Slow progress but progress (DIY two seater tadpole trike, 9hp Honda diesel)

[CFECO]

I think the Rack and Pinion was only used on the Super Beetles, which had lower a-arm and strut suspension...I may be wrong. R&P is heavily used on off road uses of the Type 1 torsion bar units though. I am thinking of using upper links in the form of an a-arm on my car eventually, in order to better control camber change in turns and give a place to attach air bag springs to make ride height adjustable while driving, plus weight saving.

[freebeard]

SuperBeetles have MacPherson struts, two versions:



Here is an A-arm conversion:

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

I owned a 1979 Super Beetle convertible and the suspension was excellent and very low maintainence. It makes more sense to go with that suspension than the ancient type, plus disc brakes are a snap.

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

Look at the cool suspension goodies here!

http://www.x2industries.com/volkswag...l#.Uv5XvX-9KSM

[CFECO]

You cannot move the drivers position as far forward with the MacPherson Strut suspension as you can with the Torsion Beam front end. This air ride for the old style looks good, but may need to reinforce the shock towers.

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

The tadpole will be a very nice ride. Can't wait to see it all fleshed out with windows. Lithium polymer batteries are about to go solid lithium sulfur and 4 times the power density. Lawrence National Berkeley Labs have proven the new battery and these will be on the shelf in a few years. The tadpole would be a perfect EV.

[user removed]

Whew, went to the pick and pull on Sykes Rd in Virginia Beach. On the way I managed to avoid the consequences of a big rig blowout. I was behind the truck and saw the bulge in the right rear trailer tire. I quickly moved over two lanes to get clear of possible debris. The tire blew .5 mile later.
Got to the yard and the car I was going to pull the rack out of was gone . Not many manual racks left in salvage yards, but I found another 91 Civic hatch but that one had the engine and transmission still in the car.

The column was locked so I just took it out, tie rods had no cotter keys, got them both loose. Getting the rack out of the car was a pain, so I just took out the whole crossmember. Hand tools, in muddy water, lying on my side, on a spare tire ain't good for this old man. When I finally got it off the guy tells me 12 bucks for the crossmember so I pulled the rack out and left it there.

Traffic was light, last Friday something broke off the ceiling on the eastbound tunnel and carswere stuck there for 4 hours, today it was a breeze.

$71, got the whole column steering stalk switches, everything I need to put this in the 3 wheeler.

regards
Mech

[Xist]

Old Mech, that sounds like more adventure than you may have wanted, but I am glad that you were able to get some good parts! I wish you the best of luck!

[Christ]

Had I been keeping up with this build, I might have suggested that I have a Festival manual steering rack and column just sitting around... probably also a servicable set from a MK2 Golf. If either is capable of aiding your needs, feel free to PM me and we can work put how to get them to you.

[user removed]

I really appreciate the offer. The problem is this steering setup has to basically be built from scratch to fit the vehicle. With every component from the same vehicle You have greatly simplified that process. Mock it in position and then build the framework and supports to keep it in that position. It also has every connector, u joints with the right splines and both column stalks as well as the horn, which should cover the lights and signals all of which will be required for inspection.

Since there was no key, I think I will just remove the steering column lock-ignition switch, a diesel needs neither. I'll probably do something to disable the engine or lock the shifter in gear, or neutral to provide theft protection.

regards
Mech