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Hebbelille
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2019
Posts: 5
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 Posted: Sat May 07, 2022 2:04 pm Post subject: Brace/reinforcement under rear torsion tube, HBB Offroad |
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Hello!
I am building a Bug class 11 lookalike.
I am using swingaxles with RGB.
My question is about the brace/reinforsment the Thing/181 have under the rear torsion tubes.
I am building that kind of brace on my Bug. But I have not seen the "Class 11 builders" add that brace.
Do anyone have som (qualifyed) thougts about the need of this brace? |
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Matt Wilson
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2005
Posts: 2426
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Fri May 13, 2022 10:46 am Post subject: Re: Brace/reinforcement under rear torsion tube, HBB Offroad |
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As a person who built and raced a Class 11 and built a Class 11 clone, I don't see the need for additional bracing under the rear torsion tube. Often material is added/removed at the cast iron spring plate bottom stop area and some folks like to add spring plate retainer metal straps. These are more common with swing axle transmission since the lift can often put you closer to bottom stop than on IRS car - all depends how you lift. Sounds like you have a reduction box option, so if you can keep more of a 55/44 or 60/40 lift/droop ride height type ratio you'll be better off for drivability.
It's all preference, so you certainly can make it however you want. I added a Thing style engine sump protector to my Class 11 clone, as it may never see much dirt, whereas the race vehicle had 3 skid plates made of 1/4" thick aluminum, and certainly saw use.
_________________
1972 Standard Beetle
1969 Baja Beetle |
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Hebbelille
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2019
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2023 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: Brace/reinforcement under rear torsion tube, HBB Offroad ⁵ |
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| Matt Wilson wrote: |
As a person who built and raced a Class 11 and built a Class 11 clone, I don't see the need for additional bracing under the rear torsion tube. Often material is added/removed at the cast iron spring plate bottom stop area and some folks like to add spring plate retainer metal straps. These are more common with swing axle transmission since the lift can often put you closer to bottom stop than on IRS car - all depends how you lift. Sounds like you have a reduction box option, so if you can keep more of a 55/44 or 60/40 lift/droop ride height type ratio you'll be better off for drivability.
It's all preference, so you certainly can make it however you want. I added a Thing style engine sump protector to my Class 11 clone, as it may never see much dirt, whereas the race vehicle had 3 skid plates made of 1/4" thick aluminum, and certainly saw use. |
Hello Matt!
I'm so sorry that I haven't commented Your reply!
I got a reply in the HBB Off-road forum, and thought that "that was that"😅
I apreciate Your answer!
I agree that the reinforcement most likely is not needed.
Still I did want to do it since I have the opurtunity, and since it is orginaly on the Thing.
Since my pan come from a 73 1300 (German), it has not the same gearbox front mounting.
So I had to make somthing different, as shown on the pictures.
By the way, I followed Your buildingprocess with interest when You buildt the green one. Exelent work!
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