Dune Buggy/Sand Buggy/VW

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Dune Buggy

Learning Resources

Tips On Choosing Dune Buggy Books

Dune buggies are usually built from a VW beetle chassis or from scratch. If you are taking the VW donor approach, we suggest starting with one of the books oriented toward the bug chassis along side a basic book on vehicle handling (University level vehicle dynamics isn't suggested unless you intend to race professionally)

If you are taking the scratch-build approach, the above type books are suggested, plus specialized books on chassis design, suspension design, metal fabrication and powertrain books suited to your concept. The suspensions used on 4x4 or off-road machines tend not to be documented in any race car design books, but other books on suspension design are readily applied to the high-travel type suspensions found off-road.

Learning Resources Filter Instructions
Book Category 
Topic (Level)
Vehicle Type
Resource Type
Chassis
Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling
Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Chassis Engineering is a great introduction to race car design. In a practical and down-to-earth way, it covers the fundamentals of how race cars handle and the requirements for designing and constructing a car. The book includes chapters on chassis design, suspension design, frame construction, aerodynamics and tuning. Overall it provides the reader with the foundation of how the key components of a race car work and interact together. Read full review

Get "Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
Bar Stool Racer
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Quad/ATV
Rally
Rider Mower
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Street Rod
Supercar
CycleKart
Book Resource
Chassis
Racing Chassis and Suspension Design: PT-90
Racing Chassis and Suspension Design: PT-90
3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)

A compilation of 27 SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) papers selected by racing engineer legend Carroll Smith which focus on chassis and suspension design for pure race cars. These papers provide deep insights and practical and usable information for chassis and race car designers.

Get "Racing Chassis and Suspension Design: PT-90":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Midget (Full Size)
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Quad/ATV
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Book Resource
Chassis
The Race Car Chassis : Design, Structures and Materials for Road, Drag and Circle Track Open- and Closed-Wheel Chassis
The Race Car Chassis : Design, Structures and Materials for Road, Drag and Circle Track Open- and Closed-Wheel Chassis
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Aspiring designers will find Forbes Aird's book on chassis design to be a good introduction to the fundamental purposes, structures and materials of race car (or road car) chassis. What the book might lack in formulas and design calculations, it makes up for in sheer breadth of chassis design and construction ideas. It provides sufficient information to the reader to leave them with a solid understanding of the various chassis types, materials and construction so they can make informed choices about designing their own chassis. Read full review

Get "The Race Car Chassis : Design, Structures and Materials for Road, Drag and Circle Track Open- and Closed-Wheel Chassis":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Quad/ATV
Rally
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Supercar
Book Resource
Driving
4-Wheel Freedom: The Art Of Off-Road Driving
4-Wheel Freedom: The Art Of Off-Road Driving
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Teaches basics of 4 wheel drive vehicles and off-road driving techniques. Chapters on basics of 4 wheel drive, selecting a 4x4, customizing and upgrading, and off-roading techniques. Off-road techniques include crawling, hills, recovery/winching, snow, ice, mud, and crossing streams.

Get "4-Wheel Freedom: The Art Of Off-Road Driving":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Driving ( Basic)
Driving ( Advanced)
Dune Buggy
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Book Resource
Fasteners/Joining
High Performance Hardware: Fastener Technology for Racers and Enthusiasts
High Performance Hardware: Fastener Technology for Racers and Enthusiasts
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

High performance hardware provides both theory and extensive practical information on hardware and fasteners. It covers material properties that relate to fasteners as well as pretty much every type of fastener used on a race vehicle.

Get "High Performance Hardware: Fastener Technology for Racers and Enthusiasts":
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Bar Stool Racer
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
Dune Buggy
Kart
Quad/ATV
Rider Mower
Street Rod
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Advanced Automotive Welding
Advanced Automotive Welding
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Advanced Automotive welding teaches basic and advanced welding skills specifically geared toward race car construction. Joint types, metal types, and welding processes such as TIG, MIG, oxy-acetylene and stick welding are covered. Includes projects such as roll cage, seat supports, floor pan and others.

Get "Advanced Automotive Welding":
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Bar Stool Racer
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
Drag Racer (Production-Based)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
GT
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Quad/ATV
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Touring Car
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #1
Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #1
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Book 1 of the Composite materials series. Explains the basics of composites, their applications, workspace setup, tools and practical techniques. Includes projects to help the builder learn techniques of mold making, laminating, demolding and finishing. Includes many high quality color photographs to guide the reader.

