Yes its a Volksrod RWD

[EireRodder]

But am watching this build by a member of the Irish Kit Car Club, am impressed with the rate of progress, as he only kicked off beginning of 2009.
http://www.ikcc.ie/forum/viewtopic.php?t=718&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
May not be to everyones taste, but he does have a Model A chassis that I bought from Fenland, which will probably be his next build.

[Ford34]

I think your right, not to everyone's taste but interesting all the same. Got admire the ingenuity and speed of progress.

[gettinonabitmore]

Looks great to me, some great workmanship there...

At the end of the day it's only a body...

A body which I like though...!!!

:D

[scottie]

was that an irish jig i spotted :p

interesting as i was thinking of using a sierra back axle in the future

[Equipped28]

yeh its nice but the *chug*stain is using what looks like a original 32 grill shell lool

but in all serious'ness atleast hes actually building it not sitting on the pc bitching about other cars ;););)

[31hillard]

yeh its nice but the *chug*stain is using what looks like a original 32 grill shell lool

but in all serious'ness atleast hes actually building it not sitting on the pc bitching about other cars ;););)

better than putting one on a pile of **** rat rod!!!

i dont think his progress is as quick as it looks,i seem to remember seeing that car at that stage a year or so ago,looks really coool though :)

[scrap yard dog]

nice bit of workmanship there

[Tiki Des]

it looks cool to me. :cool:

just one thing.... aren't all beetles RWD? :p lol

[mike noble]

looks good, grill was lent to him, he's using a glass one if ya read it

[digger]

some really nice work there!

[Blackjack]

Some out of the box thinking and good ideas.

[ger]

I like the approach and enthusiasm !

(health and safety guys... look away......... :) )

[EireRodder]

i dont think his progress is as quick as it looks,i seem to remember seeing that car at that stage a year or so ago,looks really coool though :)

You may be thinking of another build (?), as I know John only kicked off collecting parts in December after doing his sketch.

What struck me about the build, is that regardless of body choice, a lot of whats going on with the chassis and drivetrain is relevant to building a rod, where someone is on a budget and needs innovation rather than cash. Lexus with some MOT start from as little as Stg500, I know the elecs need to be sorted out, but even the exhaust looks like its working out "build friendly".

[import-racer]

interesting as i was thinking of using a sierra back axle in the future

how do you know what your thinking in the future???...

i had a premonition yesterday,that i would have de-ja vu today...:D


great article btw...


big al...an xxl medium...:rolleyes:..nobody does my size...extra medium..:o

[kidmorris]

Some great work!
Very cool :D

[Shedster]

I'm not into the independent suspension bit, but you have to admire the knowledge, skill, craftsmanship - and imagination. Now that is an unusual combination... ;)

[lancelot link]

Heres our take on the same theme .....Beetle front , homemade cowl and bulkhead , F1 Truck cab back and combo of Beetle and F1 doors ..Rover V8 , Ford I-beam etc etc....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/lancelotlink/DSCF3069.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/lancelotlink/DSCF2924.jpg

Should be roadworthy within the next few weeks ......

[Shedster]

Proper axle and everything - now that is coool. :D:D:D

[SG57]

I really enjoyed reading the thread, nothing makes you want to get in the garage more than seeing somebody get on with it. Some great ideas and great work, well done.
Another cool truck from Gary, it's nice to see cars being built despite all the doom and gloom.
A day with a Power Hacksaw, Mig Welder and a pile of Box Section is always a good day.

[Paul B]

This is the car someone posted pics of with the dubious front suspension mounts. Things look a bit clearer now we can see more, but I still reckon those brackets need stiffening up.

Other than that, brilliant work. A little different to most other hot rod buildups, a different approach, should look stunning when finished..

[unclemoom]

I think what the bloke is doing is awesome, very different. And the oval rear screen is just a great touch.

