FAQ

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=180 BGCOLOR="#FFFF00" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="04e87650.jpg" border=0 width="135" height="101" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1a08c010.png" border=0 width="140" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>CHASSIS</B></I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1a08c010.png" border=0 width="140" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B><U>2-Seat</U></B></I></div> <div> <I><B><U>Sandrails</U></B></I><I><B> </B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="138" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Warrior"><U><B>Warrior</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id36.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Classic 290"><U><B>Classic 290</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Classic 295"><U><B>Classic 295</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id61.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Classic 2100"><U><B>Classic 2100</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Venture"><U><B>Venture</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sandfox"><U><B>Sandfox</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stalker"><U><B>Stalker</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B><U>4-Seat </U></B></I></div> <div> <I><B><U>Sandrails </U></B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="138" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cruiser"><U><B>Cruiser</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Classic 4105"><U><B>Classic 4105</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sandfox 4X"><U><B>Sandfox 4X</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id62.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Encore"><U><B>Encore</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stalker 22"><U><B>Stalker 2+2</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B><U>Square Tube Chassis</U></B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="138" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id63.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nostalgia Chassis"><U><B>Nostalgia</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RoadsterT Chassis"><U><B>Roadster-T</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1a08c010.png" border=0 width="140" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>ACCESSORIES</B></I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1a08c010.png" border=0 width="140" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="138" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Berrien Sandrail Accessories"><U><B>Sandrail Access </B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Berrien Sandrail Accessories"><U><B>by </B></U></A><A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Berrien Sandrail Accessories"><U><B>Berrien</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id70.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Berrien Fiberglass Accessories"><U><B>Fiberglass Access by Berrien</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id119.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Aftermarket Parts"><U><B>Aftermarket Parts</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id117.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Books Tools"><U><B>Books & Tools</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1a08c010.png" border=0 width="140" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>FIBERGLASS</B></I></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1a08c010.png" border=0 width="140" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="138" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id92.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sand Rail Bodies"><U><B>Sand Rail Body</B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I> </I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial Black" ><I><B><U>Buggy Bodies</U></B></I></FONT></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="138" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nostalgia Body"><U><B>Nostalgia</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id67.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lancer Body"><U><B>Lancer</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RoadsterT Body"><U><B>Roadster-T</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id66.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Citation Body"><U><B>Citation</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B><U>Trike Bodies</U></B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="138" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id88_desperado.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trike Bodies"><U><B>Desperado</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="126"><div> <A HREF="id88_maverick.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trike Bodies"><U><B>Maverick</B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1a08c010.png" border=0 width="140" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=99 BGCOLOR="#FFFF00" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="0dd984a0.png" border=0 width="408" height="74" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=381 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial Black" >Where the Fun Begins</FONT>     |   <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Where the Fun Begins"><U>Home</U></A> |  <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Choosing A Chassis"><U>Choosing A Chassis</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Product Matrix"><U>Product Matrix</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Products and Services"><U>Our Products and Services</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id112.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ordering Terms Conditions"><U>Ordering Terms & Conditions</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id52.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Berrien Buggy On Tour"><U>Berrien Buggy On Tour</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery"><U>Photo Gallery</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A>   |   FAQ  </div> <div> <IMG SRC="041f4010.png" border=0 width="500" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> FAQ</div> <div> FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS</div> <bR> <div> This page is a work in progress.  If you have a question not covered here, <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>call or write </U></A>to get an answer. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#completed_buggies_" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do you sell completed buggies?