Rack and Pinion for Kustom Bugs?

[texastomeh]

ULU wrote:

[Ulu]

There are things I could sell off to make money but I hate to sell things. Otherwise, I might’ve sold his car shortly after receiving it, as I figured out how bad it really was.

I really did not like any of the aftermarket steering racks that I have found, for my application.

Maybe I could make the cheap Berretta rack work. I was just in the garage deciding if I should go spend $50 at a junkyard and get one to cut up.

I decided that, considering how this car is constructed, it would be no real impediment to changing the steering over later.
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SS100 kit kar
1600cc DP

[didget69]

[finefettle]

Is there a way to use late super beetle rack and pinion parts? 1975-79 super had r&p.
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1979 Bug project

[EVfun]

[Ulu]

[Ulu]

[texastomeh]

Ulu,

Even with that HIDEOUS steering gear arrangement, you've still got a very good-looking ride there!!

Sometimes even with the very best of intentions, guys just don't seem to grasp what some of us really enjoy about this hobby(?).

To me (and I sorta' feel that you fall into the same category), it's all about the "tinkering", making it better(?), and making it "Your Own". I will readily admit that in my case there is a little "Bring-and-Brag" syndrome also. Heck, that's what car shows and cruise-ins are for!!

With my Type 35, the external exposure of the steering column and gear is not an issue since the original was actually that configuration. I have actually gone with chrome and dressed it up. However, I just don't really like the "feel" of the VW steering box and would just prefer converting to R&P. It's certainly not a "deal-breaker", but we old engineers never die, we just tinker away.

GOOD LUCK, STAY WELL, and above all - ENJOY!!

Tom
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A new engine build won't solve ALL of life's problems - only those THAT REALLY MATTER!!!

GETTING old was GREAT - BEING old SUCKS!!

Too bad that the guys that know how to solve all of the WORLD's problems are too busy working on old Volkswagens!!

[Ulu]

[Letterman7]

Not knowing which Benz that replica is supposed to be, I'd leave it alone. Cover the hole in the fender with a 'reverse scoop' like what's coming out of the bodywork, or even a shift boot with the neck held open so the shaft can turn unimpeded. There are plenty of vintage pre-war cars that have their steering gear outside the bodywork... embrace it and drive the car

[Ulu]

Benz?
You just kinda dropped in cold here, huh?
Check out the SS100 Kit Kar thread below,
It’s supposed to be the prototypical Jaguar.
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SS100 kit kar
1600cc DP

[Letterman7]

what .. ever..

They all look fairly similar, so no, I did not look at the SS100 thread.

[Ulu]

Well, it's not everyone's cup of tea bro.

And re the SS100 thread, it will be 90 pages long before the SS is running again.
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SS100 kit kar
1600cc DP

[glassbuggy]

Years ago I worked for an auto parts store and had access to the picture books. I was looking into a rack that may work for a beetle pan. As it also happened at the time a VW Quantum was in the local junkyard. I pulled it to get a look at it. I think with a little creative mounting it may work. This one was a power rack but they might have had non power as well. One thing I did was reverse the center bracket for the picture. Have a look. I never actually made this work but I think it would (with a bit of fabrication) If my memory serves it was 2 1/2 from center position either way.

[Ulu]

@glassbuggy
Thank you for the photo. I am sure I will eventually come up with a rack that works.

2.5 turns would work as well as what I have now.


I am really getting about 1.4 turns right but only 1.2 turns left
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SS100 kit kar
1600cc DP

[Ulu]

I have actually driven this car 20 miles now and many things have come to light.

Also: Just an update to let folks know that I appreciate all the help and suggestions. Some of you have been priceless in saving me work and avoiding trouble.

I not given up on this R&P idea, I want to change it more than ever now.

Imagine that my steering wheel is nearly stock diameter, but my wheelbase is 13.5” longer than a ‘73 Beetle. Easily you will realize that the steering is very slow. Painfully slow. So slow I am tempered to put on the “off-road-only” quick-steer adaptor to the pitman arm. Or reforge it longer.

But faster steering and more progression would be a boon, when driving at even modest speeds. If this is ever to be more than a trailer queen she needs help.
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SS100 kit kar
1600cc DP

[Pajero]

I'm in the process of installing a Kerscher R&P and so far it looks like it's going to work well.

[Ulu]

That really looks great on the Ghia buggy but would stick out on my car.
Literally . . . I think it would penetrate the whole front valance.
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SS100 kit kar
1600cc DP

[Ulu]

I had to knock this bracket down because the stock stabilizer rubbed the underside of front valance.

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SS100 kit kar
1600cc DP

[mikemck]

Pajero, I installed an R&P kit from Alex which is similar to yours.

What are you using for the connection between the steering column and the rack? I couldn't find anything that would match the splines on the rack.