[dutchrod]

that is a awesome looking car. might hurt the "traditional" hotrod builders a bit :P but isnt that the fun of building your own version of a cool ride? im saving up some cash to follow lancelot links ideas of building a hotrod on a close to stock beetle pan. call it hotrod, or not, it will look cool and good when done.
pascal

[JC.]

that is a awesome looking car. might hurt the "traditional" hotrod builders a bit :P but isnt that the fun of building your own version of a cool ride? im saving up some cash to follow lancelot links ideas of building a hotrod on a close to stock beetle pan. call it hotrod, or not, it will look cool and good when done.
pascal


Shouldn't do. After all, it's a home made chassis, V8 up front, driven wheels out the back and a chopped body on top.
The only difference is the body started life in germany and not america.

I think it looks brilliant. The guy clearly has an awful lot of skill.

[V8 Lexibug]

Hi guys....was directed here by a friend who posted up my build a while ago. Registered back in march but for some reason only got my account validated this week! :D

Anyway, been reading through the posts and appreciate all the feedback, good or bad! ;)

Here's the latest pic of the car...(the grille is going...just waiting on a fibreglass reproduction which i will shorten to suit the swage lines)
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body81.jpg

I'll pop in from time to time and try keep this thread updated with my progress.

Great site by the way....lots of useful information for a novice Rod builder like myself. I'm sure I'll use up my 25 posts very quickly and will have no choice but to pay up and join the club! :p

John

[Roland CAD 500]

Looking good.

Hope you enjoy your stay here.

[rem]

Hi guys....was directed here by a friend who posted up my build a while ago. Registered back in march but for some reason only got my account validated this week! :D

Anyway, been reading through the posts and appreciate all the feedback, good or bad! ;)

Here's the latest pic of the car...(the grille is going...just waiting on a fibreglass reproduction which i will shorten to suit the swage lines)
...John

I'll take that rusty old grille off your hands if you like - I even have a 'glass one to swap :)


One question on the front suspension: the bottom pivot shafts at the chassis end look very "unsupported" - are they going to be strong enough?

[martin]

Must admit, Beetles aern't my cup of tea, but the work in this is incredible, great build up thread.

Martin

[Paul]

fantastic work.......but (yeah there's always a but!)....don't like the grill at all....it needs sumat really different. With the amount of work done fabrication a grill shell would be a piece of ****, needs to be lower, more enveloping and rounded to echo the shape of the body...IMHO!......still fantastic work though

and lancelot links pick up..I have a 50 Topolino body that I'm considering building in to a pick up on a Bettel pan...even have a tractor grillshell for it!!

[V8 Lexibug]

I'll take that rusty old grille off your hands if you like - I even have a 'glass one to swap :)


One question on the front suspension: the bottom pivot shafts at the chassis end look very "unsupported" - are they going to be strong enough?

Ehhh...sure i've no problem swapping the rusty grille for your glass one....BUT...I'm not sure my friend who owns it would be very happy!!! :D

Not sure which part of the front suspension you are referring to? Are you talking about the bar that passes through the front cross member which holds the lower 'A' arm? :confused:

[V8 Lexibug]

fantastic work.......but (yeah there's always a but!)....don't like the grill at all....it needs sumat really different. With the amount of work done fabrication a grill shell would be a piece of *wee*, needs to be lower, more enveloping and rounded to echo the shape of the body...IMHO!......still fantastic work though

Hi Paul...to be honest I really am a sucker for the look of a roadster front end and some days I look at it and think...yeah, it works...other days when i'm glancing at it from the corner of my eye across the garage it just doesn't look right! As you say, the height isn't right and if you read my post above you'll see that my plan is to shorten a fibre glass shell. After I do this i'll then make my mind up if it looks right or not. I do have a few ideas for making my own one-off grille so at the moment the grille could go either way. It seems to be a popular discussion none the less! ;)

Ps: just discovered the multi-quote button....what a wasted previous "post"!!! :)

[rem]

Ehhh...sure i've no problem swapping the rusty grille for your glass one....BUT...I'm not sure my friend who owns it would be very happy!!! :D

Not sure which part of the front suspension you are referring to? Are you talking about the bar that passes through the front cross member which holds the lower 'A' arm? :confused:

Yes, the pivots for the lower A-arms. It just looks like if you bumped a curb it would push the arms back and bend the bars? I'm sure there are plenty of more qualified people out there who might disagree, but they just look a little spindly to me.