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#additional_parts" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">What</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#additional_parts" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#additional_parts" TITLE="FAQ"><U>additional parts will I need to buy other than the chassis to build a complete buggy?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#catalog" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">How</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#catalog" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#catalog" TITLE="FAQ"><U>can I get a catalog?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#cost" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">How</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#cost" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#cost" TITLE="FAQ"><U>much will it cost to build a complete buggy?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#worth" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Can</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#worth" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#worth" TITLE="FAQ"><U>you tell me how much my buggy is worth?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#parts_from_donor" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Which</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#parts_from_donor" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#parts_from_donor" TITLE="FAQ"><U>parts from my "donor" Beetle can be used on my buggy?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#type_3" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">What</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#type_3" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#type_3" TITLE="FAQ"><U>parts can I use from my Type 3 to build a buggy with?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#welding" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">What</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#welding" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#welding" TITLE="FAQ"><U>kind of welding equipment do I need to assemble a chassis?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#modifications" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Can</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#modifications" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#modifications" TITLE="FAQ"><U>you help me with the frame modifications necessary to use a V-8 engine in a dune buggy?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#plans" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Can</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#plans" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#plans" TITLE="FAQ"><U>I buy plans or blueprints for your products?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#outside_the_us" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Can</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#outside_the_us" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#outside_the_us" TITLE="FAQ"><U>you ship a frame or body to me outside the US?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#dealer_near_me" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#dealer_near_me" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#dealer_near_me" TITLE="FAQ"><U>you have a dealer near me?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#cage_height" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">How</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#cage_height" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#cage_height" TITLE="FAQ"><U>do I determine what cage height I should order my sandrail with?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#roll_cages" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#roll_cages" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#roll_cages" TITLE="FAQ"><U>you sell roll cages for Fiberglass Bodied buggies?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#soft_top" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#soft_top" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#soft_top" TITLE="FAQ"><U>you know where I can get a soft top for a Manx Style buggy?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#metalflake" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Why</U></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#metalflake" TITLE="FAQ"><U> </U></A></FONT><A HREF="#metalflake" TITLE="FAQ"><U>don't you offer your fiberglass products in metalflake?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#berrien_buggy_photo_guidelines_" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">How can I be sure any pictures I send you will be usable?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#vin_or_certificate" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do your chassis come with a "VIN number" or "Certificate of Origin"?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#street_legal" TITLE="FAQ"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Can I license a buggy to be driven on the street?</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="completed_buggies_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Do you sell completed buggies?</B></div> <bR> <div> We are kept too busy with manufacturing to be able to built complete cars.  If you don't feel like you can or want to build your own car, we do have some dealers that will custom build a complete car to your specifications.  Email us your address & the style of buggy your are interested in, if you would like to know where the closest dealer is.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="additional_parts"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>What additional parts will I need to buy other than the chassis to build a complete buggy?</B></div> <bR> <div> There are hundreds of parts on a typical buggy. Some of the things you'll need are brakes, pedals, steering components, an engine, transmission, seats, wiring, tires, wheels, and many more. The chassis is really just the frame on which you mount everything. </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="catalog"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>How can I get a catalog?</B></div> <bR> <div> We do not currently publish a catalog covering all the products we make or distribute for other vendors.  </div> <bR> <div> For the products we manufacture, this website is currently more complete than any printed literature we have.</div> <bR> <div> For other vendor products, we carry Bugpack, Empi, CNC & some stock VW parts.  Bugpack & Empi provide us with catalogs, which we offer FREE in our showroom or with an order.  These are large catalogs & weight more than a pound each, so we ask that you send us a $5 check or money order to cover the postage for one or $8 for both, if you want copies mailed before ordering something.</div> <bR> <div> Please send to:</div> <bR> <div> Berrien Buggy Inc.