Camber compensator replacement straps

wayne1230cars

I have what I believe to be an original Empi camber compensator for the split case transmission. I am hoping to install it on my 1960 bug. It is in good condition with the exception of the straps. They have seen better days. The rubber is pretty good. Any suggestions as to a source for this part? If I need to improvise, are there any suggestions for what I might use for this belt/strap material?
Many thanks.

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1960 beetle
1970 beetle convertible

yammi450 · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 6:23 pm Post subject:

when I pulled mine off thePO used steel belted tires for the straps

79SuperVert · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 8:42 pm Post subject:

I found a set of spares for mine on TheSamba classifieds. Here's some for sale. Kind of expensive, though:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1011414
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Central Jersey VW Society

Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt.

wayne1230cars · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 1:09 pm Post subject:

This is what I ended up using for the straps. It is seat belt material doubled over and stitched. I didn't have much of a choice on the colour but for $20 I believe they will work fine.
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1960 beetle
1970 beetle convertible

smitty24 · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 8:38 pm Post subject:

good idea! I thought for a while about strapping materials and reinforced rubber belting for mine. Hard to order some materials online, if you are a member of the general public.

Yours looks pretty sweet, for improvising!!

wayne1230cars · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:12 pm Post subject:

Thanks. I think it should work OK. Actually I went to an upholstery place nearby that does mainly awnings. He had this material available. He cut, stitched and added the grommets. Job done -$20 total.
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1960 beetle
1970 beetle convertible

smitty24 · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:18 pm Post subject:

I almost bought another comp from CB, just to have back ups! Im going to have to run with your invention, next time!

wayne1230cars · Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 3:45 pm Post subject:

I did get the camber compensator installed. I had it powdercoated along with some other articles.
Everything seems to fit OK. The mounting bolts were too short so I had to use longer ones. It is about two inches from the looped outside edge of the compensator brace to the end of the tube. I thought this distance would be less. If anyone has this setup, can they confirm that distance as being correct.
I have not really driven the car enough yet to know if there is a difference in handling. I doubt if I will notice much in everyday driving.

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1960 beetle
1970 beetle convertible

Ellis' Bug · Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:29 pm Post subject:

That's the way mine look.
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74 Super drag car
63 Bus, work in progress
65 Bug project
63/64 Ragtop
2006 Beck 356

girix100 · Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 8:39 am Post subject:

Axle limiting straps from a 1966-1994 Alfa Romeo Spider were made of a similar material as the original. The replacements look slightly different but perform the same. One replacement strap would probably yield enough material.

https://www.centerlinealfa.com/suspension/1852

fakirone · Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 7:44 pm Post subject:

Excuse my noobness, but what does this part do?

79SuperVert · Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 11:07 am Post subject:

Helps keep the outside rear tire on a swing axle from "tucking under" on a sharp curve at high cornering speeds, which could lead to the car flipping over if the tire slides up against an obstruction like a curb or pot hole.

Traffic accident statistics showed that Beetles were involved in a higher-than-average number of one-car accidents, and this "tuck-under" tendency was thought to be one of the causes.
_________________
Central Jersey VW Society

Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt.

fakirone · Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 12:47 pm Post subject:

79SuperVert · Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:11 pm Post subject:

Yes, one side will limit upward movement, and the other side will limit downward movement, of the axle tubes. That's all it's supposed to do.
_________________
Central Jersey VW Society

Wanted: Art Collins VW (Savannah, Georgia) items - license plate surrounds and other items. Also ivory "AM", "FM" and "SW" buttons for a US Blaupunkt Frankfurt.

vdubmyk · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2014 10:47 pm Post subject:

This is my version of the straps I just made. I know the original ones had two layers of cloth impregnated in the rubber so I was able to find a roll of rubber and purchased metal grommets. I used the original as a template and here they are.

I haven't installed them yet and my only concern is if the rubber will slide on the axle tube. I'm going to either add a thin layer of felt or some urethane grease to help it slide. What do you guys think?
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64 stock bug, 12V (converted 6v unit), 40 hp, all documents even sales contract and dealer window sticker!

Harris · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 6:45 am Post subject: Camber Compensator

I think you good to go as you are. Skip the felt. Nice work on the straps. Garage engineering at it's best.


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