The Box, a conversion for type 1 Volkswagens
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
The Box, a (nearly) forgotten conversion for Volkswagen's type 1 cars, the Beetle, the Ghia, and the Thing. Perhaps best described as if someone had taken a picture of a van with one door, and squished it to about half the size, resulting in something that looks almost like a loaf of bread on wheels, that has been sat upon. The Box was first produced in 1970 by Chris Brubaker. Is was thought of as "a practical mini-van designed for the auto enthusiast who wants something different than the run-of-the-mill vehicle". This conversion was not ment to replace the popular VW Bus. In fact, the dimentions were hardly any bigger than the Beetle sedan. It is one inch shorter in height, one inch shorter in length, but a full eight inches wider. This is very apealing to anyone who sits in a Beetle, only to find they are rubbing ribs with the passenger. The Box was designed to be sturdy and solid. The shell is fiberglass with two piece layer construction, each side having an inner and outer skin. Ridges are molded into the layers to make the fiberglass stronger, then filled with a spray expanding foam to dampen sound and travel in the pieces. Airducts for heating and airconditioning (an option added by Aeromecca) were molded between the panels. Access was achived via one door in the passenger (right) side of the vehicle. It slides open, much like a comventional van, and measures about four feet wide, allowing easy access to the back seat. A thirty-six by thirty-six inch one peice removable sunroof was available in the later models as an option designes as an indentation molded in the roof if not used. The extra width of the Box gave space for the stereo and 8-track system, ignition, and switches in a console along the left side of the driver's area. The gas tank is mounted behind the driver's seat but can be relocated where space will allow. The rear seat is a bench holding two 6-footers on three smaller people. The engine was stock, however a plethora of aftermarket equipment can easily upgrade a 36hp engine.
The Brubaker Box was produced in very limited numbers before it was sold to a company called Automecca. Automecca then geared up for production of the new Automecca Sports Van. The production run was for about 1500 total cars. The company offered several options for interior and colors, delevered to your door. If you wish to make the conversion yourself, the kit came in a box and the installation took about a day with average mechanical ability.
Not much information is available for the Box. The fiberglass molds are in the possetion of Richard Alexander of http://www.brubakerbox.com/. He recently purchaced them from a VW aftermarket shop in Florida. Rick is the owner of an Aeromeca Box, and plans to reproduce the fiberglass parts for new Boxes if the molds are in good condition. He will be able to answer many questions about the Box if you contact him. New molded pieces may be available for sale, but Rick notes that most of the construction of the Box will be left to the purchaser. Glass, rubber, electrics, lights, motor, chassis, etc... will need to be furnished to complete the Box.
When making your own Box, be sure to obtain a copy of local automotive safety laws. Make sure when building any kit car, that it meets or exceeds all the safety requirements of your locale. If you are unsure of your work, there are several companies that will build kit cars for you, for a price. When registering your new Box, remember it has all the running gear of a Volkswagen and can be registered as a reconstructed vehicle or hobbie vehicle. Be sure to talk to someone who is knowledgeale in your local DMV office about these types of registrations. If no one is familar eith these cars, write to the regional office. Know what requirments need to be meet to make your Box road worthy. Keep all your documentation when buying parts and a chassis as these will have vehicle id numbers and play an important part in qualifing for the correct registration. Keep in mind safety factors when choosing a larger engine as the Box is lighter than the Beetle and is not made of a hard steel. This vehicle is far from common, and is guaranteed to get stares and questions. You have a chance to make your own expression, do it with style. Spend a little more money to get better parts, especially in the brakes and seatbelts.
So, pop in that 8-track and start cruising. Show off your work at some of the VW shows around the country. The Box is not for everyone. Only those who wish to make a bold statement. That statement may be, "Hey, I have a funny looking four and a half foot tall van", but it's a statement.
