I would recommend that you find a later model chassis with IRS
(Independent Rear Suspension) like I have. From what I have
read in the past the Swing Axle models apparently have some
undesirable handling characteristics, albeit I have no personal
experience with them. You can find a fairly thorough
discussion of IRS and Swing Axle in ?How to Hot Rod
Volkswagon Engines? by Bill Fisher.
Off hand, some other basic things I can recommend that you do
in your project.
Thoroughly rebuild your chassis (sandblast/paint/new ball
joints/new brake and fuel lines, new brake master cylinder,
rebuilt steering box, new wheel bearings, rebuild CV joints,
transmission, etc). Check the tunnel sections very carefully for
rust. New sections are available that you can have welded in if
you find any problems. Better to handle problems now than
after you have put the body back on. Make sure everything is
perfectly straight and level, and a chassis in the the end that is
as good as new.
After painting, coat the entire chassis with 3M?s Rustfree. This
is clear rustproofing that will allow you to see any rust that
might pop up in the future rather than hide it like a typical tar
based rustproofing does. Don?t glue anything like your carpets
to the chassis. This is a roadster, you will get poured on some
day, and if you can?t lift the carpets to dry it out you?ll get rust.
Check the suspension carefully and install one of the
aftermarket products that will allow height adjustment on the
rear suspension when it sags. This can?t be done later without
removing the body. Install caster shims on the front for better
handling.
Upgrade to both front and rear disc brakes. You won?t regret it.
Eliminate the stock mechanical fuel pump and install a rotary
electric pump in the front under the tank.
Upgrade from a generator to an alternator for better electrical
output.
Make sure that your steering column and the extension are
perfectly inline with the steering box. This is critical. If there is
a bend, even the slightest, it will put strain on the safety section,
which will break while driving.
BTW, what company made your MGTD kit?
Hope that helps, Brian