Let the Burro Restoration Begin...

[cobra1169]

This week marks the official beginning of my Buggy Project. I purchased a 1960s “Original” Burro on eBay --- sight unseen; a calculated gamble. We’ll see if it plays out as a “smart” move in the long run.








Here is what was listed as the car description:

Original Burro built by Tiny Thompson, Santa Ana, 1960s:
“Vehicle Description: Original Burro built by Tiny Thompson in Santa Ana in the 60's. Street legal with current registration and license. Stored since 2006. Rebuilt 1600 dual port motor. New tires, chrome wheels, bus transaxle, seats and canvas top. Also turning brakes, CB, fire extinguisher, toolbox and cooler.”

So the car arrived last week, and after assessing the purchase, I realized several things:

• I love the Burro period! It has a great design, scale, stance, and appearance
• The car does run and the engine sounds solid
• I’m not a big fan of the paint job or color --- I know it is just cosmetics, but it is a personal preference consideration
• However, I have no history or information on the Burro
• The Burro, in its current state, will not pass Texas inspection with a few non-functioning parts
• Before I put myself, family, and friends in the car for a drive of any distance or location, I will have the Buggy thoroughly inspected, evaluated, & assessed.

For this task, I am deferred to a true expert Neil Decker from Hawkeye Buggies http://www.hawkeyebuggies.com, who my boys now call the “Buggy Doctor.” Between Neil’s 30+ years of buggy experience, high recommendation from this Forum, and the rapport developed during the time that Neil spent with me on the phone and during emails prior to my purchase, I have the confidence that he is the man for the job!
Neil will be completing a complete component breakdown assessment of the Burro and we’ll see where we go from there! I am planning on a restoration that will keep the key appearance of the Burro intact, but I will use modern technology and conveniences to improve the safety, ride, and comfort of the Burro.

Below is a picture of the desired end state (with the exception of frame color to make my Burro distinctly different). This Burro is owned by Scott Drolet in Southern California who has been a huge help in providing me with Burro history, information, and a wealth of knowledge.



That’s it for now, I’m not sure who is more anxious and excited about getting this Lil’ Burro back and on the road --- me or the kids!

Thanks --- Jim

[/url]http://www.hawkeyebuggies.com/[url][/url]

[GregR]

very cool! It looks like it's in pretty good shape as it sits.
I'm looking forward to seeing your updates.

[Jack Duncan]

Put it on that trailer and bring it to the Buggy Roundup. You don't have to be street legal to drive it in the parade.

[Bill K]

I agree with Jack. Bring it on.

The Burro would sure attract a lot of attention, and we who have never seen one before would love to see it in the flesh.

[Bryan Porter]

Looks like a deal give me a call I would like to see it in person and maybe help out a little

[cobra1169]

Bryan,

Thanks for your interested and your offer to assist! I'll defiantly take you up on that. The Burro is up with Neil in Hawkins, TX. I'll keep everyone up to date on the progress and developments.

Getting the Burro to the roundup may be a stretch considering the work that needs to done, time, and most importantly $$$! But I will be trying!!!

Thanks Everyone! --- Jim

[cobra1169]

Neil has been hard at work completing a skin-off inspection of my Burro to ensure that it structurally sound and safe. I also learned this week that this Burro in one of the very early 60's Burros based on the design of the rear engine cage top bar tapering from 2" to 1".

Also making a few minor mods to the Burro as well.

Here are some pictures in Neil's shop in Hawkins, Texas (Real pretty country up there)!












Thanks for looking! --- Jim

[Bill K]

Nice project. We'll all be anxious to see it in the flesh.

Keep the progress photos coming.

[tx_1987_gta]

This should be really cool watching the build processes of this thing... I have never seen a Burro in person.

[Buggy1]

Thats a Dune Buggy..........I always loved the Burro. They were raced alot in California and Baja. One which Tiny and I believe Coats drove to a sixth overall finish in a version they called the bullit. I know Neil is the man to do the job and you can't go wrong there.

My son and I hope to own a Burro soon. Keep posting pics, this is a great story growing

Neal

[BrianB]

We have not seen any updates here lately. Where are you at in the refurb?

[CoryN]

I've ridden in it. Kinda funky with those bus reduction boxes the way it raises up, not a very fast machine either.

Its changed hands now, last I saw it was headed to California.