</div> <div> Attn:  Catalogs</div> <div> 10644 US Hwy 31</div> <div> Berrien Springs, MI 49103</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="cost"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>How much will it cost to build a complete buggy?</B></div> <bR> <div> How much you spend will depend on if you use new or used components, a stock or high performance engine, etc. and whether or not you have a "donor" VW to take parts from.   It would be hard to build a quality buggy for less than $4000.  Obviously most people prefer to spread that expense over the length of the project, instead of buying all the parts at once.  That's why we always sell parts on a part by part basis.  You buy what you need or can afford as you go along.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="worth"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Can you tell me how much my buggy is worth?</B></div> <bR> <div> Buggies are custom built vehicles, so there is no "book valvue" for them & quality of workmanship can make or break your value.  Adding up your receipts will probably work if you only need the value for insurance, but only you can put a value on your time. </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="parts_from_donor"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Which parts from my "donor" Beetle can be used on my buggy?</B></div> <bR> <div> The least expensive way to build a buggy is to use parts from a "donor" VW.   If the VW you have is a regular Beetle and not a Super Beetle, it can donate many of the parts you will need, but not all.  The parts that can be used on a sandrail include pedal assembly, engine, transmission, front axle, and shift rod.   If you are building a fiberglass bodied buggy, you can also use the seats, gas tank, steering column, gauges & more.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="type_3"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>What parts can I use from my Type 3 to build a buggy with?</B></div> <bR> <div> You would be able to use the engine and the transmission, diagonal arms and rear brakes, but not the front end and not the torsion tube. There isn't a frame available that would accept the Type 3 front axle and torsion. You would have to custom design it or buy a front axle assembly and use a torsion tube from a regular or Super Beetle.. </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="welding"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>What kind of welding equipment do I need to assemble a chassis?</B></div> <bR> <div> You should use a wire feed welder.   All the factory welds on a Berrien product are done with a mig welder.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="modifications"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Can you help me with the frame modifications necessary to use a V-8 engine in a dune buggy?</B></div> <bR> <div> All Berrien frames are designed around stock VW suspension & drivetrain.  While we know it's possible to mount other motors on a VW transaxle, we do not have enough knowledge about these alternative motors to be able to make all the modifications necessary to do that.   During manufacturing of the basic frame, we can alter the dimensions of the engine area, however we need you to provide details on what changes need to be made.  Charges for rear cage modification are based on the time & number of bars involved.  </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="plans"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Can I buy plans or blueprints for your products?</B></div> <bR> <div> We have a lot of time & money invested in our designs.  Since we make our living from manufacturing those designs, we consider it business suicide to distribute plans that would enable anyone else to make our products.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="outside_the_us"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Can you ship a frame or body to me outside the US?</B></div> <bR> <div> Due to the complexities of International shipping we do not arrange for shipping our frames or bodies outside the US.  Our international customers, find it much easier to get a broker in their own country to arrange the transportation.  We will supply you with package dimensions & weights once you have decided exactly what you want to order, so that your broker can get you a shipping quote.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="dealer_near_me"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Do you have a dealer near me?</B></div> <bR> <div> We have a number of dealers around the US, one in Canada & one in the UK.  Since all of our dealers don't carry our entire product line, please email us with your location & the product you are interested in, to find out if there is anyone near you that carrys the item you are interested in.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="cage_height"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>How do I determine what cage height I should order my sandrail with?</B></div> <bR> <div> The seat you choose will be a big factor in how much cage height you need in your frame. The best way to determine cage height is to take the seat you want to use & set it on a level surface. While sitting in the seat, have someone measure from the flat surface to the top of your head. Then add a few inches to allow for slack in the seatbelt & any brackets that will be going between the seat & the floor in the buggy. This is the minimum cage height you will need. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="roll_cages"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Do you sell roll cages for Fiberglass Bodied buggies?</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Developement of a roll cage for our fiberglass bodied buggies is an ongoing project, but we are not yet prepared to go into production.  We do know that the subtle differences between molds will require that we make our roll cages body specific.  If you have one of our bodies & would like to be notified when a cage for your body is available, please send us an email.  Don't forget to tell us which body style you have.  </FONT> email</div> <bR> <div> Whether any of our cages will be adaptable to bodies made by other manufacturers is not something we can know without actually having the body here at our shop.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="soft_top"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Do you know where I can get a soft top for a Manx Style buggy?</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Unfortunately we don't know of anyone making a soft top for a Manx, Nostalgia, Citation, etc. This is a product we hope to eventually be able to offer, however we've not yet found a source that is capable or willing to make a top without having the car at their shop.  If you would like to be put on a list to be notified when we do have tops available, send us an email.  