Wishbone suspension bolt on kit

[volkdent]

Originally Posted by Ephry73

Just came upon this thread. What is the status of the conversion? Would be very interesting to see how the fit would be on a Ghia. Any news? will be even more interesting if one could use aftermarket spindles as well.
E

Because of the shifter shaft tunnel, it is necessary to have a spindle with steering arms that are high. The stock spindles have that, and with all the modifications in brakes you read about in these forums, its really not that bad an option to stick with.

As far as my progress is concerned, its slow as usual, but still making progress. Bob is working on calculations right now, though the measurments I feed him are suspect! Currently the setup I'm building uses stock KG spindles with Porsche drilled rotors, Ford Granada tie rod ends as the bottom ball joint, Volvo P1800 lower balljoints in the upper position, non-powered Golf II steering rack, Porsche 993 Cup II wheels. I've just purchased a wrecked Golf II that still runs for $100 for the parts that I'll use for the rear end. (See Audi S3 midmounted thread started by Bobtail)

Jason

[Ephry73]

very cool Jason! sure would love to see the pictures of the progress.



E

[miller]

Have you gotten the a arms leangths settled yet? Are you gonna set it up with long rear arms (as long as possible) that are parellel to the ground. And upper arms that control camber changes? Gonna design in any ackerman steering? Any design updates or ideas would bo good to hear. Im kinda in the process of figuring out a double a-arm suspension so its nice to talk about design and whatnot with somebody that has more experience in the issue.

[volkdent]

It's funny, I'm lying in bed thinking about emailing Bob in australia regarding the width of the track. I get online, and there's an email for me, telling me to check out the wishbone thread, and the question is arm length! I guess my ears were burning. So, the answer is no. There are a million variables that I'm kicking around in my mind. And a couple of projects, but it is getting close I'd say. Within the next month. Check in soon.

Jason

[Shadowbug]

this is my debate.
the only reason for going with unequal length arms is for camber compensation,
if one was more interested a more fexible suspension set up than the paralel trailing arm suspension of the beetle, equal length A arms could be the ticket, and geometry would be much easier to figure out.

However thre are resources out there for scratch built suspensions like this. I've been frequenting the "Locost" forums for the last little while, and most of the information and design of these suspensions revolves around track cars and such. better handling means a lower time.

If I were to follow this logic through, I might as well srap my beetle and build a one off race car, because it'd be lighter, therefor better handling. Not really what I want to do, I'd rather have a beetle.

so here's the plan, I'll grab a pan from a buddy of mine (has half a dozen of them) and begin mocking up a front suspension, making use of a simple design and modern components. maybe I'll take a little more time to make it pretty, but strength first.


let you all know when I have some pictures to show you.

[Ephry73]

Would it be better to just start from a new bulkhead altogether? rather than work with the set designed one? use a different gastan(or Porsche one) etc....


E

[volkdent]

The only reason I'm keeping all the stock chassis is that someday I will take it off this bug and put it on another. I want it to bolt on and off, maybe even build kits to sell so others can do the same.

The design I'm working towards also gives space for a radiator WITHOUT cutting body metal, allowing a radiator to be place where the beam used to be.

Jason

[Shadowbug]

I personally think that working from the existing chassis is the best bet, however working around the front framehorn is really limiting, so I intend to cut it off.

once I get the front done I'm going to look into doing the rear suspensiom as well.

Only factor is I don't want to cut the body, pans are disposable (got access to as many as I could want.)

[volkdent]

Shadowbug, got to see some pics for your progress. How bout adding another page to your site?

Jason

[Shadowbug]

got sidetracked by other stuff, currently in the process of incorperating my business
DSS Web Services

[volkdent]

Progress is coming along so well. All the varaiable seem to be taken care of, and now its down to the final details of bolting to the pan, and I have yet to tackle the link from the steering shaft to the steering rack input shaft, but I'm not to worried. Here's a taste of one of the plans we've been working off.

Front Plate

Jason

[Ephry73]

Pictures man, pictures! We would love to see the progress as well.


E

[Vincent]

hey i was just browsing the photos over on the Samba and came across this design looks very nice may give you guys some ideas

http://thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_p...p?pic_id=84705

[volkdent]

Look good. I wonder if anyones ever driven it. Nicely done from what I can see.

Jason

[volkdent]

OK, watcha think?

http://www.geocities.com/volkdent/FrontEnd.html

Jason