PS Feel free to pass my offer on to your friend! :D

[V8 Lexibug]

Yes, the pivots for the lower A-arms. It just looks like if you bumped a curb it would push the arms back and bend the bars? I'm sure there are plenty of more qualified people out there who might disagree, but they just look a little spindly to me.


PS Feel free to pass my offer on to your friend! :D

The front end set-up is basically a copy of a Fenland Model 'A' Chassis I have. I was originally going to 'Z' this chassis but in the end it was easier to start from scratch and build a chassis that suited the Bug better. The bar is actually SOLID bar which passes through 100x50x5mm box. If anyone on here has had experience with a Fenland chassis and can tell me if the design suffers a bit, then I'd be delighted to hear it! :D

Oh, before anyone comments on other possible weak points to my chassis...please note that it's work in progress! I have plenty of extra strengthening brackets cut which will not be welded in until everything has been mocked up and the car then stripped down to its bare chassis for final welding and powder coating! ;):p

My Fenland Chassis (for sale if anyone is interested! ;))
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/forsale/modelachassis/achassis1.jpg

[SedateV8]

How do you go about wiring the motor ? I fancy using this motor in a new project but dont want to use the dash etc, any tips would be apreciated
Cheers
Lee
lee.hall06@hotmail.co.uk

[V8 Lexibug]

Hi Lee...this is my first time using the 1uzfe engine and was a little sceptical if i would be able to get it to start ever again so when stripping the donor ls400 I took almost every single loom out of the car without cutting a single wire. Took a bit of time but I wanted to be 100% sure that it would start in my chassis before cutting back the unwanted stuff...and there is ALOT of stuff!!! :D

Basically I laid out all the wiring around the chassis, plugged back in all the wiring including dash. Went around and earthed anything that needed it and it started pritty easy! ;) I reckon it would be easy enough to get it to start using just the main engine loom and ECU as this takes everything in around the engine including gearbox sensors.

My engine is a Phase 1 '89-'94 which are alot more easier to get going that the newer models.

Here's a link I found useful and may help you out.
http://www.lextreme.com/1uzfe_info.html

I would have to say stop thinking about using one and just DO IT!!! they are seriously cracking engines!! ;)

[SedateV8]

Hi Lee...this is my first time using the 1uzfe engine and was a little sceptical if i would be able to get it to start ever again so when stripping the donor ls400 I took almost every single loom out of the car without cutting a single wire. Took a bit of time but I wanted to be 100% sure that it would start in my chassis before cutting back the unwanted stuff...and there is ALOT of stuff!!! :D

Basically I laid out all the wiring around the chassis, plugged back in all the wiring including dash. Went around and earthed anything that needed it and it started pritty easy! ;) I reckon it would be easy enough to get it to start using just the main engine loom and ECU as this takes everything in around the engine including gearbox sensors.

My engine is a Phase 1 '89-'94 which are alot more easier to get going that the newer models.

Here's a link I found useful and may help you out.
http://www.lextreme.com/1uzfe_info.html

I would have to say stop thinking about using one and just DO IT!!! they are seriously cracking engines!! ;)
Thanks for the advice, I'm going for it !
Lee

[V8 Lexibug]

Thought I'd update this thread with how the project is coming along. ;)

Here you can see my two doors are fixed and opening.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body82.jpg
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body83.jpg
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body84.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

Cut marks shown on the donor door.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body85.jpg

When the roof is chopped the 'A' pillar becomes smaller in length but the distance from the 'A' pillar to the 'B' pillar along the drip rail becomes longer because of the sloping 'A' pillar! Here you can see I need to remove about 4inches from the 'A' pillar section and in the following photos you will see that the door frame needs to be lengthened along the roof line.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body86.jpg

Approximately 4inches removed from the 'A' pillar section of the door frame
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body87.jpg

