The Deluxe Pre-Assembled Body Package, DPABP for short, was pioneered by Special Edition, Inc. over 25 years ago and, despite the long name, simply means that it is more than a kit. (Kit being a very vague term in this industry). This package is not for everyone, and those not wishing to realize the savings and satisfaction of such a project need read no further. Perhaps a "Roller" or a "Turn-key" are more what you are seeking. Access those pages from the Menu bar.
The object of the DPABP is to provide the enthusiast who wishes to participate in the assembly of his or her Speedster or Spyder 550 a package that requires basic skills and does not demand the mastering of 4 new professions. Those being, welding, wiring, upholstery and painting. This is supposed to be fun. A hobby, not a career change.
WHAT DO I GET in a DPABP? It is a completely assembled body on a 3" tubular chassis. The doors, engine lid, and front bonnet are hinged, weather sealed, painted, and complete. The hood and engine release handles are installed and adjusted.
The interior is carpeted, upholstered in leather, with the convertible top and top boot installed and operational.
All wiring is installed. Fuse panel, pre-installed wires for headlights, tail lights, all engine functions, all switches, the horns, brake light circuitry, 2 speed wiper motor, emergency flashers, turn signals, high beam/low beam control, etc. All you will be required to do is connect the color coded wires to the associated assembly. (Headlight wires plugged into the headlight assembly, for example.)
All cables are installed. The emergency brake cables are ready to hook-up to the rear brakes (which are part of the customer supplied transaxle). The clutch cable, accelerator cable, heater control cables, and cable shift mechanism (Spyder only) are all pre-installed. The pedal assembly is installed.
The master cylinder, brake reservoir, steel brake lines, and locating clips are all pre-installed. The flexible brake hoses are also included.
The front suspension is complete out to the upper and lower control arms (ball joint version). The rear suspension is complete to the adjustable spring plates. The torsion bars are installed. The transmission mounts are included as well. No welding, no complicated "clocking" of the torsion bars is required.
SO, WHAT MECHANICAL PARTS AND ASSEMBLIES WILL I NEED? You will need the parts to complete the front suspension, a complete transaxle for the rear, and an engine with matched exhaust system. These are available either directly from Special Edition, Inc. or from the supplier of your choice. We have over 28 years of experience with suppliers and can assist you in these decisions as well.
FRONT SUSPENSION - we offer a package for standard 4 bolt applications as well as 5 bolt applications. Not sure what you want? Call for details or an explanation of the differences.
TRANSAXLE, DRUM TO DRUM - The standard transaxle is a drum brake, swing axle style component. We have suppliers waiting that know our product, and can fill your order promptly. We will gladly assist to see that you order what you really need. There are gearing options available to suit most any application. Disc brakes are also available for the rear.
ENGINE - There are a variety of VW engine displacements available. There are also literally dozens of suppliers of this assembly. We have had 28 years of experience in this field. You might want to ask us.
ANYTHING ELSE? - Yes, we call these the Brightwork Package and the Hardware Package.
Brightwork refers to chrome items, not manufactured by us, but supplied by third party reproduction specialists. We offer a package that includes 2 headlights, 2 tail lights, 1 license plate light, 2 horn grills, 2 Speedster emblems, 1 Aero Style side view mirror, and 4 hubcaps. (You may add or delete parts as required to suit.)
The Hardware Package contains every nut, bolt, screw, washer, and small VW part that will be required to assemble the product. these are genuine, quality hardware, bought in bulk to save you time and money. It also gives us a better sense that proper hardware is going into the project.
Information on the Brightwork Completion Package, Suspension Completion Package, and the Hardware Completion Package is in the word file found at the bottom of this page.
You may be surprised as to just how well we have engineered this product to provide you, the automotive hobbyist, with a quality product that will not take forever to finish. A group of first time builders have actually completely assembled a DPABP at the Carlisle Kit Show in less than 24 hours. See the video clips on this website.
Now let's take a look at some of the close-up photo's of this DPABP.
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