TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Nov 24, 2024 9:18 am

Hey guys, new to the list here. A buddy and I acquired a VW rail buggy with a 70 motor, according to the B1 code under the generator stand. It is basicly a rolling chassis that was never finished, or hardly started. It has a frame, front/rear suspension, tires, autostick trans, engine and steering wheel. That's about it.

I already had the engine running and tested the trans, which seems fine. However, the shift control valve and vac reservoir are missing. I am wondering why i haven't read about anyone putting in standard pedals, then rigging a clutch cable to the servo somehow. I mean, i've been looking around for a control valve and they're as rare as hen's teeth and as pricey as gold. So, i'm figuring if i rig up a manual clutch until i find one at a reasonable cost, it should work just fine. Any thoughts? And, even though it also came with a spare 4 speed, i have no desire to swap. I'm on the autostick rules side, even if i only did drive one once about 30 years ago. We're not looking for gobs of power or pickup, this is just a toy to tool around in and take to shows.

We also would like a lead on a way to obtain a bunch of parts on the cheap, although the classifieds here seem pretty reasonable. We're near Hudson, Florida. Thanks in advance, and for having such a great site.
T

Sun Nov 24, 2024 5:40 pm

Sandrailnutz,
Go the opposite way and stick in a manual trans. Financially better off in the long run and your toy will not have to rely on the 180mm clutch plate.If you have a native & unmolested B1 prefixed Autostick motor, it was the pick of the litter. 26mm, large gallery FLAT cam oil pump. Jury-rigging a cable for an A-S clutch would be a major PITA compared to the almost Plug-n-play of manualising it.

HTH
Volkenstein

Sun Nov 24, 2024 5:59 pm

In terms of pickup, my 71 autostick can beat my 70 manual off the line every time. The autostick basically starts in 3rd gear and has a lively torque converter to give you the extra whiplash boost.

I have some spare autostick parts including a few control valves. But I'm not letting them go for super cheap.

Sat Nov 30, 2024 12:51 pm

depending on the year of the chassis you may not have the guide tube that the clutch cable runs through in the first place...earlier cars didnt have them, later ones did...on a rail buggy aftermarket pedals and a hydraulic master and slave may be easier if not cheaper