Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Red 9 Design front wishbone suspension
Page: 1, 2  Next
Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
makin' boost
Samba Member


Joined: July 15, 2013
Posts: 17
Location: Pac Northwest
makin' boost is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:03 am    Post subject: Red 9 Design front wishbone suspension Reply with quote

Anyone running one ? I'm thinking about it for my '79 Bay.
Any feed back or information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Woody
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
1967250s
Samba Member


Joined: May 02, 2007
Posts: 2137

1967250s is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Any link to it?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
SGKent Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: October 30, 2007
Posts: 41031
Location: Citrus Heights CA (Near Sacramento)
SGKent is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 11:43 am    Post subject: Re: Red 9 Design front wishbone suspension Reply with quote

makin' boost wrote:
Anyone running one ? I'm thinking about it for my '79 Bay.
Any feed back or information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Woody


Hi Woody - you appear fairly new here. Welcome.

How long have you owned this 1979 bus?

We drive our 1977 sometimes on really winding Sierra roads going into Yosemite and often out-corner the modern SUV's and sports cars. Buses were designed by some of the same folks who were designing Porsche cars. Our suspension is stock other than the shocks are Koni which feel about like older Monroe or Gabriel shocks from the 70's, just slightly stiffer than say other oil-filled, although not gas filled. Is there some reason you are considering a wishbone suspension vs the stock beam? They are so rugged and handle really well on what is essentially a utility truck.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
borninabus
Samba R&D Dept.


Joined: May 18, 2006
Posts: 4532
Location: Arizona Highways
borninabus is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 11:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

there is a build in the split forum:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=495874&view=previous
you can PM that thread's author or post a reply in the thread.

please search, buy a bentley and change your fuel lines.
Laughing
_________________
71 Ghia A/S - 88 Van A/T - 13 JSW TDI 6M/T
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
makin' boost
Samba Member


Joined: July 15, 2013
Posts: 17
Location: Pac Northwest
makin' boost is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've owned this beige / brown sunroof '79 bay for about 10 years. So as the cliché goes, my cost was, "for you senior, today, almost free".
Its in pretty good shape. The usual rust at the battery box area, drivers side step needs to be replaced but beyond that, its solid.
I'm pretty comfortable, now, with getting the sunroof to operate.
I'm 'kinda going in the "race taxi" direction. I'm going to build a hot rod bus that will run 75 mph all day, comfortable and able to pull the Grape Vine, Siskiyou's or Loveland Pass with ease.
I have a 911 motor to put in it. I have a complete Porsche 993 front suspension that I want to rob the brakes and hubs from.
I want big brakes to back up the 911 motor and crisp steering, so the Red 9 front suspension looks pretty cool, almost as good as wall art.
Granted it is an expensive piece, no question and that is why I'm asking for any input of others that have the Red 9 set up.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
richparker
Samba Member


Joined: November 24, 2011
Posts: 6936
Location: Durango, CO
richparker is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Your question makes a lot more sence now. I guess if you are gonna drop the duckets on a Porsche powered bay build, what's another $3k on a front end.
_________________
__________
’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
makin' boost
Samba Member


Joined: July 15, 2013
Posts: 17
Location: Pac Northwest
makin' boost is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

To add to the above;
I've traded emails with Simon, they seem very responsive and knowledgeable.
100% $$ up front and a 6- 8 week lead time is a bit uncomfortable.
Its a big number $$$ and leap of faith.
That's why I'm asking.
Thanks,
Woody
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
makin' boost
Samba Member


Joined: July 15, 2013
Posts: 17
Location: Pac Northwest
makin' boost is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

richparker wrote:
Your question makes a lot more sence now. I guess if you are gonna drop the duckets on a Porsche powered bay build, what's another $3k on a front end.


Today, $3k is something to consider and pay attention to. $3k could cover a lot of other items.

Simon indicated he had other customers in California and Nevada, he just couldn't remember their names .........................
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead


Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16803
Location: sticksville, ct.
skills@eurocarsplus is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 5:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Have you checked earlybay.com? A few over there have used it. Biggest bitch was if you are way low, the rack will hit the road.

I wanted to buy the coilover deal they had but it seems that they like to blow up....in a bad way
_________________
gprudenciop wrote:

my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese.......
[email protected] wrote:
most VW enthusiasts are stuck in 80's price land.

Jake Raby wrote:
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public.

