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Sat Jan 16, 2021 6:11 am

I recently picked up a dune buggy, not my first. I have never seen this on anything else. The ownership says 71, but it's a swing axle with a king pin front end. There is a single leaf spring that runs across the transmission and attaches to swing axles out near the brakes. Does anyone know what this is for?

Sat Jan 16, 2021 6:22 am

camber compensator

Sat Jan 16, 2021 6:29 am

This is an early dealer add-on. It was $35 in the early 60s. It helps you a little and the dealer more. Still nice to have.

Sat Jan 16, 2021 7:43 am

As other have said its a "camber compensator"... If you want better driving performance replace it with anti-sway bar....

As for being a 71, it isn't, ball joint from end came in 67 I believe and 69 and later is IRS.... Check the pan just ahead of access area for shift coupler to see if original VIN number is there, it will cross reference to correct year...

Dale

Sat Jan 16, 2021 8:58 am

Dale M. wrote:
As for being a 71, it isn't, ball joint from end came in 67 I believe and 69 and later is IRS....

The OP doesn't mention where he lives. Bugs sold in USA were IRS but Bugs sold in other countries were still swingaxle.

Sat Jan 16, 2021 9:05 am

Camber compensator keeps your rear wheels from tucking in during cornering. Frequently added for "high" speed cornering.

Sat Jan 16, 2021 9:40 am

I don’t think that I would recommend it as a jack point

Sat Jan 16, 2021 11:44 am

Thanks for all the info, I am in Ontario, Canada. The original VIN is not there anymore, They drilled through it for a seat belt attachment point, I'm not sure if that was on purpose years ago. It doesn't seem uncommon up here that the VIN on the paperwork doesn't match the chassis VIN, if it even has one.

Sat Jan 16, 2021 1:16 pm

dhubz wrote: Thanks for all the info, I am in Ontario, Canada. The original VIN is not there anymore, They drilled through it for a seat belt attachment point, I'm not sure if that was on purpose years ago. It doesn't seem uncommon up here that the VIN on the paperwork doesn't match the chassis VIN, if it even has one.

Many times "kit cars" have new VIN numbers issued by state/providence/country where it was assembled...

MY buggy is California Registered as a 1970 SPCNXXXXXX ... SPCN mean "SPecial CoNstruction"... But chassis VIN says its a 61...

Dale

Sat Jan 16, 2021 1:19 pm

Double post....

Sat Jan 16, 2021 2:27 pm

Jacks wrote: I don’t think that I would recommend it as a jack point

Name checks out.

Sat Jan 16, 2021 8:10 pm

Wolfgangdieter wrote: Camber compensator keeps your rear wheels from tucking in during cornering. Frequently added for "high" speed cornering.
^^^This!^^^

An aftermarket add on sold through the popular VW magazines and available in speed shops. In our part of the world is was never sold or installed by a VW dealer. Not a VW part!

Sat Jan 16, 2021 8:20 pm

They were a popular add-on for other swing axle autos... Corvairs and Triumph Spitfires come to mind....often sold under the brand of Camber Compensator.

Paul

Sat Jan 16, 2021 10:39 pm

I've been running one for many years...it definitely helps with axle lift and wheel tuck in hard corners.
I added some longer studs in the case this past summer when I had my transmission diff replaced. It makes it easier to install the piece that mounts to the trans case.

Sun Jan 17, 2021 5:24 am

oprn wrote: Wolfgangdieter wrote: Camber compensator keeps your rear wheels from tucking in during cornering. Frequently added for "high" speed cornering.
^^^This!^^^

An aftermarket add on sold through the popular VW magazines and available in speed shops. In our part of the world is was never sold or installed by a VW dealer. Not a VW part!

Never say never without proof... our dealership sold and installed them back in the day.

And they did offer some aid in preventing rear axle tuck. Lots of accurate detail available from knowledgeable people.

https://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=122567

bnc

Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:28 pm

Just skimming through the link you provided I did not see anything that said the camber compensator was a VW part. I do not doubt that some dealers may have marketed them as an accessory or upgrade. But until I see a VW logo and part number stamped on one they were aftermarket.

Our dealer where I grew up sold Manx Buggy kits (may have been a copy) but that did not make the Buggies a VW option or VW part.

Some dealers also sold and installed AC for the pre 70's Beetles too but VW did not make or warrantee them.

Sun Jan 17, 2021 9:24 pm

OPRN, I haven't seen anyone in this thread say that the camber compensator was a VW part. Only that it was installed as an extra cost dealer add-on by some VW dealers.

They were sold in the US for many years under the EMPI brand name.

Mon Jan 18, 2021 7:21 am

My misinterpretation, you are correct. Sorry!

Mon Jan 18, 2021 1:49 pm

Looks like Empi still sells them.

Mon Jan 18, 2021 6:37 pm

Porsche installed a camber compensator on the 356 Super 90. I believe it was optional on non super 90 cars.