TheSamba.com :: View topic - where to cut link pin/ball joint bulkhead

Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:51 pm

does it matter where I cut? my bulkhead on my 76 is pretty punky/rotted, the one I picked up from the yard to convert to link pin is in much better shape.
I was going to cut 2" behind instead of 2" forward of the bulkhead, so I can swap it in at the same time. does it matter?

I can't imagine it does, but wanted to check with the experts first. I will get the measurements close to perfect either way.

thanks

Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:37 pm

what do you mean? the framehead?

Sat Oct 10, 2009 11:08 pm

well, the frame head is part of the pan, and the bulkhead is part of the body.
when extending the frame head on a ghia we cut a couple inches forward of the bulkhead. and when cutting the framehead completely off to run tube frame up to a new beam we did the same thing. i would say thats the best bet especially since the there is that part of the pan that goes up and over the channel, and where the brakemaster/pedal assembly bolts to is what the bulkhead sits on.

Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:44 am

you can actually cut the welds and spotwelds that hold the clip panel to the tunnel and slide it forward without ever having to cut the actual tunnel (depending on how far forward you want to go that is) will try to find photos.
Otherwise it doesn't really matter, there is nothing really special in there. I would recommend adding a sleave in there to stiffen it up abit and help your alinment. Otherwise is not really a big task
good luck

Sun Oct 11, 2009 4:45 am

I will try to get some pics later. I am down to just a pan, no floors and no drivetrain. I have take the ball joint beam and misc off, so it is just the bare frame head. I have another frame head including the part that the master/pedals bolt to. I assumed that would be the bulkhead, but I guess it is where the bulkhead mounts.

Thanks for the replies, I will see if I can cut the spot welds, though it looks like a continuous weld where that piece mounts.

I was planning on some diamond shaped gussets on the horizontal welds just to strengthen them up a bit. This car is hopefully racing, and will get pounded.

the beam will be integrated into the cage, so it will be supported, though in class 5/1600 (as I understand) I cannot run a tube front, it has to me stock wheelbase and a stock floor and framehead.

Otherwise, I would stretch it a few inches.

thanks again.

Sun Oct 11, 2009 5:58 pm

like in this photo from the chirco bug build, just 2 inches on the other side of that piece.

Does it matter?

according to this site, it is called the framehead repair panel

http://www.oeveedub.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PR...-framehead

Tue Oct 13, 2009 3:17 am

anyone? if not, I am cutting tonight.

Tue Oct 13, 2009 5:26 am

I want to say i saw a walkthrough on Chirco for this. Go check out his sight he did it to his sons car with video and pics.

Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:33 am

that pic is from the chirco walkthrough site. :D

Just wondering if I can cut back on the other side of that body support piece, as mine is toast.