Its First Time Overlanding / Baja Bug VW Beetle Overland Build

We take our Bajabug VW Beetle Overland Build out on its first overlanding trip! Does it survive? Spoiler alert: we have plans in place to take it on many more trips in the very near future! We did have a few problems we had to deal with along the way though. Below is a link to a review video on the small fridge you see Merri putting beer in. Along with a link to the fridge itself. The Iceco APL20- • Compact Camping Fridge... The Iceco VL45ProS- icecofreezer.com/products/vlp... 12% discount code: wanderlostoverland 12% discount link: bit.ly/4cvUM8K Here's a link to the KickAss Battery Box that powers our fridge- kickassproducts.com/?ref=0ypH...

[@chrisjanes9336]

Refreshingly different from other overland builds 👌👌

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad you think so!

[@chipandrews2892]

I absolutely love your Baja VW Bug! I forgot how small they are until my neighbor bought a 1970 VW Bug up here in Alaska (and no, she doesn't drive it in the winter). I really enjoy your channel as I have a 2008 Toyota FJ and enjoyed all your videos on the stuff you have done to yours. Keep it up! Cheers

[@WanderlostOverland]

Very cool!

[@WanderlostOverland]

I forgot how small they were until we went on this road trip for 3 days 😂! Thanks for watching. -Merri

[@overland63]

You two are hilarious, and adorable. Thanks for the update. Happy travels.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you! You too!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you

[@undeaniabletruths5551]

Great video, looked like a fun trip. Love how you all just roll with the punches. Look forward to seeing more of the bug.

[@WanderlostOverland]

More to come!

[@alpacapete8500]

Excellent video guys! I got to meet you both (and the bug) a month or so ago at a car show. I have that black 1969 baja bug and we also had issues with the rear fenders rubbing when fully loaded with camping gear. Hope to see more adventures!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Yes, we remember- cool bug! Hope you are enjoying the summer. Maybe we’ll see you again at a bug fest.

[@commonsense6050]

I am glad you got a Baja Bug and are having fun. There is something special about the light weight, the handling, and the heart beat of that engine moving you along. With the rear weight balance and traction it will go more places than you expect. Just don't load too much weight on it. FYI. I was overlanding in a Baja Bug before people invented the term "overlanding". We just called it camping or off-roading. I started with Baja Bugs in 1979. In 1986 I built a Baja Bug that I off-roaded until 2016. It went everywhere in the deserts and mountains of California, Nevada, Arizona, and in Baja California. It went all the way down Baja to Cabo following the Baja 2000 race. I travelled and camped with Bruce Meyers in my dune buggy. Here are some lessons learned. When you convert from 6V to 12V you need to get a different wiper motor. Or, use Rainex on the glass. If you are not racing you do not need a roll-cage. The stock hard top is pretty strong in normal rollovers and I have seen a few due to poor driving choices. The roll-cage just gets in the way. For shoulder belts just weld in threaded inserts in the B pillar like the '67 and later body cars and add stock type seat belts with retractors. 17mm or 18mm rear torsion bars are the right spring rate for a Baja Bug, but you need shocks with stiffer damping to match. Weld the seams on the frame horns that hold the engine. From the facory they are just spot welded and they will flex and crack. When your 94mm pistons start losing compression or burning oil you will find out that the cylinder walls on the 92 and 94mm cylinders are too thin and warp from heat over time. The most durable cylinders are the 90.5mm (with stock crank that makes a 1776cc engine). 90.5mm cylinders have thicker walls than the stock cylinders and are very long lasting. They are best when fitted with a moderate stroker crank as it produces even more torque for the full body car. The best carburetor setup for reliable moderate HP engines are the 40 mm dual Solex Kadrons. They were designed by VW for the air cooled engine and work on engines from 1600 on up. Aftermarket carbs are repurposed from water cooled cars and don't have the right fuel mixtures through the range to keep the VW engine cool. Get more good information for recreational Baja Bugs from the the old Gene Berg technical bulletins, and HP Books "Baja Bugs and Dune Buggies" by Jeff Hibbard.

[@WanderlostOverland]

@@commonsense6050 thanks for all the info. Everyone has at least one great bug story! Sounds like you made some really good memories in yours.

[@patar4568]

Re adjust your spring plates. So cool taking it out on trips. I have a 69 Baja.

[@JesseePDX]

good to see the bug out there

[@efil4kizum]

those DuraTracs do look Sharp!

[@GrizzlyPath]

Looks like y’all had fun on shakedown. I’ll have to check out the Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail (TWAT) if I’m ever in the area.

[@OrangeBoxxfab]

As always watching you guys on the adventures is wonderful. The Baja bug brings back so many memories! Love it. Keep it coming guys all of us here at Orange Boxx Fab gets time off at work to watch all of your vids every week.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks Orange Boxx, you guys are the best!

[@fernandomartinez5812]

Blessings out there. Love your Baja!

[@SigmaWolfOutdoors]

Lot of high school memories workin on those old v dubs ... vivia class 11

[@chado_outdoors]

You guys need my vintage teardrop to pull with that baja! 😂

[@ACEventure]

Looks like a fun project!

[@Gearhead1432]

It’s great to see some miles and adventure with the Baja! You might consider monitoring cylinder head temps if you’re concerned about cooling at high engine loads.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks

[@danijpkemeule3034]

Excellent video guys, love it!!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewstocker7457]

love me a baja bug... looks like you need more ground clearance & a higher stance which unfortunately means spending a good bit more money.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

It actually looks cool without the rear fenders. What does Johnny Law think?

[@WanderlostOverland]

No hassle from them. I think the look and purpose of the bug gives us a pass.

[@Kentucky4runner]

Y’all-in the future, just leave the water out and keep the space in the fridge for the beer. It’s easier that way, and just makes sense 😂😂. Motels and over landing is just a combination of two awesome things.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great idea!!

[@WanderlostOverland]

😂 stay hydrated!

[@Gadisaur]

Sup

[@KA5IVR]

Are you bringing the Bug to the RMTR next month?

[@WanderlostOverland]

😆