Washburn's Metal Rolling Body Cart | VW Beetle, Ghia, Type 3 & Thing Restoration
After separating the body from the pan during a restoration, you'll quickly find out you need a safe and easy way to move and transport the body. Our answer is this simple, stout body cart — every Beetle body in our shop rides on one of these, and we use them on every restoration we do.
Vehicle Fitment
VW Beetle: All years (1949–1979), Standard and Super
VW Karmann Ghia: 1956–1974
VW Type 3: 1962–1973 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback)
VW Thing (Type 181): 1973–1974
Note: Not sized for Bus bodies — those require a different cart.
Two Ways to Buy
Kit (parts only — #T04, $250): All steel tubing, wheels, and hardware shipped to you. You weld it together. Best for home builders with welding equipment.
Fully Assembled & Welded ($450): We build it. Local pickup only at our shop in Orange, California — these are too heavy and bulky for cost-effective shipping fully welded.
Key Features & Benefits
Stout steel frame: Built from .090" wall steel tubing to carry a complete Beetle body.
CNC-cut gussets: Precise weld joints for a strong, square build.
Locking swivel casters: Quality casters for safe, controlled movement — all four lock to keep the body stationary while you work.
Heater-channel tie-down: Provisions to bolt the heater channels directly to the cart for added safety during transport.
Complete hardware: All hardware included.
Technical Specifications
Frame: .090" wall steel tubing
Gussets: CNC-cut for precise weld joints
Casters: Locking swivel casters
Hardware: All hardware included
Part Number: #T04 (kit)
Manufacturer: Washburn's Metal (Orange, CA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a welder to build the kit? Yes. The kit is designed for stick or MIG welding. If you don't weld, order the fully assembled version and pick it up in Orange, CA.
Will it hold a fully steel Beetle body with fenders? Yes — these are built to support a complete Beetle body. We use them daily on full restorations.
Can I ship the assembled cart? The assembled version is local pickup only. Shipping a welded cart that size costs more than the cart itself.
Will it fit a Bus body? No. This is sized for Beetle / Ghia / Type 3 / Thing bodies. Bus bodies need a different cart.
Do the wheels lock? Yes — all four casters lock to keep the body stationary when you're working on it.
Pickup Location: Washburn's Metal, Orange, California
