Billet Fan-Pulley by T3A: Discussion

[Critter1]

I run the Type 3 Army Instagram page where we've started a discussion and shown this new fan-pulley. It's been in the works for about six months now, and is still in the prototype/tweaking/testing phase. So far everything is looking good. We're over the hump of having it drawn up in CAD and having two prototypes made. From here we are making tweaks to make this fan-pulley better and better before finalizing the design. The idea was born mostly out of the fact that it hasn't been done yet and the want to see more high performance aftermarket Type 3 parts. There are those who will say it isn't necessary, and that the stock fan-pulley is just fine... To that I actually agree, BUT by that logic, every Type 1 engine out there running on the street "should" just have a stock steel pulley right?? We know that's not the case. I believe this billet aluminum fan-pulley is an upgrade from the stock magnesium fan-pulley. We've done away with the weights and hump and bumps around the perimeter. Which has made this new pulley actually lighter than stock. Yes, you will no longer be able to rotate your motor using the old long screwdriver driver method that destroys your timing hole in the shroud. The new fan-pulley will be clear anodized, balanced and also have timing degree marks like you see on most aftermarket pulleys. It'll also have a second larger dowel pin option. It will come with a factory size dowel pin installed and have a second hole location already drilled for a slightly larger dowel pin. The the larger dowel pin will come with the pulley as well. Your fan will need to be drilled for the second dowel pin. We're considering making a jig to line up and mark where to drill your fan for the second dowel. We have not set a price on these just yet. It'll most likely be a pre order situation for the first batch and we'll set an order limit of 50 pieces so we can get a quote on price per unit. The two prototypes were made in China by Fictiv, yes China... after getting quotes locally they had the best pricing. The two prototypes are beautiful and turned out way better than expected. They're made from 6061 T6 billet aluminum. I'm sure i'm leaving something out here, but I just wanted to get this info out there to the Samba crowd and open a discussion...

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Justin

[Mr.Duncan]

I'd buy one if they are made. Even in small batches.
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[KTPhil]

I presume you true the mating faces, and then balance them by removing material?

[Critter1]

[Bobnotch]

Now that is a beautiful thing right there. Can you have them made for a serpentine belt? Just asking as it would make swapping to an alternator easier.
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Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120

[swivel'n]

Id be interested, also, what black coating is that on your cooling fan shroud.
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1969 og paint Squareback
1968 automatic sunroof notchback
1959 Swivel seat kombi

[ataraxia]

I like where this is going...I'm interested in one.

[Critter1]

[Critter1]

[raygreenwood]

I'm a type 4 guy these days...used to be a type 3 guy...but that is damn, damn nice. Very nice work!

Ray

[Yabbadubbadoo]

I'd be interested if you did produce one with a serpentine Gates style micro v belt.
Also if you give some thought to incorporating a crank trigger wheel or accommodating a separate bolt on trigger wheel that would future proof it.
BTW very nice work. Having tried to find a decent fan for my engine the ratio of worn-out pulleys to decent ones was about 10:1.
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Sydney, Australia.
66 Type 3 Fastback

[VWporscheGT3]

[Critter1]

[Critter1]

The final product will actually weigh a little more than this prototype. We are “beefing up” the base of each blade where it ties into the hub for more strength to combat high torque. Material may also be added in areas if we decide to go with adding the crank trigger attachment holes.

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Justin

[Yabbadubbadoo]

[catbox]

Looks like a nifty fan sir.
Good show.

I will keep my eye on this one and hope it goes further than the alternator bracket set up we are all wanting.
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"...these cars were preferred by the racers because the strut front suspension results in far superior handling than the regular torsion bar front end..." - Keith Seume.

[really-whale]

This is really cool! Most likely out of my price range at the moment, but I'm always very happy to see new aftermarket parts for the Type 3.

I'm interested to know how the blades compare with those on the original, it looks like there is a little less pitch to them at the centre?
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Pete - '67 Aust. RHD Squareback - Build Thread - Engine Thread

[Tvättbjörn]

[Yabbadubbadoo]

[really-whale]

Good point - I had suspected there might not be enough room for a tool head to fit in there between the blades. On the original you can see the casting marks from who knows how many parts to the mold. It really is a pretty complex part!

I wonder if the original fan shape (or even some kind of super advanced blade profile) could be achieved by flipping the workpiece and machining both sides? The cost would pretty much double though, I'm sure..
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Pete - '67 Aust. RHD Squareback - Build Thread - Engine Thread