Tip on using Torque Dude/Torque Meister Tool on buses

[amishman]

So, I own one of the cheaper knock-off Torque Dudes. Used great on my Thing. When it came time to use on my bus, the drums being raised like they are and the 36mm nut much further out, you need to improvise to get the tool to work. Here is what I found works.

The outer holes on the stock Torque Dude were made for the smaller 12mm lug bolts. So, you need to drill out the holes for a 14mm bolt. My F-inlaw had a nice drill press so I was able to get the holes drilled out larger.

You need longer bolts as the stock lug bolts are way too short. A 14mm 1.5 pitch bolt at your local hardware store will do the trick. Get two that have thread depth 2" deep. $2.50 each at my local hardware store.

There is now about 1" space needed between the Torque Tool gear plate that attaches to the drum. This way the smaller gear on the torque tool meshes with the gear plate attached on the drum. I found a 3/8" FIB Coupling worked perfect. Made the gears mess up perfect. This coupling just fits over the 14mm 1.5pitch bolts so it snugs it up just enough and the plate can be bolted to the drum nice and firm. Mine were $3.5 each and were purchased at Home Depot. Watts A-760 103 Coupling 3/8". Those are the two gold spacers I used in attached picture.

It all worked rather nicely. Now the Torque Dude works on the bus also.

I am sure this is rather novice stuff but I find this helpful when I am doing something new so figure someone else may benefit from this. I like "premade" items I can find over the counter that I can buy and make a tool that works for me. These couplings worked perfect! I almost was going to use 9 washers to get that 1" space but this looks much cleaner and now I can keep all the parts in my Torque Tool kit.

tj

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tj (the Amishman)

Come visit my web site!
http://www.vwhippie.com

[FlusteredBust]

I was trying to figure this out just the other day. Thanks.

[sventinker]

again appreciated. great that you shared this thanks!
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April 3rd 62 standard mgr/pw
374 North American equipment
Includes 6 popouts
025 Safety belts
195 Adjustable bench seat/backrest (until 1963)

[joe56vw]

i just use studs for mine the plate doesn't have to be tighten down to use it
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'60 15 window walkthrough
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=559931&highlight=

why is there no sarcasism button on here?

[sventinker]

BTW I fount the exact hardware you used and it worked perfect
_________________
April 3rd 62 standard mgr/pw
374 North American equipment
Includes 6 popouts
025 Safety belts
195 Adjustable bench seat/backrest (until 1963)

[Ratt]

Now if only I could get a 46mm arm, I would be happy.