Is there a RACK and PINION kit out there for type 1s?

[calvin and hobbs]

this maybe beating the skeleton of a long since dead horse but....does anyone know of a RACK and PINON steering kit for type 1's? don't get ahead of me now, i know there is the Mendeloa ($3200), Eyeball Engineering ($3,000) and Creative-Engineering's(site down at time of post) bulkhead-double a-arm, high proformance, bells and whistles out the ying-yang but like most people i can't and don't wanna spend 3 months mortgage(never mind the unforeseen costs and time it would take to install) on my bug for safer steering. i'm talking about what most of the threads on here are asking for(listen up manufacturers and engineers), a bolt-on RnP set up that delivers SAFER, TIGHTER and just all around BETTER steering that won't break the bank or the bug.
there is a thread on here that leads you here:
http://www.classic-centrum.de/Kaefer_Lenkung_1.htm
site is no good anymore. several other threads with talks of designing kits for with intentions to make copies with no such luck.
who, who out there can deliver a quality RnP setup that will meet the small need of better steering?
anyone? Bueller? ....Bueller?
_________________
If it's not leaking, it's out of oil

'66 Bahama Blue
'72 Guards Red

[Hugo Stiglitz]

What's wrong with your current setup?
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'63 slow n low build thread...

System 51 - Advanced Waxes & Polishes

(o\ ! /o) | o \/ o | (o)=|=(o) [o\|_|_|/o]

[calvin and hobbs]

replaced the ENTIRE front end when i put my discs in, steering box, ball joints, damper, bushing, tie rods, shocks...everything with all new parts and the steering is still sloppy. went form a 1300SP to a 2010DP now that i can go faster the 55(without a tail wind on a downgrade), i've noticed the steering is much worse then i thought. severe play in the wheel before it actually starts to turn the car being the major issue. tried adjusting the new steering box, still sloppy. i want a cleaner feeling. over correction due to soft steering components is not something i want should the need to swerve from a kid in the street or a wreck on the highway.
_________________
If it's not leaking, it's out of oil

'66 Bahama Blue
'72 Guards Red

[Max Welton]

How did you adjust the steering box?

Max
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The only thing more expensive than cheap parts is mixing cheap parts with stupidity.

[calvin and hobbs]

Gents, i feel we're headed in the wrong direction here. this wasn't meant to be a "how to" or a "did you try..." thread. a Rack and Pinion steering set is the focus here, that's what i'm trying to find, figure out, get.
_________________
If it's not leaking, it's out of oil

'66 Bahama Blue
'72 Guards Red

[Max Welton]

:: shrug ::

I'm sure there is something aimed at the off-road guys. Good luck.

Max
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The only thing more expensive than cheap parts is mixing cheap parts with stupidity.

[first_one_a_65]

there's plenty of bugs out there with even bigger engines that steer and handle just fine. im not questioning your mechanical ability or anything, but that obviously sounds like something isnt adding up.

before giving up and introducing a foreign setup into your car, why not check the basics?
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real cars dont power the front wheels.. they lift them

[VeeDubDoug]

The reason you are having a hard time finding a rack and pinion setup is that they are not really needed.

You said you bought a new steering box... what brand?

Most "new" steering box's are notoriously crappy...
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Westküste
'66 Bug "Charlotte"
What's it to you...friendo?

[calvin and hobbs]

i don't recall the brand of my steering box, i'm currently deployed so have no way of looking at the car. i want to use the time out here to research products and find toys for the bug so when i get home it's christmas.
_________________
If it's not leaking, it's out of oil

'66 Bahama Blue
'72 Guards Red

[slalombuggy]

There are a number of racks offered, but non are DOT approved meaning you'll have to retro fit something out of another car if you want to keep it DOT legal. And none of them are a bolt in and go, they will all require reworking of fuel tank and possibly your body to fit.

I've raced for 18 years with a stock suspension and never had any problems with sloppy boxes or steering, and I run 6-8" wide slicks on the front of my buggy. I've done everyhting with that car from going through tight twisty corners to big sweepers at 50mph and in a straight line flat out at over 100 with a cross wind.

Personally I would try my best to adjust the stock box propperly and if you still can't make it work go from there.

brad
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BB Buggy 121.253mph @ Bonneville 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57hMyJmIU10
Raisin cookies that look like chocolate chip cookies are the main reason I have trust issues

[BDSBSS23]

There always 75 up pan that will work with rack and pinion. Just that your bug even with rack and pinion it will take more work and i dont see why its really necessary.....
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74 Super Beetle SOLD
69 Standard Beetle SOLD
61 Beetle SOLD
58 beetle AKA Black Beauty http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=496780&highlight=black+beauty
65 beetle sold
71 super DD sold
65 micro bus (project)

[Hugo Stiglitz]

[[email protected]]

I have followed this thread for awhile as this topic intrests me too. It appears there are no less expensive street legal options than the ones mentioned. So I assume the next logical step is fixing the factory set up. I am not VW expert, but it seems most of the posters here think the front end can be worked out.

I have no technical advice on this issue, but what I can say is that in the past I have "believed" I "should" know how to fix or do something, but it turns out that it is just not as easy for me as it sounds. I used to spend a lot of time, energy, frustration, and ruined parts (aka money) on trying to do things I 'should know' how to do or fix. Over the years I have gotten better at knowing my limitations and have learned to hire a professional for certain things.

If I found myself in this situation I would take the car to my local VW guru, Archway imports, and say "Call me when it is done". Who knows, it could save me money too. Last year I was trying to fix a shifter cable on my Chevy II and took it out the highway for a test drive. At 65 mph it shifted into reverse instead of fourth. The wheels locked up and the cars around me were able to move in time to avoid an accident and I shifted to nuetral and coasted to the shoulder. It all turned out okay, but I could have easily wound up on my roof.

This steering deal sounds as though it could be expensive if done wrong too.
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1966 Beetle
1966 Chevy II
1967 Chevelle
1967 Chevelle ss

[Joel]

[jhoefer]

[BDSBSS23]

[trae]

I'm thinking you should readjust the steering you have in the car and run it...there is a damn good reason why VW chose that set up for your car and it should work just fine
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69 squareback auto

[calvin and hobbs]

way to think outside the box,thanks Trae. as per usual, you provide priceless advice with a total lack of smartassery
_________________
If it's not leaking, it's out of oil

'66 Bahama Blue
'72 Guards Red

[Culito]

[calvin and hobbs]

i work with Trae, he's busting my balls. it's all in "fun"
_________________
If it's not leaking, it's out of oil

'66 Bahama Blue
'72 Guards Red