'75+ Rack & Pinion Steering

[Pete73SportBug]

Happy New Year:

Can the rack & pinion steering of the 1975+ Super Beetle be adapted to a 1973 Super Beetle? If so, is there any improvement in steering performance?

Thanks.

[tzepesh]

Yes, it can be done. I did it to a 74 Super. And it feels like having power steering, especially with my wide tires.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=730319&start=0

And here a more detailed conversion. I hope you can see the pictures, it did not work for me a few minutes ago.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=517188
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'74 1303S, L98B Viperngrun (extra glitter), German Look
'64 1200, Korosi red (extra glitter)

[Boble]

[DesignBuild]

I know this is an older conversation but to use a rack steering on a pre-1975 Super Beetle you are going to have to modify the frame head to get it to fit under the body. If you do this make sure to leave enough room to remove the shift rod tube out of the front of the frame head. Note that there is no steering damper with the rack & pinion steering. The rack position appears to line up with the track rods on the right to left centerlines.

According to the Bentley Manual this steering rack is similar to the one used in the Volkswagen Dasher.

I have been considering doing this but if I cannot access this part of the frame head by removing the fuel tank then I will not be making this modification.

[tzepesh]

Well, definitely you can not access the frame head through the trunk, as you did on older models. I have no issue removing the shift rod. It's a bit more fiddly, but it can be done.
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'74 1303S, L98B Viperngrun (extra glitter), German Look
'64 1200, Korosi red (extra glitter)

[DesignBuild]

Based on the pictures I have seen here, if the middle of the spare tire well is cut out the frame head is accessible and could be modified to allow the installation of a modified frame head. Then the spare tire well could be welded shut.

[H2OSB]

I've, personally, wanted to fit R&P to my Super (all of the many...only my very first 1303 was a '75, which I could kick myself for selling) forever. I just cannot justify the effort required, although I'm certain I will be happy when and if I ever do the conversion.

There's a fairly famous Ozzy on here (it's simply true, SteveC), who does this conversion on all of his Supers. He has it down to a science and gets it done quickly.

I BELIEVE the main requirement is to clear the top of the frame head to give the rack a place to live. Otherwise, all you need to do is add the four threaded holes (two on either side) for the rack to bolt to. As long as you have ALL required parts (including the u-joint steering shaft), it can be made to work.

H2OSB
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(o\_i_/o) Funny thing about pigs, they're cleaner than you and me. Well....you.

[DesignBuild]

H2OSB: I agree with you that it is a worthwhile modification. The infamous John Reynolds of YouTube fame modified the frame head of his '73 Super without any '75 framehead parts. I can envision how to do it without any pieces cut from a '75.
Here is a link to the build video for the Super Sleeper. Make note of the hammer head modification and reinforcements for the rack and pinion mounting. There must be some drawings someplace that shows the dimensions for the r&p retaining bolts, like you might find in a crash repair manual.

Video link: https://youtu.be/1xyE8oU-s4c

Some pictures from the video.
Template for frame head modification

Material cut away

First layer of 0.125 inch steel

Second layer of steel 0.125 to 0.1875 with button welds to join layers

Reinforcement plate for rack mounting to body

Covering the hole

Rack mounted driver's side

Rack position when mounted to body

Completed installation with body in place

If you are wondering, there is a radiator and intercooler in the front of this car.

[H2OSB]

Yessir, that's exactly right. I've seen a couple of videos over the years showing exactly what you referenced in the pic. Steve Carter, who's name I've bandied about several times now, uses a section of metal pipe, IIRC. The only advantage of the late frame head is you have exactly whatever space is required, however I don't think the shape of the space is critical, it just needs to clear.

I BELIEVE, once you have the clearance then offer up the rack the location of the bolts will dictate themselves. German engineers aren't likely to make that rack sit at any odd angle. It'll mount where everything is angled just the right direction it needs to be. If that makes sense.

Either way, I look forward to your progress.
H2OSB
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(o\_i_/o) Funny thing about pigs, they're cleaner than you and me. Well....you.