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Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 1:30 pm
by simon james
I know people convert late 911s to look like earlier ones, and I know people fit pre '67 bits to later beetles but has anybody actually done a backdate on a 356?
I googled for pictures but I can't see any....

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 3:25 pm
by mycar
I suppose a good starting point would be to recognise the differences between the the T2 and the T5 and see how much work is involved.

I'll bet the list is quite a long one so we should make a start.

The T5 has vent windows where as the earlier car had a single piece of glass in the door.

The T5 has a much larger bonnet handle which is an easy swap but the bonnet itself is a little flatter, not quite as rounded as the A bonnet. Also the front ends of the two cars where the bumper sits are very different, the T2 being more curvy.

The bumpers themselves are obviously different.

Different horn grills, in fact different front wings entirely, the A headlights being mounted lower in the earlier wings.

Anybody else ?

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 5:09 pm
by simon james
Mmm. Yes. I was thinking more outlaw A, so front end where lights fit, bumpers and number plate light.
You could fit speedster seats, a wood rim and after painting your knobs cream you could fool most people most of the time by telling them it had optional quarter lights!

Value wise I would expect a massive reduction compared to an original unmolested example.

Just putting it out there!!!

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 5:39 pm
by sladey
I quite like that idea

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 6:07 pm
by mycar
Painting your knob cream ?

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 6:34 pm
by hot66
Sounds like to could be a pretty cool car

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 6:53 pm
by mycar
I don't get it, new front clip, bumpers, other bits and bobs... Spend a load of money to lose a load of money whilst trying to fool some people that won't care ?

What's wrong with an outlaw T5 ?

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 9:04 pm
by hot66
My favourite car of recent years was andys

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 9:32 pm
by simon james
mycar wrote:I don't get it, new front clip, bumpers, other bits and bobs... Spend a load of money to lose a load of money whilst trying to fool some people that won't care ?

What's wrong with an outlaw T5 ?
Exactly! But people are or were doing it to 964s, post '68 torsion bar VWs and even to some extent things like 2cvs.....

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 9:47 pm
by sladey
I far prefer the shape of the A over the B or C - that’s all it boils down to for me - not bothered about fooling anyone.

I dont’ know if I’d want to do it to a good B or C but if I’d got a rotbox B or C then I’d consider it.

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 9:48 pm
by Winston Teague
Sounds like cosmetic surgery on women's faces........
Terrible idea
T5 is sooo much nicer than A
Cheaper too
Just put all the effort and cash into the engine, box and handling. You can't see the bumpers from the driving seat.
Sorry, W

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 12:04 pm
by pauldvern
Sportwagen did this for Ian Wright I think. Some time ago now when cars weren't so valuable.


Paul

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 12:54 pm
by sladey
What, the footballer?

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 3:03 pm
by mycar
Is this the sort of thing you're working towards ?

Image

Re: Converting BT5 to A

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 6:19 pm
by pauldvern
sladey wrote:What, the footballer?
Yes