Body Lift ?

manxter26 · Post by **manxter26** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 4:37 pm

Are any of you using one of the body lifts from Up Your Bug, Andy Felix? After looking at Johns TRICK Manxter in Big Bear, I realize that I will never take my car that far. But the extra 3 inches that a body lift would give my Manxter, would solve a bunch of problems, head room, carb clearance, wheel and tire clearance, etc. I hear that Andys kits are the best out there, but have never talked to anyone that is using one. Any opinions?

5150bossman · Post by **5150bossman** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 5:30 pm

We have one of the less expensive 'C'-channel 3" lift that I beefed up a bit using 3/4" square aluminium stock at all the bolt holes. I have almost 3000 miles on it since installed and haven't had a problem with it. I have heard many good things about the Up Yer Bug lift, however, as of late, there have been several posts about how their fit is no longer what it use to be, giving people trouble when installing them. So far as solving your problems for clearance, I had the same issues, and the lift took care of them nicely

. I did have a bit of trouble when I was installing it. I couldn't get the bolt holes to line up. So for two days, I was pushing and twisting the body, and it just wouldn't go on. I was getting very frustrated when my wife came out to ask what was wrong. I was about to tell her when I cursed and slapped one corner of the body and.... plop.... it dropped right on! Haven't regretted it ever since. :rock: Here are some pics. http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albu ... .sized.jpg http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albu ... .sized.jpg http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albu ... .sized.jpg http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albu ... .sized.jpg

flaboyjim · Post by **flaboyjim** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 10:33 pm

Thanks for the tip about using alum tube for added support. I am going to be putting the same kit onto my berrien chassis this weekend. I am going to be adding a full 1/8 inch X 1.5 inch plate to use as a washer on top of the fiberglass. yours really looks good - what size are the tires?

Tom-Kathleen · Post by **Tom-Kathleen** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 2:58 am

Jay - don't forget, because you have a Manxter, you can use a lift kit for a Baja bug (full length chassis). Those are probably easier to come by than a Manx style "short" lift kit. One major problem I could see trying to lift a Manxter would be the roof support structure attachments on the front axle & rear frame horns. Some fabrication would be required. I saw John's car when it was being built, and most of that is custom work. Very nice custom work, by the way. Tom

5150bossman · Post by **5150bossman** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 4:20 pm

The fronts are P235/75 R15 (pretty large for a buggy) and 14.50 Desert Trak in the rear. So far as the length of the kit, I did have to cut down a full size one to fit, but it wasn't hard (Sawsall with new blade cut right through).

manxter26 · Post by **manxter26** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:38 pm

Mike, If your wife is anything like mine, it was her mere presence that made everything come together. I think the body lift is the answer. I have never liked the idea, but I keep coming up with more things that the lift will fix and no reasons not to lift. Thanks for your input. Tom/Kathleen I knew that a regular bug kit was what I was looking for, but have about decided that making our own is the way to go. I want the lift to be a one piece deal and everything I see, including Up yer bugs is a multi-piece unit. The roof support should be OK, but you are right, there will be some modification to the side intrusion bars. The good part of that is that I want to use the thing front suspension, and there were going to be problems where the side bar attached to the beam. Now I can make that work. The brace at the back was going to be the next issue but I'm wanting to use the Type II trans with the Berg mounting so there was going to be mods there also. I can't think of anything else in the manxter kit that will be affected. My car is one of the early ones with the small airbox so this should really help with carb clearance. That car of Jon's is fantastic. I talked with him a bit at Big Bear and he said he did it all in his garage with a wirefeed and a tubing bender. There is alot of talent there. That car deserves an article in Hot VW's. Only the best make it there, right!!! Thanks.

dcamomanx · Post by **dcamomanx** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:52 am

Jay, If you are thinking about making your own kit anyway, maybe a 1-1/2'' square tubing might be enough lift to gain the clearence your looking for. Plus it would be less noticable as a body lift. Also consider moving the front bumper up the same amount so it won't appear so low and sit even with the hood. Doran

manxter26 · Post by **manxter26** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:02 pm

Doran, I'm thinking the first step is to bolt on all of the "thing" front and rear suspension, knowing that adjusters will be installed and it will adjust up. Then I'll put different size spacers, 1 1/2"-2"-3", between the body and pan, to check headroom, tire clearance, etc. One of the other things that I thought of is extra room under the fuel tank, hopefully a custom tank with more gallons. I figured on remounting or making new bumpers. I want to keep the same look but maybe something a little beefier. I have to watch the overall height, it still has to fit in the toyhauler. I'm heading down to the shop right now and if there is enough hours in today, I'm hoping to tear into the baja that has the bus mount kit. I'll get it boxed up and get with you on where to ship. Thanks for a great time on the trail and your families hospitality. This Big Bear trip was one of the best yet for us.

flaboyjim · Post by **flaboyjim** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:10 pm

Take a look at this previous thread on lift kits - this one is home made. I have ridden in this buggy - it rides like a caddy and there are no rattles, squeeks or bumps when off road. http://www.meyersmanx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3474