxelles'') in 1962.

In 1965, Apal started producing a Formule V single-seater.

Between 1968 and 1973, about 5000 glass-fibre bodies were produced for different [[Dune buggy|buggy]] models such as Apal Buggy, Apal Rancho, Apal Jet, Apal Avvi, Apal Corsa (with gull-wing doors) and Apal Horizon.

The most successful model was called the Apal Speedster and is a replica of the [[Porsche 356]] model, built on a [[VW Beetle]] floorplan. Altogether 700 were completed between 1981 and 1994.

The last model, named the Apal Sport One, based on [[Pontiac Fiero]], appeared in 1992.

Edmond Pery also designed an all-road prototype for [[DAF]] in 1974 and another prototype for Volkswagen in 1992.
The small firm produced and sold all models in limited numbers.

==Phase 2 - Apal Gmbh, Germany (1998- to date)==
The original Belgian company went down in 1998. [[Apal Gmbh]], a German company of Ostercappeln, bought all the spare parts and restarted production of the Apal Speedster.

As of 2006 the company has stopped production of ready-built cars and now only sells kits and spare parts.

==External links==
* [http://www.VW-Buggy.pl/apal.html Budowa Buggy, opis modeli, historia]
*http://rvccb.be/LISTE%20CONSTR.%20BELGES/A.html#apal
*http://apal.de

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Kit car manufacturers]]

Apal

2009-06-16T21:56:46Z

94.231.58.134:

{{List of {{PAGENAME}} Models}}'''Apal''' is a small scale automobile company originally from Belgium. It is now based in Germany.

==Phase 1 -APAL - s.à.r.l. Application Polyester Armé de Liège (1961-1998)==
Glass-fibre specialist ''Edmond Pery'' founded this small [[automobile]] manufacturing company in Blégny-Trembleur (Liège), Belgium in 1961. Pery presented his first model, a GT coupe with gull-wing doors, propelled by [[Volkswagen]] or [[Porsche]] engines at the Brussels ''Autosalon'' (or ''Salon auto de Bruxelles'') in 1962.

In 1965, Apal started producing a Formule V single-seater.

Between 1968 and 1973, about 5000 glass-fibre bodies were produced for different [[Dune buggy|buggy]] models such as Apal Buggy, Apal Rancho, Apal Jet, Apal Avvi, Apal Corsa (with gull-wing doors) and Apal Horizon.

The most successful model was called the Apal Speedster and is a replica of the [[Porsche 356]] model, built on a [[VW Beetle]] floorplan. Altogether 700 were completed between 1981 and 1994.

The last model, named the Apal Sport One, based on [[Pontiac Fiero]], appeared in 1992.

Edmond Pery also designed an all-road prototype for [[DAF]] in 1974 and another prototype for Volkswagen in 1992.
The small firm produced and sold all models in limited numbers.

==Phase 2 - Apal Gmbh, Germany (1998- to date)==
The original Belgian company went down in 1998. [[Apal Gmbh]], a German company of Ostercappeln, bought all the spare parts and restarted production of the Apal Speedster.

As of 2006 the company has stopped production of ready-built cars and now only sells kits and spare parts.

==External links==
* [http://www.VW-Buggy.pl/apal.html Budowa Buggy, opis modeli, historia] {{lang|pl}}
*http://rvccb.be/LISTE%20CONSTR.%20BELGES/A.html#apal
*http://apal.de

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Kit car manufacturers]]