In order to weld the door frame to the roof I cut away the internal rib as shown in the photo in order to be able to get the welder tip inside. I didn't want to put any weld marks on the outside or the inside to keep the clean lines.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body88.jpg

Internal section removed
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body89.jpg

Next I turned over the frame and drilled lost of 5mm holes along the length with will touch the body so I can spot weld the frame to the roof.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body90.jpg

View from the underside before installing
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body91.jpg

Frame spot welded in place...now just need to carry on an fill the gaps either side with the same process! I'll work out closing the glass channel at a later stage! :wink:
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body92.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

Next I had a look at how I was gonna seal the gap between the door window and the rear quarter window. I'm on the look out for a particular rubber but I think the biggest size will not be good enough to fill the gap so I thought if I have to have a 'B' pillar then the SMALLER the better! I took the chrome frame from the small quarter light window of the passenger door, reversed it, cut it to size and mocked it up against the body.

The chrome trim has a 'U' channel on one side and a single flange on the other which will allow the glass on the door to butt up against it making the seal but will also allow the door to open without having to wind down the window slightly.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body93.jpg

It actually fits quite snuggly and probably wont be see when its painted black like the window rubber!
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body94.jpg

With door open there isn't much of a kick out from the door reveal which was what I was worried about.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body95.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

Welded in a little bit more of the door frame...
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body96.jpg
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body97.jpg
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body98.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

Started to fill one of the gaps on either side of the rear Oval window insert. Firstly I cut out a larger panel than just the hole itself because as the car is now 5 inches wider at the rear the curve of Oval clip was too quick plus it was easier to fill bigger panels than little bits here and there. :wink:
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body99.jpg

Panel cut out
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body100.jpg

Template made from paper and placed on old roof skin. Roof skin is curved in both directions so easier to use than manipulating a flat panel.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body101.jpg

Replacement panel cut out
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body102.jpg

Almost welded in
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body103.jpg

Welded in
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage11/body104.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

My intention was to use as much of the Lexus Ls400 as possible and that included the electric tilt and slide steering wheel, pedals and master cyclinder. In the big lexus all these parts look quite small but when you try to fit them in a Bug you really see the size and weight of each part. :roll:

The Lexus Steering Wheel and column containing all the motors to tilt and slide the steering wheel. Also has stalks for lights, indicators, wipers AND cruise control buttons! :wink:
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals1.jpg

This is the brake pedal, booster servo and master cyclinder from the lexus.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals2.jpg

My original plan was to dump the booster and just have the pedal and master cyclinder
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals3.jpg

like this...
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals4.jpg

But now i'm just going to keep the Master Cyclinder and make my own pedal which will be floor mounted rather than top mounted like the lexus pedal. A couple of reasons for this, 1) there just isn't enough space, 2) the master cyclinder will be ridiculously high on the outside of the bulkhead which i didn't like.

So...I started by drawing up plans of how to mount all this heavy stuff securely so it won't flex or vibrate. Once I had a rough idea I took a trip to my friendly engineering shop where I had my bits promtly plasma cut!
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals5.jpg

The first main part was to create a sturdy bulk head with the necessary holes cut out which will accept the steering column bracket and pedal locations.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals6.jpg

http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals7.jpg

Steering column fixing bracket assembled
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals8.jpg

and bolted in place.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals9.jpg

Master Cyclinder bolted in place
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals10.jpg

You can see here that one of the holes for mounting the master cyclinder was slightly off! :lol: How i did that i'll never know!
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals11.jpg

Steering Column bolted in place. It looks high, but thats because I disconnected it from the car in its off position. When powered up it will tilt down and slide towards the driver automatically. :wink:
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals12.jpg

View from the engine compartment
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals13.jpg

A rough overall view.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals14.jpg

Overall the set-up is good but there is a little spring in the steering column so I'm going to put some lateral bracing from the new steering column bracket to the centre tunnel, so that should solve the problem nicely.

[V8 Lexibug]

Here's my brake pedal...

