Well, one could assume I have been doing very little based on the number of updates I have made this year, but as you can see, I have been busy with the notchback mechanicals.
First up is the front beam. This is the original numbers correct unit as fitted in September 1964.
As mentioned in a previous post, when I checked it on a granite table, it was found to be twisted. Not sure how on earth that happened but anyway, such is life.
I made up some bits and bobs to tie the beam down / support it, and then pressed the beam in strategic locations on a 20t press. I managed to get about 95% of the twist out of it without damaging it (a relief!), so with that I sent it off for paint and thus today as you can see, I collected it.
Looks pretty damn fine too!
The original needle bearings and Bakelite bushings shall remain as I found nothing wrong with them. Best on these Type 3's not to mess about with these items if you can or you will spend more time cocking about than you can imagine. I have refitted the original torsion bars temporarily as you can see (yes with grease on the splines of course).
The Maico's are there ready to rock and roll (refer to previous posts for details on these), as well as the ball joints, an NOS German dampener and assorted parts like the angled tie rod end.
The trailing arms and steering box components are in the other garage undergoing some detail and assembly work (POR-15). Once completed to a high standard, these will be brought into the assembly room and installed.
This is the sub frame I will be using. It's not the original from my car (I still have the original but it had a few too many small dings underneath so I decided to use a spare) however it is from a 1964 T34 and was in fantastic condition with zero dings or dents to deal with. I have temporarily dropped the original torsion bars in and I am going through the parts boxes to work out what I have got and what I am missing. So far I am not missing too many items which is a $$$ relief!
I checked it for straightness before it was sent off for chemical dipping (refer to earlier post) so I know it's 100% perfect for the car. Nice and shiny huh? Yes I will hand rub the paint slightly at a later date. Credit to Paul Roberts for the body and paint work on the sub frame and front beam. The floor pan will be the next challenge.
I am using German parts on this build as much as possible as you may be able to see. It does make a difference.
As mentioned earlier, I have the front trailing arms in the other garage, here's a photo of some of the items I am working on.
The pedal cluster is there, the front trailing arms, the rear suspension components (bump stops) and misc odds and sods. If you have used POR-15 before you will know it is a fairly time consuming process to get right. Next step with all of these items will be to lightly wet rub them then continue with another coat. I wont install anything on this car until I am 100% satisfied it's up to standard. Right now these parts are about 1/2 way through the process.
And although not 100% complete, here are some images of the original transaxle. The work involved to get it to this stage was staggering.
I started out by dismantling the transaxle (of course!), had the magnesium housings wet blasted, then I sent them off for chromate coating (like anodising and comes out a 'gold' finish). With that complete, I bolted the main housing up to a mill and drilled the hole required to fit the longer selector rod as per later transaxle's on the recommendation of Rhys and Andrew at German Auto. Worked out perfect and a very good idea.
With that complete, I had Aaron Thompson paint the housings (after extensive taping up of the areas not to be painted of course) and this is the result. Glossy black and this time round, the paint may actually stick due to the chromate coating (the original black paint was barely there after all these years as you may see in an earlier post).
All original fasteners were sent off for zinc plating and the axle tubes were pressed apart while I was at it. Eagle eyed folk may notice I have fitted a pair of Berg side plate savers as well. I figured 'why not' and had them painted as well so they aren't as noticeable. Yes I even had the axle tube locating pins zinc plated that secure the bearing housings to the tubes.
Rhys and I assembled the transaxle over a weekend and with a bit of sorting through my extensive collection of low mileage parts (including the original 60k mile transaxle from the black car!), we managed to use the best of the best parts with minimal wear. I am extremely happy with the way it went together and to give an indication of the condition of this transaxle, the gears still had their original ink markings on them from the factory and all of the synchro's measured up still within specs. The condition of the components indicated how well this car was looked after.
I can't wait to take this car for a spin as the transaxle was always fantastic and made the car an absolute pleasure to drive.
Yes I need to wipe off a bit of assembly goop as you can see. Also the seamless boots require the clamps to be fitted shortly of course.
I am fitting up a heavy duty clutch throw out arm because I have previously experienced a broken standard one in another car (not this notchback). Because of this, I purchased some sintered bronze bushing material and machined the bushing to suit my requirements. It's now finished (and re-oiled and will be installed as soon as the other components are finished being painted in the POR-15. I will be using a brand new return spring and the original clutch arm and fasteners.
The starter motor will be sent off next (once the other projects and issues mentioned above are dealt with). The starter I am using is not the original for the car, but a later higher output 6V unit to assist with starting up the 1602cc Okrasa engine that will be fitted. I figure that I am using as many period correct performance parts as I can, I may as well fit the car with the best 6V starter that VW offered back then. The starter will be completely detailed in line with everything thus far. You wouldn't expect anything less hey?
The floor pan is off in a workshop about to be painted so it wont be long now before it all gets bolted together and resembles a rolling floor pan once again. It's getting exciting.
