TheSamba.com :: View topic - Volksrod - I-Beam or Mustang II Suspensions

Mon Jan 11, 2010 7:00 am

If I were to adapt an I-Beam or even a Mustang II suspension for a Volk-Rod build, are there any good articles or books out there that would help? I've seen the I-Beams on Volks-Rods before, but would love to know in detail how it's done. The only thing I can think of at this point would be to get a Hot Rod Chassis Design book(s), but most of those are geared toward 30's and 40's Rods.

~ Aaron

Mon Jan 11, 2010 7:23 am

You'll probably get more feedback here: http://www.volksrods.com/forum/

You will not find a warm response for this here. Come over to the darkside, we have cookies. HAHAHA. :lol:

Mon Jan 11, 2010 7:51 am

Well, with any sort of modification like this, you simply need to figure out how to tie it into the exsisting frame. OR build a new frame to sit your body work on.

Speedway makes the straight axle kit for the volksrods. It comes with all the mounting hardware. Not a bad kit, but a little weak where the wish bones meet the body. If you beef things up in that area, it's not a bad way to go.

The plus side to the Speedway kit on a volksrod is that all that vintage looking suspension is hanging out there for all to see.

That's the negative of using the Mustang II on a volksrod. It really just dosn't look the part. But it handles better and rides a lot nicer!

Mon Jan 11, 2010 8:53 am

Reaper - For this particular car I currently have, the Rod style is about the only style of build I can do without spending a year's salary. This car is pretty well shot. I definitely want to build a nice looking Bug at some point. I actually belong to the Volks-Rod site, but I always like to get multiple suggestions.

drscope - Thanks for the suggestion. I will research Speedway.

Mon Jan 11, 2010 10:23 am

Those "kits" are as safe as Chrome plated EMPI Master Cylinder. If you must go to Volksrod, remember there alot of Hatchet jobs mixed in with non hatchet types. Know the good from the dangerous.
To end, the I-Beam is the only choice compared to a A arm front end. Here is ours. Design and Make your own.

Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:53 am

vaughn bros. wrote: Design and Make your own.
I think the "Design" part is more of my question than what parts to use. If I had something in front of me that gave me details like geometry, calculations, where and what to measure from, etc. I could definitely figure it out. I'm sure it doesn't have to be VW specific.

There are quite a number of books on Amazon with regards to Hot-Rod Chassis & Suspension design, but I'd hate to buy them and they give me nothing. This is definitely something I'd like to get right and not have a half-assed dangerous suspension.

Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:52 pm

By all means, buy the books, and do all the research you can. Then you'll probably figure out how to adapt a particular design into your project.
As one of my uncle's loves to say, "Do you want it done right, or done right now?"

Mon Jan 11, 2010 2:24 pm

Well, I tend to be impatient so right now works well for me..... :lol:

I've managed to find pictures on the net of slightly modified chases and completely custom fabricated ones as well. I'm thinking that if I can get all the critical measurements of where the body mounts, the engine mounts, etc then maybe I can design one. Perhaps use the majority of the frame and then add on to the front of it with a completely different suspension.

Or maybe someone can design it on paper for me and then I'll build it. I hate not knowing things when you want to know them. :lol:

Mon Jan 11, 2010 2:46 pm

Here are some drawings that are laying around our shop. For us , its a pastime to draw and design.

Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:25 pm

Those are great. Thanks for sharing..!! I'm not very good when it comes to drawing so I'm not too sure I'll share mine. :lol:

Mon Jan 11, 2010 6:46 pm

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/SoCal-Look-VW-Straight-Axle-Kit,4040.html

Read the description! The picture only shows the frame mount for the axle, not the axle.

The only real weak ling to this kit is where the radius rods meet the body. Those brackets are not strong enough. And it also really helps to beef up the body where these mounts attach. They attach to the body mount bolts and a real good addition is to add a heavy liece of strap material to spread the load over a few more body to pan bolts.