1303 Rack and Pinnion
 

Hi Everyone!
Is there any replacement for the late 1303 rack and pinion?Had hear it can be use one from an old Passat, but not very sure.
Had anyone retrofitted a late 1303 rack and pinion unit on an earlier one?
Thanks
Onix :D

I've seen, once, in a UK magazine a 1303 that had a Passat rack but there were not technical details of the install.

Steve C had retrofitted a 1303 rack to his 1302, it's not too difficult. Just look at how the rack is mounted in and change all that over to your car from the donor (some welding will be required for the brackets). You'll also need the tie rods and steering shaft. Lastly, there is a "dip" that has to be made in the early frame head to clear the rack in the center.

Thanks Super!
I saw that car also, but not know from what year came from.Did Steve reported any marked benefit from the the steering box change?
Thanks
Onix :D

Steve said yes it was better but I did read in "Käfer Tuning" by Helmut Horn that the older steering with a smaller steering wheel had the same, if not better, response.

Hi

When I fitted the rack to my old 1302, I had to learn to drive the car again, it is that direct and makes the steering very light. If I did it again I would cut a section out of the pan to clear the rack and weld a 1/2 circle in.

Steve

I have read that also today.

Thanks for the info Steve !
The cut and welding that are you talking is for the "dip" that Superman told that need to be done on the earlier frame heads?
Are you going to do the conversion on your new project?
Thanks
Onix :D

Hi

That's right, better to weld something in for the dip. My new car already has had a rack retrofitted. When it comes to the captive nut to secure the rack I sliced the inner fender open so I could slide the nuts in and then rewelded it. Its very important to work out the correct position of the nuts.

Steve

Steve, you don't have pictures of any of that do you?

Hi

I dont have any pictures, pre digital for me. I cant strees how important it is to get captive nut in the correct position, behind the inner fender is multiple S shape bend shape that you need to fit in with.

Steve

With the better response is meant that the older steering system had less steering wheel turns from lock to lock. This is nicer when you do rallying with beetles as they did in the old days, but its not beneficial if you drive at high speeds (circuit or road racing).
The rack and pinion does steer lighter overall plus that the rack and pinion doesn't suffer from play at the last part of the steering circle (halfway to end lock usually).
I have driven both extensively and will always choose the rack and pinion :)

Regards,
Walter

I'm curious ... if someone wanted to do the conversion of a r&p steering to a '71-'74 Super and also wanted the lesser lock-to-lock turning, couldn't that person adapt an aftermarket r&p system made for racers and others?