1961 Volkswagen Other 1961 VW Dune Runner Manx Style Buggy

Description

The Dune Runner was an alternative option to the Meyers Manx. They were made locally in Westminster California with several variations like the Mini-Mercedes, Shelbiette GT and the T-bird. The company didn't do well because of the various copy right infringements, but they sure made some very cool buggies while they were in business. The T-bird style hood option was sold as a kit with various options including wheels, tuned headers, Dietz 820 headlights, front and rear bumpers, roll-bar, tops and more. My journey with this t-bird buggy started over a year a half ago when I found it for sale in Temecula CA. The car was is pretty rough shape as can be seen in the pictures. With that said I was able to gather the history of where exactly the buggy was made and was. As I began the restoration it was clear that most of the original buggy was still intact, which was the inspiration for the rest mod.
The buggy was about 90% original when I found it with only the bumpers  and roll bar changed. The Original gold flake paint was a little too far gone to bring back to life and as I progressed with the tear down I found less items that could be used. The original gauges were shot , wiring harness was in very bad shape, headlights unfortunately beyond repair. I decided that a rest-mod would be the best path to honor the buggy. I decided to keep the original 1600 engine and manual transaxle. These underwent a simple rebuild and reseal with bolt on modifications to the engine indulging the original offered tuned headers. A new flywheel, clutch and pressure plate were installed to ensure nothing but fun right out of the gate. The original oil cooler was reused and all new hoses and lines installed. All of the stock suspension was upgraded to KYB shocks and polyurethane bushings. New stylist chrome tie rod bars were swapped in and alignment set. The entire original drum brake system was completely rebuilt with new shoes, spring kits, wheels cylinders, stainless steel brake lines, hard lines and master cycle. All the lights were upgraded to led for safer and better lighting. The entire buggy sits on a freshly black power coated pan and original rims with a fresh set of tires as well. The LED headlights feature a red halo running lights that turn amber for a turn signal as well and are housed in similar 7" chrome buckets that look just like the original Dietz headlights. The rear LED's function as stop, and running lights with amber turn signals as well. All gauges were upgraded for the stock VDO to the VDO cockpit series gauges including the tach and digital speedo that has a very cool sweep at startup. To tie all the new electronics together a brand new wiring harness was purchased and run through the factory build in wiring tube hidden on the under side of the body. Minor modifications were made to include the hall effect sensor for the speedo and new tach. A new sending unit was installed in the gas tank to go with the new 60 ohm fuel gauge. The roll bar on the buggy was added and not original so I purchased the proper Myers Manx Stainless steel show bar not far from the original purchase location. I also sourced the proper original front and rear chrome bumpers and included the skid plate as well. The windshield was replaced and the frame polished back to life. Early into the project I wanted to go with a nice subtle white pearl from the new Teslas and use red anodized touches and stitching to bring everything together. The two piece red and chrome fuel filler from Eddie motorsports really brings the attention to the unique t-bird hood. The interior seats and top were custom made. The front seats had the original blowback style with gorgeous black diamond pattern and red stitching. The rear bench was built to match and ties everything tougher. 3" Simpson racing seat belts are mounted upfront for added safety. The suede steering wheel with red 12 o clock stripe is so nice when driving around and looks super cool. The top was made to match the style and look that's period correct. While the entire car was completely restored and updated, it manages to persevere the original look, feel, sound and fun of the original Dune Runner T-bird Buggy.
The buggy had the original paint and has only received body work and new paint for this project. Minimal body work and pre were professionally done to ensure that the new 3 stage white Tesla pearl paint will remain looking great for years to come. The under side of the tub was covered with black truck bed-liner coating for added protection. The pan and Rims were power coated for long lasting rust protection.
This buggy has tons of cool features. The passing switch on the new turn signal was repurposed as the horn, the wipers work and a hurst style trigger empi sifter was installed. This buggy is a ton of fun, reliable and overall a very nice rest mod.