TheSamba.com :: View topic - Modified subframe and spare tire clam shell to fit 215-65-16

Sat Mar 31, 2012 3:28 pm

Hi Volks (edited the title w "subframe" as I've never seen this done before here)

I finally got around taking pictures of my modified subframe and spare tire clam shell to fit 215-65-16 Michelin Hydroedge tires. When my van was automatic, I only modified the clam shell and make a longer "C" clamp adapter for the front/bolt part.

Since I transplanted a 5 speed AAP manual transmission to better use my TDI ALH engine, I had to push further my modification, because now the tire was pushing on the shifter rod that is positionned much lower on a manual than an automatic... Bummer... Another problem to solve. Or should I say another chalenge!!

So what was done by my mechanic friends at "Carrera motors" in Laval, Qc, was to make some space to accomodate the tire, and it meant to find a way to lower the tire... Because I did not want to deal with a rear spare tire carrier on the rear hatch, as I would loose the use of my Paulchen bike rack.

So we opted to modify the front part of the "2wd steering mount", that is somewhat of a square tubing, cut some upper surface out of that square tubing to create more space for the tire, insert an angle iron on top that goes further on each side, close the opening, add another flat bar underneath. All this was done to retain the structure strenght. Then reweld the clam shell hinges underneath, to further lower the clam shell. Some upper front and rear tire stoppers were added to retain the wheel in its place for it not to bounce up and bend anything...

Now the spare tire has a little less than an inch of clearance with the shifter rod when you push it down for reverse. Fantastic! I can go with even bigger tires! Oh I better stop it there for now, and enjoy the ride.

Drawback by doing so? Losing a little over an inch of ground clearance... oh well, such a bummer... Its not a syncro!

Anyway, pictures talks by themselves so here they go:

Sun Apr 01, 2012 7:30 am

Mmmmm... Nobody noticed a pretty small odd detail on the van in the pictures? Lets see who can find it first...

Sun Apr 01, 2012 7:53 am

sping-loaded shift fork?

Sun Apr 01, 2012 8:14 am

Yup! Dam your quick, Landsailor...

I asked my mechanic to try adding a spring in the shifter and see what it does. He did this little mod just to try it... And it works great! He's gonna add one to his van now, probably better anchored than mine right now.

Now when I start on first (left bottom), then I just pull the shifter out of 1st position, i just push forward and it goes automaticaly into second. Before I needed to guide it to second, and I would miss it a couple of times. No more!

Thu Nov 15, 2012 2:04 pm

Yeah, my spring's a bit weak also, and doesn't keep the shifter firmly over to the right anymore. I'll do this mod also, since I searched all over the web for a replacement spring and only found one clue, a french-only outfit in France, and I didn't follow up to see if the spring was correct. Since they were the only one, I have my doubts. The installation's a breeze, but not as easy as this mod.

Thu Nov 15, 2012 8:02 pm

Benjamin Gell wrote: Yeah, my spring's a bit weak also, and doesn't keep the shifter firmly over to the right anymore. I'll do this mod also, since I searched all over the web for a replacement spring and only found one clue, a french-only outfit in France, and I didn't follow up to see if the spring was correct. Since they were the only one, I have my doubts. The installation's a breeze, but not as easy as this mod.

I'm glad somebody is using that idea. Such a simple mod that makes shifting a 5 speed tranny much more enjoyable... Seriously! I can see it too on a 4 speed.