Is this baja worth the buy?

Post subject: Is this baja worth the buy? Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 12:49 AM

Hey, Im looking for some help here, hopefully some people can provide some input. Im considering buying this baja: ventura.craigslist.org...58409.html

Is this a good deal? Are there anything that look "iffy" about it. Basically Im asking if the Baja is worth it?
why or why not?

Sorry In kind of "new" to this whole thing. Embarassed

PLEASE any input would be greatly appreciated,
thanks.

Post subject: Is this baja worth the buy? Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 03:09 AM

from my perspective it looks pretty nice. the only thing you really need to consider is the fact that it is a 66, which means ball joint front end and swing axle rear. unless the front has already been converted to link pin and i can't see it in those pictures. other than that though it looks like a pretty clean baja. and a pretty good starting point

Post subject: Re: Is this baja worth the buy? Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 05:42 AM

From the looks of the car, it has already been converted to LP. It doesnt explicitly state that, but the pictures look to be LP - I would ask that question.

Blaine

Post subject: Re: Is this baja worth the buy? Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 04:34 PM

Add up the parts prices to see how good a deal it is. It looks heavy so I doubt the engine will last long unless the transaxle has 6 volt gearing. Better picture would help.

Post subject: Is this baja worth the buy? Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 07:49 PM

Like JWH said- find out if it has already been IRS converted in the rear. Even though it's coming with 3x3s and axles, it doesn't mention stubs/CVs/hubs/brakes for the rear, which will cost a bit to purchase for a complete 3x3 rear end swap. I'm just saying don't be fooled by the parts list- unless there are items omitted from the ad, it's NOT ready for a 3x3 swap without spending several hundred more $$$.

Overall, it's a nice looking car though. I'd think you could get $5-700 for the trans and trailing arms/axles if converting it wasn't on your wish list. I wouldn't expect much in terms of performance OR longevity from the SP though, but you never know until you've tried/tested it for awhile...

Is that tire/fender arrangement street legal in CA? Seems like I've read that they're VERY "fender must cover complete tire tread" conscious over there- could mean lots of hassles/tickets. NBD maybe, but worth considering.

Post subject: Re: Is this baja worth the buy? Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 10:10 PM

az350x wrote:

Overall, it's a nice looking car though. I'd think you could get $5-700 for the trans and trailing arms/axles if converting it wasn't on your wish list. I wouldn't expect much in terms of performance OR longevity from the SP though, but you never know until you've tried/tested it for awhile...

Is that tire/fender arrangement street legal in CA? Seems like I've read that they're VERY "fender must cover complete tire tread" conscious over there- could mean lots of hassles/tickets. NBD maybe, but worth considering.

The Single Port engine is OK Ia have one in my car right now. Not a big selling point and his use of the term "strong" is dubious.

It probably is converted to linkpin front. That's good. Not that ball joint is bad for a noob, but the linkpin offers more capability for long wheel travel. Which is a "better" sort of thing.

"19 3/4 DRIVE AXELS COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED/GREASED"
indicates the CVs are present but does not specify stub axles, etc. Adding 3x3 rear arms means fabrication work to mount rear shocks.

"REAR PRE Runner BUMPER with Engine SKID Plate Black Powder Coating and ready to Extend into the Roll CAGE"
says the bumper cage is currently mounted to the firewall. More fabrication work here. DO NOT get bumped or bang the skidplate until this fabrication is done!!!

The fender coverage is technically not legal per CA Vehicle Code. But then there are a great many vehicles on the road in California which do not meet this requirement. And unlike a lot of states back east, CA doesn't have inspections of such issues on cars. One COULD be subject to getting a fix-it ticket. But not likely unless you give a cop a reason to roust you. Many cops in California have Harleys which would not come close to passing a full Vehicle Code inspection. Most 4WD pickups won't pass the fender reg either.

Post subject: Is this baja worth the buy? Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:13 PM

I just took another look at the CL ad- the bottom left pic definitely looks like it's still swing-axle. Full IRS conversion will be required- pivot bracket installation in addition to the shock mounting work that MojaveRacer mentioned. Not that big of a deal, but needs to be done right and takes a bit of labor. It's impossible to take advantage of the travel that 3x3s offer without going through the wheelwells with long shock absorbers attached to the roll cage.

Not trying to scare you off- just making sure you're aware of what may/may not be required to do (read- "spend") to this car if you get it. Many of us learned these lessons the hard way- AFTER we bought a car that we thought was "done." Just ask my wife- she'll tell ya... Laughing

Post subject: Re: Is this baja worth the buy? Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 01:15 AM

Hey everyone thanks so much for the info! VERY helpful and its nice to know there's sites like this that can really help a guy out. Thanks, I'll keep everyone posted, im learning more and more everyday about vw's Very Happy