Thread: After 15 years it's finally finished

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I started this project in 2007 during the summer in NY.
While in the Navy in California in the late 60's I discovered dune buggies and always wanted to build one. I had finished my CLASSIC ROADSTERS "427" Cobra and it was in our house in Florida, I wanted a project while in NY during the summers.100_0307.jpg

Looks very nice! I always thought I wanted a Manx-style buggy. Should be a ton of fun.

Post some more pics and specs, please.

Thanks HR46. Haven't been on this site in years. Will have to get used to how it works.
I am slowly being dragged into the 21 st century.
Barrian Buggy frame, body, and other parts.
IRS and ball joint suspension
Zero time 1776 with 110 cam and dual 44 mm carbs.
Hybrid steering column from Karman Ghia and standard Beetle.

I have to figure out how to load more photos.

The Sebring is SWEET ! In 1998 I almost built one of those instead of the Cobra. I think the Sebring has more interior room than the CR Cobra. That would have been an advantage for my 6'-2" / 240 pound body. As it was I had to lower the floors in the Cobra by 2-1/2". When it was completed (2003) I was able to look through the windshield instead of over it.

Nice buggy! You did a great job!

Your comment about the Cobra - I was considering a Cobra build and talked to a guy who had a Factory Five build at a show. I mentioned concerns with getting in & out (6'3", 200#) and he opened the door and said "Hop In" but gave no suggestions about the process. Instead of stepping in & sliding down I sat and tried to swing my legs in under the steering wheel, right knee riding along the bottom of the dash and pressing the big horn button he'd put there. I decided quickly that it wasn't going to work for me, and I ordered a roller package '33 coupe from N&N in Arkansas! I love the Cobras, but they're not roomy!!

Enjoy the buggy! It's sweet!!

Thanks Coyote. Sounds like the buggy should go pretty good! I thought I saw dual carbs, but couldn't make out what they were. Looks like a 36 HP fan shroud to eliminate the heater connections. Way back in the 80's, I built a rail buggy to run on the local sandbars and logging roads, before they were all heavily posted that is. Wanted the glass buggy for the street.

I'm about 5' 10" and had to heavily modify the firewall and rear package area on the Sebring to fit comfortably. A tilt column really helps entry and exit. Not much left on my Sebring that Classic Roadsters built, except the basic frame rails and the body. I made several mods to the body including fitting genuine Healey windshield posts and grille. The windshield frame was custom built to fit.

Looking forward to more pics!

This project makes me smile, and you did what looks to be a super job. I smile because I went thru a "Baja Bug and Manx style" period in the late '70s partnering with a buddy. If I recall we churned thru 5 or 6 of them. We'd build one, then someone would make a crazy good offer and we'd sell and do another.

My affair with VW air cooleds started in high school with a '56 Bug with Okrasa kit.....fun to surprise the stock bugs running around. Had type II's and did a Beck 550 around '80. The hardware is just such great, sound, basic automotive bones that can be worked in so many ways.

Very nice buggy! A friend of mine found an old tub and is wanting to build one of these too.

Thanks for the comment.
If your friend has the fiberglass tub, he can get an already shortened tube frame from ACME CAR COMPANY near Harrisburg, Pa. They took over from BERRIAN BUGGY the company that built my frame.