Hey Wiebrand,

Finally I found some time to read this topic. You ’re doing great! I like your project.
What are the specs of your engine going to be and looking to the pictures I assume you are going to use the original gearbox? Or am I going wrong there?

Have you ever considered to use Teflon brake lines? What brakes are you going to use to stop your bug?

I wonder who finishes his project first, you or I. :p

Cheers,
Luuk

Hi Luuk

By not having so much money (I'm glad that I can afford this already) as an student I will drive with an original engine (1600 with spagetti and bigger "sproeiers") and gearbox. Money is also the reason why the brakes stays small (read:original). But in the (hopefully) near future there will be some BMW brakes on my car.

And yes I had tought of stainless braised teflon brake lines. But I found them too expensive. ( I think the next time i will do it different and go with stainless all the way)

We will see it this year :D

Greetings Wiebrand

p.s. More than 3 weeks nothing done on the bug because of an engine-upgrading project of my brothers car (1.6 to an 2.0 16V).

So, finally tonight I had some time to work on my car. Had made two plates for "boxing" my control arms. Will be drilled and welded in soon (i hope :rolleyes: ).
http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/21517.jpg

http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/21516.jpg

http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/21515.jpg

Wiebrand

I have to say that i just admire your fab skill man...but,
how much weight is the reinforcement of the control arms? i think it would have a negative effect on the suspension frequencies... I was thinking of designing a proper lower a arm for the front

Chris

Thanx man!!

If I'm honest I don't know how much they weight, but I can weight them when they're ready. I can say one thing for sure, they're a lot heavier.

Mine first thought was also to make that, but than I can't go through the yearlie car check. So than I couldn't drive my car over the streets. Boxing/reinforcing the front control arms was then the only way how I luckily maybe can go through the yearlie check.

SO that's why

Wiebrand

Gotta congratulate you on the idea, but I have to say that you've really overdone the bracing. Those pieces of flatbar should be half or less as thick as they are. The weight of those arms is seriously going to be detrimental to your ride quality and even handling, as that weight will have to be moved every time the suspension comes across an obstacle. Please consider using thinner materials in the same location.

Jason

^^^^i agree. i think it will make more damage than it wil do any good. stronger = good but putting to mutch weight isnt. i tink you get problems with youre bushings and the conections.

Wiebrand, did you check it at the RDW in Veendam? I think you 're wrong about it.
There 's a lot more possible then most people know.

I agree on both post above. Do not underestimate the impact of extra weight at
the arms on your dirving control.

For Wiebrand: interesting topic: http://www.volksforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14530

I know that. If you let them check by the RDW it is possible. But that also cost some money. And I don't want to test my car by them, I just want to drive with it, with a little "ombouwen" before the yearlie check.

I know that the RDW don't bite. But I also don't want to make them awake of my car (hydraulic handbrake, wing, etc.).

Wiebrand

I knew this a little.. but the topic on volksforum did help me some what to remind it me.. But the tickness of the plates is not totally "lucky" choosen.
Till 3 / 3,5mm thickness it is possible to torsion an plate by hand. I thought that the torsionpower by the car (driving) is higher than I can do by hand so I choosed 5mm thickness. I know it's maybe a bit heavy... But this is how I, for my thoughts, made an logical decision.

Or am I totally wrong?

Wiebrand

p.s. I appreciate every critical reaction. I only can learn of it! :D

p.s. 2 Today also made the other 2 plates, have drilled the top plates multiple. And they will be welded on soon.

They allready know my dear. "They" are on the internet too. ;)
You are right, they do not bite, actually most people at the RDW are very interested in such projects and
are very kind. It's something different as a 13 in a dozen Golf or Beemer imported from Germany.

Time will tell, won't it? I wonder how much extra weight there's going to be on the arms tho.
Probbably it is overdone... :(

Critical reactions are to help you, do not forget. Sure, it maybe not as pleasant as positive feedback, but if
you build a car that will go straight forward in a turn, you will say, "couldn't you guys have said something?"

Back to the RDW, on Volksforum a member works at the RDW, maybe he can answer some questions.
Maybe you should post a reply on the thread I mentioned at VF, or start your own thread; look what they
think about it over there...

Yesterday I finish welded the arms of by an friend (wo has a more powerful welder). And it looks them nice. The future will tell it they are too heavy.. if so I let them machined to get the sideplates a little thinner.

Also yesterday wanted to weld some plates in the "napoleonhoed because it had some little rotten place. But when I had it cut out.. it was totally rotten. SO there have to be welded an new napoleonhoed and an new underplate for that thing on my "I thought paint ready" chassis. But hell yeah.. it just keeps me going :D

Nothing more was done because of helping my brother with his engine-change for his Opel Astra (Vauxhall) from 1.6 to 2.0 16V. Yesterday we welded an half of the exhaustsystem so it could fit.

Here ar some pictures.

Thursday I had drilled some small holes in the midmount. It's now finished.
http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/21733.jpg
http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/21734.jpg

And the finished control arms.
http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/21730.jpg
http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/21731.jpg
http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/21732.jpg

Enjoy Wiebrand

Well done Wiebrand - I am sure all the constructive criticism will help to make your car that much better. The progress has been fantastic to watch! :agree:

from what i know (at least in Greece) the regulations for the MOT equivalent, do not accept any modifications to the factory suspension components, except lowering springs or coilover kits.

Thus I can make my own lower A arm kit and still be legal :D

Chris