[prybot]

Glad I found this conversation. I have a '59 (was my high school car a ways back) that I have been thinking seriously about converting. I found the same great group in Connecticut that quoted me a similar price. I've been stalling for about a year hoping they would release a kit, but don't see any indication that it is going to happen. I have removed the CE and transmission, and now am pondering what updates should be made to the bugeye before doing the conversion such as upgrading the brakes or the rear axle. For the reasons you mention, I think the frame should be okay. I have a short commute so neither long-range nor performance are large requirements. Mainly, I am concerned about safety. I am hoping NZR1 might have some suggestions since he has been working on a few of these recently, but happy to hear from anyone. Last time I tore this one apart was to replace a clutch over 20 years ago, so my knowledge is rusty and dated.

 

[prybot]

Thanks for all the feedback. The vehicle I have has a roll bar but will need seat belt upgrades and disk breaks upfront. Our friends in Connecticut appear (from the pics of the e-bugey: Electric Bugeye – Page 4 top pic) to have an upgrade that uses a single cylinder since we no longer need a clutch line. Noot sure if they will sell that as an upgrade package. Will definitely follow the other thread to see what you decide about the steering column. I hadn't thought about that.

My other concern was upgrading the rear axle. I don't need the car to fly, but I can see how the acceleration torques could make a racing axle a required option. I am curious if your project car has the original differential/axle and springs or upgrades? Certainly possible given what they spent on it.

Cheers, Mitch

PS Mech Eng who does SFW for robotics. Never been to NZ, but played rugby for 20 years. Jealous of the full stadiums right now.

PSS On the collapsible column: this discussion is not an exact match, but informative. Collapsible Steering Column : The Sprite Forum : Austin-Healey Experience Car Forum : The Austin-Healey Experience