Get "Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #1":
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Bodywork ( Basic)
Bodywork ( Advanced)
Custom Street/Import
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Supercar
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #2
Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #2
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Book 2 of the Composite materials series which gets builders started by explaining the practical techniques. Includes projects to help the builder learn techniques of mold making, laminating, demolding and finishing. Includes many high quality color photographs to guide the reader.

Get "Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #2":
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Bodywork ( Basic)
Bodywork ( Advanced)
Custom Street/Import
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Supercar
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #3
Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #3 (Composite Garage Series)
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Book 3 of the Composite materials series. Expands on mold making, advanced mold systems, one-off fabrication methods and computer design. Includes hands-on projects such as a body panel, camper shell and hollow body guitar to help the reader learn and practice techniques. Also includes composite repairs.

Get "Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #3 (Composite Garage Series)":
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Bodywork ( Basic)
Bodywork ( Advanced)
Custom Street/Import
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Supercar
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
How To Weld
How To Weld
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

A complete guide for beginner welders on the history, safety, equipment and techniques for welding. The book covers metal fabrication tools, types and properties of metals, welding joint designs, gas welding, brazing, arc welding (MIG, TIG, stick) and cutting. It also includes sample exercises to help the reader practice what they have learned.

Get "How To Weld":
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Bar Stool Racer
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
Drag Racer (Production-Based)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
GT
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Quad/ATV
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Touring Car
CycleKart
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Metal Fabricator's Handbook
Metal Fabricator's Handbook
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Teaches welding techniques, metal forming, hammerforming and practical metal fabrication projects. Project include forming custom body panels, tanks, roll cages/safety cells and exhaust headers.

Get "Metal Fabricator's Handbook":
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Bar Stool Racer
Custom Street/Import
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Quad/ATV
Rally
Rider Mower
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Street Rod
Supercar
CycleKart
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Racer's Encyclopedia of Metals, Fibers and Materials
Racer's Encyclopedia of Metals, Fibers and Materials
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Provides introductory and more advanced information about metals, metal fatigue, composite fibers and the uses of a wide variety of materials in race cars.

Get "Racer's Encyclopedia of Metals, Fibers and Materials":
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Dune Buggy
GT
Kart
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Quad/ATV
Rally
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Street Rod
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Powertrain
Engine Builder's Handbook
Engine Builder's Handbook
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Explains how to troubleshoot and rebuild all types of engines. Provides tips, techniques and detailed information on engine inspection, teardown, the short block, cylinder heads, assembly and camshaft theory.

Get "Engine Builder's Handbook":
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Custom Street/Import
Drag Racer (Production-Based)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Rally
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Street Rod
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Powertrain
High-Performance Differentials, Axles, and Drivelines
High-Performance Differentials, Axles, and Drivelines
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

This book explains how to select and match driveline components to engine power output to minimize or eliminate driveline breakages. Also covers gear ratio selection, differential rebuilding and driveline components.

Get "High-Performance Differentials, Axles, and Drivelines":
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Drag Racer (Production-Based)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Rally
Sprint (Full Size)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Touring Car
Book Resource
Powertrain
Modern Engine Blueprinting Techniques: A Practical Guide to Precision Engine Building
Modern Engine Blueprinting Techniques: A Practical Guide to Precision Engine Building
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Explains the engine blueprinting process through illustrations and detailed procedures. Includes professional techniques on how to balance, make true and match components as an optimized group. Components include block, crank, connecting rods, pistons, rings, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, camshafts.

Get "Modern Engine Blueprinting Techniques: A Practical Guide to Precision Engine Building":
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Drag Racer (Production-Based)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Sprint (Full Size)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Touring Car
Book Resource
Powertrain
Motorcycle Turbocharging, Supercharging & Nitrous Oxide
Motorcycle Turbocharging, Supercharging, & Nitrous Oxide: A Complete Guide to Forced Induction and its use on Modern Motorcycle Engines
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

For builders of small motorcycle engine-powered race cars who want that extra kick. Teaches how to turbocharge, supercharge and use Nitrous oxide on motorcycle engines. This book goes into ram air, turbos, superchargers and nitrous systems plus the fuel systems that work along side them. The book also looks at which engines are best for forced-air induction.