Don't forget to tell us what body style you have. </FONT> email</div> <bR> <div> The tops we offer will be made for our bodies, so if you have a body made by another manufacturer we may not be able to guarantee the fit.</div> <bR> <div> Otherwise, your best bet would be to go to a boat shop and have a top custom made locally. </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="metalflake"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Why don't you offer your fiberglass products in metalflake?</B></div> <bR> <div> It is not easy to get a good finish with metalflake for several reasons.   </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f011111100.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There is rapid turnover of hired help in a glass shop because it is such undesireable work & you need a very experienced sprayer to get metalflake to lay down right.   </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f011111100.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Metalflake should always have a good thick coat of clear so that small scratches can be buffed without buffing the color off the flake.  </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f011111100.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The metalflake powder easily contaminates a whole shop unless handled very carefully and kept in a totally separate area from all other fiberglass products.   </div> <bR> <div> All of these issues would also add significant cost to the product.  We feel it is more important to offer a product of consistantly good quality at a reasonable price than to jeopardize that by trying to offer a finish that we know will be problematic & expensive.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="berrien_buggy_photo_guidelines_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>How can I be sure any pictures I send you will be usable?</B></div> <bR> <div> If we use customers pictures in advertising, we need to have more resolution than is generally used for posting on the web, also included here are some general guidelines to help you improve the quality of your photos. We apologize if it sounds like automotive photography for dummies, but the better pictures you take, the more likely we'll be able to use them. Feel free to pass the tips along to anyone else, as they can be applied to anything you want to photograph well. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Berrien Buggy Photo Guidelines: </B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Lighting is critical. The best pictures are taken on a bright but cloudy day to keep sun sparkle off the body or frame & any chrome parts that would wash them out. It's best not to take your pictures under trees, as they create funny shade spots. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Your position in comparison to the sun needs to be chosen to eliminate foreground shadows. Keep the sun as much overhead & behind you as possible. If possible you want to be directly between the car & the sun. Positioning the car for the photo can be as important as your position when you take the picture. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The background you choose is also important. All the lines of the car will stand out better, if the background is consistant all the way around the car & of a color that provides good contrast. Dark trees or buildings are great with a light colored car, while white buildings & sky are better for dark colored cars. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Since we don't have room to run a full spread of pictures on a single car, we prefer shots that show the whole car, rather than close-ups of individual sections. As you can see in the photo gallery, we can use front, rear or side shots.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you have a flash, use it even if there is good light. It will make the slightly shadowed areas brighter.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you are sending the photo's via email, it's better to send a small picture with high resolution than a large picture with low resolution. 72 dpi is fine for pictures you are posting on the web, but is way too grainy to use for publishing. Save your pictures with the highest dpi setting you can & still keep the file size under 250K. You want your file size small enough to make it sendable, but large enough to maintain high quality. If you have and know how to use a zip program to make the file more transfer friendly, use it. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Crop your picture, so that it's mostly of the car, not the scenery. This will help you keep your file size managable & allow you to save at a higher dpi level.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Save your photo's in .jpg format. They will automatically be compressed & anyone can open them.</div> <bR> <div> Thanks in advance for any photo's you care to share with us.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="vin_or_certificate"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Do your chassis come with a "VIN number" or "Certificate of Origin"?</B></div> <bR> <div> Because none of the chassis that we build leave our manufacturing facility in a complete enough form to qualify for a VIN number or "Certificate of Origin" under Michigan state law, no such number or certificate can be provided with the product.  Most states that ask for this type of documentation are just trying to verify that the components used were not stolen.  As long as you can provide them with the title of your donor car (if you used one) & sales receipts for the items you purchased, you should be able to meet that part of their requirements.  When seeking information from a licensing authority about the process for registering your buggy, try to avoid calling it a dune buggy.  You are less likely to get mis-information or blank stares if you refer to it as a kit car.  </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="street_legal"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Can I license a buggy to be driven on the street? </B></div> <bR> <div> The requirements for the types of vehicles that can be made street legal are different from state to state & from country to country.  Here in Michigan it is possible to license both sandrails & fiberglass bodied buggies for street use.  They are considered home built vehicles & the procedure for licensing this type of vehicle starts with an inspection to verify that the completed vehicle meets the current state vehicle code.  Once the vehicle has passed the inspection, the state assigns a new VIN number & titles it as an "Assembled Roadster".  </div> <bR> <div> If you are having difficulty getting information on what is required in your area, you might want to see if you can locate a hot rod club nearby, as members of these clubs should be familiar with the procedure for licensing a home built vehicle in your neck of the woods.</div> </td> </tr></table></body>