I drive an '01 Wrangler so I love off roading and now I have this idea to take a Completely stock '83 Honda Civic 4dr Wagon and convert it to a (Cheap truck challenge) Street legal dune buggy.  As of now I plan on stripping it done welding a cage on it, but I need some help with the fact that its only FWD, 4cyl., and low.  If you think its possible to make this good time ride for low time price let me in on something.  I can always use some advice Im only 17 and hopin that I can make 4wheelin something to do for a hobby or if im good enough, job.  Appreciate it.

                                                  Nate

you would have to make a heck of a set of front fenders to keep the sand off everybody.  you could do it, but the front gearing might pose a problem as it wasnt originally geared for larger off road tires.. would be funny to see, but hey if its free, tear it up..  

best bet might be to look for something with rear drive, and maybe even an old mini truck or suv like a mitsubishi, a dodge raider, or a bronco II.  Something that people don't really like anymore, and you may even find a real cheap 4x4.  Then, gear it if you can, cut the exhaust off, weld the spider gears, and maybe take the glass out if its gonna be offroad only.  

The key phrase was street legal.  I like the idea but you have some challenges.  First, the Honda is a unibody, and there is no way the body as is can put up with the pounding dune hopping would give it.  Stripping it of all unnecessary wieght would help it survive mild off road trails but to get it in the dunes you need much more.  Most car to wheeler hybrids we see just put the car body unto a truck frame.  As weight is so critical in the sand that may not be the best idea.  I would tie your cage into a tube front and rear tube frame using only the outside sheet metal and then swap in a truck (Perhaps toyota)V-6, transmision, transfer case and solid axles.  That way you could get the lift and articulation you need to absorb the terrain and also keep it light.  Hope this helps and lots of luck.  

Yea thanks that gives me some good startin ideas, I plan on going into Engineering so Im hopin I can push to the limit and put some creativity into it.  Really Appreciate it though. Latee

being 18 years old, i can see how you would have big ideas for turning a Honda into a four wheel drive machine, but...
i think you oughta try some custom fabricating by building a tube frame to put the honda on.  you can use the engine and transaxle to put in the rear of a sandrail.  these honda engines, (2.0) will whip the doors of a 1600cc VW.  i am also looking into being a 4x4 fabricater and i have already bought a 16ton tube bender, welder, grinder, drill, etc.  four wheelin' is a passion, that i love. the honda idea is not too far fetched, but i wouldnt want to look at a caged wagon jumping, and breaking at the dunes.  if its free, then take your time and show off a little.