I plan to purchase my bug in the next 2-3 months and I'm trying to do as much research as possible ahead of time. I've decided on a '69 plus for the IRS, but I don't know much else. What should I look for? Maybe my plan will help:

I plan on building and installing my own cage(which I also need advice/plans for). I also plan on replacing all electric, rebuilding the(a) motor and carbs, getting the tranny rebuilt, etc. Looking to do a lot of the work myself and spend what's necessary without going overboard. This needs to meet SCORE regulations as I plan to take it to the Baja 1000.

Any advice offered would be greatly appreciated.

-Greg

Take out a second mortgage?

purchase SCORE rule book first and foremost and then go from there

I favor 69-73 as a good base for a class 11 (IRS, early style bumpers) and by far the cheapest cost of replacement parts on sheetmetal, bumpers etc. Dennis at Indio Dune Buggy sells a SCORE legal cage in kit form ready to go. We use the factory VW wiring loom switches and fuses for simplicity and reliability. And yes, a SCORE rulebook is a must.

For a Baja 1000 car you cannot beat a 74-77 with the big air bumpers, much more room for lights up front and stronger body threw out