TheSamba.com :: View topic - Researching your needs for a Mendeola type 2 A-arm kit

Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:29 pm

Ok, guys and gals

I've got the green light to go fast forward with some Mendeola performance A-arm kits for you guys. Now is the time to speak up and tell us what you would like to see.

Here is what we know and plan so far:
1) Designed for Better brakes (disc style) and most likely a 944 Porsche type.
2) Bolt on unit because the busses have frame rails to work with
3) A mounting spot for a power assist brake booster
4) Adjustable from stock high to very low and have fine adjustments
5) Rack and pinion steering

Here are some examples of what we need to know:
1) Would you guys like to use late model Vanagon spindles and or other parts off of late model vans.
2) What kind of wheels do you think you'll want to use

3) Tire sizes

4) If air bags are possible, What kind of shocks and price range would you like to be in.

5) Is there a need for a rear set up also?

6) Anything you can think of to make this the best kit ever (besides free or very cheap kits).

If you guys want quality and a part that will last for years to come, it won't be cheap but it will be bad a$$.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:39 pm

What's going to set it apart from this?
http://www.red9design.co.uk/buswishbones.htm

Not trying to burn you, just curious.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:45 pm

busdaddy wrote: What's going to set it apart from this?
http://www.red9design.co.uk/buswishbones.htm

Not trying to burn you, just curious.

Where would you like us to start?
1) Built here in the USA so no shipping cost
2) stronger part
3) we'll have a sway bar built in
4) We will do everything we can to make it out handle anything else on the market.

just for starters.

THis is why we are opening up to you guys to tell us what else you would like to see.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:56 pm

Track width equilivant to a 4 inch narrowed beam.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:01 pm

rizzag wrote: Track width equilivant to a 4 inch narrowed beam.

Agreed...I would say a necessity would be to have the capability of running a wide 5 bolt pattern without adapters, to run aftermartket 5 wheels and stock 5 wheels. The ability to bolt up the csp 14inch wheel brake kit or a new 14 inch wheel brake kit would be appreciated as well.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:52 pm

baywindow spindles might be easier to work with than vanagon.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:14 pm

yea, can I volunteer my bus as a guinea pig? :lol:

Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:59 pm

Around 3K, and I'll buy one.

Don't need one for the rear as it might take a bit too much hacking, but if you can do it without then I'm down for the rear as well.

I can't suggest improvements, just what I would 'like'. I would like the widest track possible while allowing no rubbing. I'm more after better handling characteristics than just looks.

New Mustang II brakes? :) They are cheap, plentiful and powerful. I'm not a fan of the 944 calipers (blocks of steels) or the VW stuff.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:20 pm

Snoop Bob wrote: rizzag wrote: Track width equilivant to a 4 inch narrowed beam.

Agreed...I would say a necessity would be to have the capability of running a wide 5 bolt pattern without adapters, to run aftermartket 5 wheels and stock 5 wheels. The ability to bolt up the csp 14inch wheel brake kit or a new 14 inch wheel brake kit would be appreciated as well.
These are good points. We will do our best to make these work with as many brake and styles/sizes of wheels as possible. Please understand that by narrowing the front end by four inches per side is a bad idea as the track width is a big deal to making these handle better.

If it is just looks let us and we'll take onto the drawing board.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:21 pm

germansupplyscott wrote: baywindow spindles might be easier to work with than vanagon.
Thanks for the idea. I'll have to see how many types of brakes we can use on these.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:30 pm

coolrydes wrote: Please understand that by narrowing the front end by four inches per side is a bad idea as the track width is a big deal to making these handle better.

I understand...but please understand the necessity to squeeze a wider wheel/tire underneath to help stability/handling which is accomplished by narrowing the standard beam.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:48 pm

Dunebubby wrote: coolrydes wrote: busdaddy wrote: What's going to set it apart from this?
http://www.red9design.co.uk/buswishbones.htm

Not trying to burn you, just curious.

Where would you like us to start?
1) Built here in the USA so no shipping cost
2) stronger part
3) we'll have a sway bar built in
4) We will do everything we can to make it out handle anything else on the market.

just for starters.

THis is why we are opening up to you guys to tell us what else you would like to see.

#1 So,FREE shipping within the U.S.?...?#2 "Stronger" means what??? :roll: Heavier doesn't mean better...sometimes things need to be heavier to last.

Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:52 pm

Snoop Bob wrote: coolrydes wrote: Please understand that by narrowing the front end by four inches per side is a bad idea as the track width is a big deal to making these handle better.

I understand...but please understand the necessity to squeeze a wider wheel/tire underneath to help stability/handling which is accomplished by narrowing the standard beam.
I agree completely with the wider tire, however by narrowing the front end it will take away from the inside width of the tire.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:01 am

coolrydes wrote: Snoop Bob wrote: rizzag wrote: Track width equilivant to a 4 inch narrowed beam.

Agreed...I would say a necessity would be to have the capability of running a wide 5 bolt pattern without adapters, to run aftermartket 5 wheels and stock 5 wheels. The ability to bolt up the csp 14inch wheel brake kit or a new 14 inch wheel brake kit would be appreciated as well.
These are good points. We will do our best to make these work with as many brake and styles/sizes of wheels as possible. Please understand that by narrowing the front end by four inches per side is a bad idea as the track width is a big deal to making these handle better.

If it is just looks let us and we'll take onto the drawing board.

A 4" beam is only 2" per side. 4" total.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:06 am

coolrydes wrote: Snoop Bob wrote: coolrydes wrote: Please understand that by narrowing the front end by four inches per side is a bad idea as the track width is a big deal to making these handle better.

I understand...but please understand the necessity to squeeze a wider wheel/tire underneath to help stability/handling which is accomplished by narrowing the standard beam.
I agree completely with the wider tire, however by narrowing the front end it will take away from the inside width of the tire.

not lowering 4" PER SIDE it's 4" total.

what would the price point be on one of these, the red9, best i remember, is almost a reachable price even for a broke person like me. but the shipping on red9 would rape you over the coals...and, instead of a distinct bolt pattern could there be options, wide 5 for those who must, or porsche 5 for those who want it...sorta like other brake kits offer right now.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:40 am

coolrydes wrote: 1) Would you guys like to use late model Vanagon spindles and or other parts off of late model vans.

Probably bay window, but whatever works best to "keep it in the family." I know the Mustang II front end parts are extremely popular with the street rod crew. It might be worthwhile to look into exactly what parts those things source, just to keep costs in check.

coolrydes wrote: 2) What kind of wheels do you think you'll want to use

Wide 5 or 5 bolt Porsche pattern.

coolrydes wrote: 3) Tire sizes

Standard sizes. I like 195/70r15.

coolrydes wrote: 4) If air bags are possible, What kind of shocks and price range would you like to be in.

$2,000 or so for an air ride setup.

coolrydes wrote: 5) Is there a need for a rear set up also?

I wouldn't think so.

coolrydes wrote: 6) Anything you can think of to make this the best kit ever (besides free or very cheap kits).

Rack and pinion with a steering column.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:56 am

kit....i saw the word kit and it made me think, for the welders among us (def. not me) why not a kit, something that has all the peices and could be welded up making it cheaper?? i know that would void a certain garuntee, but some of the fabbers in the bunch may see something that they'd like to change.

i totally agree on the mustang2 setups, may def. be a venture to look into.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:04 am

price, price, price. If you can make it similarly priced to rebuilding spindles, rebuilding steering box, rebushing center pin, shocks, a narrowed beam, tie rods/drag link etc I think it will be alot easier to sell.

Using a common/cheap spindle would be nice. Bay? Mustang?

A builder kit, so someone can source their own rack and pinion and spindles and brakes if they desire. Or even a knock down kit, like Welderseries.com stuff.

Just brainstorming, I like the idea.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 7:02 am

Many sell Mustang II STYLE front ends for street rods (Southern Rods, Fat Man, Heidts to name a few). Price range from $1300 up and options of coil/shock, coil over, air bag as well as chrome or stainless A arms. Use a Vanagon bevel box and you are well on your way to an updated front end. Bolt pattern is Ford or Chevy which opens up LOTS of cheaper wheel combos. Bottom line price for a conversion (stab) would be around $3000 I think.

Fri Apr 08, 2011 7:41 am

1. 2-4" beam equivilent
2.944 brakes AND Wide 5 options
3.readily available bearings and seals.
4.195/50-15-ish tire sizes
5.Sway Bar!
6. Bolt-in, so the hack installers aren't F'ing up your nice product :wink:
7.MADE IN AMERICA! WHOO HOOOO!
I'm sure there's something else I haven't though of.