rear engine donor body suggestions for smart fortwo .8l cdi diesel engine/trans

[craysus]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isetta

You would be REALLY increasing the HP over what this had factory..but with some performance mods to suspension, and probably a bit more "frame" strength welded in...it would make a nice super mileage vehicle...if it could get 95+mpg factory standard..imagine what a uber efficienct diesel, idling along would get out of it...

I doubt you would find a factory converted pickup truck version...or the 600 model (enlarged)..but..you could probably modify any of the base models in a similar fashion if you wanted to.

[freebeard]

gumby79 — Not clicking on a Facespook link. "If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything."

Maybe you could wave your hands in the air and describe it?

[gumby79]

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Unless you would be willing to perform extensive mods to their structure in order to accomodate a transverse drivetrain, it's worth to remember most of the older economy cars mentioned in this thread are fitted with a longitudinal engine.

[freebeard]

Thx. I remember when that was on the cover of Hot VW Trends.

It's wide-body, not aero. Apparently I didn't save the pic (bad me) but someone grafted a Plymouth Prowler nose onto a Beetle body. Google won't show it to me, but I know they've seen it. It had a good fit through the cowl, but looked nose-heavy. There exist 8" beam extenders for rat-rod VWs that push the wheels forward. I want one that is a Lithium-Ion battery box. It would ride nicely and look proportionate.

Perhaps surprisingly, my candidate for an aerodynamic Beetle rebody:



W/ appropriate skirts, tonneau cover and a diverter that incorporates the lower engine cooling tin.

[craysus]

Just to give more of an understanding on my suggestion above..

a 502 big block can fit..

http://speednik.com/files/2013/01/BM...7f-640x426.jpg

OR..a flat 6 corvair engined model
Buy This Corvair-Powered Isetta and Face Down Ten Kinds of Death

This is the engine bay factory..lots more room than expected..
http://cdn.barnfinds.com/wp-content/...600-Engine.jpg

Very simple chassis structure if looking to graft an entire subframe style conversion in..
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...8ea5969cb7.jpg

and..the pickup body style..which you could modify a factory stock body and end up with something much more aero and fresh looking i am sure..
https://360carmuseum.com/data/museum...44/image/2.jpg

[freebeard]

Don't cut up one of those either!

At this point I'm standing by until OP posts again. Until then about all one can say is: The closest and cheapest one.

[LittleBlackDuck]

Originally Posted by gumby79

Looks like the offspring of a Can-Am car that mated with a VW Beetle!!!

[freebeard]

Slant-nose Porsche body kit. Here's two more from the VW Abortions thread on The Samba:



https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=149769&start=36200

Edit:Note that is page 1811 of 2017. Two more from the same page.




I actually think the second one is pretty error-dynamic. It just needs 1940 Buick headlight housings on the hood.

[samwichse]

Fiat 850 Spider

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hs...0/3692341.html

I've seen them in decent condition for <$2k. Stock they had an 817cc gas engine making 52bhp and weigh 1600lbs.



But honestly, maybe just try and shoehorn it into a Beetle? They're cheap, common, and the chassis is oh-so-hackable.

Sam