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Hey all, I just finished up my steering work. New TRW steerinb box, and I mounted it using the Ghia setting, which is at a better angle to reach the steering column. Also, I put two u joints in line of the steering shaft, and got rid of the rag joint. This was just to correct a 1/2 inch of mis alignment in the shaft box to steering wheel. Oh yeh, new ball joints all around. And, I removed all of the small torsion leaves when I had the trailing arms off. Everything just right now. The box seems stiff but Ive been assured by the seller that it is normal.
The ujoints were the most crucial improvement. I removed the rag joint and then solid mounted the joints, with a new DD steering shaft. This corrected all of the slop and drag of the steering system. Also put a support bearing between the two ujoints, but that is probably overkill.
Anybody interested in doing these mods, email me for details and what parts I used, and I will help you out. I have access to a laser and can make a solid mount to do away with the rag joint. ons597@gmail.com
After all of the steering and suspension work, I had a professional alignment done to the car. They did all four wheels. They did a great job. EZ Tire in Willard MO. Theydo alot of custom cars and race car allignments, so they are not afraid of the unusual cars. I also put 4 new tires on. I couldnt justify the high price of the “new but vintage” type tires, so I went with a modern tread pattern.
Then, after all of this work, I experimented with and with out 50 pounds of sand up front, in the trunk. I have decided to go with out.
So now, Ol Breezy is pretty much new, front to back. And she drives and runs like a new…like a new….um, like a new 1970 Beetle!
Hey, oldnslow, you’re just up the road from me. I’m in Republic, MO. My MiGi is slowly coming to life… rebuilt front torsion bar, master cyl., wheel cyl’s, floor pans, dash panel, various other neglected items. Spent yesterday rebuiding the Solex carb, got frustrated trying to get front carb/manifold bolt to start. Will try again today. New fuel pump in the plans today, also. There’s a benefit car show in Ebinezer in May, which I’m sure they’d be happy to have yours at. Mine will be there, whether it’s running or not.
By the way, oldnslow, what size tires did you get for Ol Breezy? I found some 165R15’s, and had them mounted, but if I can find a 135R15, I can get a spare under the Hood/Trunk.
Hey Dennis, I bought 165/80-15 tires. Pretty much the same size as originals.
That front bolt on the carb is fidley. Try this…just barely start the rear nut. Then lift the carb up and shim it with something, so its not resting on the manifold, but leaving the front stud just sticking through the hole. That way its not so close to the bend in the manifold and you can get the nut started easier. Its also a two handed (two fingered?) job, one one either side of the manifold, instead of trying to start the nut with your thumb and index finger.
Ive tinkered with classic VW’s alot, especially way back when. I have owned over 20 of em in my early years. Let me know if I can help. About the only thing I dont mess with is transmissions. Text is best…417 860 five five three five. Mike
Thanks for the tip, Mike. That’s basically what I ended up doing, after getting the coil out of the way…fuel pump was already off. I will give you a text. My next move is to make some sense of the “bird’s nest” of wiring I was left with. My VW versed son helped me track the ignition wiring down in December, and we got the beast running, although we had to drip fuel down the carb throat. Dennis
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