Get "Motorcycle Turbocharging, Supercharging, & Nitrous Oxide: A Complete Guide to Forced Induction and its use on Modern Motorcycle Engines":
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Quad/ATV
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Supercar
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
How to Make Your Car Handle
How to Make Your Car Handle
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Teaches how to improve vehicle handling through suspension and chassis modifications and understanding vehicle dynamics. Includes basic suspension theory on roll centers, roll axis, camber change, bump steer, anti-dive, ride rate, ride balance as well practical chassis modifications.

Get "How to Make Your Car Handle":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Custom Street/Import
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
GT
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Rally
Rider Mower
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Street Rod
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
Race Car Vehicle Dynamics (R146)
Race Car Vehicle Dynamics (R146)
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

A comprehensive book on the vehicle dynamics of race cars (and applicable to road cars). Includes the most in-depth theoretical knowledge about vehicle handling, suspension and dynamics available in a single book. Along with clear explanations of principles there is a large mathematical component for engineering design. Can be used as a university textbook for vehicle engineering/Formula SAE/Student.

Get "Race Car Vehicle Dynamics (R146)":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Custom Street/Import
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Rally
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Whole Car (Design and Build)
Baja Bugs and Buggies: How to prepare VW-based cars for off-road fun and racing
Baja Bugs and Buggies: How to prepare VW-based cars for off-road fun and racing
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Provides information on how to modify and build off-road buggies from a VW base. Include frames, roll cages, skid plates, engine/transaxle mods, suspension mods, tires, wheels, brakes, lights, electrical, fuel tanks, off-road breakdown solutions and driving/safety tips.

Get "Baja Bugs and Buggies: How to prepare VW-based cars for off-road fun and racing":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Basic)
Dune Buggy
Book Resource
Whole Car (Design and Build)
Building a Dune Buggy - The Essential Manual
Building a Dune Buggy - The Essential Manual: Everything you need to know to build any VW-based Dune Buggy yourself!
3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)

Step-by-step guide to equipment and building techniques to construct a VW Beetle-based dune or beach buggy kit car. Covers donor vehicle and new parts selections, avoiding mistakes.

Get "Building a Dune Buggy - The Essential Manual: Everything you need to know to build any VW-based Dune Buggy yourself!":
Chassis ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Dune Buggy
Book Resource
Whole Car (Design and Build)
How to Build a Dune Buggy
How to Build a Dune Buggy
3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)

As general guide to dune buggy construction. Includes steps and illustrations to guide the builder on selecting a frame, selecting and installing suspension and steering components, powertrain, fuel and electrical. This is not a design book but does provide some insights to those interested in dune buggy design.

Get "How to Build a Dune Buggy":
Chassis ( Basic)
Suspension ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Electrical ( Basic)
Dune Buggy
Book Resource
Whole Car (Design and Build)
How to Build Motorcycle-engined Racing Cars
How to Build Motorcycle-engined Racing Cars
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

How to design and construct a motorcycle engine powered race car. This book explains how select and integrate the engine into a car as well as the design of the other aspects such as chassis, powertrain, brakes, fuel, coolant and electrics.

Get "How to Build Motorcycle-engined Racing Cars":
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Electrical ( Basic)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Midget (Quarter)
Quad/ATV
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Micro)
Book Resource
Whole Car (Design)
Race Car Engineering & Mechanics
Race Car Engineering & Mechanics
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Paul Van Valkenburgh's guide to understanding how the many components of the entire race car fit and work together. He provides design theory and practical information on tires, wheels, suspension geometry, springs, anti-roll bars, brakes, aerodynamics, handling, engine supports, chassis, safety and even racing operations such as testing and pit lane procedures.

Get "Race Car Engineering & Mechanics":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
Aerodynamics ( Advanced)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Basic)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Custom Street/Import
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Book Resource

Sanctioning Bodies/Organizers

Region 
Race Car Type
International
FIA

Federation Internationale de l'Automobile

Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
GT
Rally
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Touring Car
International
Paris-Dakar Rally

Paris-Dakar Rally

Dune Buggy
Off-road Truck
USA
SCORE International

SCORE International Off-Road Racing

Dune Buggy
Off-road Truck
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