Attaching the first leg to the pivot bar
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals15.jpg

The 2 legs of the pedal attached to the pivot bar
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals16.jpg

This is the foot rest on the LS400 brake pedal. Simply cut and reweld on the end of my new pedal.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals17.jpg

Pedal fully assembled
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals18.jpg

Bolt in place to check travel and clearances.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals19.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

And my Throttle Pedal...

As taken from the Lexus
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals20.jpg

Throttle cable coming from the engine
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals21.jpg

Fixed to the bulkhead
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals22.jpg

The bulkhead on the lexus was thicker at the point where the pivot point studs passed threw so I cut them to suit my 5mm bulkhead
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals23.jpg

Here you can see with the throttle pedal in place the studs now come flush with the bulkhead
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals24.jpg

Throttle pedal bolted in place and cable connected up. All works perfect.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals25.jpg

Another view with the steering column support bracket and brake pedal back in place.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage21/pedals26.jpg

I still need to reshape the throttle lever and make a footrest, but that'll be done another day!

[V8 Lexibug]

Took the Lexibug out for its first spin today...

At the garage door and waiting to go! :D
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor1.jpg

Well not exactly a spin under its own steam! :P

Loaded onto trailer!
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor2.jpg

Sitting next to my '67 Beetle!
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor3.jpg

Arriving undercover at a friends engineering shop where I will have use of his equipment to make my floor.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor4.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

Well...it was a LONG weekend but made good progress on the floor.

Car unloaded and waiting to have its floor installed...
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor5.jpg

http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor6.jpg

Here's how it currently looked on the inside upon arrival. View of the rear
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor7.jpg

and a view of the front section.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor8.jpg

Firstly, I spent a bit of time deciding which way I was going to cut all the panels. How many sections without making it a nightmare of a puzzle. After I knew what way I was gonna go, I measured and drew up my templates in CAD, sent it to the CNC Plasma to cut 1.6mm sheets.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor9.jpg

My first template of the machine was the rear section. I decided to start with the hardest piece first so it would only get easier from then on! ;)
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor10.jpg

Template goes into press...
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor11.jpg

A couple of folds...
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor12.jpg

Hey presto, its a reasonably good fit first time. Only a bit of trimming around the wheels arches to makes it ready for welding.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor13.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

Second template off the plasma was the main centre tunnel.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor14.jpg

Back in to the press...
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor15.jpg

Fold, fold and fold...
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor16.jpg

Test fit requires no alterations so I tacked that in place.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor17.jpg

Next up was the first splayed section of the tunnel
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor18.jpg

All folded ready for fitting
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor19.jpg

Here you can see its starting to come together nicely. :D
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor20.jpg

And from a different angle.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor21.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

Finally the last piece of the tunnel closiest to the dash.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor22.jpg

All folded...
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor23.jpg

And fitted in place
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor24.jpg

Its a pritty big tunnel at the head but I'm gonna use some of the space under neath to sink in some of the wiring ECU's, plus the lexus clocks will come down to meet the tunnel.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor25.jpg

Last piece for today was the passenger side floor. Here's the template from the plasma. You gotta love this machine, makes life so much easier! :wink:
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor26.jpg

Fits nicely once again
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor27.jpg

I got the door reveal into the same panel which worked out a treat. Delighted with the finish.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor28.jpg

And an inside shot.
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor29.jpg

[V8 Lexibug]

http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor31.jpg
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor32.jpg
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor33.jpg
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor34.jpg
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor35.jpg


On the way back home!
http://www.jmarchitect.ie/john/v8ratrod/stage22/floor30.jpg

[digger]

Thanks for the update..... looking really good!!

