'71 Super XP Autocross Build

[Chad1376]

I haven't been active on TheSamba in a number of years, but the ACVW bug has bitten again, so I'm starting a new build.

My wife and I have been racing local SCCA autocross in GS with my MK6 and MK7 GTI, along with her STX R56 Mini Cooper S. Also, my two kids have started autocrossing in a JA/JB kart. The modern cars are fun, but I've been wanting to build a dedicated autocross car. I could have taken the practical route, and just bought a beater Miata, but I have too much old VW in my veins.

So... I just dragged home this '71 super. Basic plans are a completely gutted car, roll cage, 2110cc engine, r-compund tires, and all the suspension tweaks I can do. Specifics are still not fully planned out, but I have lots of clean up and bodywork to do while I figure things out. Mods will put me in either XP or EM.

Here's a few pictures of the car so far. It's got a few rough spots on the bodywork, but a solid and totally rust-free pan.

[76RennWagen]

Yes...more pics. I am a big fan of the 73 Salzburg VW Rallye.

[ps2375]

What will put you in XP or EM, why not SM? SM is pretty wide open for modifications.

[Chad1376]

[ps2375]

Ahh, I see. RACE CAR. So either DOT race tires=XP or non-DOT race tires=MOD class. That car will be fun no matter what tires you have on it. And with your son's assistance, it'll be all the more fun.

[76RennWagen]

My car

[Chad1376]

64Blitz

Good pictures, what I'm planning will not be nearly as 'finished" as those cars. the blue car, especially, likely has a Porsche motor, high end gearbox, brakes and maybe even custom fabricated front suspension. Waaay beyond what I'm doing.

This is probably most representative of what I have in mind, even though it's a standard Beetle.

[

It'll be a while before I get into anything too interesting. I have a lot of bodywork to do first.

[Chad1376]

Weekly update - nothing too exciting. Stripping undercoating and sealant. Getting set to do some seam welding on the strut towers and smooth out the front fender dents.

[Jerseytype1]

I've just been driving my bug but when I was doing that on my 64 Impala SS resto It seemed like it would never end. Good luck and it will all pay off in the end.

[Chad1376]

Some more progress:

I removed the gas filler door and patched in some sheet metal. Heat from welding warped the surrounding sheet metal, and I created a lot of wavy crap that need a lot more hammering and filler than I expected. Lesson learned, I'll go slower with the welding of future work. This was pretty un-necessary, but "racecar"

Then onto the hood. It's a replacement hood, German, but not perfect. Spent some time getting out some bungles. This isn't going to be a show car, with a show car finish, but I'm a bit anal, so I had to fill trim holes and do the best I can do smoothing out ripples.

Sprayed some 2k, and found that there's still some ripples that need work. Here's where I need to decide how "perfect" I want the bodywork. Being anal, and in no hurry, I'll probably smooth it out some more. Block sanding is kind of a zen relaxing thing for me, so I'll probably work on it some more.

I have a front apron to install. I'll probably use some cool Dzus fasteners to attach it, since I might want access to the sway bar mount bolts, and will eventually tie the cage to this area.

[Chad1376]

Weekend progress:

Spent all day Saturday with skim coat, sandpaper, and another application of 2K. The hood isn't 100% perfect, but it's as good as I can get it (without going insane.)

I removed all of the remaining front suspension and steering gear. All the ball joints and tie rod ends are still tight. There's play in the steering box - hopefully that will adjust out OK. Just ordered new bushings, camber kit, and tie rod end boots.

Since the car will be in the air for awhile, I made a "peg-leg" so I can move it around. I just welded this directly to the crash plate. I was going to remove it anyway, since it's just added weight, and doesn't appear to do much structurally.

[Chad1376]

Weekend progress:

Took a break from bodywork to clean up some of the steering components:

Pressed out the old idler arm bushing.

I had one tough tie rod end. The rest came out pretty easy. This one required a few days with heat and PB Blaster, but it finally loosened up. I ran a tap to clean up the tie rod threads, and cleaned up the ball joints.

I started to clean up the steering box, and found oil leaking out of the large seal. Knowing that a new box is pricey, I decided to take it apart so I can re-build it with grease. Here's the lovely scene from the inside - oil/water mayonnaise. Everything is cleaning up nicely though. All the bearings and wear surfaces look fine.

I hit all the parts with black hammertone, and replaced the tie rod end boots. Still need to press in the new idler bushing and clean up the steering box housing.

[Chad1376]

It was a busy autocross weekend, both setting up the course, and racing, so not a ton of progress. I did manage to get the steering box cleaned up, painted, packed it with grease, and the adjustment feels good on the bench. I also pressed the old bushings out of the control arms and got them painted too (no pictures.) Pretty boring and menial stuff, but It has to get done.

The big 1" socket adapter in the background fits the large adjustment screw on the steering box perfectly, FWIW

]

[Chad1376]

I had a two day autocross this weekend, so not a lot of progress, but here's more from the last week or so too keep this thread going.

Las week, I "divorced" the stock strut housing from the steering knuckle. One side just required some enthusiasm with a 5-lb sledge hammer.

The other was more stubborn. A day soaking in PB blaster, heat, and hammering wasn't enough. I finally had to fire up the air chisel. It finally let go. I'm betting this rust-prone design is why VW changed the strut design after just a few years.

Some light sanding of the rusty areas and more Hammertone has the knuckles looking pretty good.

..And, I received my Topline Maxx Extreme struts today (with 100 in-lb springs.)

[Bob Brugge]

Subscribed!
Way cool, keep it coming.
_________________
Keep on Dubbin'!

[Chad1376]

Yah, this isn't a build for those with ADD. I figure 18-24 months until it rolls under it's own power. Maybe some cool stuff will happen in 6 months. Until then, lots of pictures of greasy/rusty parts.

[Chad1376]

Back to bodywork..this time the roof. Someone in the past had walked on the roof, or car surfed (a la Teen Wolf), and left a bunch of small foot sized dents A little bit of fill in lots of areas was needed.

Got some 2K on, but haven't started block sanding yet. I think I'll find more low spots when I get to it.

[Walking Contradiction]

Subscribed! I too am doing a low budget autocross build with my 1974 Super, except I'm shooting for Street Modified, and want to still be able to drive the car on the street when finished. I'll be anxiously watching your progress.

-Sam
_________________
Samuel Hartford

1974 Super Beetle

Board Member of the Greater Toledo Volkswagen Club

Member of Northwest Ohio Region SCCA

[Chad1376]

A big photo dump from the last few months. Without going into much detail, I've still been doing body work. the right rear quarter needs to be replaced, and I have the panel on order. Recently, I cut out the spare tire and gas tank supports in preparation for a cage to tie it all back together.

[

[

[8WR-Agent_Orange]

Planning my 72 Super build around autocross/daily driver. Still not sure which class i'm going to shoot for. Good thread keep us posted!