Need tips on buying a buggy

[Reflog]

I don't know anything about VW's or dune buggies, can some of you with more experience give me some things I need to look for when buying a buggy, I'm thinking of going to look at one in California but could use some pointers.
I'm going to look at 70 manx recently overhauled motor so they say, the pictures they have sent look excellent, they claim it's ready to drive. They also say they have the paperwork to verify overhaul.
Thanks for any input you can share.
Robert

[Bryan Porter]

Look the papers over real close check the numbers on title to the numbers on the tunnel.
Check the welds where the pan was cut down and welded back together.
Look at the wiring don't want a rats nest there.

[Ken]

Please don't take this the wrong way, I am just offering an honest opinion here, but your first comment is that your new to vw's and buggy's, yet your considering a 1500+ mile trip to look at one? This just doesn't seem logical to me. Just because an engine is rebuilt and has receipts to show parts were purchased, doesn't mean squat to me.

Sure seems like a long way to go for a buggy, when there are plenty of nice ready to go buggy's right here in Tejas. For example, Mr Jack Duncan's car "the Bandit", is a first class, top of the line, award winning car and he is looking for a buyer right now... this is just one example, of a high end car, there are always new buggy's popping up in all price ranges and conditions.

If there is something really specific you are looking for, thats making you willing to go out of state to find, let us know and maybe someone here can help save you this trip.

If you really want some opinions and help, share all the details of the California car and you can get specific opinions from members that know their stuff.

Just trying to help...

[Jack Duncan]

Thanks for the cudo's Ken. This is my buggy in the Avatar to the right. If you want a better look, click on "board index", go to "buggies and parts". Scroll down to Bandit dune buggy. Then call me for questions if you like. Oh, my engine isn't rebuilt, it's new. Just over 600 miles on it.