[jsf55]

That is some serious fabrication going on there :eek: i'm glad you've managed to work out a lot of the detail work. One observation, do you think the pivot for the brake master cylinder has enough length ? i would be looking at about 6:1 for a non servo application. Keep us updated ..... i have a hankering for 1uzfe for the pop :D

[kapri]

Very impressive, love the low stance and rolled back :)

[V8 Lexibug]

That is some serious fabrication going on there :eek: i'm glad you've managed to work out a lot of the detail work. One observation, do you think the pivot for the brake master cylinder has enough length ? i would be looking at about 6:1 for a non servo application. Keep us updated ..... i have a hankering for 1uzfe for the pop :D

No...the brake pedal needs to be remade! :D

Well, noticed! ;)

[motherofgod]

Exellent work very inspirational. :)

James

[gettinonabitmore]

Can someone in charge give this chap an extended 'post life' please, because I want to see the end results...???

Absolutely amazing work and design.

Keep at it please... ;)

I would be worried about not using the servo though on this application, don't forget that the Lexus would have electronic brake assist too, so the servo will be a help...

[bigdavy]

Brilliant build, not usually a fan of beetles but this is brilliant. Looking forward to seeing more.

[Blackjack]

Loving this. You have a very good eye for shapes and curves because it is all pulling together to make something very special.

Fabrication of the floors is very nice indeed but on a very minor nit-picking level it would look better with some beads rolled in them (or are they thick enough not to need it?).

[V8 Lexibug]

I would be worried about not using the servo though on this application, don't forget that the Lexus would have electronic brake assist too, so the servo will be a help...

Thanks for the comment! I'm not using any of the lexus ABS system and it has all been stripped from the looms. Just a basic set-up will do.



Fabrication of the floors is very nice indeed but on a very minor nit-picking level it would look better with some beads rolled in them (or are they thick enough not to need it?).

I've used 1.6mm on the floor and there is relatively no big spans. The biggest would be at the door, between the outriggers but its all good and strong. I agree, some rolled beads would look nice but you won't see them once the carpet goes down! ;)

[gettinonabitmore]

Thanks for the comment! I'm not using any of the lexus ABS system and it has all been stripped from the looms. Just a basic set-up will do.



What I meant was, that the Lexus would have a lot more 'help' in the braking department, you might need some of the servos 'help' too...

I am slightly worried about the smart car pedal/master cylinder/servo assy I have in my pop, because it too would have had electronic assist, but I am hoping that it will be up to the job... Just gotta find someone brave for the first drive...!!!

[Blackjack]

Just gotta find someone brave for the first drive...!!!

Or someone stupid would do just as well....;-)

[V8 Lexibug]

What I meant was, that the Lexus would have a lot more 'help' in the braking department, you might need some of the servos 'help' too...

I am slightly worried about the smart car pedal/master cylinder/servo assy I have in my pop, because it too would have had electronic assist, but I am hoping that it will be up to the job... Just gotta find someone brave for the first drive...!!!

Sorry mate, i completely misunderstood you!

To be honest the main reason I am not using the servo is because its big, ugly and you will be able to see it mounted on the outside of my firewall as I plan to run without sides to the engine compartment.

In a lexus that weights approx. 1.7ton you can appreciate why they've added in the extra 'help' in the form of electronic brake assist. Its quite a complicated system too and my thoughts were that if my car is only going to weight around the 1ton mark then a standard traditional set-up will work just fine for my normal intended use.

My problem to date is that the ratio on the pedal I made (approx. 3.5:1) is not good enough to run without servo assist. Hence, my plan to to remake the brake pedal with a 6:1 or better ratio. Electronic brake assist is a genius piece of engineering, learning the drivers driving style and knowning when to help and not to help...but, its just too complicated for my project! ;) Thats my excuse anyway, apart from being too lazy! :D

With a good pedal ratio you won't need the servo. :)

[gettinonabitmore]

No worries dude, now don't reply, because you only have two posts left, and we want to see more pictures/progress...!!!

If you do happen to run out of 'posts' you can always email the stuff to me, and I'll stick them up on here for you...!!!

yella_zodi @ hotmail dot co dot uk

Just lose the spaces and change the dots to . !!!

Guy

[Nads]

I like it, it has its own style. It'll haul ass too which isn't a bad thing.

[poptony]

i love this build, so cool :cool: fab work is realy good thanks for shareing:)