Brian wrote:
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Red Fau Veh
Samba Member


Joined: September 07, 2012
Posts: 3037
Location: Prescott Az.
Red Fau Veh is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can fabricate your own front steering and suspension for a lot less. I saw a baja bus and it had some kind of sandrail front beam with a arms. The people that build long travel sand cars could make a custom a arm front end for a bus, or the folks that build super 7's. Custom is the way to go not store bought imo.
_________________
1971 Deluxe Sunroof Bay 1905 stroker, dual idf40's, 74mm Scat forged crank, engle 110 cam. CB 044 heads, AutoCraft rockers, chromoly push rods
1973 Orange transporter stock type 4 with dual 40 Dellortos and Empi single quiet pack
1969 Adventurewagen blue whale Gene Berg 1776 built by Dave Kawell dual 36 DRLA's, Vintage Speed exhaust, Bosch 019 screamer
1961 Swivel Seat camper, L345 grey
Touch Nicks Thing wrote:
Swivel Seat panels are for people with no friends Crying or Very sad
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
GeorgeO.
Samba Member


Joined: October 08, 2010
Posts: 881
Location: Menifee, CA
GeorgeO. is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 10:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Damm I want one of those! Applause
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead


Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16803
Location: sticksville, ct.
skills@eurocarsplus is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 1:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

How do you think you can build one for a lot less? You are kidding, right?
_________________
gprudenciop wrote:

my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese.......
[email protected] wrote:
most VW enthusiasts are stuck in 80's price land.

Jake Raby wrote:
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public.

Brian wrote:
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
GeorgeO.
Samba Member


Joined: October 08, 2010
Posts: 881
Location: Menifee, CA
GeorgeO. is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 2:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My question is how is the steering assembled?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
webwalker Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: January 26, 2006
Posts: 2803
Location: Mount Laurel, NJ
webwalker is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 2:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

skills@eurocarsplus wrote:
How do you think you can build one for a lot less? You are kidding, right?


x2 If you could 'build your own cheaper' (for something as subtle and complex as steering and suspension) no one would be running a slop unrebuildable steering box.

M
_________________
"Consistent maintenance with quality products is the cheapest warranty you'll ever need."
1977 CE1 Transporter Deluxe, Subaru EJ22, Skills Cooling, Steedle HD 091 w/ GuardT .81 4th
Click to view image
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Wildthings
Samba Member


Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50259

Wildthings is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 2:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I personally would be cautious of putting a lot of miles on a fairly well engineered and tested replacement front suspension. A one off job you build yourself would be kind of scary.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
makin' boost
Samba Member


Joined: July 15, 2013
Posts: 17
Location: Pac Northwest
makin' boost is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 6:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

GeorgeO. wrote:
Damm I want one of those! Applause


'Ya, they look really nice and I'm fairly confident with the engineering and manufacturing side. There is no way something similar could be replicated for less than $3k (unless you work for free) IMHO.
The real issue that I'm debating at the moment is the 100% $$$ up front and the 6 - 8 week lead time.
I've been to the UK Bay Bus site and read the postings. The "servo" brake booster bracket issue doesn't bother me, I can solve that. The ride height, I can work around that.
It sure would be a lot less complicated if they were manufactured in the US.

Some feed back from existing owners would be a big help also.

At the moment, I'm working on the oil tank set up for the 911 motor.
Starting at the back and headed forward. But always thinking forward.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
makin' boost
Samba Member


Joined: July 15, 2013
Posts: 17
Location: Pac Northwest
makin' boost is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 7:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

GeorgeO. wrote:
My question is how is the steering assembled?


It is a rack and pinion steering box, that, I was told, bolts right up to the existing shaft.

I have also heard that the Bay bus's have a plastic "bearing" top and bottom on/in the steering shaft that can become worn over time.
Anyone with experience on this ??
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
coopster
Samba Member


Joined: March 26, 2005
Posts: 54
Location: Glasgow,Scotland, United Kingdom
coopster is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've got one fitted to my Rhd 72 Westy , after 3 failed steering boxes the last failure happening when on holiday in the south of france - I bit the bullet and called Simon.
I had already been running the e-z rider conversion he did for about 6 years with no problems ,so I was confident that the wishbone beam would be well engineered .
In the UK our buses have to go through an annual MOT test which is checks everything from structure to steering and modifications . I have had my beam fitted for a couple of years now with no major problems apart from as a previous poster had said the connecting rod to the steering rack hangs quite low and due to my bus being slammed I ended up disconnecting it when I hit a hidden pothole in Belgium - I have since raised my bus up slighty and have had no problems since - Simon is a great guy to deal with and is always available on his phone to answer any questions
Here is how bus looks now on the 2nd lowest setting on the beam and about half way on the coil overs
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

I am no way connected with Red 9 just a happy long term customer[/img]
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead


Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16803
Location: sticksville, ct.
skills@eurocarsplus is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 8:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

there was some talk of the ez rider causing issues/broken springs/broken bars. has this been resolved?

i know, i should just call...
_________________
gprudenciop wrote:

my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese.......
[email protected] wrote:
most VW enthusiasts are stuck in 80's price land.

Jake Raby wrote:
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public.

Brian wrote:
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
coopster
Samba Member


Joined: March 26, 2005
Posts: 54
Location: Glasgow,Scotland, United Kingdom
coopster is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 9:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

hi I never had any problems with ez rider system , just upgraded to wishbone as it had the steering rack and when I removed my old beam the inner section of shock towers were rusted through - looked ok from outside but the surface that sat against chassis rail was shot on both sides - that confirmed I had made the right choice Smile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.